This page compares the current hardware wallet models in the lineup and explains who each one is best suited for. I’ve been using hardware wallets since 2018 and have tested these models in real-world scenarios: unboxing, setup, daily sending/receiving, and firmware maintenance. Short answer: the right choice depends on your use case — cold storage only, mobile-first use, or frequent on-device verification (NFTs, many tokens).
Why compare models at all? Because tiny differences in connectivity, screen, and app capacity change long-term security and convenience. What I've found: most users trade a small UX improvement for a meaningful change in attack surface (Bluetooth vs USB, for example). But you can balance convenience and safety with the right choices.
| Model | Primary connectivity | Best for (short) | Where to read more |
|---|---|---|---|
| Nano S (base) | USB-only | Basic self-custody and low-complexity portfolios | Nano S Guide |
| Nano S Plus | USB-only | Crypto holders with many tokens/apps who want a small upgrade | Nano S Plus Guide |
| Nano X | USB + mobile pairing | Mobile-first users who want on-the-go access and more app space | Nano X Guide |
| Stax | USB (screen-focused UX) | Users who value on-device verification and better screen readability (NFTs, frequent checks) | Stax Guide |
Note: this is a feature-focused summary. For unboxing and step-by-step setup, see the model-specific pages linked above.
Pros: small, simple, low attack surface. Cons: limited app capacity compared with larger models.
Pros: better multi-token support without changing connection model. Cons: USB-only may be inconvenient for purely mobile users.
Pros: mobile convenience and larger app capacity. Cons: Bluetooth adds complexity; consider the trade-offs.
And yes, mobile convenience is tempting. But weigh it against your threat model.
Pros: better on-device visibility and UX. Cons: larger form factor and a different handling model (may be overkill for pure cold storage).
Want multisig? Good. Multi-signature setups reduce single-point failures but add complexity. These models can participate in multisig when used with compatible host wallets (exporting xpubs, matching derivation paths). For setup notes and compatibility lists, read multisig and multisig-compatibility. I recommend testing a small transaction before moving larger sums.
Concrete example: I store long-term BTC in a USB-only device and keep a separate mobile-paired device for small daily spending. That split balances convenience and cold security.
Firmware updates fix bugs and add coin support. Always install updates via the official companion workflow and verify update authenticity (see firmware-updates and verify-firmware). Common mistakes I see: buying from unofficial sellers, writing seed phrases on paper and leaving them visible, or reusing a passphrase without a recovery plan. Read where-to-buy-safely and common-mistakes.
Q: Can I recover my crypto if the device breaks? A: Yes — with your recovery phrase you can restore funds to another compatible hardware wallet or a software wallet that supports the same derivation (see restore-recovery).
Q: What happens if the company goes bankrupt? A: Your private keys are yours. As long as you have the seed phrase and compatible recovery tools, you can recover funds elsewhere. See company-failure-recovery.
Q: Is Bluetooth safe for a hardware wallet? A: Bluetooth increases convenience and slightly expands the attack surface. The device still requires on-device confirmation for transactions, but if your threat model includes sophisticated local attackers, prefer USB-only models. For deeper reading see connectivity-usb-bluetooth-nfc.
Choosing between ledger wallet types comes down to use case: strict cold storage (USB-only), multi-token management (more app space), mobile access (Bluetooth-capable), or heavy on-device verification (larger display). I recommend mapping your coins, access patterns, and backup plan before buying. In my experience, a small trial with each model’s setup flow prevents costly mistakes later.
Want to compare models feature-by-feature? See the interactive model-compare page or read individual deep dives: Nano S, Nano S Plus, Nano X, Stax. For safe purchasing, follow where-to-buy-safely.
And if you have a specific setup you want reviewed (multisig, passphrase usage, NFT workflows), ask — I’ll walk through real examples and step-by-step recommendations.