Ledger Nano X Review: A Comprehensive Look at Security

This introduction explains what we cover today: how a mid‑range Bluetooth hardware wallet balances mobile convenience with a strong security model and who it suits at its ~$149 price point.

We will evaluate the device architecture and in‑hand experience. You’ll get clear notes on Bluetooth behavior, battery life, app capacity, supported coins, and real‑world setup steps.

Security matters most: the foundation here is a certified Secure Element and BOLOS isolation, with on‑device confirmations that keep approvals verifiable on screen.

We also address past incidents transparently: a 2023 web supply‑chain issue affected some dApp front‑ends, not the hardware. A 2020 e‑commerce data leak exposed customer info but not funds.

Expect practical tips for pairing, firmware checks, and seed handling. We’ll rate daily management for coins, DeFi, and NFTs, and benchmark this model against peers so U.S. readers can choose confidently. For deeper details see our linked discussion on the full device review.

Quick Verdict and Scorecard for Everyday Crypto Users

This quick verdict sums up strengths and trade‑offs for typical mobile crypto users.

Plain-English verdict: The device hits a sweet spot for everyday investors who want strong security with true mobile convenience at a mid‑range price.

The scoring looks at five areas: core security, asset support, DeFi/NFT capability, app/UX stability, and ecosystem support. Each area matters for regular sending, staking, and on‑the‑go approvals from a phone.

Who should consider this device right now

• Users with $500–$1,000+ in crypto, or those holding 10+ assets.
• People moving off exchanges and managing DeFi or NFTs on iOS/Android via the official app.
• Travelers who need Bluetooth approvals and a larger app capacity than budget models.

Not ideal: budget buyers who prefer wired desktop only (consider the S Plus), open‑source purists, or buyers wanting a touchscreen display.

Bottom line: If mobile approvals and a mature ecosystem cut daily friction for you, this wallet is worth the price. Keep reading for specs, security incidents, and comparisons before you buy.

Core Specs, Build Quality, and In‑Hand Experience

Below we cover the build, screen clarity, and button layout you’ll interact with every day.

Design, buttons, and screen readability

The compact stick form pairs a plastic inner body with a brushed metal swivel cover. Dimensions are about 72 x 18.6 x 11.75 mm and weight is roughly 34 g, so it fits easily in a pocket while feeling solid.

The two top physical buttons scroll left or right; pressing both confirms actions. This simple layout keeps the attack surface small and forces deliberate confirmations.

The OLED is 128 x 64 px, monochrome, and optimized for addresses, amounts, and contract prompts. Text is small but crisp, with horizontal scrolling for long lines.

• Connectivity: USB‑C cable for wired desktop sessions and Bluetooth 5.0 for phone pairing.
• App capacity: Up to 100 installed apps depending on size, useful for multi‑chain wallets.
• Carry: The swivel sleeve protects the screen and buttons and reduces accidental presses when closed.

In practice, the hinge and metal sleeve inspire confidence. While not full‑metal, the build quality suits daily use and keeps confirmations visible on the device before any transaction is signed.

Security Deep‑Dive: How Ledger Protects Your Private Keys

This section peels back the security layers to show how the device keeps your keys safe.

Hardware root: certified secure element and BOLOS

The ST33J2M0 is a CC EAL5+ secure element that generates and stores private keys inside the chip. Keys never leave the element under normal operation.

The BOLOS operating system isolates blockchain apps from core key handling. That system design limits what any app can access and reduces attack surface.

Transport layers: USB and Bluetooth behavior

USB and Bluetooth are treated as untrusted conduits. Only transaction payloads move across them—never raw keys.

Bluetooth channels are encrypted and every signature needs on‑device review and button confirmation, so approvals remain anchored to the screen.

Past incidents and practical lessons

The December 2023 Connect Kit supply‑chain issue affected some dApp front‑ends and pushed phishing flows; it did not breach hardware or firmware.

The July 2020 marketing/e‑commerce data leak exposed customer contact info, not funds. Best practice: buy from official channels, limit shared details, and consider aliases.

• Use a passphrase to create hidden wallets for extra protection.
• Always verify URLs, check on‑device prompts, and keep firmware up to date.

For a broader comparison and buying advice, see the full device review.

Bluetooth Mobile and Battery Behavior in Daily Use

How Bluetooth pairing and power management perform defines the on‑the‑go experience.

The mobile flow is simple. Pair over Bluetooth 5.0 from the official app on iOS or Android, prepare a transaction on your phone, and verify details on the device before confirming.

On the move you’ll see addresses, amounts, and prompts on the small screen. Scrolling handles long lines so you can check contracts and recipients without a laptop.

Battery expectations and charging habits

The internal ~100 mAh battery gives a few hours of active signing and weeks of standby for moderate users. Most people top up every couple of weeks to stay ready for spontaneous approvals.

If the battery hits empty the unit is not bricked. Plug a short USB‑C cable into a phone or computer and continue as a wired session immediately.

Security and daily resilience

Bluetooth acts as a convenience transport layer only. All data sent over the air is encrypted and signatures still require on‑device confirmation—private keys never leave the secure element inside the hardware wallet.

Typical on‑the‑go uses include claiming staking rewards, DEX swaps, NFT mints or listings, and time‑sensitive approvals away from desktops. For pairing hygiene, start pairing from the app, confirm codes on both ends, and if problems occur forget the pair and retry with permissions enabled.

• Keep a short USB‑C cable in your travel kit as a backup.
• Charge periodically to avoid unexpected downtime.
• Treat Bluetooth as a convenience, not a replacement for safe practices.

Ledger Wallet (formerly Ledger Live) App: Portfolio, DeFi, and NFTs

The companion app centralizes accounts, swap rails, and NFT galleries for quick action on phone or desktop.

Command center: View balances, transaction history, and account-level details across multiple chains in one place. The app syncs between mobile and desktop so you can switch contexts without losing track.

Portfolio, sends/receives, ramps, and swaps

Prepare sends and receives inside the app, then confirm each action on your device. Integrated on‑ramps (Coinify, MoonPay, Banxa) and partner swap rails let you move fiat↔crypto and swap tokens without exposing private keys.

DeFi and dApp integrations

Connect to DeFi via WalletConnect or a browser extension like MetaMask or Rabby. Transactions originate in the app or dApp but require on‑device approvals, keeping signing local for stronger security.

NFT management and native vs third‑party flows

View and manage NFTs on supported chains; major L1s are handled natively while long‑tail ecosystems rely on third‑party wallets. Either way, the final signature always happens on the hardware device.

• Staking: Delegate and monitor rewards for DOT, SOL, XTZ, ATOM, etc., and track unbonding windows.
• Partner features vary by jurisdiction—U.S. users should check availability.
• Best practice: install the official app source, keep firmware current, and read every on‑device prompt before approving.

Supported Assets and App Capacity: Managing 5,500+ Coins

A wide asset catalog and flexible app slots make cross‑chain management practical for active users.

Support breadth: The device handles 5,500+ coins and tokens, covering major L1s, stablecoins, ERC‑20s, and most popular NFTs. That level of coverage fits the vast majority of portfolios without special workarounds.

Native app flows vs third‑party wallets

High‑cap chains like BTC and ETH are managed natively inside the official app for simple account views and sends.

Niche or emerging ecosystems link through third‑party wallets such as Phantom, MetaMask, or Keplr. Transactions still require on‑device approvals, so keys never leave the secure element.

Why up to 100 installed apps matters

Practical benefit: With room for up to 100 apps (varies by size), you avoid constant uninstalling when switching chains. That saves time for frequent DeFi, staking, or NFT activity.

Tip: Plan installed apps around coins you actively use. App sizes vary, so pick slots to match real holdings and reduce friction when trying new chains.

Setup and First Use: From Unboxing to Your First Transaction

Unboxing to first send — follow this practical path to initialize your device safely. The goal is simple: verify authenticity, set credentials, secure the recovery, and test a small transfer.

PIN and recovery basics

Power on and choose to initialize as a new user. Set a strong PIN on first boot. Write the 24-word recovery phrase exactly as shown—do not photograph or store it online.

Confirm a few words when prompted to verify the backup. Treat the seed phrase as the ultimate key: anyone with it can access your funds.

Pairing, firmware, and desktop notes

Download the official app from the vendor site and pair Bluetooth from inside the app — not from the phone OS menu. Confirm the code on both screens.

If pairing fails, forget the pair, reboot phone and device, and retry. Use the desktop connection for firmware updates and heavier management.

• Install only needed coin apps, then send a small test transaction.
• Store the seed on a metal backup and consider a passphrase for extra safety.
• Keep the device and app updated for security improvements.

ledger nano x review Against Its Peers

We line up competing wallets to highlight differences in connectivity, UX, and value for different users.

Nano X vs Nano S Plus: Bluetooth, battery, and price trade‑offs

Core security is the same—both devices share the secure element and OS model. The main differences are mobility and cost.

The more expensive model adds an internal battery and Bluetooth for on‑the‑go approvals. The S Plus is a solid, lower‑cost pick for desk‑first users who prefer wired sessions.

Nano X vs Ledger Stax: touch display polish vs mid‑range value

Stax offers a large E‑Ink touchscreen and premium UX for frequent signers.

For most users the mid‑range device keeps the best value: physical buttons, small screen, and lower price while retaining broad app support.

Rivals to consider

• Trezor: open‑source firmware for transparency.
• Ellipal Titan & NGRAVE Zero: fully air‑gapped, camera or QR‑based signing.
• Keystone: QR workflows that avoid USB/Bluetooth entirely.

Bottom line: All these hardware wallets seek to protect keys offline. Choose by budget, preferred UX (screen and buttons), and your stance on closed vs. open firmware. Match the device to the risks you most worry about.

Who It’s Best For—and Who Should Skip It

This section helps match common buyer types to the device’s strengths so you can decide quickly.

Best for everyday users who hold $500–$1,000+ in crypto, manage 10+ assets, and want mobile approvals on iOS or Android. These users benefit from the multi‑app capacity and the ability to sign transactions while traveling.

Mobile-first users and DeFi/NFT active users gain real friction reduction because approvals happen on the device via the official app and Bluetooth pairing.

• Skip this if you’re on a strict budget: the entry model offers near‑identical core security at a lower price when mobility isn’t required.
• Open‑source purists: consider alternatives that prioritize firmware transparency over a Secure Element + proprietary OS.
• Display or air‑gap fans: pick touch‑forward or QR/camera options if you need a large screen or fully air‑gapped signing.

Every user’s risk tolerance differs. Map your biggest concerns—mobility, multi‑asset handling, or firmware openness—to the device that reduces those risks. Regardless of choice, secure seed handling and careful on‑device confirmations are the top habits that protect funds.

Pricing, Availability, and What’s in the Box

Before you buy, check price, shipping, and what actually arrives in the box. Those details affect warranty, returns, and how quickly you can start safe use of the wallet.

Official store, authorized resellers, and why to avoid marketplaces

Street price: Expect a typical price around $149 when bought new from the company or authorized sellers. Official purchases usually include broad international shipping coverage and clear return terms.

Box contents: The package includes the device, a USB‑C cable, and setup paperwork to get started quickly. Keep all materials until you finish initial setup and testing.

• Buy direct or from authorized resellers to ensure warranty support and genuine hardware.
• Avoid marketplaces like eBay where tampered or preconfigured units can arrive and expose your seed or data to risk.
• The company ships from France and, for U.S. customers, from a Memphis distribution center when ordered directly.

Compatibility note: This device supports iOS and Android via the official app, so iPhone and Android phone users can pair for mobile approvals. The lower‑cost S Plus does not support iOS.

After unboxing, verify authenticity, keep the paperwork and packaging, and test a small transfer. Budget for accessories such as a metal seed backup and a short travel cable for on‑the‑go charging or wired sessions. Buying from the official channel makes returns and support simpler, and the app will show partner ramps and swaps availability for your jurisdiction before you rely on specific services.

Pros and Cons You Should Weigh Before Buying

Balance mobility and security: here are the concrete strengths and limits to consider before you buy.

Key strengths: A CC EAL5+ secure element with BOLOS isolates keys and apps for strong on‑device security.

The ecosystem supports 5,500+ coins and up to 100 installed apps, which makes multi‑chain management smoother.

The built‑in battery plus Bluetooth enable signing from iOS/Android, and the unit still works as a wired signer when the internal cell is empty.

• Mobility: Bluetooth approvals and the companion app reduce the need to carry a laptop.
• Integrated features: staking, swaps, portfolio views, and NFT flows are accessible via native and partner apps.
• Resilience: plug in with USB‑C and continue to sign even with a drained battery.

Trade‑offs: Higher price than the S Plus, no touchscreen, and the internal cell is not user‑replaceable. Some users report Bluetooth pairing quirks and slow support at times.

Open‑source purists may prefer alternatives with transparent firmware. Also, a few chains require third‑party wallets, adding mild workflow complexity.

Bottom line: For most buyers who balance strong protection, mobile convenience, and broad asset support, this device remains a compelling choice. Learn more about safe use and backups in our guide on how to use hardware wallets.

Conclusion

To wrap up, focus on how the device fits into everyday workflows on phone and desktop. It pairs a certified secure element with a focused operating system to give real mobile convenience without moving your private keys off‑device.

Ledger Live and partner apps let you track portfolio, staking, swaps, and NFTs while third‑party wallets fill long‑tail gaps. The unit’s compact form, two buttons, modest battery, and up to 100 installed apps suit multi‑chain users who travel.

Past incidents reinforce good habits: buy from official channels, protect the 24‑word recovery phrase with a metal backup, and always confirm on the screen. If you want a secure element‑based hardware wallet that works well with phone and desktop, this remains a strong, practical choice.