Posted in:

A Detailed Comparison B etween Ledger Nano S and Ledger Nano X: Which One is better?

© by Shubham Dhage for Unsplash+

Ledger wallets actually refers to some of the most established popular and most secure solutions in so far as the cryptocurrency hardware wallet is concerned. The storage of a user’s private key offline makes hacking, phishing or any other vice almost out of the question. Ledger provides two of the most prominent hardware wallet models: There is the Ledger Nano S and there is the Ledger Nano X. They are both good for active crypto traders, but both have different functions, different prices, and different work applications. In this article, I am comparing Ledger Nano S and Ledger Nano X to help you determine which Ledger crypto wallets will better meet your needs.

  1. Design and ConstructionLedger Nano S

The Ledger Nano S is slim, lightweight, and minimalist in nature. It can fit comfortably in a pocket or clipped onto a keychain with its small size factor. It also features a tiny screen along with two physical buttons, which are used to approve transactions and change through settings. However, this slim product from Ledger is constructed with stainless steel and plastic to last long even with daily use.

Ledger Nano X

By comparison, the Ledger Nano X is a bit more bulky; it’s still rather portable, however. It has a more modern appearance and includes a larger, higher resolution display and Bluetooth capabilities. The Ledger Nano X is an elegant finish product, engineered to have a high-end feel and look. Its controls are placed in intuitive positions so navigating will be easy and effortless, and its design still accommodates portability while expanding the user experience more than its Nano S cousin.

Verdict: For anyone seeking a trendy and even more comfortable interface which will come along with a larger screen, Ledger Nano X is at an advantage. Conversely, portability and minimalism better ranks than that of Ledger Nano S.

  1. Storage capacity and supported cryptocurrenciesNano S Ledger

This includes storage space capacity that permits keeping the limited number of applications on a chip and the memory for simultaneous retention. These mean that users with large portfolios in cryptocurrencies may face difficulties with regard to this since each application, which secures its private key for every cryptocurrency, occupies storage space. At any given time, a finite number of applications can only be installed, and uninstallation of existing applications takes place to make room for installing new ones.

Ledger Nano X

But the Ledger Nano X has 2 MB of memory to support up to 100 applications simultaneously. As a result, this feature permits holding a substantially larger number of cryptocurrencies while also avoiding constant configuring and deconfiguring of the applications. It also offers more than 1800 different cryptocurrencies and tokens including Bitcoin, Ethereum, Ripple, Litecoin etc., adding additional convenience to those who have multiple portfolios.

Verdict: For individuals who use more than one type of cryptocurrency or those who would prefer to use more than one type with minimal necessity to switch between applications the Ledger Nano X is preferable due to a higher capacity.

  1. Connectivity and Experience SymbiosisLedger Nano S

It connects to your computer via a USB cable. It works with the Ledger Live application, which is an official software to Ledger hardware wallets. This allows you to monitor your cryptocurrency portfolio. While it offers many functionalities, you lack mobile connectivity. Thus, a desktop computer is needed if you want access to your funds and conduct transactions.

Ledger Nano X

The only feature of Ledger Nano X is Bluetooth. That allows it to make the wireless connection directly through the mobile device regardless of the use of Android or an iPhone. This has definitely significantly made it user-friendly in its utilization, especially among users who are inclined to managing cryptocurrency while on the go.

Like the Nano S, it also supports Ledger Live and so offers an equivalent smooth experience for portfolio management; however, it comes with the added convenience of mobile access.

Verdict: If you need the freedom to administer your cryptocurrency wallet on a mobile device, Ledger Nano X is doubtless the first choice because of the presence of Bluetooth.

  1. Battery LifeLedger Nano S

As this Ledger Nano S does not depend on Bluetooth or a mobile link for this purpose, it does not have a battery; it draws power from the USB port of the host device to which it is connected via a cable. Since it does not need charging, this limitation also limits its mobile functionality.

Ledger Nano X

The Ledger Nano X has an integrated rechargeable battery that allows it to have Bluetooth capabilities. The battery generally lasts up to 8 hours of continuous use; however, for most users, the battery endures much longer since it is only needed during the initial setup or for occasional transactions. The addition of a rechargeable battery makes the Ledger Nano X more convenient for mobile use, eliminating the need to be tethered to a computer.

Verdict: Ideal should you wish for the luxury of wireless convenience and mobile access, with the Ledger Nano X since it comes with a rechargeable battery. However, you don’t mind being tethered to a computer and prefer a device that doesn’t need recharging and thus the Ledger Nano S is just sufficient.

  1. Security Features

Both the Ledger Nano X and Ledger Nano S feature identical strong security measures. These include:

  • Secure Element (SE) Chip: In both devices, a Secure Element chip is used. This chip is a hardware-based module designed with security in mind for private key storage-in an isolated environment such that extraction of these keys is virtually impossible.
  • PIN Code Protection: It has protection with a PIN code required to gain access to both the wallets.
  • Backup and Recovery: Both the device utilizes a 24-word recovery phrase as a backup of your wallet-which make you capable of recovering from lost or damaged assets.

Verdict: In terms of security, there is no winner between the Ledger Nano S and the Ledger Nano X. Both offer 100% of the same secured standards whereby a user who chooses either will experience the same sense of security of his or her valuables.

Conclusion: Which One Should You Choose? 

The Ledger Nano S, as well as Ledger Nano X, are two of the best hardware wallets ever manufactured by Ledger, Solar-Wind effects market leaders in guaranteeing security to your cryptocurrency wallet. They, however, cater to a little different requirements: in case you are a complete beginner, or you don’t need a mobile version of your wallet, and you are managing a relatively small amount of cryptocurrencies, Ledger Nano S is a very good device at a relatively low price. Although it might sound a bit pricey for some people, especially for those who are occasional travelers or those who do not have a very rich portfolio of cryptocurrencies, it is important to point out that for those who travel a lot or those who have a much broader exposure to different cryptocurrencies or for those who might prefer to have the ability to manage their Ledger Nano X through a smartphone using Bluetooth, then it does represent a better, and slightly more expensive solution for. After all, both offer an analogous high level of security so that your cryptocurrencies remain safe and secure, no matter which model you could prefer.

Looking for the best ledger wallets available in the market? Visit thecryptomerchant.com and start securing your assets whenever and wherever you are!