Review| Ledger Nano X
This week we got the chance to review the Ledger Nano X Cryptocurrency Hardware Wallet. The Ledger Nano X is essentially the upgraded version of the Ledger Nano S, offering a bigger screen, a built in battery, USB C, a more premium feel and Bluetooth capabilities! For those that don’t know what a Hardware Wallet is check out our article explaining what it is here.
The Unboxing…
The Ledger Nano X’s packaging is small and minimalistic but has a premium feel to it. When you hold it in your hands you can tell that you are about to unbox a premium luxury device like a brand new phone. When you actually open the device and see the Ledger Nano X for the first time…you are disappointed…instead of a new phone you see a USB Stick!
Is the Ledger Nano X really just a fancy looking USB Stick?
Yes…and…no…because as much as I would like to make fun of the design…I can’t! It’s so much more than a USB Stick; and this is immediately discernible once you pick up the device and feel its weight in your hand. Its design might be simple but the clean premium feel, gives it a diamond in the rough kind of beauty. The glossy black finish of the main body of the device is perfectly complimented by the antithesis created by the grey matt finish of the protective metal that surrounds it.
Setting it up…
The device is easy to set up as it only has 2 buttons; which are used to navigate the menu of the device. You use the Left button to swipe Left, the Right button to swipe Right and press both simultaneously to select…yes it is really rocket science!
To get Started you have to go to the Ledger website to install their desktop app and the connect the Ledger Nano X to your pc and initiate the setup. The Ledger Nano X works on the Bip39 Protocol and just like the Ledger Nano S generates a 24 word Recovery Seed. So after a couple of minutes and a few Left and Right button clicks you are all set, Recovery Seed, generated!
Ehm…no…
Ledger has done something super annoying! After generating the Recovery Seed, you have to verify each of the 24 words by selecting them all in the correct order! This makes the process lengthy, taking up to 10 minutes of your life! Ledger, darling, honey, I got place to go, Crypto to buy and Lambos to drive! I do not have that much time to waste! Okay, I am exaggerating here, it is not the end of the world but Ledger could take example form Trezor that only makes you verify 3 words from your Recovery Seed and not every single one! Yes I appreciate the focus on security but this really has to be balanced against convenience and I feel this is one of those times that convenience should win!
In order to protect your device you also have to setup a 4–8 digit pin and a passphrase for the Ledger Desktop app.
The Ledger Desktop App…
The desktop app has clean and simple design to it, making it very intuitive to use. At no point did I struggle with any aspects of it, I instantly knew how to navigate through it. It’s really user-friendly like an iPhone (even though I have a Samsung, but hey I like the challenge!) Unlike some other devices we have used in the past, Ledger’s Desktop app, feels like it was designed by a company in the 21stcentury. For each different Digital Asset you want to store on the device, you must install an app, e.g. BTC app, XRP app etc.
Key features:
· Allows you to buy Crypto directly and store it on the device via 15 different Cryptocurrency seller/Exchanges
· Supports 1100+ different Digital Assets
· Supports up to 100 different apps
Bluetooth and Built in Battery…
The built in battery is there to support the Bluetooth capabilities of the device that allow you to use this device on the go. This is essential what sets the Ledger Nano X apart from the competition and why you should consider the Nano X over the Nano S. Both devices interact with the Desktop app in the same way so the only significant difference beyond aesthetics that sets these devices apart is the Ledger Nano X’s Bluetooth capabilities. The Bluetooth capabilities of the Ledger Nano X allow it to connect with the ledger app on your phone, so that you can trade crypto anywhere you are! This means you can have access to your Digital assets without having to carry your laptop or a wire with you. And before you ask…the phone app works in the same way as the Desktop app, in fact they are almost identical!
Pros:
· Simple easy to use
· Simple Premium design
· Bluetooth Capabilities for use on the go
· Easy to read display
· You can store up to 100 different Digital Assets, something not possible on the Ledger Nano S that supported only 3–7 different Digital Assets depending on the Digital Assets chose.
Cons:
· Small display
· Lengthy Setup
· Battery powered, needing recharging and battery replacement in the future
· The Key ring provided can fall off
Conclusion:
I love the Ledger Nano X, the device is beautiful whilst also having a minimalist design. From afar it looks like a USB so most people won’t know it’s there reducing the risk of your Digital Assets being stolen. The fact that it’s easy to use and that it supports Bluetooth for use on the go, put it ahead of the competition! But should you splash out for the Ledger Nano X instead of the Ledger Nano S? If you want to be able to use it on the go via your phone or want to store lots of different Digitial Assets then yes!
