Ledger is the most trusted crypto hardware wallet brand on the market. But with the release of their newest edition, the Ledger Stax, you might need help deciding which of their wallets is best for you. To simplify the decision-making process, we compared the Stax, Nano X, and Nano S Plus.
The Ledger Stax is the most user-friendly wallet with its 3.7″ touch screen, making it a great option if you make frequent transactions. The Nano X is best if you need an equally secure hardware wallet, but don’t need the luxury of the Stax. The Nano S Plus is the best if you’re on a budget.
If you want to know more about the features of each of Ledger’s wallets, I’ve covered them in great detail below.
Ledger Stax vs Ledger Nano X vs Ledger Nano S Plus (Compared)
| Features | Ledger Stax | Ledger Nano X | Ledger Nano S Plus |
|---|---|---|---|
| Price (USD) | $279 | $149 | $79 |
| Wallet Dimensions | 85 x 54 x 6mm | 62.39 x 17.40 x 8.24mm | 72 x 18.6 x 11.75mm |
| Weight | 45.2g | 34g | 21g |
| Screen Size | 3.7in curved screen (672 x 400px) | 128 x 64px | 128 x 32px |
| Screen Type | E-ink | OLED | OLED |
| Touchscreen | Yes | No | No |
| Coin Support | 5,500+ | 5,500+ | 5,500+ |
| App Capacity | Up to 100 | Up to 100 | Up to 100 |
| Storage Capacity | 1.5 MB | 2 MB | 1.5 MB |
| Bluetooth Equipped | Yes | Yes | No |
| Battery Life | Days to several months when left unused with a full charge | 8 hours | No battery (must be plugged in) |
| Connection Type | USB-C to UCB-C; Bluetooth | USB-A to USB-C; Bluetooth | USB-A to USB-C |
| Wireless Charging | Yes | No | No |
| Native NFT Support | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Third-Party Wallet (NFTs) | Supports multi-blockchain NFTs | Supports multi-blockchain NFTs | Supports multi-blockchain NFTs |
| Security Rating | EAL5+ | EAL5+ | EAL5+ |
| Recovery Method | 24-word Secret Recovery Phrase | 24-word Secret Recovery Phrase | 24-word Secret Recovery Phrase |
| PIN Protected | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Mobile Phone Compatability | Android, iOS | Android, iOS | Android |
| Third-Party Wallet Compatability | Compatible with 50+ wallets | Compatible with 50+ wallets | Compatible with 50+ wallets |
| Supported Desktop OS | Windows 10+, macOS 12+, Linux Ubuntu LTS 20.04+ | Windows 8.1+, macOS 10.10+, and Linux | Windows 8.1+, macOS 10.14+, and Linux Ubuntu LTS 16.10 |
| Life Expectancy | Up to 5 years | Up to 5 years | Up to 5 years |
Which Hardware Wallet Is Best? Ledger Stax vs Ledger Nano X vs Ledger Nano S Plus
When choosing between Ledger’s hardware wallets, a few things stand out to me the most. These key points will help you determine exactly which wallet is right for you.
Ledger Stax Has the Most Features
The Stax is the only Ledger wallet equipped with a touchscreen, wireless charging, magnets that stick one Stax to another, and a customizable lock screen. It’s also the first-ever device to use a curved E-ink touchscreen.
Who’s the Ledger Stax Right For?
The Ledger Stax is the perfect choice if you’re looking for a large touch screen, wireless charging, and customization options. It’s considered the “iPhone of hardware wallets,” so it comes with a premium price tag of $279.
Notably, Ledger will not be shipping the Stax until May 2023. So, if you need a hardware wallet before then, I recommend the Ledger Nano X.
Ledger Nano S Plus Doesn’t Have Bluetooth
The Ledger Nano S Plus is unique among Ledger wallets as it doesn’t have a built-in battery or Bluetooth capability. To use it, you’ll need to connect it to your computer using a USB-A to USB-C cable. Without the cable, the Ledger Nano S Plus cannot be used.
Who’s the Ledger Nano S Plus Right For?
The Ledger Nano S Plus is perfect if you don’t mind having to connect your wallet to your computer every time you want to use it. It doesn’t have Bluetooth, so it can’t be accessed using a mobile device. Despite this, it’s the most budget-friendly choice among Ledger wallets, priced at only $79.
Ledger Nano X Is the Happy Medium
The Ledger Nano X might not have the large touch screen, wireless charging, or customizability like the Stax, but it does have a rechargeable battery and Bluetooth, meaning you can use it on the go and with your mobile device.
Who’s the Ledger Nano X Right For?
The Ledger Nano X is a solid choice if you want basic features like a battery and Bluetooth, but don’t need all the extra features offered by the Stax. Plus, it remains affordable at a price of only $149.
Which Ledger Wallet is Most Secure?
Arguably, the Ledger Nano S Plus is considered the most secure option since it lacks Bluetooth and eliminates any security threats posed by Bluetooth attacks. However, all Ledger hardware wallets provide the same level of security with their EAL5+ secure chip and Ledger’s proprietary BOLOs operating system.
But, if you’re wondering which Ledger wallet offers the most security, the truth is, they’re all the same. Even though the Nano S Plus is considered more secure due to its lack of Bluetooth, it’s marginal.
Ledger’s security features defend against all types of attacks, both physical and digital. When choosing a Ledger device, the decision ultimately comes down to your preferred functionality and budget.
If you’re still on the fence about which wallet is right for you, it’s likely because you want to know more about each individual wallet.
I can tell you that the Nano X and Nano S Plus are basically the same, with the exception of the battery and Bluetooth. That said, I compiled a complete list of Ledger Stax’s pros and cons, which I recommend checking out if you’re even slightly considering buying the Stax over the other wallets.