Ledger Flex vs Stax: Which Hardware Wallet is Best in 2024?

Ledger, a leading provider of hardware wallets, just released its next generation of physical cryptocurrency storage devices. Our Ledger Flex and Ledger Stax review will discuss the main features of both wallets to help crypto investors figure out which one is best suited for their needs.

In this review, expect to learn the prices, supported cryptocurrencies, user experience, and other key aspects of Ledger’s two latest physical crypto storage devices.

Ledger Flex vs Stax: Supported Cryptos?

Both Ledger Flex and Ledger Stax support the same cryptocurrencies and digital assets. Since both devices can be connected to the Ledger Live app, they can store and transfer all 500+ supported crypto assets from the companion software. With third-party wallets, Ledger Flex and Stax support over 5,000 coins, including:

• Bitcoin (BTC)
• Ethereum (ETH)
• Binance Smart Chain (BNB)
• Tether (USDT)
• USDC (USDC)
• Solana (SOL)
• Ripple (XRP)
• Dogecoin (DOGE)
• SHIBA INU (SHIB)
• Tron (TRX)

Fees and Prices 

One of the main differences between Ledger’s newest crypto wallets is the price. Beginning with the higher-end model, the Ledger Stax price is listed at $399.00. This is 60% more expensive than its mid-range counterpart, with the Ledger Flex price listed at $249.00.

Notably, Ledger Flex and Ledger Stax are priced higher than previous crypto hardware wallet models—the Ledger Nano X at $149.00, and the Ledger Nano S Plus at $79.00. This reflects the positioning of Ledger’s latest models as more premium products with more advanced features and designs.

Going back to comparing both the Ledger Flex and Stax, the latter’s $150 higher price tag is justified by the Ledger Stax’s larger touchscreen interface, curved display, thinner and lighter make, and wireless charging feature.

Both hardware devices have no additional costs, although shoppers can purchase an additional Belkin BoostCharge wall charger at $29.99. The Ledger Stax comes with a free Ledger Magnet Shell, while a protective Magnet Folio is available for purchase at $39.00 for the Ledger Flex.

Demand for the more premium Ledger Stax wallet has been exceptionally high, even with the steeper cost. Pre-orders following the Ledger Stax release date, including the second, third, and fourth batches, have been sold out.

Are Ledger Stax & Flex Safe to Use?

Since 2014, Ledger has provided the best decentralized crypto wallets and storage devices, enabling millions of crypto investors to safely hold their digital assets. Ledger Flex and Stax are both hardware wallets, physical devices that give users complete control of their crypto assets.

Advancements in crypto security throughout the decade have made crypto storage safer and more available. Hardware wallets are less vulnerable to hacks but can still be compromised if the physical device is stolen or the private keys are somehow exposed.

Prioritizing uncompromising security for holders, Ledger Stax and Flex employ secure asset recovery and an industry-leading processing unit that many competitors lack. Let’s take a deeper look at how safe Ledger’s latest products are to use.

Chip security

The Ledger Stax and Ledger Flex have the same setup for crypto security. Both are built on Ledger’s Secure Element Chip, which has a Common Criteria Evaluation Assurance Level (CC EAL) 6+ certification by Security Labs. These types of chips are known for their stringent security requirements and are also used in e-passports, credit cards, and flagship smartphones.

According to the top Ledger reviews, the Secure Element Chip solely connects and powers the screens of Ledger wallets. This adds additional security since what users see on their Ledger Stax and Flex touchscreens are direct displays from the device. This contrasts with other hardware wallets that run their screens with a separate processing unit, which can be a potential security flaw.

Both non-custodial hardware wallets run the Ledger operating system in a protected environment. They also have the added capability of generating random private keys that are kept safe from external disruptions or tampering. 

Physical specifications

Physical characteristics can influence a cold wallet’s security just as much as its internal hardware and software. Although Ledger Flex and Ledger Stax share key internal hardware features, they differ in terms of outer hardware designs.

According to our Ledger Flex review, the hardware wallet’s display features a Gorilla Glass screen cover that’s designed to make handhelds more resistant to damage and scratches. On the other hand, the Ledger Stax uses an ultra-thin plastic screen cover that does not offer the same damage-resistant features as its mid-ranged counterpart.

However, both wallets feature a plastic back cover held by an aluminum frame for added stability. The Ledger Stax is also larger due to its bigger 3.7” touchscreen compared to the Ledger Flex’s 2.84” display. The slightly greater size, but thinner and lighter design of the Ledger Stax can make it easier to keep and find while still being highly portable.

Crypto asset recovery

Digital asset recovery is essential for the security of any physical crypto storage device, especially in cases where users lose their hardware wallets. Both Ledger Stax and Ledger Flex provide users with a 24-word Secret Recovery Phrase should they lose the actual device. It’s recommended that this key phrase is also written down manually.

Alternatively, both devices support Ledger Recover, an additional subscription for users who misplace their hardware wallets or forget their Secret Recovery Phrase. Based on our Ledger Stax review, the service costs $9.99 per month, which is a bargain for those with significant crypto holdings.

Ledger Clear Signing

Ledger Clear Signing is a software initiative designed to make crypto asset transactions safer by showing users exactly what a transaction entails before approval. It aims to eliminate blind signing, the process of approving blockchain transactions without the user fully understanding the transfer details. This can lead to potentially harmful consequences that Ledger wants to avoid.

Since early 2024, Ledger has begun rolling out the Clear Signing technology not just for Ledger Flex, Ledger Stax, and other proprietary wallets but also for other wallet providers and decentralized application (dApp) developers. 

How User-Friendly Are Ledger Flex and Stax? 

Ledger Flex and Stax’s predecessors, along with many of its competitors, have a history of providing a substandard user experience. From 1,720 reviews on Trustpilot, Ledger has a low average rating of 2.0 out of 5 stars, mainly because 45% of ratings are 1-star reviews. Interestingly, 41% of reviews rated Ledger 5.0 stars, citing improvements, completed refunds, and on-time deliveries. 

In our research, we could not find any Trustpilot reviews on Ledger Flex or Stax, likely due to the novelty of the products. With Ledger’s latest devices, the company can overcome its poor reviews by offering better customer support and improved interfaces for the latest Ledger Flex and Stax devices.

On a more positive note, Ledger’s software, specifically Ledger Live, is a successful product available on mobile and desktop devices. Trusted by over 6 million customers, Ledger supports thousands of coins and tokens and provides an unparalleled user experience.

Second only to security, a user-friendly interface is the most crucial feature a non-custodial hardware wallet can offer. Since many current and old crypto hardware wallets use clunky buttons, they’re not particularly appealing for mass markets that need a more straightforward user interface (UI). Out of an estimated half a billion crypto holders, only 2% store their private keys in hardware wallets. 

Ledger Stax and Ledger Flex aim to be the most user-friendly premium crypto hardware wallets. Both have large E Ink touchscreen displays and easy integration with desktop and mobile devices via the Ledger Live app. Combined with Bluetooth, USB type C, and NFC connectivity, storing and transferring crypto assets with a hardware wallet has never been easier.

Some might ask, “Is Ledger Stax worth it?” Regarding user-friendliness, the Ledger Stax is worth the higher price tag. Its larger touchscreen offers bigger keypads and a handy sidebar display. With the lighter hardware, the Ledger Stax is a smart choice for those who value convenience and security.

Key Features of both Ledger Stax & Flex

Let’s cover the core features of both the Ledger Flex and Ledger Stax.

Touchscreen display

Marketed as the world’s first-ever secure touchscreen, Ledger’s newest hardware wallets will make cumbersome and plain USB crypto storage a relic of the past. All Ledger Stax reviews highlight the device’s unique 3.7-inch curved touchscreen display that can show the device’s name and battery level on the side.

The Ledger Flex’s more compact 2.84-inch touchscreen still facilitates crypto storage and management better than any non-touchscreen hardware wallet. Both the Flex and Stax displays use 16 scales of gray that keep images, icons, and text clearer and sharper.

Crypto and NFT support

Both Ledger Stax and Ledger Flex can store thousands of cryptocurrencies with additional support for NFTs. The non-custodial hardware wallets can connect with over 550 third-party wallets for added tokens and NFT for added compatibility.

The two devices can connect to mobile or desktop via USB-C, Bluetooth, and near-field communication (NFC), providing users with more ways to manage their crypto assets. Supported Ledger Stax and Flex operating systems include Windows, macOS, and Linux for desktop and Android and iOS for mobile.

Advanced security

Summarizing the security features from both devices laid out earlier, Ledger Stax and Ledger Flex are secure non-custodial hardware wallets built with Ledger’s CC EAL 6+ certified Secure Element Chip. This ensures strong protection for crypto assets. Their advanced operating system, BOLOS or Blockchain Open Ledger Operating System, can securely generate a 24-word Secret Recovery Phrase.

Device customizability 

Wallet holders can easily personalize their Ledger Stax and Flex devices right from the time they first open them. The first prompt in initializing the hardware wallets is naming the device, which will be displayed on the side of the curved touchscreen for the Ledger Flex.

Additionally, the Ledger Flex and Stax can display owned NFTs on idle through NFT compatibility. Users can also upload image files to the device so that other pictures can be shown for a more personal flair.

The Ledger Flex also comes in two color schemes: Graphite or Bitcoin Orange, whereas the Ledger Stax is currently only available in Graphite. However, users can purchase Magnet Shells to add to their devices. These covers come in BTC Orange, Business Charcoal, and Party Aubergine.

Passkey feature

The Ledger Security Key is a software application that lets Ledger Stax and Flex device holders connect with websites and apps that support two-factor authentication (2FA), passkeys, and even multi-factor authentication (MFA).

Essentially, the Ledger Security Key on the hardware wallets allows users to log in to their favorite accounts without remembering their passwords. The app is available for free and supports multiple sites like Binance, Google, Kraken, OKX, X, and more. The security software is also available for other Ledger wallets, including:

• Ledger Nano S Plus (OS 1.1.0 or later)
• Ledger Nano X (OS 2.1.0 or later)
• Ledger Nano S (OS 2.1.0 or later)

Ledger Live

Ledger Live is the companion crypto app for its hardware devices and is fully compatible with Ledger Flex and Stax. The app unlocks buying, selling, and swapping cryptocurrencies for wallet holders. Available for download on both mobile and desktop, Ledger Live is a gateway for securely managing crypto assets in one app.

In addition to buying and selling cryptocurrencies, the Ledger Live crypto wallet app lets users stake their cryptocurrencies. They can check rewards and discover new earning opportunities while maintaining full control of their digital assets. Supported coins available for staking include Ethereum, Solana, Cosmos, and Polkadot.

Ledger Customer Service

Ledger provides extensive support services for its hardware wallets. The support center on the official website has a comprehensive list of educational resources. Here, users can check if an article addresses their concerns. 

For added convenience, Ledger provides email and live chat assistance when available. These services require an email address, and for the chat box, users will need to answer a few questions before being connected to the proper team.

Getting Started with Ledger Flex and Stax

After purchasing either the Ledger Flex or Ledger Stax, you’ll need to set up the device. Although users can start the wallets independently, Ledger recommends setting them up with the Ledger Live app. We’ve outlined the process for both below:

Step 1: Turn on the Ledger device

First, press and hold the power button on both devices’ right side. This will display the opening message “Ledger. The most trusted security for your digital assets”. Tap on the screen to continue.

Step 2: Download and install Ledger Live

Those who wish to set up their devices without Ledger Live can skip this step.

The devices will show an option to set up Ledger Live via mobile. This will show users a QR code to scan with their mobile devices to download the Ledger Live Mobile App. Desktop users can also download and install the app from the official website. Connect Ledger Live and your Ledger device via Bluetooth for Smartphones and via USB-C for desktops to complete the setup.

Step 3: Set the device name

Next, users must enter a name for their Ledger Stax or Flex. A keypad will be displayed on the device which will be used to input the characters. Tap ‘confirm name’ to continue.

Step 4: Enter your PIN

Both devices require a PIN of 4 to 8 digits, which will be used to unlock the device. Ledger recommends an 8-digit PIN code for the highest level of security.

Step 5: Secure the passcode

For setup as a new Ledger device, the next step will be to generate the 24-word Secret Recovery Phrase, which is the only backup for your private keys. Carefully read the instructions provided and tap ‘I understand.’ Next, a group of words will be shown and numbered for you to write down. After scanning all 24 words, tap ‘done’ and confirm that the 24 words are correct.

Our Verdict

Ledger’s latest line of next-generation storage wallets, the Ledger Flex and Ledger Stax, aims to increase the adoption of crypto hardware wallets with a sleek user interface and top-of-the-line security. Each model appeals to different kinds of cryptocurrency users.

With its mid-range price tag, the Ledger Flex is Ledger’s entry product for a secure touchscreen hardware wallet. It offers a sturdy body in a highly portable build that’s enough to showcase Ledger’s latest user interface and operating system. It’s a great model for users to get into the ecosystem.

Meanwhile, the Ledger Stax is the most premium touchscreen wallet option, offering a more user-friendly experience. With the added benefit of a larger curved display, thinner body, and wireless charging, the Stax is the current peak of Ledger’s hardware technology. Crypto enthusiasts who want the latest and best in their devices will enjoy the wallet’s convenience and usability.

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