If you have decided to secure your cryptocurrency with a Ledger hardware wallet, you are already making a smart choice. But then comes the next question that stops many buyers in their tracks: should you go with the more affordable Ledger Nano S Plus, or splurge on the premium Ledger Nano X? Both devices occupy similar price tiers now that the S Plus has launched, but they serve different types of crypto users.
In this detailed comparison, we are going to break down every meaningful difference between these two devices. We will look at price, design, features, connectivity, supported coins, and real-world usability. By the end, you will know exactly which Ledger belongs in your pocket and which one might end up collecting dust in a drawer.
Before we dive in, if you want to track the prices of the cryptocurrencies you plan to store, our Price Tracker at Coin Advice gives you real-time updates across multiple exchanges.
Quick Specs Comparison
| Feature | Ledger Nano S Plus | Ledger Nano X |
|---|---|---|
| Price | ~$79 | ~$149 |
| Screen | 128x64 pixels (large) | 128x64 pixels (large) |
| Secure Element | CC EAL5+ certified | CC EAL5+ certified |
| Battery | None (wired only) | 100mAh rechargeable |
| Connectivity | USB-C only | USB-C + Bluetooth |
| Storage (apps) | 1.5MB (~100 apps) | 2MB (~100 apps) |
| Mobile Support | Wired only | Bluetooth + Wired |
| Weight | 21 grams | 34 grams |
| Dimensions | 62.4 x 17.4 x 8.2 mm | 72 x 18.6 x 11.7 mm |
Price Difference: Is the $70 Worth It?
The most obvious difference is the price. The Nano S Plus retails for roughly $79, while the Nano X sits at around $149. That is a $70 premium for the X model. For many users, especially those just starting their crypto journey, $70 is a significant amount that could be better spent actually buying cryptocurrency.
However, if you value mobile convenience and plan to manage your portfolio on the go, that $70 buys you Bluetooth connectivity and a built-in battery. If you are the type of person who wants to check balances while commuting or make transactions from your phone without carrying cables, the Nano X justifies its price tag.
For HODLers who buy and hold for years without touching their crypto, the Nano S Plus is the clear winner. You get identical security for nearly half the price.
Design and Build Quality
Both devices share a similar design language. They feature brushed stainless steel covers and plastic bodies, with two physical buttons on the top for navigation and confirmation. The screens are identical in resolution (128x64 pixels), which is a massive upgrade from the original Nano S with its tiny display.
The Nano X is slightly larger and heavier because it houses a battery and Bluetooth antenna. The S Plus is more compact and lighter, which some users actually prefer for portability. Both feel premium in hand, though the X has a slightly more substantial feel due to its size.
One practical consideration: the Nano S Plus has no battery, meaning it must be plugged into a power source to function. This is not a problem if you primarily use it with a laptop or desktop computer. The Nano X can operate wirelessly once charged, giving you more flexibility in where and how you use it.
Security: Identical Protection
Here is the most important fact in this comparison: both devices offer identical security. They use the exact same Secure Element chip (ST33, CC EAL5+ certified) and run the same BOLOS operating system. Your private keys are protected to the same rigorous standard regardless of which device you choose.
The Bluetooth functionality on the Nano X does not introduce meaningful security risks. As covered in our Ledger Nano X review, no private keys or sensitive data are transmitted over Bluetooth. The connection only relays transaction metadata, and physical button presses are still required to sign any transaction.
So if security is your only concern, flip a coin. Both devices will protect your crypto equally well.
Connectivity and Mobile Use
This is where the two devices diverge sharply. The Nano S Plus connects exclusively via USB-C. If you want to use it with your smartphone, you will need an OTG (On-The-Go) adapter cable that connects USB-C on the Ledger to your phone's charging port. It works, but it is not the most elegant solution, and not all phones support OTG reliably.
The Nano X connects via USB-C to your computer and Bluetooth to your smartphone. The Bluetooth pairing process is straightforward through the Ledger Live mobile app, and once connected, you can manage your entire portfolio from your phone anywhere with cellular service. No cables, no adapters, no fuss.
For users who travel frequently or prefer managing crypto from their phone, the Nano X is the clear winner. For desk-bound investors who do most of their crypto management on a computer, the S Plus is perfectly adequate.
Storage Capacity and Apps
Both the Nano S Plus and Nano X can store approximately 100 applications simultaneously, depending on the size of each app. This is a massive improvement over the original Nano S, which could only hold 3-5 apps at a time.
In practice, 100 apps means you can have Bitcoin, Ethereum, Solana, Cardano, Polkadot, Avalanche, and dozens of other blockchain apps installed simultaneously. For 95% of users, this is more than enough. If you need to install a new app and run out of space, you can simply uninstall an existing app; your funds remain safe on the blockchain and can be accessed again by reinstalling the app.
There is no meaningful difference in storage capacity between these two devices. Ledger gave the S Plus the same memory upgrade that originally made the X special.
If you are planning to trade some of your holdings, you might want to check our DEX Scanner to find the best decentralized exchange prices before moving funds off your Ledger.
Ledger Live Software Experience
Both devices use the exact same Ledger Live software, whether on desktop or mobile. The interface, features, and functionality are identical. You can stake coins, buy crypto, check balances, and manage apps through the same polished interface regardless of which device you own.
The only difference is that with the Nano S Plus, you must have it physically connected to your computer or phone (with adapter) to interact with Ledger Live. With the Nano X, you can use it wirelessly via Bluetooth on mobile, or wired on desktop.
Which One Should You Choose?
Choose the Ledger Nano S Plus if:
- You want maximum value and are budget-conscious
- You primarily manage crypto from a desktop or laptop
- You are a long-term holder (HODLer) who rarely makes transactions
- You do not mind using a cable or OTG adapter for mobile access
- You want top-tier security at the lowest possible price
Choose the Ledger Nano X if:
- You want the convenience of mobile management without cables
- You travel frequently and need to access crypto on the go
- You manage a diverse portfolio and check balances often
- The $70 premium is not a significant burden
- You want the "premium" experience with all bells and whistles
Real-World Scenarios
Scenario 1: The Long-Term InvestorYou buy Bitcoin and Ethereum monthly via Coinbase and plan to hold for 5+ years. You might check prices occasionally using our Price Tracker, but you rarely move funds. Verdict: Nano S Plus.
Scenario 2: The Active TraderYou actively trade between exchanges like Binance, Bybit, and OKX. You want to secure profits in cold storage and move funds back to exchanges quickly from your phone. Verdict: Nano X.
Scenario 3: The DeFi UserYou interact with DeFi protocols using MetaMask connected to your Ledger. You primarily work from a desktop computer and use the Ledger for signing transactions. Verdict: Either works, but S Plus saves you $70.
Scenario 4: The Crypto NewbieYou are just starting out with a few hundred dollars in crypto. You are not sure if you will stay in the space long-term. Verdict: Nano S Plus (or even start with a software wallet until your portfolio grows).
Can You Use Both?
Some users actually buy both. They keep the Nano S Plus at home as a backup device or for long-term storage, while carrying the Nano X for daily use. Since you can restore the same seed phrase on multiple Ledger devices, this can be a smart strategy. However, it is an expensive approach, and most users will be perfectly fine with just one device.
If you go this route, make sure to buy from the official Ledger website to avoid tampered devices. Also, consider using our Token Checker before interacting with any new DeFi tokens you discover.
Final Verdict
The Ledger Nano S Plus is the best value proposition in crypto security today. It gives you identical protection to the Nano X for nearly half the price. Unless you specifically need Bluetooth mobile connectivity, the S Plus is the smart buy.
The Ledger Nano X remains the premium choice for users who want convenience and are willing to pay for it. The Bluetooth functionality works well, the battery lasts for many transactions, and the freedom to manage crypto from your phone anywhere is genuinely useful for active users.
Whichever you choose, you are making a wise decision to secure your crypto properly. And remember, a hardware wallet is only as good as your seed phrase management. Never share it, never digitize it, and consider storing a backup in a secure location. For calculating your crypto profits over time, our Profit Calculator can help you track your investment journey while your assets stay safe in cold storage.
For those exploring decentralized exchanges, 1inch offers excellent aggregation to find the best prices, and you can connect your Ledger to MetaMask for secure signing. Stay safe, stay secure, and welcome to the world of self-custody.