Ledger Nano X Review

If you move crypto from phones or exchanges, the Ledger Nano X (£90) gives the best mix of certified hardware security and mobile convenience — buy it if you want broad coin support and phone-first access; skip it if you demand a fully air‑gapped, open‑source device.

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The quick answer

You get a CC EAL5+ secure element, BOLOS OS and an STM32 MCU in a compact device that pairs over Bluetooth or USB‑C. For £90 it’s the easiest way to keep private keys offline while managing 5,500+ coins via Ledger Live on iOS, Android and desktop.

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What we tested

A retail Ledger Nano X unit used for six weeks on both iPhone and Android, pairing over Bluetooth for daily sends and swaps and over USB‑C for desktop updates. Tests covered Bitcoin, Ethereum and several ERC‑20 tokens, plus trying the optional Ledger Recover backup flow.

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What it does well

Security: certified secure element that keeps keys isolated The Nano X uses a CC EAL5+ Secure Element (ST33 family) alongside BOLOS and an STM32WB55 MCU, so private keys never touch the host device — stronger isolation than single‑chip designs.

Supported assets: the widest everyday coverage Ledger Live supports 5,500+ coins and tokens, so you can hold Bitcoin, Ethereum, Solana and a long tail of tokens on one device without swapping hardware.

Mobile convenience: Bluetooth when you need it, USB‑C when you don’t Encrypted Bluetooth pairing makes iOS and Android use fast and cable‑free; USB‑C gives a reliable wired option for firmware updates and desktop use.

Ecosystem: native Ledger Live features for everyday tasks Buy, send, swap and stake through Ledger Live across platforms — that native support keeps most workflows inside Ledger’s app instead of forcing third‑party tools.

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Where it falls short

Bluetooth remains a valid concern for security purists Encrypted Bluetooth makes casual attacks unlikely, but if you require a fully air‑gapped device (no radio at all), this isn’t for you. Paranoid users should look elsewhere.

Long‑term battery reports and idle degradation Some long‑term owners report battery degradation if the device sits unused for months; users who plan to store the device for long periods without power should expect potential battery replacement or prefer a non‑battery device.

Managed backup trades custody for convenience Ledger Recover can save you from losing funds, but it introduces third‑party custody trade‑offs that many advanced users dislike. If you insist on sole custody, don’t enable the service.

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How it compares

Trezor Model One is the closest mainstream alternative at budget‑friendly prices, but it favors open‑source transparency over a certified secure element. Pick the Nano X if you want phone‑first UX and a CC EAL5+ secure element; pick a Trezor (or the BitBox02) if you prioritise open‑source firmware and air‑gapped workflows over Bluetooth convenience.

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Score: 8.2/10

Verdict — buy if: You regularly move funds from mobile wallets or exchanges and want a phone‑friendly, certified hardware wallet that supports a huge range of coins and keeps private keys offline.

Verdict — skip if: You want a completely air‑gapped, open‑source‑focused wallet with no Bluetooth or any third‑party recovery option and prefer to manage backups yourself.