Which Ledger to buy?

Ledger currently makes five hardware wallets: the Nano S Plus, Nano X, Nano Gen5, Flex and Stax. They all protect your crypto in the same way, with a Secure Element chip and a 24-word recovery phrase. The differences are in how you operate them, what you connect them to and how much screen you get. Answer the three questions below and you will quickly know which model suits you.

Choose in three steps

1. Do you use an iPhone?

The Nano S Plus only works with a cable. That is no problem on a computer running Windows, macOS or Linux, and with an OTG cable it also works with Android. It does not work with an iPhone or iPad. If you mainly manage your crypto from your iPhone, choose a model with Bluetooth: the Nano X, Nano Gen5, Flex or Stax.

2. Buttons or touchscreen?

You operate the Nano S Plus and Nano X with two buttons next to a small screen. That works fine, but you read a long address or a detailed transaction in parts. The Nano Gen5, Flex and Stax have a touchscreen: you see more at once and can check a transaction calmly before you confirm it. If you make transactions regularly or use DeFi and NFTs, a touchscreen is a clear step up.

3. How much do you want to spend?

The Nano S Plus is the most affordable model and the Stax the most expensive; the Nano X, Nano Gen5 and Flex sit in between. With a more expensive model you are not paying for better security, but for ease of use, a bigger screen and extras such as wireless charging. You will find the current price on the product page.

The five models at a glance

Ledger Nano S Plus

The entry-level model, for anyone who mainly stores their crypto and now and then makes a transaction from a computer. No battery and no Bluetooth: you connect it via USB-C and it simply works. A logical choice for a first hardware wallet, or as a second wallet for crypto you plan to hold for a long time. View the Ledger Nano S Plus or read the review first.

Ledger Nano X

The same two-button operation as the Nano S Plus, but with Bluetooth and a built-in battery. This lets you use it wirelessly with the Ledger Wallet app on your phone, iPhone included. Handy if you want to check your balance or approve a transaction while you are out and about. View the Ledger Nano X or read the review.

Ledger Nano Gen5

The newest Nano, with a 2.8-inch touchscreen instead of buttons. It connects via Bluetooth, NFC and USB-C, and comes with a Ledger Recovery Key: a card on which you store an extra backup of your wallet. For most buyers this is the best balance between price and ease of use. View the Ledger Nano Gen5.

Ledger Flex

Technically the Flex is similar to the Nano Gen5: it also has a touchscreen, Bluetooth, NFC and a Recovery Key. The difference is in the finish, with an aluminium frame and a 2.84-inch E Ink display. A good choice if you use your wallet often and want a sturdy device. View the Ledger Flex or read the review.

Ledger Stax

The top model, the size of a bank card, with a 3.7-inch E Ink touchscreen: the largest screen of any Ledger. You can also charge the Stax wirelessly, and thanks to built-in magnets you can stack several of them on top of each other. For anyone who does a lot with crypto and NFTs and wants the best overview. View the Ledger Stax or read the review.

What every Ledger has in common

Security: every model stores your private keys on a Secure Element chip and is protected with a PIN. A more expensive model is therefore not more secure.
Supported crypto: with every model you manage the same coins and tokens in the Ledger Wallet app. See the current list on the Ledger website.
Buying crypto: in the Ledger Wallet app you can buy crypto through BTC Direct and receive it straight into your own wallet.
Recovery phrase: during setup you get 24 words that let you restore your wallet if the device is lost or broken. Keep them offline, for example in metal with a SOLIDHODL.

More comparisons

Still not sure? Email [email protected] and tell us how you use your crypto, and we will help you choose.