Ledger is among the most popular hardware wallet brands globally. Reports indicate that since its launch in 2014, it has sold over 6 million hardware wallets. The Ledger Nano X is one of its best-selling products. But, is it safe to use? This Ledger Nano X review explores the device’s features, security measures, overall usability, and how it compares to its competitors.

Key Takeaways:

  • Ledger Nano X is a Bluetooth-enabled secure crypto hardware wallet device that stores the private keys of your cryptocurrency assets.
  • Ledger Nano X is best known for its enhanced security features, including a CC EAL5+secure chip, BOLOS operating system, and Bluetooth connectivity, ensuring safe and convenient crypto transactions.
  • The Ledger wallet is made of brushed stainless steel, measures 72mm x 18.6mm x 11.75mm, features a 100mAh lithium-ion battery, and costs $149.

Ledger Nano X Review: Product Specification

TypeCrypto hardware wallet for cold storage
Price$149
Supported Cryptocurrencies5,500+ coins and tokens
Display128×64 OLED screen
Weight34 g
Size72mm x 18.6mm x 11.75mm
MaterialBrushed stainless steel and plastic
BatteryLithium-ion 100mAh battery
Operating SystemBOLOS
ConnectivityUSB-C and Bluetooth (only smartphones)
Device securityPIN & passphrase enabledCC EAL5+ secure element chipSecret WalletsCustom-built BOLOS operating system
Safety certificationsCSPN (First Level Security Certificate) issued by ANSSI
Backup24-word recovery seedLedger Recover
CompatibilityWindows, macOS, Linux, iOS, and Android
NFT StorageYes (Ethereum and Polygon NFTs)
Native AppLedger Live

What is Ledger Nano X?

Ledger Nano X Hardware Wallet

The Ledger Nano X is a Bluetooth-enabled wireless hardware wallet that handles cryptocurrencies and NFTs safely. The device supports managing over 5,500 crypto assets, such as Bitcoin, Ethereum, Solana, Cardano, and many others, as well as NFTs built on Ethereum and Polygon blockchains.

This hardware wallet has a 128×64 pixels OLED screen for transaction signing. It is made to be mobile-compatible with the Ledger Live mobile app (you can install up to 100 apps simultaneously), linking to smartphones via Bluetooth or USB-C cable.

Ledger Nano X is a highly secure crypto wallet with a certified secure chip (CC EAL5+) and proprietary operating system “BOLOS”. With the Ledger Live app, you can grow your portfolio securely by buying, exchanging, and lending crypto, as well as connecting to many DeFi platforms for staking and borrowing services.

How does the Ledger Nano X work?

The core functionality of the Ledger Nano X revolves around its ability to keep the user’s private keys completely isolated from Internet-connected devices, thereby significantly reducing the risk of hacking and theft. These are based on a dual-chip architecture, which includes a Secure Element (SE) and a microcontroller.

The Secure Element (SE) is a dedicated chip for high-security tasks. It is found in credit cards and passports, where it safely keeps confidential information. The SE is used to store the user’s private keys, PIN, or passphrase in an encrypted form. A microcontroller manages the device’s operations, such as executing commands and interfacing with the computer.

The Ledger Nano X also utilizes its unique operating system known as BOLOS (Blockchain Open Ledger Operating System), specifically engineered to function with the Secure Element. BOLOS creates an additional layer of security by ensuring that each application (such as Bitcoin, Ethereum, or any other supported cryptocurrency wallet) runs in isolation, preventing one application from accessing the data of another.

Now, talking about user interaction, you can interact with the Ledger Nano X through the Ledger Live software on your computer or smartphone. This software acts as an interface to manage cryptocurrencies, allowing you to check your balances, send and receive funds, and perform other operations related to your digital assets.

When a transaction is initiated through Ledger Live, the transaction details are sent to the Ledger Nano X hardware wallet for confirmation. The device then displays the transaction details on its built-in screen, requiring physical confirmation from the user. This step ensures that even if the computer or smartphone is compromised, unauthorized transactions cannot be made without physical access to the device.

Pros of Ledger Nano X

  • High security with a certified secure chip (CC EAL5+) and a custom BOLOS operating system
  • It supports 5,500 coins and tokens including all popular altcoins.
  • The companion app (Ledger Live) offers different features such as staking, lending, swapping, and borrowing.
  • The Nano X has received the CSPN (First Level Security Certificate) issued by ANSSI.

Cons of Ledger Nano X

  • The screen size is small compared to other hardware wallets like ELLIPAL Titan and Keystone Pro.
  • The optional centralized backup system called “Ledger Recover” may cause privacy issues.

What’s in the Ledger Nano X Box?

The Ledger Nano X box contains:

  1. The Nano X hardware wallet itself
  2. USB-C to USB-A cable for connecting to a computer or a mobile device
  3. A leaflet to get you started
  4. Three sheets for writing down your recovery phrase, and 
  5. A keychain strap
(Ledger Nano X – Unboxing. Source: Ledger)

Ledger Nano X Setup: Step-by-Step Guide

Here are the steps to setting up your Ledger Nano X hardware wallet:

Step 1: Install the Ledger Live app

First up, download Ledger Live onto your computer or phone. This crypto software app is your gateway to managing your coins with Ledger Nano X. It works with most devices, so just pick the version that suits yours​.

Install The Ledger Live App

Step 2: Turn on and set up a PIN lock

Turn on your Ledger Nano X by pressing the button near the USB port. Follow the on-screen instructions to set it up as a new device. This step is essential as it creates new private keys for securing your crypto.

Now, you’ll need to create a PIN code. This is like a password for your device, keeping it secure. You can choose between 4 to 8 digits. Remember, your PIN is your first line of defense, so make it something you won’t forget​.

Set Up Pin Password On Ledger Nano X

Step 3: Write down your recovery phrase

The hardware device will show you a 24-word recovery phrase. Write these words down in order on the provided sheet. This phrase is essential for recovering your crypto if you lose your device. Be safe and never share it online.

Step 4: Check device authenticity and install apps

Use Ledger Live to check your device’s authenticity. This step ensures your Ledger Nano X is genuine and hasn’t been tampered with. Then, you can install the apps you need on your Ledger Nano X through Ledger Live and add accounts for your cryptocurrencies. This lets you manage your assets, receive and send crypto securely.

Check Ledger Nano X Authenticity

Step 5: Start transacting (send and receive crypto)

With everything set up, you’re ready to send and receive crypto. To receive cryptocurrency, you first need to ensure that the appropriate app for the cryptocurrency you wish to receive is installed on your Ledger Nano X. To send crypto, you’ll need to confirm the transaction on your Ledger Nano X device. This step is critical as it uses your private keys (stored securely on the device) to sign the transaction, authorizing it without exposing your keys.

(How to receive your first crypto? Source: Ledger)

Key Features of the Ledger Nano X Wallet Reviewed

Large Storage Capacity

The Ledger Nano X has a storage capacity of 2 MB, well above its predecessor, the Ledger Nano S Plus (1.5MB). With this increased capacity, users can install up to 100 cryptocurrency applications simultaneously. This flexibility eliminates the need to uninstall constantly and reinstall apps to manage different parts of your portfolio, making for a much smoother crypto asset management experience.

Note: This 2 MB space is for app storage, not crypto storage. This means that whether you own a tiny piece of a Bitcoin (BTC) or the total amount available, it doesn’t affect the device’s storage. This is because cryptocurrencies are not stored on a device, only private keys are stored.

NFT Support

The Ledger Nano X hardware wallet is designed to ensure the safe storage and confirmation of every NFT transaction within the device itself. With the Ledger Live app, managing your NFTs becomes straightforward, allowing you to display, send, receive, and securely manage them. Unlike Trezor wallets, Ledger Nano X provides direct access to your NFTs, eliminating the need for third-party wallets to view and manage them.

Additionally, the Ledger Nano X collaborates with multiple NFT partners to enhance your experience. The famous collections, such as “Rainbow Me” and “Poap” can be automatically viewed on the Ledger Live app.

Nft Support On Ledger Nano X

Bluetooth Connectivity

The Ledger Nano X’s best feature is its ability to connect wirelessly to smartphones via Bluetooth. This makes the wallet more portable and allows access to crypto assets from anywhere.

The Bluetooth feature is built with security as a priority, ensuring that private keys are always stored in the device and not compromised during the wireless transmission. This means that even if someone intercepts the Bluetooth signal, the core security of the Ledger Nano X, which is based on the Secure Element (SE), remains intact. This SE will always ask for your permission before proceeding with any operation.

Also, if you are uneasy about using the Bluetooth function, in that case, you can “Turn it off” and connect your Ledger Nano X using a USB cable instead.

Note: The Bluetooth feature is exclusively available for mobile devices and cannot be used with desktops or PCs.

Mobile App Integration (Ledger Live)

The Ledger Nano X is generated to work hand-in-hand with the Ledger Live mobile app. This powerful app gives you a simplified interface to manage your crypto assets directly from your mobile device. You can download the app for Android and iOS devices.

Ledger Live currently offers various functionalities, from basic account management to participating in advanced features such as staking, swapping, and accessing DeFi applications.

The interface of Ledger Live is designed for ease of use, with four main elements: application controls, menu, starred accounts, and main viewer. 

  • Application controls offer access to network status, information center, privacy mode, help resources, session lock, and settings. 
  • The menu navigates to key sections like portfolio, accounts, and the Discover tab, which includes web3 apps. 
  • Starred accounts feature allows for quick access to your favorite crypto asset accounts.
  • The main viewer displays detailed information such as portfolio balance, asset allocation, and recent transactions.

This app also accommodates various digital currencies, such as ERC-20, TRC-20, BEP-2, and BEP-20 assets, alongside NFTs. You can easily set up and oversee your accounts for different coins and tokens, keeping track of your balances and transactions all in one location.

Additionally, with Ledger Live, you can transfer and receive cryptocurrencies by scanning QR codes or by copying addresses. Ledger Live ensures the authenticity of your address, showing the transaction details on your Ledger Nano X device’s screen for confirmation through a simple press of a button.

Within Ledger Live, you can also purchase cryptocurrencies using your credit card or bank transfer, exchange cryptocurrencies with minimal fees by using Changelly, stake cryptocurrencies to receive rewards, and lend cryptocurrencies on Compound Finance to earn interest.

In addition, you also gain access to over 15 web3 applications, such as 1inch, Lido, and Zerion. The app also ensures complete transparency and control over your data and activities, as your data is stored directly on your local device and secured with a password you select. You have the option to export or erase your data whenever you choose. The app does not share any personal information with Ledger or any third party, ensuring your privacy is maintained.

Ledger Live App

Ledger Crypto Card

The Ledger crypto card, also known as the CL Card, is a debit card that enables the use of cryptocurrency for everyday purchases at over 90 million stores worldwide. This card is brought through a collaboration with Baanx, a fintech firm.

You can connect this debit card with the Ledger Live application and add funds with the complete secure process. It also offers additional features like Cryptodraft and Stableloan. These services provide an opportunity to secure an immediate credit line using cryptocurrency as collateral, with starting interest rates at 0%.

Additionally, the CL Card rewards every transaction with cashback. You can earn 1% cashback in BTC, USDT, or 2% in BXX token.

Note: The CL Card is accessible only to UK and EEA customers.

Ledger Crypto Card

Integration With Third-Party Wallets

Ledger Nano X is compatible with more than 50+ third-party platforms, including software wallets, DEXes, and lending platforms. Third-party wallets are helpful for several reasons. For starters, the official Ledger software, known as Ledger Live, doesn’t support all digital currencies. For example, to handle NEO, you need the NEON wallet app.

Additionally, third-party wallets might offer a different user interface or more features than Ledger Live. For interacting with decentralized apps on the Ethereum network, wallets like MetaMask are helpful. You can also read our guide on how to connect Ledger with MetaMask.

Here are some popular third-party crypto wallets:

  1. MyEtherWallet for Ethereum (ETH) and its tokens
  2. Monero GUI for Monero (XMR)
  3. Phantom and Solflare for Solana (SOL)
  4. XRP Toolkit for XRP
  5. MyEOS Wallet for EOS token

You can view the complete list here.

Customer Support

Ledger has an extensive online support center that includes a comprehensive knowledge base. This resource contains articles, guides, and FAQs to help you understand how to use the Ledger Nano X, troubleshoot common issues, and enhance your overall security when handling cryptocurrencies.

Suppose the online resources do not resolve your query. In that case, you can also directly contact Ledger’s customer support team through a live chat system available on their website. After submitting a query, the support team typically responds within a few minutes, depending on the availability.

You can also email Ledger’s support team detailing your problems or questions. This channel is particularly useful for complex issues that may require back-and-forth communication to resolve.

Ledger Nano X Supported Coins

Ledger Nano X Supported Coins

The Ledger Nano X hardware wallet has the capacity to manage more than 5,500 types of coins and tokens from a wide range of blockchains (including 500 coins with the Ledger Live app and 5000+ coins with third-party wallets). This encompasses leading cryptocurrencies such as Bitcoin, Ethereum, and Solana, along with less-known ones.

The Ledger Nano X also allows managing all tokens from a specific blockchain by installing that blockchain application through Ledger Live. For example, you can securely manage any token from the Ethereum network by adding the Ethereum blockchain and linking your Ledger Nano X wallet to an Ethereum wallet (MetaMask or MyEtherWallet).

You can check out the complete list of supported tokens and wallets here.

Ledger Nano X Supported Operating Systems

Here are the supported operating systems:

For Desktop:

  • Windows 10+
  • macOS 12+
  • Ubuntu LTS 20.04+

For Smartphones:

  • Android 10+
  • iOS 13+

Note: It is not compatible with Chromebooks.

Ledger Nano X Price

The Ledger Nano X is available for US$149 on Ledger’s official site, serving as a mid-tier option in Ledger’s selection of hardware wallets. This range also features the cheaper Nano S Plus (US$79) and the premium Ledger Stax (US$279).

The Nano X hardware wallet price is also lower than that of some competitors, like Trezor Model T (US$179) and ELLIPAL Titan 2.0 (US$169).

Where to Buy the Ledger Nano X?

The Ledger Nano X can be bought directly from Ledger’s official site, guaranteeing the device’s security and authenticity. This direct purchase reduces the chances of any security breaches through tampering.

You can also buy from third-party resellers like e-commerce site Amazon.com. When purchasing from a third-party seller, selecting authorized retailers mentioned on Ledger’s website is essential to mitigate security risks.

Ledger Nano X Security

Ledger Nano X offers several security measures to protect user funds:

  • Cold Storage: The Nano X keeps the user’s private keys offline and isolated from the Internet to prevent hackers, malware, or phishing attacks from accessing the user’s funds or data, as they would need physical access to the device. Cold storage also protects users from losing funds due to network failures, power outages, or software bugs.
  • Genuine Check: This security check ensures your Ledger device is authentic. This check happens with the Ledger Live app when you first set up your Nano X device. Genuine Ledger devices have a secret key put in them when they are manufactured. Only a real Ledger device can use its key to give the security proof needed to pass the genuine check by Ledger Live.
  • PIN lock: To access the Ledger Nano X, you are required to enter a PIN code (4-8 numbers lock), which acts as the first line of defense against unauthorized access. This feature ensures that even if someone physically accesses your device, they cannot manage your cryptocurrencies without knowing the PIN. Also, the device automatically locks itself after “three incorrect PIN attempts”, further securing your assets against brute force attacks.
  • Passphrase (optional): Similar to the Trezor Model T hardware wallet, Ledger Nano X also offers users to set up a passphrase. The passphrase serves as an additional, 25th word that the user must memorize and input together with the recovery phrase to unlock Secret accounts.
  • Secret Account: The Ledger Nano X allows you to create the secret accounts that are hidden behind a specific passphrase. This feature gives you an additional layer of privacy and security, as these accounts are not visible or accessible without entering the correct passphrase. It’s an effective way to segregate and protect significant portions of your assets.
  • Secure Element: It utilizes a Secure Element Chip, a highly secure and CC EAL5+certified chip built to protect against advanced threats and safely handle confidential information. This chip is central to the device’s security framework and responsible for creating, keeping the user’s keys and performing secure cryptographic processes. The chip also includes a secure bootloader that checks the device’s firmware for tampering and a mechanism that restricts the number of times a wrong PIN can be attempted.
  • BOLOS: All Ledger wallets operate on their proprietary system- the Blockchain Open Ledger Operating System (BOLOS). This system creates an additional layer of protection to isolate apps from each other. Even if one app were to be compromised, BOLOS ensures that attackers cannot access other applications or the device’s core functionalities.

Ledger Recover

Ledger Recover is a centralized service that helps you recover your hardware wallet if you forget your secret phrase. It’s like having a backup key, but only you can use it. This service breaks your recovery seed into three parts and stores each with a different company to keep it safe.

You can sign up for this with a valid ID from the EU, the UK, Canada, or the US and manage it through the Ledger Live app on both desktop and mobile.

Here are the main steps to use Ledger Recover:

  1. Sign up for the service for $9.99 monthly on the Ledger website. Confirm your identity by showing a valid ID and recording a video of yourself.
  2. Link your Ledger Nano X device and agree to create a backup for your secret recovery phrase. This backup will be coded and split into three parts. These parts will be distributed to Ledger, Coincover, and EscrowTech servers.
  3. To restore your wallet, choose “Restore using Ledger Recover.” At this step, your identity must be confirmed again, and you’ll need to input a temporary security code. Your backup will be collected and decoded on your device, allowing you to get into your wallet.

Ledger Nano X’s Alternatives

The best Ledger Nano X alternatives are the Trezor Model T and the ELLIPAL Titan hardware wallet. You can also check out our full comparison between Ledger Nano X and Trezor Model T

FeaturesLedger Nano XTrezor Model TELLIPAL Titan
Supported coins5,500+9,000+10,000+
Security measuresCertified SE chip and BOLOS operating systemShamir backup, PIN & passphrase, Tor privacyCC EAL5+ chip and anti-temper design
Screen128×64 OLED screen1.54″ color LCD touchscreen4-inch full lamination IPS display
ConnectivityBluetooth and USB-CUSB-CQR code
Mobile AppAndroid & iOSAndroid onlyAndroid & iOS
Battery included100 mAh batteryNo battery1400 mAh
Price$149$179$169

Conclusion: Is the Ledger Nano X Safe?

To sum up the Ledger Nano X review, it is one of the safest crypto hardware wallets in the industry. Its enhanced security features like CC EAL5+ secure element, BOLOS operating system, and user-friendly interface make it a reliable option. You can easily manage multiple currencies and connect to your devices via Bluetooth, adding convenience to security.

However, it costs a bit more compared to the other Ledger hardware wallet (Nano S Plus), but when it comes to protecting your investments, the Ledger Nano X can be seen as a rock-solid choice.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is Ledger Nano X Trustworthy?

Yes, the Ledger Nano X is a highly trustworthy hardware wallet. It has a specialized security chip designed to protect your recovery seed. Your crypto assets are stored offline, making them much less vulnerable to Internet-based hacks.

Ledger Live, the companion software, is regularly updated with the latest security patches. Ledger’s strong reputation in the industry, with more than 6M devices sold so far, further reinforces its trustworthiness.

Has Ledger Nano X been hacked?

Ledger Nano X hardware wallet has not been hacked, but Ledger, the company behind it, has suffered some hacks:

  • Connect Kit hack: A security problem hit the Connect Kit software used by Ledger, affecting several DeFi (Decentralized Finance) platforms like SushiSwap, Zapper, and Revoke.cash. This issue lets an outsider put malicious code into the ConnectKit library. This caused misleading requests to connect wallets, trying to steal users’ digital assets.
  • Email Leaks: In a different case from 2020, a safety issue with Ledger’s partner Shopify let someone get data of about 270,000 Ledger customers. The leaked info had email addresses, and for some people, it also included home addresses and phone numbers.

Is Ledger Nano X untraceable?

While the Ledger Nano X offers enhanced privacy and does not store or transmit any personal information, such as your name or address. But, transactions on public blockchains like Bitcoin are still traceable to some degree. Some cryptocurrencies like Monero and Zcash have stronger privacy features built-in than others. To maximize privacy, avoid reusing wallet addresses.

Please note that the Ledger Nano X does not offer privacy features similar to those of the Trezor Model T, such as transaction mixing and masking IP addresses with the Tor browser.

Why is the Ledger Nano X So Expensive?

The Ledger Nano X costs more than its smaller version, the Ledger Nano S Plus, because it comes with added and enhanced features. These include a 100mAh battery size, Bluetooth capability, and higher secure storage space (2 MB vs. 1.5 MB). These upgrades make the Ledger Nano X easier to use, more expensive, and a connectivity option with iOS devices.

Can you use multiple Ledgers on the Ledger Live app?

Yes, you can absolutely manage multiple Ledger hardware wallets through a single Ledger Live crypto app. This makes it easy to separate your cryptocurrency holdings for extra security or to manage accounts for multiple users.

Does the Ledger Nano X have a Touchscreen?

No, the Ledger Nano X does not have a touchscreen. It utilizes two physical buttons and an OLED screen for navigation. This design choice enhances security by reducing the potential vulnerabilities, such as the “GhostTouch attack” that can come with touchscreens.