Ledger Nano X review

The Ledger Nano X is an advanced hardware wallet from Ledger, a reputable name in the world of crypto asset security.

Ledger brought the Nano X to market in 2019, and it remained the flagship Ledger wallet until the introduction of the Ledger Stax in 2023.

The Nano X enables you to store the private keys to over 5,500 digital assets as well as your NFTs offline. You can also buy, sell and swap your digital assets using nothing more than the Nano X in conjunction with Ledger Live.

The Nano X is also Bluetooth-enabled and iOS compatible, unlike Ledger's newer Nano S Plus or discontinued Nano S model.

While the hardware wallet has some of the most advanced features on the market, the one area in which it lacks is its staking capabilities via the device's desktop and mobile Ledger Live interface.

Nano X pros and cons

Pros

• Large screen size (128 x 64px)
• Supports 5,500+ tokens
• Runs up to 100 apps simultaneously
• Highly secure; CC EAL 5+ rating
• Native support for NFTs
• Bluetooth enabled
• Android and iOS compatible
• Can buy and sell crypto directly from your wallet

Cons

• No touch screen
• Buttons can be slow to use
• Can't stake many cryptos via Ledger Live
• Inputting PIN repeatedly can be tedious

Our Ledger Nano X unboxing

What's in the box?

⚠️ Must read

Before using your Ledger Nano X, carefully check the shrink wrap and box for any evidence of tampering.

If someone has accessed your device, it may be vulnerable to hacking and theft of funds.

Contact Ledger support if you have any concerns about the integrity of your device.

You'll find the following items inside the box for your Ledger Nano X:

• Ledger Nano X device
• USB-C cable used to connect the device to your computer
• A cardboard "Getting started" envelope containing
  • Directions.
  • A use, care and regulatory statement.
  • Three recovery phrase sheets.
• A Ledger sticker

Go to Ledger's website

Nano X plus price

The Ledger Nano X sells for US$149 through Ledger's official website.

This price point makes it the mid-range hardware wallet in the Ledger line, which also includes the Nano S Plus (US$79) and the newly released Ledger Stax (US$399).

While the Nano X is more expensive than some other hardware wallets, it's cheaper than comparable hardware wallets from competitors, like the Trezor Model T, which retails for US$129.

Where to buy the Nano X in the US

Purchase the Nano X directly from Ledger's website - and not from a third party - to reduce the chances of someone tampering with your device before it reaches you.

If you decide to buy from a reseller, the authorized retailers listed on Ledger's site are the only ones you should consider.

Go to Ledger's website

Nano X supported coins

The Nano X can store private keys to more than 5,500 digital assets, just like the Nano S Plus and original Nano S.

If being able to manage a wide range of coins is important to you, you'll be hard-pressed to find a better cold storage wallet outside of Ledger's line. Trezor's range of wallets comes in next best with support for around 1,000 assets.

The Nano X is superior to Ledger's other devices in terms of asset storage because it has 2MB of storage capacity compared to the Nano S Plus's 1.5 MB and the Nano S's 320KB. This means that the device has more capacity to run crypto apps and store the keys to more crypto assets simultaneously.

Ledger Nano X security

All Ledger hardware wallets, including the Nano X, benefit from the same top-level security rating.

As a French company, Ledger has The National Cybersecurity Agency of France conduct a range of evaluations to verify device security.

All Ledger devices use Secure Element chips, which are also used in credit cards, passports and SIM cards. This level of chip isn't a requirement for hardware wallets, but Ledger opts to use it for added security.

Ledger devices pass the Common Criteria security evaluation, an international standard for state requirements and banking cards, and earn an Evaluation Assurance Level (EAL) 5+ certificate.

An EAL 5+ certificate indicates that a device offers:

• The highest level of defense against penetration — or hacking — attempts.
• Protection from both remote and physical attacks.

Ledger states on its site that "going beyond EAL 5+ doesn't provide a higher assurance against attacks anymore."

Does the Nano X's Bluetooth functionality make it susceptible to a hack?

Ledger has denied concerns that the Nano X's Bluetooth functionality makes it vulnerable to data interception.

Its website states, "Only public data is transmitted via Bluetooth; critical data such as private keys and recovery phrases never leave the device."

The website also explains that critical data on the Nano X is protected by its Secure Element chip, which has never been hacked on a Ledger device.

Ledger Nano product specs compared

	Ledger Nano X	Ledger Nano S Plus	Ledger Nano S
	Finder score ★★★★★	Finder score ★★★★★ Read full review	Finder score ★★★★★ Read full review
Dimensions	72 x 18.6 x 11.75mm	62.39 x 17.40 x 8.24mm	56.95 x 17.40 x 9.11mm
Weight	34g	21g	16.2g
Screen size	128 x 64px	128 x 64px	128 x 32px
Coin support	5,500+	5,500+	5,500+
Apps that can run simultaneously	Up to 100	Up to 100	Up to 6
Storage capacity	2MB	1.5MB	320KB
Bluetooth	✅	❌	❌
Battery life	8 hours	No battery	No battery
Connection type	USB-A to USB-C	USB-A to USB-C	USB-A to Micro USB
Native NFT support	✅	✅	❌
Security rating	CC EAL5+	CC EAL5+	CC EAL5+
Mobile phone compatibility	Android, iOS	Android	Android
Supported desktop OS	Windows 8+, macOS 10.10+, and Linux	Windows 8+, macOS 10.10+, and Linux	Windows 8+, macOS 10.10+, and Linux
Price (USD)	$149	$79	$59
	Buy the Nano X	Buy the Nano S Plus	No longer for sale

Nano X vs. Nano S Plus

Ledger Nano S Plus vs Nano X

How to set up the Nano X

Make sure that the box's shrink wrap hasn't been compromised before setting up your Nano X. If it has, your device may be susceptible to a hack, and you should not proceed with setup.

Follow these steps to set up your Nano X device:

1. Download Ledger Live software to your desktop computer. Once it's installed, open the Ledger Live app.
2. Read and accept the terms and conditions.
3. Select Nano X, then choose the Set up a new Nano X option.
4. Review the educational slides. Hit OK, I'm ready in the bottom right corner of the app, then connect your Nano X to your computer.
5. Scroll through the welcome message on the Nano X using the button at the top right.
6. Select both buttons at the top of the device simultaneously after you arrive at the message Set Up As New Device.
7. Create a four- to eight-digit PIN code. Write down and store this PIN in a safe place.
8. Write down your 24-word recovery seed phrase at the prompt and store it in a secure place. Confirm the phrase.

How to use the Ledger Nano X

You'll see your digital asset balances via Ledger Live after following these steps.

• Using Bluetooth with the Nano X

  To use Nano X's Bluetooth function, you must pair your Nano X with your smartphone first. The Nano X is compatible with Android or iPhone.

  Follow these steps to pair your Nano X with your smartphone using Bluetooth.

  1. Download the Ledger Live app on your smartphone.
  2. Enable Bluetooth on your smartphone when Ledger Live asks you to pair your Nano X. Bluetooth on your Nano X is enabled by default.
  3. Select the name of your Nano X and wait for it to pair.
  4. Verify the pairing code on your smartphone and your Nano X. If they match, simultaneously press both buttons on your Nano X.
  5. Press both buttons again to Allow Ledger Manager.

  Once you've completed these steps, you can manage the digital assets' keys stored on your Nano X device with your smartphone via the Ledger Live app.

• Adding apps to your Nano X

  To store the private keys to your digital assets on your Nano X, you must add the apps that support each blockchain:

  • Using the Ledger Live interface select the apps — like Ethereum — you'd like to add to your device.
  • Confirm the addition of these apps by following the directions on your Nano X device.
  • Both Ledger Live and your Nano X will show that the app is downloading.
  • Repeat for all of the apps you'd like to use on your device.

• Receiving funds on your Nano X

  Here's how to store the private keys to your Bitcoin (BTC), for example, on your Nano X:

  1. Open the Bitcoin app on Ledger Live.
  2. Copy the Bitcoin wallet address displayed in the app.
  3. Follow the directions on your Nano X to verify the address is correct.
  4. Input the address in the space provided in the wallet from which you're sending funds.
  5. Wait for the transaction to process. Some transactions can take longer than others based on network congestion.

• Buying crypto on your Nano X

  You can now buy, sell and swap crypto using nothing more than your Nano X in conjunction with Ledger Live.

  To buy crypto, follow these steps:

  1. Plug your Ledger Nano X into your computer and open Ledger Live on your desktop.
  2. On the menu to the left side of the Ledger Live interface, click on the "Buy/Sell" button.
  3. To buy crypto, click on the "Buy" button and then click on "Find the right provider for you".
  4. Type in the amount of fiat you'd like to use to purchase your crypto in the "You will pay" box and then select the type of fiat you'd like to pay with.
  5. In the "To buy" box, select the crypto asset you'd like to purchase. The amount you can purchase given the US dollar amount you typed into the "You will pay" box will automatically pop up.
  6. Click "Confirm amount".
  7. On the next screen, select the country where you live and the payment method you'd like to use. Payment methods include credit and debit cards, bank transfers, Google Play and Apple Pay.
  8. Once you've made your selection, click the "Find eligible partners" button.
  9. On the following screen, choose the provider you'd like to use. Providers include Coinify, Ramp, MoonPay and others.
  10. Follow the instructions for the provider you selected. For example, if you use MoonPay, you'll have to set up a MoonPay account and download the app for the digital asset you'd like to purchase beforehand. If you'd like to purchase Bitcoin (BTC), download the Bitcoin app to your Nano X if you haven't already before proceeding.
  11. When you click on MoonPay, you'll be brought to an overview of your desired purchase.
  12. Click "Continue" and then enter your email address to log into your MoonPay account.
  13. In the "BTC wallet address" box, select your Nano X BTC wallet address and click "Continue".
  14. MoonPay will prompt you to connect your Nano X and confirm your Bitcoin address.
  15. Match the address in Ledger Live to the address on your Nano X and then click both buttons on your Nano X simultaneously after checking that the address matches and scrolling to a screen that reads "Approve" on your Nano X.
  16. Check your inbox for a 6-digit verification code from MoonPay and type that into MoonPay in Ledger Live.
  17. Agree to the terms and conditions after reading them and click "Buy now".
  18. Select your payment option. These include a credit or debit card or a bank transfer.
  19. If you choose to use a credit or debit card, input the billing address for your card and click "Continue".
  20. Enter your card details and click "Continue".
  21. Agree to the terms and conditions after reading them and click "Buy now".
  22. You should then see a screen that indicates that your order is either processing or has been processed.
  23. You should then be able to see the Bitcoin you've purchased in Ledger Live.

  

  Choosing a service provider Image: Frank Corva/Finder

  

  Buying BTC with USD in Ledger Live Image: Frank Corva/Finder

• Selling crypto on your Nano X

  To sell crypto, follow these steps:

  1. Plug your Ledger Nano X into your computer and open Ledger Live on your desktop.
  2. Click the "Buy/Sell" button in Ledger Live and then click the "Sell" option.
  3. Choose the asset and the account from which you would like to sell.
  4. Select the provider you want to use to sell the asset.
  5. Follow the instructions from the provider you chose.

• Swapping crypto on your Nano X

  To swap crypto, follow these steps:

  1. Plug your Ledger Nano X into your computer and open Ledger Live on your desktop.
  2. Click on the "Swap" button.
  3. In the "From" box, select the crypto asset you'd like to swap from.
  4. In the "To" box, select the crypto asset you'd like to swap to.
  5. Input the amount of the asset you'd like to swap from and Ledger Live will automatically generate the amount of the asset you're trading to.
  6. You will also be informed of what it will cost to process the transaction to the right of the words "NETWORK FEES".
  7. When you scroll down, you'll see different quotes from different exchanges – some centralized and some decentralized.
  8. If you use a centralized exchange such as Wyre or ParaSwap, Ledger Live will notify you that you have to complete Know Your Customer (KYC) verification before using the exchange.
  9. If you use a decentralized exchange such as 1inch, you will not be prompted to complete Know Your Customer (KYC) verification. The instructions to complete your swap will be different depending on the exchange that you chose.

  Once you've purchased or swapped for certain coins, you can then use your Nano X with third-party software wallets like MetaMask to engage with DeFi services or to trade for other coins or tokens.

• Staking with the Nano X

  Staking with the Nano X can be a bit challenging. Only a handful of digital assets are available to stake using Ledger Live as an interface — the main drawback to using any of Ledger's wallets for staking.

  For example, if you want to stake ETH, you'll be directed to an interface for the Lido.fi decentralized application (dApp). Follow the instructions on the dApp interface to stake the amount of ETH of your choosing.

  You can stake some tokens like Polkadot (DOT) via Ledger Live, where the app will walk you through the process of bonding your DOT and then nominating a validator. You'll then have to connect your Nano X to the Polkadot.js browser extension wallet to retrieve your staking rewards.

  

  Staking ETH with the Lido.fi dApp interface Image: Frank Corva/Finder

  

  Staking DOT with the Ledger Live interface Image: Frank Corva/Finder

  For the uninitiated, this can be confusing and much less straightforward than staking via a centralized exchange or in a desktop or mobile wallet.

  To use your Ledger Nano X to stake any of the assets supported through Ledger Live:

  1. Create an account in Ledger Live for the coins you want to stake.
  2. Transfer the private keys to your crypto to your Ledger Nano X.
  3. Hit the Accounts tab on the left side of Ledger Live.
  4. Choose the account for the asset you'd like to stake.
  5. Select the stake button toward the top left-hand corner of the app interface.
  6. Follow the tailored instructions for the token you're staking.

  To stake other digital assets while taking advantage of the security of your Ledger Nano X, you'll need to use a third-party app like MetaMask.

Ledger Nano X alternatives

Our verdict

The Nano X is one of the most secure and feature-rich hardware wallets on the market today.

If you invest in a broad range of crypto assets, you'll appreciate the device's 2MB of storage and the Bluetooth-enabled convenience of being able to manage your crypto on the go.

And you can use your Nano X in conjunction with Ledger Live to buy and sell crypto with and for fiat or to swap one crypto asset for another.

But if you're not an iPhone user and don't need significant storage, the more affordable Nano S Plus will likely give you everything you need.

Keep in mind that Ledger's staking UI has never been its strength, but this is a small trade-off for safely storing the private keys to your digital assets offline while you put your assets to work.

Before purchasing the Nano X — or any crypto wallet for that matter — do your research on other crypto wallets before deciding which is best for you.

It bears remembering, though, that hardware wallets like the Nano X are still widely considered one of the safest ways to store your crypto, particularly if you're a high-volume investor or plan on holding for the long term.

Go to Ledger's website

Nano X FAQs

• How safe is the Ledger Nano X?

  Hardware wallets are widely regarded as the most secure way to store the private keys to your digital assets. The Nano X leverages Ledger's long track record of security and a number of other best-practice protocols to keep your private keys safe.

• How do I upgrade from a Nano S to a Nano X?

  To upgrade and transfer the private keys to your assets from a Nano S to a Nano X, you'll need to download the most recent version of Ledger Live and make sure that you have your Nano S 24-word recovery phrase to do so.

  To migrate the private keys for your assets from your Nano S to your Nano X, follow these steps:

  1. Plug your Nano X into your computer and turn on the device.
  2. Select the right button until you come to the Restore from recovery phrase message.
  3. Choose a four- to eight-digit PIN.
  4. Confirm your PIN.
  5. Select Enter your Recovery Phrase.
  6. When your device displays Select the number of words written on your recovery sheet, select 24 words.
  7. Enter each word of your Nano S recovery phrase into your Nano X.
  8. Your Nano X should then display Processing before it displays Your device is ready.
  9. Hit the right button until you get to the message: Go to the dashboard and your device should display the dashboard.

• What happens if I lose my Ledger Nano X?

  If you lose your Nano X, you can still retrieve the assets you managed on the device. To do so, you'll need to use your 24-word recovery phrase to restore the private keys to your digital assets on a new device.

• How do I turn off the Ledger Nano X?

  To turn off your Ledger Nano X, go to the Control Center on your device by holding down both buttons for three seconds and then choosing the Power Off option.

  You can also set your Nano X to auto power-off by going to the Control Center and navigating to Settings > General. After that, press both buttons to enter the Battery Saver menu and then select how long you'd like your device to wait before powering off.