Security is of utmost importance for digital asset holders, and hardware wallets provide a secure option to protect their assets. Ledger, a renowned company in the cryptocurrency industry, offers two popular hardware wallets: Ledger Nano S Plus and Nano X. In this article, we will compare these two devices in terms of design, features, supported coins, price, and availability to help you make an informed decision.
Ledger Nano S Plus vs Nano X: Overview
Before diving into the details, let’s take a quick overview of Ledger Nano S Plus and Nano X. These cold wallets are compact devices resembling USB sticks, making them highly secure and difficult to hack. Here’s a summary of their main features:
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Ledger Nano S Plus: This wallet is more affordable, smaller, and lighter than the Nano X. It lacks a battery and Bluetooth connectivity but can support up to 100 apps simultaneously and has a memory capacity of 1.5 MB.
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Ledger Nano X: The Nano X is more expensive and larger than the Nano S Plus. It features a larger screen, a built-in battery, and Bluetooth connectivity. It can also support up to 100 apps simultaneously and has a storage capacity of 2MB. Additionally, it is compatible with iOS devices due to its Bluetooth connection.
Now, let’s take a closer look at the differences between Ledger Nano S Plus and Nano X.
Design and Features
When comparing the Ledger Nano S Plus and Nano X, the first noticeable difference is their physical appearance. They differ in size, weight, screens, buttons, and Bluetooth capabilities.
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Size and Weight: The Nano S Plus is slightly smaller and lighter than the Nano X. It is compact and portable, making it a great option if you prefer a smaller device.
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Screen and Buttons: Both devices have OLED screens that display essential information. The Nano X has larger circular buttons on both sides of the screen, while the Nano S Plus has smaller buttons on the top of the device.
Battery and Bluetooth Connectivity
The battery life and Bluetooth connectivity are significant distinctions between the Ledger Nano S Plus and Nano X.
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Nano S Plus: This device does not have a battery or Bluetooth capabilities. It needs to be connected to a computer or phone via a USB cable to access the wallet.
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Nano X: In contrast, the Nano X has a built-in battery that can last for up to 8 hours or stay charged for months in standby mode. It also features Bluetooth connectivity, allowing you to wirelessly access your wallet through the Ledger Live app.
Security Features and Backup
Both the Nano S Plus and Nano X provide the same level of security and backup options. They utilize certified secure element chips and support PIN codes to prevent unauthorized access. Additionally, they generate recovery phrases consisting of 12 to 24 words, allowing you to restore your accounts on another device if needed. The only difference lies in the specific secure element chips used: Nano S Plus uses the ST33K1M5 chip, while Nano X uses the ST33J2M0 chip.
Number of Supported Coins and Apps
Both hardware wallets have extensive support for various cryptocurrencies, but there are differences in the number of apps they can install simultaneously.
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Supported Cryptocurrencies and NFTs: Both wallets support over 5,500 cryptocurrencies, including major ones such as Bitcoin, Ethereum, Ripple, Litecoin, and Cardano. They also support Ethereum and Polygon NFTs.
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Number of Simultaneous Apps: The Nano X has a larger storage capacity of 2MB, allowing it to accommodate up to 100 apps at the same time. The Nano S Plus, on the other hand, has a 1.5MB storage capacity and can also support up to 100 apps. The actual number of apps you can install may vary depending on the size of the apps and coins.
Compatibility with Third-Party Wallets
Both the Nano S Plus and Nano X are compatible with over 50 third-party wallets, including popular ones like Metamask, MyEtherWallet, and Electrum. These wallets can be used for various purposes such as lending, borrowing, interacting with dApps, staking, and more. All private keys remain stored in the Ledger devices, ensuring maximum security.
Price and Availability
The Nano S Plus is more affordable compared to the Nano X. It is priced at $79 USD, while the Nano X costs $149 USD. Both devices are available for purchase on Ledger’s official website and are covered by a two-year warranty. However, it’s important to note that altering the device’s structure or attempting to repair it yourself will void the warranty.
OS Compatibility
Both Ledger hardware wallets are compatible 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. The Nano X has an additional feature of connecting with iOS devices (13+) through Bluetooth, allowing you to manage your crypto assets using the Ledger Live app on your mobile device.
Conclusion
In summary, both the Ledger Nano S Plus and Nano X are secure hardware wallets that cater to different needs. If you prefer a more budget-friendly option with no Bluetooth connectivity, the Nano S Plus is a suitable choice. On the other hand, if you prioritize convenience and user-friendly features such as a battery and Bluetooth connectivity, the Nano X is the better option.
Ultimately, the choice between the Ledger Nano S Plus and Nano X depends on your specific requirements and preferences. Both devices offer high security, support for multiple cryptocurrencies, and ease of use. Whichever wallet you choose, remember to always back up your recovery phrase and ensure the security of your assets.
FAQs
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Which Hardware Wallet is more secure, Ledger Nano S Plus or Nano X?
Both the Ledger Nano S Plus and Nano X provide the same level of security through their secure element chips and secure operating systems. The Nano X’s Bluetooth feature is also secure, as it encrypts data and does not expose private keys or recovery phrases. However, if you have concerns about Bluetooth security, you can disable it on the Nano X or choose the Nano S Plus, which does not have Bluetooth connectivity. -
Which Ledger hardware wallet is best for low transaction fees?
The transaction fees for using Ledger wallets depend on the network congestion of the specific cryptocurrency. Ledger does not charge transaction fees, regardless of the wallet model you use. When transferring crypto assets, you have the option to choose the amount of network fees to include in your transaction, which affects the speed of confirmation. Ledger Live dynamically calculates fast, medium, and slow fee options, and advanced users can choose custom fees. -
Why is Ledger Nano S Plus better than Nano X?
The Ledger Nano S Plus is better than the Nano X for users who prioritize affordability and a smaller form factor. It is a budget-friendly option and has a compact design, making it more portable. However, it lacks Bluetooth connectivity and a built-in battery, which may be important factors for some users. -
What is the battery life of Ledger Nano S Plus and Nano X?
The Ledger Nano S Plus does not have a battery and relies on a USB connection for power. On the other hand, the Nano X has a built-in battery that can last for up to 8 hours of continuous use or stay charged for several weeks in standby mode. The battery can be charged using the USB-C connector. -
Can I upgrade from Ledger Nano S Plus to Nano X?
Yes, you can upgrade from the Ledger Nano S Plus to the Nano X. To do so, you need to purchase a new device from Ledger’s official website and restore your accounts using your recovery phrase on the new device. You can transfer your coins from the old device to the new one using Ledger Live or any other compatible wallet.
Remember to always follow best practices for hardware wallet security, including safeguarding your recovery phrase and ensuring your devices are purchased from trusted sources.
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