Security is important for digital asset HODLers. And hardware wallets which are small devices that keep their private keys safe and offline, can be seen as the ideal option to protect their assets. These devices look like USB sticks and are very hard to hack.
In this article, we’ll compare Ledger Nano S Plus vs Nano X. These are two of Ledger’s most outstanding hardware wallets regarding design, features, supported coins, price, and availability.
Ledger Nano S Plus vs Nano X: Overview
You might have heard of Ledger Nano S Plus and Nano X. These are two popular models from Ledger. But what sets them apart? And which one should you buy? In the table below, we’ve provided a table that gives you an overview of these notable cold wallets.
| Feature | Ledger Nano S Plus | Ledger Nano X |
| Security measures | Secure Element, PIN, Recovery phrase | Secure Element, PIN, Seed phrase, Ledger Recover |
| Storage Apps | 100+ | 100+ |
| Storage capacity | 1.5 MB | 2 MB |
| Bluetooth | No | Yes |
| Battery | No | Yes |
| Ledger Live App | Desktop and mobile phone (only Android) | Desktop and mobile phone (android/iOS) |
| Connectivity | USB-A to USB-C | USB-A to USB-C, Bluetooth |
| Screen resolution | 128×64 pixels | 128×64 pixels |
| Dimensions | 62.39 x 17.40 x 8.24mm, 21g | 72 x 18.6 x 11.75mm, 34g |
| Supported coins | 500 with Ledger Live5000+ with 3rd party wallets | 500 with Ledger Live5000+ with 3rd party wallets |
| NFTs | Yes (Multi-chain) | Yes (Multi-chain) |
| Staking | Yes | Yes |
| Software wallet integration | 50+ wallets | 50+ wallets |
| Hardware Wallet Price | $79 | $149 |
Related Article: Ledger Vs Trezor 2024: Which Hardware Wallet Should You Use?
The Difference between Ledger Nano S Plus and Nano X
The Ledger Nano S Plus is more affordable, smaller, lighter, and has a smaller screen than the Ledger Nano X. It lacks a battery and Bluetooth connectivity. However, it can still support up to 100 apps simultaneously and has a memory capacity of 1.5 MB.
On the other hand, the Ledger Nano X is more expensive and larger than the Ledger Nano S Plus. It is also heavier and features a larger screen. Additionally, it includes a battery and supports Bluetooth connectivity.
Like the Nano S Plus, it can simultaneously accommodate up to 100 apps. Another distinguishing feature is its 2MB storage capacity. Also, Ledger Nano X is compatible with iOS devices due to its Bluetooth connection, whereas S Plus is not.
Above are the main differences between Ledger Nano S Plus and Ledger Nano X. In this article, we also compare deeper these two versions, including:
- Design and Features
- Battery and Bluetooth connectivity
- Security Features and Backup
- The number of supported Coins and Apps
- The compatibility with Third-Party Wallets
- Price and Availability
- OS Compatibility
1. Ledger Nano S Plus vs Nano X: Design and Features
The first thing you might notice when comparing Ledger Nano S Plus vs Nano X is their physical appearance. They have different sizes, weights, screens, buttons, and Bluetooth capabilities.
Let’s see how they differ in these aspects in more detail.
Size and Weight
Ledger Nano S Plus is slightly smaller than Nano X. Its size is 62.39 mm x 17.4 mm x 8.24 mm, while Nano X is 72 mm x 18.6 mm x 11.75 mm in size.
However, Nano S Plus is lighter than Nano X. It weighs 21, while Nano X weighs 34 grams.
Both devices are compact and portable enough to fit in your pocket or bag. However, Ledger S Plus will be the best choice if you prefer a smaller device that takes less space on your desk or in your hand.
Screen and Buttons
Both devices have OLED screens that display information such as your balance, transaction details, confirmation requests, security codes, and recovery phrases. Also, Both models have the same 128 x 64px screen size.
The Nano X has large circular buttons on both sides of the screen, while the Nano S Plus has smaller buttons on the top of the device.
2. Ledger Nano S Plus vs Nano X: Battery and Bluetooth connectivity
The battery life and Bluetooth connectivity are two big differences between Ledger Nano S Plus and Nano X.
Ledger Nano S Plus has no battery or Bluetooth. You will need a USB cable to plug it into your computer or phone whenever you want to access your wallet.
Ledger Nano X has a battery (100mAh) that can work for 8 hours or stay for months. It has Bluetooth too. You can use it with your phone wirelessly through the Ledger Live app. You don’t need to plug it in.
3. Ledger Nano S Plus vs Nano X: Security Features and Backup
Both Ledger devices have the same level of security and backup options. They use certified secure element chips that protect your private keys from physical or logical attacks.
They both support PIN codes that prevent unauthorized access to your device. Also, both generate recovery phrases (12 – 24 words) that allow you to restore your accounts on another device in case of loss or damage.
The only difference is that Ledger Nano S Plus uses an ST33K1M5 chip, whereas Nano X uses ST33J2M0. Both have CC EAL5+ certification levels.
The Ledger device always comes with its custom operating system known as BOLOS. It gives extra security with signed firmware updates.
4. Ledger Nano S Plus vs Nano X: Number of Supported Coins and Apps
Another important factor to consider is their support for different coins and apps. Both devices support over 5,500 cryptocurrencies but differ in how many apps they can install at once and how compatible they are with third-party wallets.
Supported Cryptocurrencies and NFTs
Both the Ledger Nano support over 5,500 coins, including all the major ones such as Bitcoin, Ethereum, Ripple, Litecoin, Cardano, etc.
However, currently, these wallets just support +500 coins. To access the other 5000 coins, you need other third-party wallets for storing more than 5000+ coins and tokens. These wallets can be MetaMask, Trust Wallet, Exodus, etc.
Ledger Nano X and S Plus also support Ethereum and Polygon NFTs. You can store these NFTs using Ledger live app.
Number of Simultaneous Apps
Ledger Nano X has 2 MB of storage space, which allows it to hold up to 100 apps at once. Also, Nano S Plus has 1.5 MB of storage and 100 apps of memory space.
However, the number of apps you can install on your device may vary depending on the coin and the app size. Some coins need more than one app to work properly.
Additionally, you can also always remove and add apps as you wish without losing any of your coins or accounts.
5. Ledger Nano S Plus vs Nano X: Compatibility with Third-Party Wallets
Ledger Nano S Plus and Ledger Nano X are compatible with 50+ third-party wallets. Some of these wallets are Metamask, MyEtherWallet, Electrum, Exodus, Coinomi, Atomic Wallet, etc.
You can use these apps for many purposes, such as lending and borrowing, interacting with the dApps, staking, Yield farming, and Liquidity mining. Your private keys are always stored in Ledger devices.
Related Article: How to connect Ledger to Metamask?
6. Ledger Nano S Plus vs Nano X: Price and Availability
Ledger Nano S Plus is cheaper than Nano X. It costs $79 USD, while Nano X costs $149 USD. This means that Nano X is twice as expensive as Nano S Plus.
Both hardware wallets are available for purchase on Ledger’s official website or from some verified resellers. The Ledger devices have a two-year warranty that covers manufacturing defects. However, If you change the structure of the device, such as removing its casing or attempting to repair it yourself, you will void the warranty.
7. Ledger Nano S Plus and X: OS Compatibility
Both Ledger hardware wallets work with Windows (10+), MacOS (12.0+), and Linux Ubuntu 20.04 (64-bit) or later.
They also work with Android devices (9+) using a USB connection. Nano X has an extra feature of connecting with iOS devices (13+) using Bluetooth. You can use the Ledger Live app to manage your crypto assets with your mobile device.
Ledger Nano S Plus: Best Hardware Wallet for Beginners
Ledger Nano S Plus is an upgraded version of the Ledger Nano S, which was the most popular product from Ledger before. It is the basic version and an affordable hardware wallet for beginners.
The Nano S Plus has a better design, more memory, and a bigger screen than its predecessor. It can also store over 5,500 types of crypto assets, including NFTs, and run many more blockchain apps.
Pros and Cons of Nano S Plus
Pros:
- Supports over 5,500 digital assets (crypto, NFTs, tokens)
- Has more memory for up to 100 apps
- Has a medium size screen (128×64 px) for easy verification
- Has a secure chip (CC EAL5+) for private key protection
Cons:
- No Bluetooth connection needs a USB port
- More expensive ($79) than Ledger Nano S ($59)
- May not support some new or obscure coins
- Does not have a battery
Ledger Nano X: Crypto Hardware Wallet for HODLers
Ledger Nano X can hold more coins and connect wirelessly than other hardware wallets in the market. But, the user experience requires more improvement.
Recently, Ledger Nano X introduced a new feature called “Ledger Recover”. If you misplace or break your Nano X device, it lets you restore your secret recovery phrase with your identity.
It is a subscription service. This divides your secret recovery phrase and sends it to three separate custodians. Now, you can only reassemble it after you pass ID verification.
Pros and Cons of Nano X
Pros:
- Large selection of crypto and NFTs, from BTC to ETH and more.
- Clear screen to view and confirm transactions.
- Bluetooth connection to mobile phones to access and manage assets anywhere.
- High storage capacity to install up to 100 apps.
Cons:
- More expensive than the basic Ledger Nano S Plus.
- Low battery life of only 8 hours.
- Possible compatibility issues with some phones or OS.
- Not suitable for mining, no direct connection to pools or software.
How to Setup Ledger Nano S Plus or Nano X Wallet?
- Get the Ledger Live app from the official website on your computer or mobile device.
- Launch Ledger Live and click “Get Started”.
- Read and accept the terms and conditions, then click “Enter Ledger App”.
- Choose the Nano device you want to set up: Nano S Plus or Nano X.
- Then pick the top right option “Set up a new Nano Device” or “Restore from recovery phrase”, depending on your situation.
- Plug your Nano device into your computer or mobile device using the provided micro USB-C cable.
- Set a PIN code for your Nano device and verify it.
- Note down your 24-word recovery phrase and confirm it on your device. This is the only backup of your private keys.
- Your device is ready! You can now add apps on your device and create accounts in Ledger Live.
Summary: Which Should You Choose?
Ledger Nano S Plus and Nano X are secure and beginner-friendly hardware wallets. They provide high security and convenience for your crypto assets. They both support over 5,500 cryptocurrencies.
You can manage them using Ledger Live or third-party wallets. The Nano has a secure element chip, PIN code, recovery phrase, OLED screen, and buttons.
Suppose you are looking for a budget-friendly device that takes less space and has more security (no Bluetooth). In that case, you might prefer Ledger Nano S Plus over Nano X.
If you want a more convenient device with user-friendly features (battery and Bluetooth), choose Ledger Nano X over Nano S Plus. Ultimately, the choice depends on your needs, but always back up your seed phrase.
FAQs
Which Hardware Wallet is more secure, Ledger Nano S Plus or Nano X?
Ledger Nano S Plus and Nano X have the same security level, as they use a Secure Element chip and Ledger’s own BOLOS OS.
The Bluetooth feature of the Nano X is also safe, as it encrypts your data end-to-end and does not expose your private keys or recovery phrase. However, suppose you are worried about Bluetooth security. In that case, you can always turn it off on the Nano X or choose the Nano S Plus, which does not have Bluetooth.
Which Ledger hardware wallet is best for low Transaction Fees?
The transaction fees for using Ledger devices vary depending on the network congestion of the crypto asset. Ledger does not charge transaction fees or rely on the kind of Ledger device you use.
When you transfer crypto assets from your Ledger device, you can select the amount of network fees to add to your transaction. The amount of fees influences the speed of confirmation of your transaction.
Ledger Live dynamically calculates three levels of fees for you: fast, medium, and slow. You can also choose custom fees if you are an advanced user.
Why is Ledger Nano S Plus better than Nano X?
The main advantage of the Nano S Plus over the Nano X is its lower price. The Nano S Plus costs $79, while the Nano X costs $149. This makes the Nano S Plus more affordable and accessible for crypto beginners.
The Nano S Plus also has a smaller and lighter design than the Nano X. This might appeal to some users who prefer a more compact and easily portable device.
What is the battery life of Ledger Nano Nano S Plus and Nano X?
The Ledger Nano S Plus does not have a battery, as it is powered by a USB-C connector that connects it to your computer or Android device.
The Ledger Nano X has a built-in battery that can run for about 8 hours of continuous use or several weeks of standby time. The battery can be charged via the USB-C connector.
Can I upgrade from Ledger Nano S Plus to Nano X?
You can upgrade from Ledger Nano S Plus to Nano X. You just need to buy a new device from Ledger’s website and restore your account using your recovery phrase on the new device.
You can transfer your coins from your old device to your new one using Ledger Live or any other wallet.
