Ledger Nano X vs Ledger Nano S – Which One to Buy?

ledger nano x vs ledger nano s

Ledger has launched its new next generation cryptocurrency hardware wallet with some award winning innovative features such as wireless connectivity. This new wallet has started showing its dominance and popularity in the crypto market. But if you’re looking for a cost effective way to cold store your cryptocurrencies then Ledger Nano S, one of the world’s most popular hardware wallets, is for you. Confused between both devices? Then, read this detailed Ledger Nano X vs Ledger Nano S comparison and then pick one according to your needs.

For detailed information, you can read:

If you already have read those posts and still in dilemma then this quick Ledger Nano X vs Ledger Nano S comparison would help you make a choice.

Ledger Nano X vs Ledger Nano S

Visit official Ledger website

Price

Ledger Nano XLedger Nano S
$139$69

Ledger Nano X price is a bit high for novice traders. But for day traders, it’s worth considering. Ledger Nano S is one of the world’s popular cryptocurrency hardware wallets and you can certainly think of it if you’re just a holder and don’t involve in day trading practices.

Ledger Nano X vs Ledger Nano S in Terms of Security

Nano XNano S
Two secure chips: ST33J2M0(Secure) and STM32WB55 (Dual Core MCU)Two secure chips: ST31H320 (secure) and STM32F042
Runs on Ledger custom BOLOS OSRuns on Ledger BOLOS OS
Certified Secure Element (CC EAL5+)Certified Secure Element (CC EAL5+)
PIN protection PIN protection
Generates recovery seed as backup Also, generates 24 words recovery seed as backup

Both devices contain secure chips. One chip called secure element chip protects your private keys and another is added for multipoint control unit (MCU). Though both devices have chips to serve common purposes but Ledger Nano X chips are comparatively latest and more advanced than model S.

Model S is certified by ANSSI, the French cybersecurity agency, and model X is a Consumer Electronic Show innovation award winner device.

Ledger Nano X and S’s secure element chips are CC (Common Criteria for Information Technology Security Evaluation) certified for up to 5+ Evaluation Assurance Level (EAL5+). For your information, secure element chips are also widely being used in credit cards and passports. Your private keys never leave secure element chip, even when you send or receive coins.

All Ledger devices run on its own secure operating system called Blockchain Open Ledger Operation System. As name indicates, it’s an open source OS and anyone can contribute to it.

Devices come with PIN protection feature and without entering the PIN, no one can access the wallet’s data. You can set up to 8 numbers PIN. Three wrong PIN attempts completely wipe out the device and user will need to restore his wallets again by using his recovery phrase. This feature ensures safety of your coins if your physical wallet gets lost or stolen.

You get a 24 words backup recovery seed that can be used to regain access to your wallets; if you lost your hardware wallet.

Hardware Details

Ledger Nano XLedger Nano S
It comes with type-C USB connectorIts connector type is USB Micro-B
2 physical buttons2 physical buttons
Display size is 128 x 64 pixelsDisplay size is 128 x 32 pixels
34g weight16.2g weight
100mAh batteryNo battery, requires power from external source

Ledger Nano S has USB type-B connector whereas its successor has type-C connector. Type-C connector is easier to plug in due to its reversible nature. Ledger Nano X display is slightly larger than its predecessor.

Devices’ two physical buttons play very important role. First, you will be using them to navigate the menus and secondly you will need to approve the transaction by pressing both buttons. Without physical confirmation, no transaction can take place. This ensures safety of your coins; if the device was compromised.

There’s a significant weight difference between both devices. Nano S weighs 16.2 grams, while model X weighs 34 grams.

Model Nano X has 100mAh battery that can give up to 8 hours battery backup in stand by mode. Model S can only be powered through external source such as Laptop, smartphone.

Ledger Nano X and Ledger Nano S Storage Capacity

Ledger Nano XLedger Nano S
Up to 100 coinsUp to 5 coins

Both devices Ledger Nano X as well as Ledger Nano S support more than 1800+ cryptocurrencies and tokens. Ledger Nano X storage capacity is more than 5 times higher than Nano S. You can store up to 100 coins in model X. Bear in mind, amount of coins you can store may vary depending upon the app size. Stand alone apps such as Bitcoin, Litecoin, Ripple and the like occupy more space.

Ledger’s official app Ledger Live, available on desktop and mobile, has native apps for prominent coins and rest of the cryptocurrencies can be accessed by using third party wallets.

Get complete list of Ledger supported coins here.

Note: Ledger Nano S does not connect to iOS mobiles but model Ledger Nano X does.

Design

Ledger Nano XLedger Nano S
Beautifully designedA step behind model X

Here Nano X is a clear winner. Ledger Nano X is designed so nicely for example take a look on buttons, very nicely integrated. Ledger Nano S also looks similar to its successor but design wise model X is more eye catching.

Which one should you buy?

I’m listing some reasons, that you can relate to, to decide which one you should buy Ledger Nano X or Ledger Nano S.

Reasons to buy Ledger Nano X

  • Intuitive design and premium quality material
  • Massive storage capacity, up to 100 coins
  • Wireless Bluetooth connectivity to use it on-the-go
  • Latest secure chips
  • Connects to desktop, Android and iOS mobiles
  • Recommended for day traders

Buy Ledger Nano X

Reasons to buy Ledger Nano S

  • As secure as Nano X
  • World’s best selling hardware wallet
  • Up to 5 coins storage capacity
  • Secure chips
  • Cost-effective way to cold store coins
  • Connects to desktop and Android mobiles (not iOS)
  • Recommended for long term holders

Buy Ledger Nano S

My Advice

If money is not the issue then without any second thought go for Ledger Nano X because it has many handy features. Otherwise, Ledger Nano S is not less when it comes to safeguarding your cryptocurrencies.

While deciding which one to buy: Ledger Nano S or Ledger Nano X, forgot about security because both are equal, in my almost opinion, just think of the features you are seeking in a hardware wallet.

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