Bluetooth-enabled hardware wallet with a certified ST33J2M0 secure element supporting 50 networks at $149, though its closed-source firmware limits independent security verification.
The Ledger Nano X is a capable mid-range hardware wallet at $149 with solid security credentials backed by a CC EAL5+ certified ST33J2M0 secure element and support for 5,500+ tokens across 50 networks. Bluetooth and USB-C connectivity paired with iOS/Android compatibility make it one of the more versatile options for mobile users. Closed-source firmware with no reproducible builds is a hard stop for users who require full auditability of the code securing their assets.
The Nano X uses an STMicroelectronics ST33J2M0 secure element rated CC EAL5+ — the same certification tier as Trezor Safe 3's EAL6+ chip from Infineon, though EAL5+ is still meaningfully above the EAL3+ found in older budget devices. The secure element stores private keys in hardware-isolated memory, and Ledger implements a secure boot process that verifies firmware integrity on every power cycle.
Firmware is closed source and not reproducible — you cannot independently verify that the binary running on your device matches any published code. Ledger signs firmware updates themselves, meaning trust in the update chain is entirely centralized to Ledger as a company. This is a significant architectural difference from Coldcard Mk4, whose firmware is fully open source and verifiable, and from Foundation Passport, which also ships open-source firmware with reproducible builds.
Genuine device verification is handled via a cryptographic challenge during Ledger Live setup — the device proves it holds a key signed by Ledger's factory certificate. This mitigates basic supply chain tampering, but does not protect against a compromised Ledger signing infrastructure.
Ledger suffered a major data breach in July 2020 exposing ~270,000 customer shipping addresses — no funds were directly compromised, but the incident has ongoing physical security implications for affected users. In 2023, Ledger Connect Kit was compromised in a supply-chain attack affecting third-party DApps, not the device firmware itself.
SecurityKey Factor
The Nano X generates a 24-word BIP39 seed phrase on-device during setup. BIP39 is the industry standard and ensures compatibility with virtually every major wallet for restoration. There is no SLIP39 (Shamir Secret Sharing) support — if you want to split your backup across multiple shares, you will need to look at Trezor Model T or Safe 5, both of which implement Shamir natively.
Backup options are limited to the standard approach: write down 24 words on paper or stamp them into metal. Ledger sells its own Cryptosteel Capsule accessory separately, but there is no proprietary multi-card or encrypted backup scheme built into the device itself. Ledger does offer an optional cloud-based service called Ledger Recover (subscription, $9.99/month) that shards and escrows your seed with third-party custodians — this is vendor-claimed to be secure, but it is not independently audited in a publicly accessible way, and it is entirely opt-in.
Passphrase (BIP39 25th word) support is present, enabling hidden wallets with plausible deniability. The passphrase is entered via Ledger Live or the device buttons, not a dedicated secure input screen — a minor but real usability friction point.
Restoring to a new Nano X or any BIP39-compatible device is straightforward: enter 24 words, re-install apps via Ledger Live, and accounts are recovered. No proprietary format locks you in, which is a genuine advantage over some competitors.
Recovery & backups
Initial setup takes roughly 10–20 minutes: install Ledger Live, connect via USB or Bluetooth, generate seed, write down 24 words, set PIN. The process is guided by Ledger Live's onboarding wizard and is among the more polished in the category — comparable to Trezor Suite in step count and clarity.
The display is a 1.1-inch OLED screen — readable but small. Navigation uses two physical buttons, which means scrolling through long addresses or confirming transactions requires multiple button presses. There is no touchscreen. By comparison, Trezor Safe 5 ships with a color touchscreen that makes address verification and transaction confirmation noticeably faster.
Bluetooth connectivity (Bluetooth 5.0) enables use with iOS and Android without a cable, which is a practical advantage for mobile users that neither Coldcard nor Passport offer. Daily sending and receiving via Ledger Live is functional: scan or paste address, verify on device screen, confirm with buttons. The two-button interface becomes tedious when verifying long smart contract interactions.
Ledger Live is available on Windows, macOS, Linux, iOS, and Android — full cross-platform coverage. The desktop app is feature-rich but has historically been criticized for pushing integrated buy/sell/swap services prominently. Non-technical users will find setup manageable; users wanting to verify complex DeFi transactions on a small OLED with two buttons will feel the hardware's limitations quickly.
Usability / UX
The Nano X supports 50+ networks and 5,500+ tokens, covering major L1s including Bitcoin, Ethereum, Solana, Polygon, Avalanche, Cosmos, and Cardano. Network support is app-based — each blockchain requires a separate app installed via Ledger Live, and the Nano X can holdup to ~100 apps simultaneously due to its 2MB storage, compared to the Nano S Plus's ~1.5MB.
Third-party integrations are broad: MetaMask, MyEtherWallet, Electrum, Sparrow Wallet, BlueWallet, and Rabby all support Ledger via WebUSB or native HID. Sparrow and Electrum integration is solid for Bitcoin power users who want PSBT-based workflows and coin control — coin control is confirmed supported. WalletConnect is not natively handled by the device but works through compatible front-ends when Ledger is used as a signer.
DeFi and NFT interaction is possible via Ledger Live's integrated browser and through MetaMask with the Ledger extension. Blind signing (approving transactions without full decode) remains a real risk on complex smart contract calls — Ledger has been expanding its Clear Signing initiative to decode more transaction types, but coverage is still incomplete as of 2024.
For Bitcoin-only users, Coldcard Mk4 offers deeper PSBT, multisig, and air-gap features that the Nano X does not match.
Ecosystem & integrations
Ledger Live requires no account registration to use the device — you can set up and transact without providing an email or identity. However, Ledger Live connects to Ledger's own servers by default to fetch balances and broadcast transactions, which means Ledger's infrastructure sees your public addresses and IP address unless you configure custom nodes.
Custom Bitcoin node support (Electrum server) is available in Ledger Live settings, which partially mitigates address exposure. There is no built-in Tor support in Ledger Live — you can route traffic through Tor manually at the OS level, but it is not a first-class feature. CoinJoin is not supported natively; for CoinJoin workflows you would need to use Sparrow Wallet with the Nano X as a signer, which is technically possible but not seamless.
Telemetry is present in Ledger Live — opt-out is available in settings, but it is not opt-in by default. The 2020 e-commerce database breach exposed physical addresses of ~270,000 customers, a permanent privacy liability for those affected.
Compared to Coldcard Mk4 — which operates fully air-gapped, has no companion app phoning home, and integrates natively with Sparrow/Tor — the Nano X is meaningfully weaker on privacy. Foundation Passport similarly avoids persistent server connections by design. The Nano X is acceptable for average users but falls short for privacy-critical threat models.
Privacy
The Ledger Nano X retails at $149 USD. Direct competitors in the same price band include the Trezor Model One at $59, Trezor Safe 3 at $79, Ledger Nano S Plus at $79, and Foundation Passport at $199. The Nano X's price premium over the Nano S Plus ($79) buys you Bluetooth connectivity, a larger battery, and modestly more storage — not a more secure chip or better firmware transparency.
Against the Trezor Safe 3 ($79), the Nano X costs $70 more for Bluetooth and a slightly higher EAL5+ vs EAL6+ secure element certification — though Trezor's open-source firmware is a meaningful security advantage that the Nano X cannot match at any price. Against the Coldcard Mk4 ($157), the Nano X is slightly cheaper but offers a fraction of the Bitcoin-specific security features.
Who gets good value here:
Mobile-first users who need Bluetooth for iOS/Android workflows without a cable
Multi-chain users managing 10+ networks who benefit from broad ecosystem coverage
Users who prioritize Ledger Live's polished interface and don't require open-source firmware
Who should look elsewhere:
Bitcoin-only users: Coldcard Mk4 at $157 is the better spend
Budget-conscious users: Nano S Plus at $79 covers most use cases for $70 less
Privacy or open-source priority users: Passport ($199) or Coldcard justify the premium
Price & value
The Ledger Nano X is a capable, well-rounded hardware wallet that earns its place as a mainstream choice for most crypto holders, though a few meaningful trade-offs keep it from being a perfect recommendation for every user.
Buy this wallet if:
You manage a diverse portfolio across many chains — with support for 50+ networks and 5,500+ tokens, the Nano X handles breadth better than most wallets at this price point.
You want mobile-first convenience — Bluetooth connectivity paired with the Ledger Live app on iOS and Android makes this one of the smoothest on-the-go signing experiences available for $149.
You are a security-conscious intermediate user who values a certified Secure Element (CC EAL5+) and genuine-check verification without needing to audit open-source firmware yourself.
Skip this wallet if:
Open-source firmware is a non-negotiable requirement for you — the Nano X runs closed-source code with no reproducible builds. Consider the Passport (Foundation, $199) or Coldcard Mk4 ($149) instead.
You are a Bitcoin-only holder focused on air-gapped security — the Nano X lacks QR-based signing and NFC, making the Coldcard Mk4 or SeedSigner (DIY, ~$50) far stronger choices for that threat model.
You are uncomfortable with Ledger's cloud-based recovery controversies — if the 2023 Ledger Recover announcement eroded your trust in the brand, the Trezor Model T ($179) offers a more transparent, open-source alternative.
If choosing between the Ledger Nano X and the Trezor Model T ($179): the Nano X wins on Secure Element hardware and mobile Bluetooth use, while the Model T wins on open-source transparency and a touchscreen interface. If choosing between the Ledger Nano X and the Ledger Nano S Plus ($79): the S Plus offers nearly identical security at half the price — the Nano X premium is only justified if you genuinely need Bluetooth and a larger battery for mobile use.
Refer to the overall score above for a precise rating. The Ledger Nano X is a solid default recommendation for everyday users who prioritize broad asset support and mobile convenience, but privacy purists and Bitcoin maximalists will find better-suited alternatives elsewhere.
✓ Our Verdict
The Ledger Nano X is a capable, well-rounded hardware wallet that earns its place as a mainstream choice for most crypto holders, though a few meaningful trade-offs keep it from being a perfect recommendation for every user.
Buy this wallet if:
You manage a diverse portfolio across many chains — with support for 50+ networks and 5,500+ tokens, the Nano X handles breadth better than most wallets at this price point.
You want mobile-first convenience — Bluetooth connectivity paired with the Ledger Live app on iOS and Android makes this one of the smoothest on-the-go signing experiences available for $149.
You are a security-conscious intermediate user who values a certified Secure Element (CC EAL5+) and genuine-check verification without needing to audit open-source firmware yourself.
Skip this wallet if:
Open-source firmware is a non-negotiable requirement for you — the Nano X runs closed-source code with no reproducible builds. Consider the Passport (Foundation, $199) or Coldcard Mk4 ($149) instead.
You are a Bitcoin-only holder focused on air-gapped security — the Nano X lacks QR-based signing and NFC, making the Coldcard Mk4 or SeedSigner (DIY, ~$50) far stronger choices for that threat model.
You are uncomfortable with Ledger's cloud-based recovery controversies — if the 2023 Ledger Recover announcement eroded your trust in the brand, the Trezor Model T ($179) offers a more transparent, open-source alternative.
If choosing between the Ledger Nano X and the Trezor Model T ($179): the Nano X wins on Secure Element hardware and mobile Bluetooth use, while the Model T wins on open-source transparency and a touchscreen interface. If choosing between the Ledger Nano X and the Ledger Nano S Plus ($79): the S Plus offers nearly identical security at half the price — the Nano X premium is only justified if you genuinely need Bluetooth and a larger battery for mobile use.
Refer to the overall score above for a precise rating. The Ledger Nano X is a solid default recommendation for everyday users who prioritize broad asset support and mobile convenience, but privacy purists and Bitcoin maximalists will find better-suited alternatives elsewhere.
Ready to buyLedger Nano X?
We may earn a commission if you purchase through our links. This doesn't affect our editorial independence.
Impermanent loss happens when asset prices in a liquidity pool diverge from external markets, reducing the value of liquidity providers' holdings compared to simply holding the assets.
EAL Certification (Evaluation Assurance Level) from Common Criteria rates the security of hardware components, like secure chips in crypto hardware wallets. Higher levels, such as EAL5+ or EAL6+, indicate stronger resistance to attacks.
Secure Boot is a security feature that ensures only trusted software runs on a device by verifying its integrity during startup, preventing unauthorized code execution in crypto systems.
Reproducible Builds refer to the process where the same source code consistently produces identical binary outputs, ensuring verifiable and trustworthy software in blockchain and crypto projects.
Firmware Attestation is the process of verifying the authenticity of a device's firmware to ensure it has not been tampered with, commonly used in hardware wallets for security.
Ledger Live is a software application that manages cryptocurrency assets and interacts with Ledger hardware wallets for secure transactions and portfolio management.
BIP39 is a standard for generating mnemonic seed phrases that are used to create deterministic wallets and securely back up cryptocurrency private keys.
Shamir Secret Sharing (SSS) divides a secret, like a crypto wallet seed, into multiple shares. A threshold number of shares reconstructs it, enhancing security as in SLIP-39 backups.
A backup in cryptocurrency is a secure copy of a wallet's seed phrase or private keys. It enables recovery of funds if the original wallet is lost or damaged.
Vendor Backup is a service by hardware wallet manufacturers that securely stores encrypted seed phrase shards with third parties, enabling recovery without self-custody of the full seed.
A passphrase is an additional security layer for cryptocurrency wallets, acting as a 25th word in the BIP39 seed phrase, protecting access to hidden wallets.
Plausible Deniability refers to the ability to deny knowledge or possession of cryptocurrency by using techniques like decoy wallets or hidden volumes, ensuring privacy under duress.
Address Verification confirms the receiving address shown on a hardware wallet's screen matches the one on the computer or app, preventing malware from altering it.
A block confirmation is the process of verifying a new block in the blockchain network, confirming its validity and preventing double-spending or fraud.
Bluetooth Connectivity enables wireless communication between devices, like hardware wallets and smartphones, using Bluetooth or Bluetooth Low Energy (BLE) for secure data transfer.
Coldcard is an air-gapped hardware wallet for Bitcoin, made by Coinkite, that stores private keys offline and signs transactions without internet exposure.
In cryptocurrency, a swap is the direct exchange of one token for another on a blockchain, often via decentralized exchanges (DEXs) without intermediaries.
DeFi (Decentralized Finance) refers to a set of financial services, such as lending and trading, built on blockchain technology without traditional intermediaries like banks.
Bitcoin (BTC) is the first decentralized cryptocurrency, launched in 2009. It uses blockchain technology for secure, peer-to-peer digital transactions without intermediaries.
Ethereum is a decentralized blockchain platform that enables smart contracts and decentralized applications (dApps). Its native cryptocurrency is Ether (ETH).
Solana is a high-performance layer-1 blockchain platform that enables fast, low-cost transactions using Proof of History and Proof of Stake. Its native token is SOL.
Polygon is a layer-2 scaling solution for Ethereum that enables faster, cheaper transactions via its Proof-of-Stake sidechain. Native token: MATIC (also called Polygon PoS).
Avalanche (AVAX) is a scalable layer-1 blockchain platform that achieves high throughput and sub-second transaction finality using its novel proof-of-stake consensus.
Cosmos is a blockchain ecosystem enabling interoperable chains via the Cosmos SDK and IBC protocol. The Cosmos Hub serves as its central chain with the ATOM token.
Cardano is a proof-of-stake blockchain platform that prioritizes research-driven development, scalability, and sustainability. Its native cryptocurrency is ADA.
HODL is cryptocurrency slang for holding assets long-term despite price volatility, rather than selling. It originated from a 2013 forum post misspelling 'hold' as 'I AM HODLING.'
Electrum is a lightweight Bitcoin wallet that allows users to store, send, and receive Bitcoin securely. It is known for its speed and low resource usage.
BlueWallet is a mobile Bitcoin wallet that allows users to securely store, send, and receive Bitcoin. It offers features like Lightning Network support and multi-sig capabilities.
WebUSB is a browser API that lets web apps communicate directly with USB-connected hardware wallets for secure crypto transactions without plugins or native apps.
PSBT (Partially Signed Bitcoin Transaction) is a Bitcoin transaction format that allows multiple parties to sign a transaction incrementally before finalizing it.
Coin Control is a feature that allows users to manually select which unspent transaction outputs (UTXOs) to use in a transaction, giving more control over privacy and fees.
UTXO (Unspent Transaction Output) is a unit of cryptocurrency from a previous transaction that remains unspent and serves as input for new transactions in blockchains like Bitcoin.
WalletConnect is a protocol that enables secure communication between decentralized applications (dApps) and mobile wallets through QR code scanning or deep linking.
An NFT (Non-Fungible Token) is a unique digital asset stored on a blockchain, representing ownership of a specific item, such as artwork, music, or virtual goods.
Clear Signing is a process in blockchain where transaction data is displayed in human-readable form before being signed, ensuring transparency and preventing blind signing risks.
Multisig (multi-signature) is a security feature that requires multiple private keys to authorize a transaction, enhancing protection against unauthorized access in blockchain networks.
A Full Node is a computer that stores the entire blockchain and verifies all transactions, ensuring network security and consistency in cryptocurrency systems like Bitcoin.
CoinJoin is a privacy technique in cryptocurrency where multiple users combine their transactions, making it harder to trace individual senders and receivers.
Telemetry in cryptocurrency and blockchain refers to the automatic collection and transmission of anonymous usage data, metrics, and error reports from wallets or nodes to improve software.
A companion app is a software application used to manage and interact with cryptocurrency wallets or blockchain networks, typically offering features like transactions and security controls.
Cryptocurrency is a digital or virtual currency secured by cryptography, operating on decentralized blockchain networks to enable secure, peer-to-peer transactions.
Recovery is the process of restoring access to a cryptocurrency wallet using its seed phrase or mnemonic backup if the original wallet is lost or inaccessible.
Ledger Nano X uses a certified Secure Element chip to store private keys in tamper-resistant hardware. Even if the device's software were compromised, the Secure Element isolates your keys from extraction. The device has been independently security audited.
What if Ledger goes out of business?
Your seed phrase follows the BIP39 standard, meaning you can recover your funds using any compatible wallet — you are not locked into Ledger's ecosystem.
What if I lose my Ledger Nano X?
Your cryptocurrency is stored on the blockchain, not on the device. If you lose your Ledger Nano X, you can recover full access using your seed phrase on any compatible wallet.
How long will Ledger Nano X receive security updates?
Ledger provides long-term firmware support for Ledger Nano X. The last security patch was released Jul 2025.
Is the Ledger Nano X safe to use?
The Ledger Nano X is generally considered one of the safer hardware wallets available. It uses a CC EAL5+ certified secure element chip (ST33J2M0 by STMicroelectronics), which is the same class of chip used in passports and credit cards. It also features secure boot and a genuine device check to prevent tampering. However, its firmware is not open source, meaning independent security audits are limited. The 2023 Ledger Recover controversy raised concerns about firmware-level seed access, so users who prioritize fully verifiable security may want to weigh that carefully.
Ledger Nano X vs Trezor Model T: which is better?
Both are top-tier hardware wallets, but they differ in key areas:
Security chip: Ledger uses a certified secure element (CC EAL5+); Trezor Model T does not, relying on open-source firmware instead.
Connectivity: Ledger Nano X supports Bluetooth; Trezor Model T does not.
Open source: Trezor's firmware is fully open source; Ledger's is not.
Coin support: Ledger supports 5,500+ tokens across 50+ networks, generally broader than Trezor.
Choose Ledger Nano X for mobility and wider coin support; choose Trezor Model T if open-source transparency is your priority.
How many coins does the Ledger Nano X support?
The Ledger Nano X supports over 5,500 tokens across 50+ blockchain networks, including Bitcoin, Ethereum, Solana, Polygon, and many EVM-compatible chains. Coin support is managed through the Ledger Live app, where you install individual coin apps onto the device. Storage space limits how many apps you can have installed simultaneously, but you can uninstall and reinstall apps freely without losing funds — your assets remain secured by your seed phrase regardless.
What are the known vulnerabilities or concerns with the Ledger Nano X?
The most significant concern is the Ledger Recover feature announced in 2023, which revealed that Ledger's firmware is technically capable of extracting and transmitting seed phrase shards — contradicting previous assurances. While Recover is opt-in, it demonstrated that the closed-source firmware could theoretically be updated to expose seeds. Additionally, Ledger suffered a customer data breach in 2020, exposing names, emails, and physical addresses of thousands of users. The device itself has not been physically compromised in the wild, but the software trust model warrants scrutiny.
Is the Ledger Nano X worth the $149 price tag?
At $149 USD, the Ledger Nano X is priced at the premium end of hardware wallets. You get Bluetooth connectivity for mobile use, a 1.1-inch OLED display, a built-in battery, broad coin support (5,500+ tokens), and a certified secure element chip. If you actively manage a diverse crypto portfolio and value mobile convenience, the price is justified. If you primarily hold Bitcoin and prefer open-source security, cheaper alternatives like the Trezor Model One or Coldcard may offer better value for your specific needs.
How do I set up the Ledger Nano X for the first time?
Setup takes roughly 15–20 minutes and follows these steps:
Power on the device and select "Set up as new device".
Create and confirm a 4–8 digit PIN directly on the device.
Write down your 24-word BIP39 recovery phrase on the provided recovery sheet — never digitally.
Download Ledger Live on desktop or mobile and connect via USB or Bluetooth.
Install coin apps through Ledger Live and add accounts.
Optionally, you can add a BIP39 passphrase for an extra layer of security. Never share your seed phrase with anyone, including Ledger support.
Does the Ledger Nano X work with iPhone and Android?
Yes. The Ledger Nano X is compatible with iOS and Android via the Ledger Live mobile app, connecting through Bluetooth. This makes it one of the few hardware wallets with true wireless mobile support. It also works with Windows, macOS, and Linux via USB. Note that some third-party wallets (such as MetaMask or Rabby) connect via WebUSB on desktop browsers, which is also supported. Bluetooth connectivity is convenient but represents an additional attack surface compared to USB-only devices.
Some links on this page are affiliate links. If you purchase through them, I may earn a commission at no additional cost to you. This helps support the site and allows me to continue creating detailed, independent reviews.
Our testing methodology is evolving. Ratings and assessments will be refined as we improve our scoring framework to reflect the most accurate results.
Ready to get Ledger Nano X?
Long-term support • Secure Element • Security audited • Bluetooth
