Ledger is perhaps the most well-known manufacturer of hardware cryptocurrency wallets. The company has just announced the release of its new Ledger Nano X. This powerful streamlined version of the Nano offers maximum portability for cryptocurrency enthusiasts, and it packages compatibility with smart devices like phones and tablets.

Hardware wallets are the best choice for those who want maximum security for their digital tokens. Just like its predecessor the Ledger Nano S, the Nano X incorporates a high level of security with the ability to manage more than 1,100 different assets. Read more about nano ledger x supported coins here.

Cryptoswede has been able to get a look at the Ledger Nano X which is in pre-order. Here is our review of the latest hardware wallet for Bitcoin, Ethereum, and other digital assets.

Let’s begin by taking a look at some of the basic features and specs of the Ledger Nano X cryptocurrency wallet. A good place to begin is size. This is one of the thinnest hardware wallets that has ever been produced. It measures a scant 72mm X 18.6 mm X 11.5 mm. This makes it roughly the size of a USB stick when closed. You can easily drop it in a pocket for easy transport, and it only weighs 34g.

The exterior of the wallet is made of brushed stainless steel and plastic, and that’s a big deal for those who travel often with their hardware wallet. It doesn’t scratch easily, and dropping it from a short distance shouldn’t be a problem. We don’t recommend testing that, though.

The Ledger Nano X is powered by an internal 100mAh battery which provides plenty of up time before the unit needs to be recharged. Given the size of the device that is a decent enough battery, and one also has to factor in that the unit is only on and draining power when being used. A single charge should last for days with normal usage.

The Ledger Nano X is powered by two separate chips. The ST33J2M0 (secure) and STM32F042 chipset gives the unit an advanced amount of processing power. It uses a USB Micro Type C connector, and the device is compatible with 64-bit desktop computers that run Windows, Mac, or Linux operating systems. It is also compatible with the most recent versions of the Android and iOS platforms. Any device running Android 5 or greater or iOS 9 or greater will work seamlessly with the Nano X.

To sum of the basic specs of the Ledger Nano X:

Very portable size with low weight
Chassis is made of brushed stainless steel and plastic
Built to withstand active use
Internal 100mAh battery
Dual advanced chipset for faster processing
Compatible with Windows, Mac, Linux, Android, and iOS operating systems

Now let’s take a look at some of the more impressive features in this cryptocurrency hardware wallet in more detail. We’re going to spotlight some of the things that we believe makes this hardware wallet superior to others. Let’s jump right in by taking a look at the factor everyone is concerned with: security.

Cryptocurrency is an attractive option to many people because it gives individuals more control of their finances. This added control comes with the responsibility of keeping your data safe. The Ledger Nano X has beefed up the security to include the same type of chip that is used with some credit cards and passports. The CC EAL5+ is the current standard for state-of-the-art security, and it rests inside of the Nano X. This secure element offers greater protection for your private keys.

Another impressive feature of the Nano X is Bluetooth integration. You can connect the device to your smartphone or tablet with the Ledger Live Mobile app. This makes transactions on the fly super easy, and the Bluetooth communications with the device are encrypted end-to-end. You can send or receive tokens with peace of mind.

To be honest, we’re looking for the day when hardware wallets will improve upon the 24-word recovery seed as a primary backup for the device. The Ledger Nano X hasn’t changed much in this regard. You’ll still be prompted to write down a phrase when you set up the device, and this phrase is your only way of recovery if you lose the wallet. Things happen. All we can state is the importance of safeguarding your recovery phrase.

Multi-currency support has been increased with the Ledger Nano X. This device will support more than 1,100 digital tokens, and up to 100 applications can be stored at the same time. Bitcoin, Ethereum, Ripple, and every major token on the markets are supported, and you’ll even find plenty of support for altcoins that haven’t yet achieved the popularity of the major tokens.

Finally, a few words should be said about the simplicity of the device. Ledger designed this one to offer the maximum friendliness to users. It has a very simple two-button operation. The screen is clear and easy to read. The presence of apps for smart devices and computers add further appeal to the novice. We would go so far as to state that everyone new to cryptocurrency would be wise to begin with this hardware wallet.

To sum up the spotlight features of the Ledger Nano X:

CC EAL5+ chip for maximum security of private keys
Bluetooth integration for mobile use
Standard 24-word recovery seed
Support for 1,100 token with up to 100 applications stored at the same time

For a limited time it is possible for individuals to order a special Genesis Block Edition of the Ledger Nano X. This special edition is only available during launch and features a nice engraving and the date of release on the chassis. It should also be mentioned here that free shipping is offered with no minimum purchase required.

Your Ledger Nano X will arrive in a very small box that has a holographic seal. It is very important that you make sure the seal has not been broken or tampered with. Inside the Nano X box you will find the following:

1 hardware Ledger Nano X cryptocurrency wallet
1 USB cable
1 Getting Started guide
1 recovery sheet

The Getting Started leaflet is small, but it contains all you need to know about connecting your Nano X for the first time and getting it set up. It will walk you through the entire procedure. A major part of the process will be recording your 24-word recovery seed. This must be done immediately, and it is recommended that you store the seed in a secure place where it will not be tampered with or lost.

Once you have followed the prompts and setup your Ledger Nano X, the next step is to begin adding the assets that you want to store on the wallet.

It can be very difficult to improve upon a popular product. Ledger raised a high bar with its other devices, specifically the Ledger Nano S. It would be understandable if many consumers went into this new offering with a healthy dose of skepticism. Our opinion is that the buyer will be pleasantly surprised with the upgrades to the Nano X.

Society gets a little more portable each day. People want devices that can be easily tucked away and taken anywhere. Scaling down the size of the Ledger Nano X was undoubtedly a good idea, but only time will reveal the price that was paid in terms of durability. It’s also fair to say that a smaller device might be easier for someone to lose.

On that subject, it’s a tad disappointing that some type of new recovery feature hasn’t yet become standard for hardware wallets. With that being said, the 24-word recovery seed concept used by the Nano X does what it is intended to do. It will help you recover your wallet if you lose it. 

Not all of the pros associated with this device are marginal. It clearly has upped the game where security is concerned. The chip represents the pinnacle of current technology. It also has an unmatched ability to manage multiple cryptocurrencies, and that may be the best feature of all. Gone are the days when the average cryptocurrency investor wanted to simply hold Bitcoin. Everyone today wants to expand their portfolio of tokens. The convenience of having one secure wallet to manage multiple assets cannot be overstated.

We are very impressed with the initial price point for the Ledger Nano X. It retails for around $119 USD, and that is reasonable when weighed against other Ledger units or those offered by competitors. It is also a plus that Ledger offers free shipping with no minimum purchase, and the customer service team at the company is actually staffed by individuals that know cryptocurrency. They are able to answer a large number of questions are provide assistance with setting up the Nano X.

Pros:

Very simple to use with two-button operation
Improved security with the highest protocols
Over 1,100 cryptocurrencies are supported
An app for Android and iOS devices
Sleek and attractive
Bluetooth integration
Low price point

Cons:

The chassis feels less than durable
24-word recovery seed method of backup could be improved