Ledger Nano S Plus vs Nano X: Which One Fits You?

The Ledger Nano S Plus and Nano X are both hardware wallets from Ledger that store private keys offline using a certified secure element chip, but they differ mainly in storage capacity, connectivity, and battery — the Nano X adds Bluetooth and a battery for mobile use, while the Nano S Plus is a wired-only, lower-cost alternative with the same core security model.

Both devices run the same operating system and support the same broad range of cryptocurrencies through Ledger's companion app, so the choice comes down to how and where you plan to use the device rather than a difference in fundamental security.

Storage capacity differences

Both models can install multiple blockchain "apps" simultaneously, each app corresponding to support for a specific network or asset. The Nano X supports installing more apps at once than the Nano S Plus, which matters if you regularly interact with many different chains and don't want to repeatedly swap apps in and out through the companion software.

For users focused on a handful of networks — say, Bitcoin plus a couple of major EVM chains — the Nano S Plus's smaller capacity is rarely a practical limitation, since reinstalling an app takes only a minute and doesn't affect the keys or funds associated with it.

Bluetooth and mobile use

The Nano X includes Bluetooth connectivity and an internal battery, letting it pair with a mobile phone without a cable. This is a genuine convenience for users who primarily manage their wallet from a phone rather than a desktop computer.

It's worth noting that Bluetooth introduces a wireless attack surface that a purely wired device doesn't have, though Ledger's implementation still requires physical on-device confirmation for any transaction, meaning a remote attacker can't authorize a transfer without physical access to the device screen and buttons. Some more risk-averse users prefer to avoid wireless connectivity altogether and stick to the wired Nano S Plus for that reason, even though the practical risk is low given the on-device confirmation requirement.

Comparing the two models

Feature	Ledger Nano S Plus	Ledger Nano X
Connectivity	USB-C only	USB-C and Bluetooth
Battery	No (bus-powered)	Yes, rechargeable
App storage	Lower capacity	Higher capacity
Mobile app pairing	Requires USB-C adapter or cable	Native Bluetooth pairing
Secure element	Yes, certified chip	Yes, certified chip
Price	Lower	Higher
Screen	Small monochrome display	Small monochrome display

Security is functionally equivalent

Both devices use the same class of certified secure element and the same firmware architecture, so the underlying protection for your private keys is essentially the same. Neither model is meaningfully "more secure" in terms of key storage; the differences are entirely about convenience and connectivity. This means the decision should be driven by how you plan to use the device day to day, not by a perceived security gap.

Setup steps apply to both

Whichever model you buy, follow the same careful setup process:

• Purchase directly from Ledger or an authorized reseller.
• Initialize the device yourself and generate a fresh recovery phrase; never use a pre-written one included in the box.
• Write down the recovery phrase on paper or a metal backup and store it away from the device itself, following the guidance in how to back up a hardware wallet.
• Only install the official Ledger Live application from Ledger's own website to manage the device and install blockchain apps.

Using either device with other software

Both models can connect to third-party wallet interfaces and browser extensions for interacting with DeFi protocols, letting the Ledger device sign transactions while another interface handles browsing — see how to connect a hardware wallet to MetaMask for the general workflow, which is identical for both models. Always read exactly what you're signing on the device's own screen before confirming, particularly given the risks covered in what is blind signing.

Which one should you buy

If you primarily manage your wallet from a desktop or laptop, rarely need mobile access, and want to save some money, the Nano S Plus covers the same core security needs. If you frequently manage crypto from your phone, value the convenience of wireless pairing, or interact with a wide range of blockchain apps that benefit from extra storage, the Nano X's added battery, Bluetooth, and capacity justify the higher price.

Neither is a wrong choice from a security standpoint — this is a decision about workflow and convenience, not about which device better protects your funds.

Bottom line

The Ledger Nano S Plus and Nano X share the same certified secure element and firmware, so security is effectively identical between them. The Nano X adds Bluetooth connectivity, a battery, and greater app storage for mobile-first users, at a higher price, while the Nano S Plus is a capable, lower-cost wired option for anyone managing their wallet mainly from a computer.