When shopping for a hardware wallet, most people immediately think of Ledger or Trezor. However, SafePal has emerged as a strong contender, especially for users seeking an air-gapped, budget-friendly device with Binance backing.
In this comparison, we will pit the Ledger Nano X against the SafePal S1 to see how they stack up in security, usability, supported coins, and overall value.
Before we begin, if you want to check live crypto prices, our Price Tracker at Coin Advice gives you real-time market data.
Quick Specs Comparison
| Feature | Ledger Nano X | SafePal S1 |
|---|---|---|
| Price | ~$149 | ~$49 |
| Security Chip | CC EAL5+ Secure Element | General Purpose MCU |
| Open Source | No (closed firmware) | Partial (some open repos) |
| Display | 128x64 monochrome | 320x240 color LCD |
| Input Method | 2 physical buttons | 2 physical buttons + camera |
| Connectivity | USB-C, Bluetooth | QR codes (air-gapped, no USB/BT) |
| Battery | 100mAh rechargeable | 400mAh rechargeable |
| Supported Coins | 5,500+ | 30,000+ |
| Mobile Support | Yes (Bluetooth) | Yes (via QR codes) |
| Size | 72 x 18.6 x 11.7 mm | 86 x 54 x 5.8 mm (credit card size) |
Price: SafePal Wins Easily
The most obvious difference is the price. SafePal S1 retails for roughly $49, while the Ledger Nano X is $149. That is a $100 premium for the Ledger.
If you are on a tight budget, SafePal gives you hardware-level security at one-third the price. However, as we will see, you give up certain features and conveniences.
Security Architecture
Ledger Nano X
Uses a CC EAL5+ certified Secure Element chip, the same type found in credit cards and passports. This chip is designed to resist physical attacks, side-channel attacks, and glitching. The firmware is closed-source, which Ledger argues is necessary to protect their intellectual property.
SafePal S1
Uses a general-purpose microcontroller without a secure element. However, SafePal has a unique "air-gapped" design—it has no USB or Bluetooth connectivity. All data transfer happens via QR codes, which eliminates an entire class of attack vectors (no USB malware, no Bluetooth exploits).
SafePal also features a self-destruct mechanism—if someone tries to open the case, the secure element wipes itself, protecting your keys.
Winner: Ledger for physical attack resistance (Secure Element). SafePal for remote attack resistance (air-gapped).Supported Cryptocurrencies
Ledger Nano X
Supports 5,500+ cryptocurrencies including Bitcoin, Ethereum, Solana, Cardano, Polkadot, and virtually every ERC-20 and altcoin you can think of. The device can hold about 100 apps simultaneously.
SafePal S1
Supports an impressive 30,000+ coins and tokens. SafePal has strong support for Binance Smart Chain (BSC), ERC-20, TRC-20, and many other blockchain standards. The device can store unlimited wallets since it uses QR-based account switching (no apps to install).
Winner: SafePal S1 for raw number of supported coins, though Ledger covers all the major ones most users need.Display and Usability
Ledger Nano X
Has a 128x64 pixel monochrome display. It is small but functional, showing addresses, transaction details, and menu options. The two physical buttons require navigation by clicking through options.
SafePal S1
Features a much larger 320x240 color LCD display. The screen is bright, colorful, and easier to read than Ledger's monochrome display. It also has a built-in camera for scanning QR codes, making the air-gapped workflow smoother.
Winner: SafePal S1 for the larger, color display.Connectivity: Wired/Bluetooth vs Air-Gapped
Ledger Nano X
Supports USB-C connection to computers and Bluetooth to smartphones. The Bluetooth feature is excellent for managing crypto on the go through the Ledger Live mobile app.
SafePal S1
Completely air-gapped. It has no USB port and no Bluetooth. All communication happens via QR codes displayed on your computer screen (which the SafePal camera scans) and QR codes displayed on the SafePal screen (which your phone/computer scans).
Pros of Air-Gapped:- No USB malware can infect it
- No Bluetooth exploits
- Cannot be remotely hacked
- More cumbersome to use (scanning QR codes back and forth)
- Requires a device with a camera (phone or webcam on computer)
- Slower transaction process
Software Experience
Ledger Live (Ledger)
Polished, feature-rich desktop and mobile application. Supports sending/receiving, staking, buying crypto, swapping, and managing NFTs. Regular updates and new features.
SafePal App (SafePal)
The SafePal mobile app is well-designed and supports the same features: portfolio tracking, sending/receiving, swapping, and staking. The QR code workflow takes some getting used to, but the experience is decent.
Winner: Ledger, due to Ledger Live's superior desktop experience and Bluetooth mobile integration.Build Quality and Design
Ledger Nano X
Compact, credit-card-thick device with a premium feel. Stainless steel and plastic construction. Pocketable and durable.
SafePal S1
Credit card-sized (but thicker) with a sleek, modern design. The device feels premium and includes a self-destruct mechanism—if someone tries to open the case, the secure element wipes itself.
Winner: Tie. Both feel premium, though SafePal's self-destruct feature is a nice security addition.Who Should Buy SafePal S1?
Choose SafePal S1 if:- You are on a very tight budget ($49 vs $149)
- You want a completely air-gapped device (no USB/Bluetooth)
- You hold a diverse portfolio of altcoins (30,000+ supported)
- You do not mind the QR code workflow
- You like the larger, color touchscreen
- You trust Binance's backing of the company
Who Should Buy Ledger Nano X?
Choose Ledger Nano X if:- You want the best possible security (Secure Element)
- You want mobile Bluetooth connectivity for convenience
- You want the most polished software experience (Ledger Live)
- You are willing to pay a premium for top-tier features
- You want the widest support for apps (100+ on-device)
Using Hardware Wallets with DeFi
Both Ledger and SafePal can be used with DeFi applications:
- Ledger: Connect to MetaMask for seamless DeFi interactions
- SafePal: Can connect to MetaMask via WalletConnect (QR code)
For finding the best DEX prices, 1inch works with both wallets. And our DEX Scanner helps you spot hot trading pairs before moving funds.
If you are exploring new DeFi tokens, use our Token Checker to assess risks before connecting your wallet.
Final Verdict
The Ledger Nano X remains the better choice for most users. The Secure Element provides stronger protection against physical attacks, the Bluetooth feature is genuinely useful, and Ledger Live is the most polished hardware wallet software.
The SafePal S1 is an excellent budget option. At $49, it offers air-gapped security, a large color display, and support for 30,000+ coins. If you are comfortable with the QR code workflow and want to save $100, SafePal is a solid choice.
For most users: Consider the Ledger Nano S Plus (~$79) instead of either. You get the same Secure Element as the Nano X, support for 5,500+ coins, and a better price than the Nano X.For buying crypto to store on your hardware wallet, platforms like Coinbase, Binance, and Bybit offer easy purchasing options. Withdraw to your hardware-secured address for safe long-term storage.
Use our Profit Calculator to track your investment returns, and check Global Stats for live market data while your assets sit securely in cold storage.