The Ledger Nano S and Ledger Nano X are both excellent solutions for anyone wishing to increase the security of their cryptocurrency. Both will do an excellent job of keeping your cryptocurrencies safe, but there are some major distinctions between the two that you should consider before determining which one to purchase.
We’ll compare the Ledger Nano S vs. X in this article to help you decide which hardware wallet is best for you. We’ll compare them based on the most significant hardware wallet criteria, such as price, security, connection, supported cryptocurrency, and more.
Please keep in mind that the Ledger Nano S hardware wallet model will be phased out in June 2022, and will be replaced by the Ledger Nano S Plus. If you’re interested, we also have a Ledger Nano X vs. S Plus comparison.
However, we believe that comparing the Ledger Nano S vs. X is still interesting because the Ledger Nano S is still available in numerous retailers. Furthermore, many crypto investors may already own a Ledger Nano S and wonder if the Ledger Nano X is a reasonable purchase.
Is the Ledger Nano X pricey?
If any of the following apply to you, the Nano X is most likely the right solution for you:
1. You want to store a variety of cryptocurrencies (the Nano S can only handle a few apps installed concurrently).
2. You are an iOS user who intends to use your hardware wallet mostly with your mobile device.
3. You are unconcerned about the additional price.
Who should buy a Ledger Nano S?
If any of the following apply to you, it’s probably not worth it to invest on a Nano X when the Nano S will suffice.
1. You want to mostly utilise your hardware wallet with your desktop PC.
2. You own an Android phone and are willing to use your hardware wallet with a cable.
3. You don’t want to invest a lot of money but still want to keep your cryptocurrency safe.
Price range
Price comparison: Ledger Nano S vs. X
The most evident difference between the Nano S and Nano X is the pricing. The Nano X costs $149, which is more than twice the price of the Nano S, which costs around $59.
The key advantages of the Ledger Nano X over the less expensive Ledger Nano S are larger storage, USB-C and Bluetooth connectivity, and an iOS app (the Ledger Nano S is exclusively supported by Ledger’s Android app). The Ledger Nano S is smaller, which might be an advantage or disadvantage depending on your point of view.
When considering the costs of Ledger’s devices, it’s crucial to remember that Ledger occasionally runs discounts where you can obtain their wallets for less money or get some extra bonuses with your purchase. If you’re willing to wait a little longer, you might be able to get a better offer.
Fundamental characteristics
Making use of a ledger wallet
The Ledger Nano S and Ledger Nano X are hardware cryptocurrency wallets that safeguard the private keys required to access your cryptocurrency. Even if you must link these devices to your computer or mobile phone in order to complete a transaction, the devices will merely sign the transactions and will not reveal the private keys to your computer or mobile phone.
When compared to storing your private keys on a device that is linked to the internet, the Ledger Nano S and Ledger Nano X both provide a far higher level of protection for your cryptocurrency. Even if you had malware on your computer or mobile phone, your cryptocurrency would be safe since your hardware wallet will not leak the private keys to the device to which it is connected.
Both the Ledger Nano S and the Ledger Nano X are compatible with Windows, Linux, and Mac computers. However, the Ledger Nano S is only compatible with Android devices, but the Ledger Nano X is compatible with both Android and iOS devices.
The screen of the Ledger Nano X is more readable than the screen on the Ledger Nano S, but both devices’ screens are relatively small and can be difficult to use. The Nano X has a larger battery, allowing for more continuous use. However, this makes little difference in practise because the amount of time you will spend actually utilising your hardware wallet will most likely be little.
Certifications and security features
Security
Both the Ledger Nano S and the Ledger Nano X provide the same level of bitcoin protection. The Secure Element is a component in both devices that keeps private keys in a tamper-proof way. The Secure Element safeguards your private keys against side-channel assaults, fault attacks, software attacks, and other flaws that could be used to harvest sensitive data.
EAL 5+ (Evaluation Assurance Level) certification has been granted to the Secure Element chips used in Ledger devices. In terms of protection against penetration tests, this is the highest level of EAL certification attainable.
BOLOS is a proprietary operating system that runs on both devices. BOLOS separates programmes for each cryptocurrency and requires that your transactions be confirmed physically by clicking buttons on your Ledger device.
Furthermore, both devices provide additional security by requiring a PIN code to be input before use. In the event that you lose your device, both devices will generate a 24-word recovery phrase that you can use to access your crypto. Your cryptocurrency will be very well protected if you back up your seed phrases safely and do not divulge them to anyone.
If you want to protect your cryptocurrency, the Ledger Nano S and Ledger Nano X are both fantastic solutions that provide the highest level of protection available to the typical user.
Mobile device connectivity
Cell Phone
In comparison to the cheaper Ledger Nano S, connectivity with mobile devices is where the Ledger Nano X shines the brightest. The Ledger Nano X can interface with your phone or other mobile device over Bluetooth, eliminating the need for cords and providing a smooth user experience. Please keep in mind that the Bluetooth feature of the Ledger Nano X only works with mobile devices and not desktop computers.
In the meanwhile, connect your Ledger Nano S to your phone using a USB cord. The cable that comes with the Ledger Nano S is unlikely to suit your mobile device, so you’ll need to buy a replacement. For $15, Ledger offers the OTG Kit, which includes three connections that allow you to connect your Ledger Nano S to any mobile device.
Software wallets that are supported
Ledger Live is a cryptocurrency wallet.
Regardless of whether you have the Nano S or Nano X, you will enter transaction data into a software wallet and then confirm the transaction using your hardware wallet. The official software wallet from Ledger is called Ledger Live, and it will meet the demands of the vast majority of crypto investors.
However, some third-party wallets are compatible with Ledger devices. There are cryptocurrencies, for example, that are not supported by Ledger Live but can be used with a Ledger hardware wallet in conjunction with a third-party software wallet. Third-party wallets that support Ledger devices will function similarly to Ledger Live, prompting you to confirm the transaction using your Ledger hardware wallet device.
Cryptocurrencies that are supported
Cryptocurrencies
Both the Nano S and Nano X accept the same coins. Almost all major cryptocurrencies may be safely stored on ledger devices. This covers prominent coins such as Bitcoin, Ethereum, and XRP, as well as hundreds of other crypto assets. When used in conjunction with third-party software wallets, your Ledger can hold a truly remarkable array of cryptocurrencies.
Please see the official Ledger website for a complete list of cryptocurrencies that can be stored with your Ledger hardware wallets and compatible software wallets.
Bottom line: The Nano S and Nano X are both excellent hardware wallets for slightly different audiences.
The Ledger Nano S and X are unquestionably among the greatest hardware crypto wallets available today. If you want to use your wallet primarily with your mobile device and place a high emphasis on convenience, the Nano X may be worth the extra money.
However, we believe that the price difference between the two devices will be difficult to justify for many customers, given they are equivalent in many ways, most notably in terms of security and the amount of cryptocurrencies supported.
The only type of customer for whom the Nano X is clearly superior is someone who uses iOS and frequently conducts crypto transactions on their mobile device. Overall, if you want the most bang for your buck, the Nano S is impossible to top.
