Choosing the right hardware wallet can make the difference between sleeping soundly at night and worrying about your cryptocurrency investments. Two of the most popular options on the market today are the Ledger Nano X and the Ledger Nano S Plus. Both devices have earned stellar reputations, but they serve slightly different needs and budgets.
In this comprehensive guide, we'll break down every aspect of these two hardware wallets to help you make an informed decision. Whether you're a complete beginner or an experienced crypto enthusiast, you'll discover which Ledger device best fits your security needs, lifestyle, and budget.
| Feature | Ledger Nano X | Ledger Nano S Plus |
|---|---|---|
| Price | $149 | $79 |
| Bluetooth | Yes | No |
| Battery | Built-in (rechargeable) | None (requires USB) |
| Screen Size | 128 x 64 pixels | 128 x 64 pixels |
| Storage Capacity | Up to 100 apps | Up to 6-8 apps |
| Supported Coins | 5,500+ | 5,500+ |
| Security Chip | ST33K1M5 | ST33K1M5 |
| Mobile Support | iOS & Android | Android only (USB) |
| Dimensions | 72 x 18.6 x 11.75 mm | 62.39 x 17.40 x 8.24 mm |
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Both the Ledger Nano X and Nano S Plus showcase Ledger's commitment to quality construction, though their designs reflect their different target audiences.
The Ledger Nano X features a sleek, slightly larger form factor compared to its predecessor. The device measures 72mm in length, making it comfortable to hold while remaining pocket-friendly. The stainless steel cover wraps around a black plastic body, giving it a premium feel that justifies its higher price point.
The device includes two physical buttons on the top, which are used for navigation and confirmation of transactions. These buttons provide tactile feedback and are essential for verifying transactions on the device itself—a crucial security feature that prevents malicious software from approving transactions without your knowledge.
The Nano S Plus represents a refined version of the original Nano S, with improved build quality and a larger screen. At 62.39mm long, it's more compact than the Nano X, making it slightly easier to carry in tight spaces. Like its bigger brother, it features a stainless steel cover and the same two-button interface.
While both devices feel solid and well-built, the Nano X has a slightly more substantial feel due to its built-in battery. The Nano S Plus, lacking a battery, is lighter and marginally thinner, which some users may prefer for portability.
When it comes to hardware wallets, security is paramount. Here's the most important fact about these two devices: both the Ledger Nano X and Nano S Plus use identical security architecture.
Both devices are powered by the ST33K1M5 Secure Element chip, the same type of chip used in credit cards and passports. This chip is specifically designed to resist physical attacks and side-channel attacks, providing bank-grade security for your private keys.
This means that despite the price difference, you're not compromising on security by choosing the less expensive Nano S Plus. Both devices offer:
Both devices are certified by ANSSI (the French National Cybersecurity Agency), the highest level of security certification available for consumer hardware wallets. This certification ensures that the devices meet stringent security standards and have been thoroughly tested by independent security experts.
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Both the Ledger Nano X and Nano S Plus support over 5,500 cryptocurrencies and tokens through the Ledger Live application. This includes all major cryptocurrencies like Bitcoin, Ethereum, XRP, Cardano, Solana, and countless ERC-20 tokens.
The key difference lies in how many apps you can install simultaneously:
For most users, the Nano S Plus's capacity is sufficient. However, if you regularly manage multiple different cryptocurrencies and don't want to constantly install and uninstall apps, the Nano X provides significantly more convenience.
The most significant functional difference between these devices is Bluetooth connectivity, available only on the Nano X. This feature transforms how you interact with your wallet:
With the Nano X's Bluetooth, you can:
The Nano S Plus requires a USB connection for all operations, limiting you to desktop use or Android devices with USB-OTG support. For users who prioritize mobility and want to check their portfolio or make transactions while away from their computer, the Nano X's Bluetooth capability is invaluable.
Both devices feature identical 128 x 64 pixel OLED displays. These screens provide clear visibility for transaction confirmations, address verification, and navigation through the device menu. The OLED technology offers excellent contrast and readability in various lighting conditions.
While the screens are technically identical, the Nano X's larger form factor makes the display feel slightly more spacious during use. However, this is a minor difference that most users won't notice in day-to-day operation.
Both devices work seamlessly with Ledger Live, Ledger's proprietary desktop and mobile application. Through Ledger Live, you can:
The user experience is virtually identical on both devices when using the desktop application. The main difference emerges when using the mobile app—the Nano X provides a full wireless experience, while the Nano S Plus requires a USB connection even when used with a mobile device.
This is where the Ledger Nano X truly distinguishes itself from the Nano S Plus.
The Nano X features a built-in 100mAh rechargeable battery that provides approximately 8 hours of active use or several months of standby time. The device charges via USB-C and can be used while charging.
Having a built-in battery means you can verify transactions, check balances, and approve operations without being connected to a power source. This independence is particularly valuable for users who travel frequently or want to keep their wallet in a secure location away from their computer.
The Nano S Plus has no internal battery and must be connected to a power source (computer or USB adapter) to function. While this means you never need to worry about charging the device, it also limits when and where you can use it.
For desktop-only users who keep their wallet connected to their computer anyway, this limitation is irrelevant. However, users who want the flexibility to use their wallet anywhere should consider the Nano X's battery-powered design a significant advantage.
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The $70 price difference between these devices is significant, but it reflects the additional features of the Nano X: Bluetooth connectivity, built-in battery, and expanded app storage capacity.
Ledger Nano X offers better value for:
Ledger Nano S Plus offers better value for:
It's worth noting that both devices provide the same level of security—arguably the most important factor in a hardware wallet. If you don't need Bluetooth or battery power, the Nano S Plus offers exceptional value at nearly half the price.
Both devices are excellent choices backed by Ledger's reputation as a leader in cryptocurrency security. Your decision should ultimately come down to whether you need mobile functionality and are willing to pay for it.
The Ledger Nano X offers Bluetooth connectivity, a larger screen, and built-in battery for mobile use, making it better for users who want to manage crypto on the go. However, the Nano S Plus provides the same security features at a lower price, making it excellent for desktop-only users who don't need mobile functionality.
Both the Ledger Nano X and Nano S Plus support over 5,500 cryptocurrencies and tokens through Ledger Live. The main difference is that the Nano X can manage more apps simultaneously due to its larger storage capacity, while the Nano S Plus may require uninstalling and reinstalling apps for users with diverse portfolios.
Yes, the Ledger Nano S Plus remains an excellent choice in 2026 for users who primarily use a desktop computer and don't need Bluetooth connectivity. It offers the same security chip as the Nano X at a significantly lower price point, making it ideal for beginners and budget-conscious users.
Yes, the Ledger Nano X connects to smartphones via Bluetooth, allowing you to manage your cryptocurrency portfolio using the Ledger Live mobile app on both iOS and Android devices. This mobile functionality is a key differentiator from the Nano S Plus, which requires a USB connection.
The Ledger Nano S Plus is often recommended for beginners due to its lower price point and simpler feature set. However, beginners who want mobile convenience may prefer the Nano X despite the higher cost, as the Bluetooth connectivity and mobile app integration can provide a more intuitive experience for new users.
Yes, both devices use the same ST33K1M5 Secure Element chip and provide identical security levels. Private keys never leave the device on either wallet, and both are protected by a PIN code and recovery seed backup. The security architecture is identical; the differences lie in connectivity and user experience features.
The choice between the Ledger Nano X and Ledger Nano S Plus ultimately depends on your specific needs and budget. Both devices offer industry-leading security through the same Secure Element chip, support for over 5,500 cryptocurrencies, and seamless integration with Ledger Live.
If you value mobility, convenience, and the ability to manage your crypto portfolio from anywhere, the Ledger Nano X is worth the investment. Its Bluetooth connectivity and built-in battery transform it from a simple storage device into a truly portable cryptocurrency management tool.
However, if you're a desktop user who doesn't need wireless functionality, the Ledger Nano S Plus offers exceptional value at nearly half the price without compromising on security. For beginners and budget-conscious investors, it's hard to beat this combination of quality and affordability.
Whichever device you choose, remember that a hardware wallet is one of the most important investments you can make for your cryptocurrency security. Both the Nano X and Nano S Plus represent excellent choices that will help keep your digital assets safe for years to come.