Ledger Nano X is the next generation of Hardware wallet with smartphone support, a larger screen and more storage space for Apps. Retailing for $119, the Ledger Nano X is great for newcomers or experienced traders trading more than 3 types of cryptocurrencies at at time or large volumes on the go. If more apps and mobility isn’t a big concern, stick with the Ledger Nano S.

In this review, we’ll be looking at the security, hardware design and cryptocurrency support of the Ledger Nano X to tell you if this device is worth purchasing or not. For Set-up and installation guides, check out our full Ledger Nano X guide.

For a limited time only all Ledger cryptocurrency wallets are 20% off!

Key Features of the Ledger Nano X:

Ledger Nano X Video Review

Larger screen – Displays full cryptocurrency addresses without scrolling

– Displays full cryptocurrency addresses without scrolling Mobile support – (Android and iOS) support via Ledger Live Mobile

– (Android and iOS) support via Ledger Live Mobile More storage space – Install up to 100 different apps for different coins.

– Install up to 100 different apps for different coins. Rechargeable Battery – allows the device to be powered-on without a cable.

Latest feature: Staking. Earn cryptocurrency using Ledger!

Ledger Live allows for staking Tezos ($XTZ) and Tron ($TRX). Users can lock up their XTZ and TRX to secure their respective networks and in return they will be paid interest for doing so. This feature expands Ledger into more than just a secure place to store your cryptocurrency, it can even help you grow your digital assets.

Staking your digital assets can be done in 3 simple steps. First, freeze your assets by logging onto your Ledger Live, choosing the relevant account for the asset you wish to stake (i.e. either Tezos or Tron) and click “earn rewards”. A popup window will then appear. There you will be allowed to select the amount in your wallet you wish to freeze. Secondly, vote for your validator(s) who will be making the blocks on your network and the cryptocurrency earned by making these blocks will be redistributed to voters. Lastly, claim your rewards by clicking “Claim XTZ/TRX” in your relevant account. Rewards are claimable every 24 hours.

Security features

One of the key reasons to buy Ledger hardware wallets is the firm’s reputation for security. The Nano X contains a two processor chips:

Secure Element : ST33J2M0 (secure) is independently certified and stores the private key and signs transactions

: ST33J2M0 (secure) is independently certified and stores the private key and signs transactions Operating system: STM32WB55 chip is responsible for Ledger’s BOLOS proprietary Operating System.

Secure elements are separate pieces of hardware (second layer of security) with their own storage and limited functionality that cannot be breached by hackers. This means that even if the Ledger Nano X is connected to a compromise device – like a hacked laptop or phone, the private keys (=access to crypto funds) is never compromised. Devices like the Trezor One and Model T do not have secure elements and only have a single layer of security.

Ledger Nano X Teardown showing CC EAL 5+ Secure Element Chip

The Ledger Nano X also has the same BOLOS operating system that is found on the Nano S. BOLOS ensures that addresses are displayed properly on the device and handles connections to external devices.

Similar to the Nano S, users can set up wallets protected by a passphrase in addition to your primary PIN code. So say a thief demands you to unlock your device, you can give them the PIN code to access wallets with fewer funds. Whilst hiding the bulk of your crypto assets behind passphrase protected wallets.

The Nano X has the addition of Bluetooth support. Unfortunately Bluetooth’s security record is not spotless, and presents a new vector of attack for the device. Ledger CTO Nicolas Bacca has stated during an interview that Bluetooth on Ledger functions assuming the connection has been compromised – at no point will it be able to take over the device.

Bluetooth can be turned off on the Ledger Nano X

In October 2019, the Nano X received CSPN (First Level Security Certificate) certification issued by the ANSSI (National Agency for Information Systems Security). Currently, of all the cryptocurrency hardware wallets on the market, only Ledger’s Nano S and Nano X have this certification. The certification scheme evaluates multiple aspects of a device’s security including firewall, identification, authentication and embedded software by putting it through multiple attack scenarios.

5/5 Security Rating

Multi Currency Support

Full list of supported coins on Ledger can be found here

Ledger has one of the most diverse support for different cryptocurrencies such as NEO, Vechain and Monero. With their open policy to development from project teams, the Ledger nano X supports 1100+ different assets. Many of these assets like Vechain or NEO are not found on competitors like the Trezor Model T or KeepKey, making Ledger the only hardware wallet available for many coins. The rule of thumb here is that the Nano X will support the same assets as the Ledger Nano S.

Installing Ledger Live

Ledger Live application interface

Ledger has a native application called Ledger Live to allow you to access cryptocurrency accounts (including Bitcoin, Litecoin Ethereum and other cryptocurrencies). Ledger Live is available on multiple platforms including Windows, MacOS, Linux, Android and iOS. We found the Ledger Live app easy to use as it clearly displays cryptocurrency assets with historical charts. Sending cryptocurrencies is extremely easy with step-by-step operation which clearly displays the sender and receiver addresses. There are also advanced features to manually customise the transaction fee in sat/byte.

How many coins can Ledger Nano X Hold?

One of the weakness of the Nano S is the lack of space for installed applications. The Ledger Nano X fixes this problem by increasing the internal memory to 2 MB. In our tests we were able to install all 73 available apps on the device (Ledger claims up to 100+). It should be noted that app storage is a convenience feature – apps will still retain their accounts / cryptocurrency balances even if uninstalled.

Does Ledger Nano X support Ethereum and ERC-20?

In September 2019 Ledger added a native Ethereum Wallet to its latest Ledger Live v.1.14.0 which adds support for 22 coins and over 1,250 ERC-20 tokens. This allows for direct access to tokens and ethereum whilst on the go without the need for a 3rd-party interface like MyEtherWallet. This is a welcomed upgrade to Nano X users who previously had to use different interfaces depending on the cryptocurrency you wanted to interact with. It will also certainly be welcome to newcomers to cryptocurrency, who may be confused by the different interfaces.

One of our complaints is that Ledger Nano X has to enter each app separately account – something that is not necessary on the Trezor Model T.

5/5 Multi Currency Support

Hardware Design

Input is made with the two circular buttons

The new Ledger Nano X has two hardware buttons – hidden in the circular design of the cover pivot. These two buttons allows us to access menus (hold both buttons), make selections (press both buttons), and even input recovery phrases (use buttons to scroll). We found that entering PINs and recovery phrases to be tedious with only 2 buttons – perhaps a touchscreen or additional buttons could of helped.

Nano X has a larger screen with higher resolution. This means that full cryptocurrency addresses could be displaced without scrolling – something that was sorely lacking in the Nano S.

The Nano X uses a modern USB-C interface for charging and connecting to the PC. This is a welcomed upgrade as the computing world migrates to USB-C.

4/5 for Hardware Design

3.5/5 of Ease of Use

Mobility

Ledger Nano X can be used with mobile devices, and transactions can be sent on the go using the Ledger Live app on mobile. We found this feature to be very situational. Whilst it is helpful to be sending crypto on the go with the security the Nano X provides, the convenience is lacking when compared to mobile wallets like the Enjin Wallet. A separation confirmation set is needed: unlock device via PIN, enter the cryptocurrency app, check and confirm the transaction. This feels tedious and not suitable for simple coffee purchases or small transactions. What does make sense is perhaps large purchases (a car or house?) or token sale investments. However, the question remains, how frequently do we need to send large amounts of crypto on the go?

How do you Update the Ledger Nano X

Ledger periodically releases updates for the Ledger Nano X to improve security, functionality and coin support. In fact, firmware updates are required in order to get support for the latest cryptocurrencies. In order to update the firmware, plug the Nano X into your computer and run the Ledger Live app. The app will automatically display your version number and show any available firmware updates. To initiate the update, click the update button and confirm the installation in the Nano X by pressing down both buttons when prompted to “allow ledger manager” to access the device.

Ledger Nano X worth the upgrade?

At $119, the Ledger Nano X is not a budget device – it commands a certain price premium making the upgrade decision harder for many users. For many, the deal breaker convenience features – the large screen that displays full cryptocurrency addresses and larger storage for more apps. If these features are important for you, then the Nano X is worth the upgrade. However, if you only need a few apps, the budget friendly Ledger Nano S is a better option at $59.

Ledger Nano X compared with Trezor Model T

Ledger compared to other Hardware Wallets

The biggest difference between the Ledger Nano X and the Trezor Model T is the screen and supported coins. The Trezor Model T has nice touch screen which helps with entering PIN and the security phrases. However, the Trezor has fewer supported coins and usually projects tend to release Ledger support first. The following table is a comparison between various hardware wallets, including the release date, external security certification (if any), release date and our review rating.

At the end of the day, choosing between the Ledger Nano X and other hardware wallets is mostly based on 1 question – are the cryptocurrencies you want supported on the device. Support for a large number of coins has always been Ledger’s strong suit, along for browser support in Decentralized exchanges (Binance DEX, IDEX and Switcheo)

Name:

Ledger Nano X Brand:

Ledger Type:

Hardware Price:

$119 Release Date:

2019 Security Certification:

CC EAL 5+ Buy:

Buy Online Review Rating:

4.6 Star Rating Name:

Ledger Nano S Brand:

Ledger Type:

Hardware Price:

$59 Release Date:

2016 Security Certification:

CC EAL 5+ Buy:

Buy Online Review Rating:

4 Star Rating Name:

Trezor One Brand:

Trezor Type:

Hardware Price:

$78 Release Date:

2014 Security Certification:

- Buy:

Buy Online Review Rating:

3.7 Star Rating Name:

Enjin Wallet Brand:

Enjin Type:

Software Price:

Free Release Date:

2020 Security Certification:

ORU Buy:

Download Review Rating:

4.5 Star Rating

Reviewed on 20th April 2020 by Michael Gu

Updated on 9th September 2020: Updated information on sales