Ledger Nano X Review: Is It Worth Buying This Upgrade?

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Ledger Nano X Review - is it worth the $119 Price Tag? Is the new Bluetooth Feature secure and safe. Nano X's security features, cryptocurrency support and hardware design. https://www.boxmining.com/l...

AI Analysis

The Ledger Nano X is here, and it's a significant upgrade from its predecessor, the Nano S. This review dives deep into its security features, hardware design, extensive cryptocurrency support, and its new-found mobility via the Ledger Live app, all to help you decide if its $119 price tag is justified. The core reason for investing in a hardware wallet like this is enhanced security, protecting your private keys from compromised computers and potential hackers.

Here's a breakdown of the key aspects:

* Security Features:
* Hardware wallets are crucial because even if your computer is compromised by a hacker, they cannot access your private keys stored on the device. This prevents them from stealing your crypto.
* The Ledger Nano X features two distinct chips for security: an STM32WB55 processor, which is intentionally low-end to be more secure and less prone to hacking, and a secure element chip.
* The secure element chip is the most critical part; it's widely used in banking and passports and is specifically designed to store your cryptocurrency keys, ensuring they never leave the chip. This provides the best security money can buy for these types of devices.
* Regarding Bluetooth, a common concern, the device is designed with the assumption that Bluetooth communications could be compromised. Therefore, it only sends pure transaction information, and hackers cannot take over the device via Bluetooth.
* Overall, the security setup, with its dual chips and secure element, earns a perfect 5 out of 5 rating.

* Hardware Design:
* Interacting with the device is done via two large, easy-to-press buttons (left and right) on the front, which is a notable improvement over the smaller, more awkward side buttons of the Nano S.
* While functional, the two-button input isn't as convenient as a touchscreen, especially when typing long characters or restoring the device, which is a minor drawback.
* It boasts a larger screen than the Nano S, which is a much-needed upgrade. This larger display shows the entirety of a transaction at once, eliminating the need to scroll through long addresses, making verification faster and safer.
* The device uses the modern USB Type-C interface.
* The hardware design receives a 4 out of 5 rating, primarily due to the limitations of the two-button input for certain tasks.

* Supported Cryptocurrencies and App Capacity:
* Ledger is known for its extensive coin support, and the Nano X continues this trend, supporting virtually every coin that the Nano S does. You can easily check their comprehensive list to see if your specific coin is supported.
* A significant upgrade and a primary reason to consider the Nano X is its greatly expanded memory. Previously, the Nano S had a limited number of apps it could install, forcing users to uninstall and reinstall apps to manage different cryptocurrencies.
* The Nano X eliminates this worry; it's possible to install a very large number of coins (73 coins were tested and installed without hitting the memory limit, with plenty of space left). This means you don't have to constantly juggle apps, making it much more convenient for users with diverse crypto portfolios.
* Its multi-currency support, especially the increased app capacity, is rated 5 out of 5.

* Mobility via Ledger Live App:
* The Ledger Nano X introduces Bluetooth connectivity, allowing it to connect to the Ledger Live mobile app on your phone. The mobile app itself is clean, easy to use, and functions similarly to the desktop version, allowing you to view accounts and transaction history.
* However, sending cryptocurrencies on the go requires an extra step: physically confirming the transaction on the Nano X device itself. This means unlocking the device, reviewing the transaction details (amount, address), and then confirming it with the physical buttons.
* This extra step makes it less ideal for small, on-the-go transactions like buying coffee, where convenience is paramount.
* Carrying a hardware wallet with a "whole ledger's worth of crypto" on the go also introduces significant security risks, including potential robbery at gunpoint in less safe areas.
* Ultimately, the mobility feature, while present, isn't considered a game-changer for daily, small transactions. It's more useful for home use or simply knowing the capability is there, rather than for truly spontaneous mobile use.

* Final Verdict:
* The decision to buy the Ledger Nano X ($119) over the cheaper Ledger Nano S ($59) largely depends on your specific needs.
* For those who manage a variety of cryptocurrencies and dislike the hassle of installing and uninstalling apps to save space, the Ledger Nano X's expanded memory is a significant deal-breaker in its favor.
* Both devices offer the same high level of security due to their secure elements.
* If you don't require the extra features like mobile support or a larger screen, and don't mind the app installation limits, the Nano S remains a perfectly good and cheaper option.
* However, for a more premium experience, especially with the unlimited app capacity, the Ledger Nano X is worth the extra cost.
* The overall rating for the Ledger Nano X comes in at a solid 4.4 out of 5.

Transcript

Well, it's finally here, the Ledger Nano X. In this video, we'll be looking at the security design, the hardware, the app compatibility, and the mobility, so taking up your crypto on the go to determine if the Ledger Nano X is worth it. At the end of the day, the reason why we're buying one of these is because of security. So say if you accidentally clicked an attachment that a mischievous co-worker sent you, or maybe clicked on a web link that a stranger sent you via email, your computer could...