Ledger Nano X vs Nano S Plus (2026): Which Should You Buy?
Quick Comparison
| Feature | Ledger Nano X | Ledger Nano S Plus |
|---|---|---|
| Price | ~$149 | ~$79 |
| Bluetooth | Yes | No |
| USB connection | USB-C | USB-C |
| Mobile app support | Yes (iOS + Android) | Limited (Android only via OTG) |
| Battery | Yes (rechargeable) | No (USB powered) |
| Screen | Larger (128x64px) | Smaller (128x64px) |
| Storage (apps) | Up to 100 apps | Up to 100 apps |
| Coin support | 5,500+ | 5,500+ |
| Secure element chip | CC EAL5+ | CC EAL5+ |
| Dimensions | 72mm × 18.6mm × 11.75mm | 62.39mm × 17.40mm × 8.24mm |
| Weight | 34g | 21g |
Price
The Nano S Plus costs about half the Nano X (~$79 vs ~$149 at the time of writing from ledger.com).
If budget is the deciding factor, the S Plus delivers almost identical security at a lower price. The extra $70 for the Nano X buys you Bluetooth and a battery — which matter depending on how you use your wallet.
Bluetooth: The Key Difference
The Nano X has Bluetooth. The Nano S Plus does not.
What Bluetooth enables:
- Use the Ledger Live mobile app on iPhone or Android wirelessly
- Manage your crypto from your phone without plugging in
- Sign transactions on mobile DApps (via WalletConnect + Ledger Live)
What Bluetooth does NOT mean:
- Your private keys never leave the device via Bluetooth
- Transactions still require physical button confirmation on the device
- Bluetooth is used for communication only, not key storage
Who needs Bluetooth:
- Anyone who wants to use Ledger with an iPhone (no USB-OTG on iOS)
- Users who prefer managing funds from their phone
- People who travel frequently and don’t want to carry a laptop
Who doesn’t need Bluetooth:
- Desktop-only users who plug in via USB-C
- Anyone happy with Ledger Live on PC or Mac
- Users who want the simplest, lowest-attack-surface device
Mobile Support
| Nano X | Nano S Plus | |
|---|---|---|
| iPhone (iOS) | Yes — via Bluetooth | No (iOS doesn’t support USB-OTG) |
| Android | Yes — Bluetooth or USB-OTG | Android only — USB-OTG cable needed |
| Ledger Live mobile | Full support | Android only, with cable |
If you use an iPhone, the Nano X is essentially required for mobile use. The S Plus simply cannot connect to iOS devices.
If you use Android and don’t mind a cable, the S Plus works fine with a USB-C to USB-C OTG cable.
App Storage
Both the Nano X and Nano S Plus support up to 100 apps simultaneously — a major upgrade from the original Nano S (which could only hold 3–6 apps).
In practice, this means you can install apps for Bitcoin, Ethereum, Solana, Cardano, and dozens of other chains at the same time without uninstalling and reinstalling.
The original Nano S was infamous for its storage limits. Both current models have solved this problem.
Coin and Token Support
Both wallets support the same 5,500+ cryptocurrencies via Ledger Live, including:
- Bitcoin, Ethereum, Solana, Cardano, Polkadot, Avalanche, Cosmos
- All ERC-20 tokens via the Ethereum app
- All SPL tokens via the Solana app
- NFTs on Ethereum and other chains
There is no difference in coin support between the two models.
Security: Identical
Both wallets use the same certified secure element chip (CC EAL5+) and the same security architecture:
- Private keys generated and stored inside the chip — never exported
- All transactions require physical button confirmation on the device
- Open-source firmware (Ledger OS)
- Custom BOLOS operating system isolates apps from each other
The Nano X’s Bluetooth does not reduce security — the chip’s security model is the same regardless of connection type. Ledger has not had a known hardware compromise from Bluetooth.
Security is identical. This decision is purely about features and price.
Size and Portability
The Nano X is slightly larger and heavier due to the battery:
- Nano X: 72mm long, 34g
- Nano S Plus: 62mm long, 21g
Both are small enough for a keychain or pocket. Neither is bulky. If you want the most compact option, the S Plus wins slightly.
Battery (Nano X only)
The Nano X has an internal rechargeable battery. This means:
- You can use it wirelessly via Bluetooth without any cable
- Battery lasts for several months of normal use on a charge
- Charges via USB-C
The Nano S Plus has no battery — it draws power from your USB connection. No battery = no wireless use, but also no battery to age or fail over time.
Who Should Buy Each?
Buy the Ledger Nano X if:
- You want to use Ledger with your iPhone
- You prefer managing crypto from your phone
- You travel often and want wireless convenience
- You’re willing to pay more for a premium experience
Buy the Ledger Nano S Plus if:
- You manage crypto from a desktop or laptop
- You don’t need mobile Bluetooth support
- You want to save ~$70 without compromising security
- You’re buying a second device as a backup
- You’re buying for someone else as a gift and price matters
The honest verdict
For most users who primarily use Ledger Live on a computer, the Nano S Plus is the better value. The security is identical, coin support is identical, and you save $70.
The Nano X is worth the premium if you genuinely want mobile use — especially iPhone support. If you live on your phone and want to sign transactions from the Ledger Live mobile app, Bluetooth is a significant quality-of-life upgrade.
What About the Ledger Stax and Flex?
Ledger also sells the Stax (~$279) and Flex (~$149). These are newer, touchscreen models:
- Flex: Similar price to Nano X but with a touchscreen and NFC. A better buy than the Nano X at the same price point if you want a premium device.
- Stax: Premium touchscreen device with wireless charging. For power users and collectors.
If you’re spending $149, the Ledger Flex is worth comparing to the Nano X before buying. The Flex has a larger E Ink touchscreen and NFC in addition to Bluetooth.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use the same seed phrase on both devices?
Yes. You can restore any Ledger wallet onto any other Ledger using your 24-word Secret Recovery Phrase. Many users own both and use the same seed on both as a backup.
Is the Nano S Plus still being sold?
Yes, as of 2026 Ledger still sells the Nano S Plus. It remains in the product line as the entry-level option.
Does the Nano X Bluetooth drain the battery fast?
No — Bluetooth on the Nano X is very low power. The battery typically lasts months between charges with normal use.
Is Bluetooth safe on the Nano X?
Yes, in Ledger’s security model. The private keys are never transmitted — Bluetooth is only used to send transaction data for signing. All transaction confirmations still require physical button presses on the device.
Can I upgrade from Nano S Plus to Nano X later?
Yes — just restore your wallet on the new device using your Secret Recovery Phrase. All accounts and balances transfer instantly.
Which has better resale value?
Both have limited second-hand market value. Buy new from ledger.com to ensure the device hasn’t been tampered with.
Related guides:
- Complete Guide to Ledger Hardware Wallets 2026
- How to Set Up Ledger Nano X
- Ledger vs Trezor 2026
- Best Hardware Wallets 2026
