Hardware Wallet Review

Ledger Stax Review: Is the Touchscreen Worth the Price?

A deep dive into Ledger's premium E-Ink hardware wallet. We compare it to Nano X and Nano S Plus to help you decide if the $399 price tag is justified.

12 min read
Updated: January 2026
4.5/5
Buy Ledger Stax

Ledger Stax Overview

The Ledger Stax represents Ledger's vision for the future of hardware wallets. Designed by Tony Fadell (the creator of the iPod), it features a curved E-Ink touchscreen that sets it apart from every other hardware wallet on the market.

At $399, it's significantly more expensive than the Nano X ($149) or Nano S Plus ($79), but it offers a dramatically improved user experience with its 3.7-inch touchscreen display, wireless charging, and customizable lock screen that can display your favorite NFT.

Quick Specifications

displayE-Ink Touchscreen (3.7")
resolution400 x 672 pixels
connectivityBluetooth 5.2, USB-C
battery200mAh (weeks of standby)
dimensions85 x 54 x 6mm
weight45g
supported Coins5,500+
secure ElementCC EAL5+ certified
osCustom Secure OS (BOLOS)
materialAluminum frame, curved glass
chargerQi Wireless + USB-C
price$399

E-Ink Touchscreen Features

3.7" Curved Display

The largest display on any hardware wallet. The curved E-Ink screen wraps around the edge, creating a premium aesthetic that no other wallet can match.

Touch Navigation

No more clicking tiny buttons. Swipe through menus, type your PIN, and confirm transactions with intuitive touch gestures.

Always-On Display

E-Ink only uses power when changing content. Your lock screen stays visible even when the device is off, perfect for displaying NFTs.

Wireless Charging

Drop it on any Qi wireless charger. No cables needed. Also supports USB-C for faster charging when you need it.

E-Ink vs OLED: Key Differences

  • Battery: E-Ink uses near-zero power when static, OLED drains constantly
  • Readability: E-Ink is perfect in sunlight, OLED can wash out
  • Refresh: E-Ink has slower refresh rate, slight delay when changing screens
  • Color: E-Ink is grayscale only, no color display

Stax vs Nano X vs Nano S Plus

Feature
Ledger Stax
$399
Nano X
$149
Nano S Plus
$79
DisplayE-Ink Touchscreen (3.7")OLED (128x64 px)OLED (128x64 px)
NavigationFull Touchscreen2 Physical Buttons2 Physical Buttons
BluetoothYes (5.2)Yes (5.0)No
BatteryWeeks (E-Ink)8+ hours activeN/A (USB powered)
Wireless ChargingYes (Qi)NoNo
Lock Screen ImageYes (Customizable)NoNo
Supported Coins5,500+5,500+5,500+
App Storage100+ apps100+ apps100+ apps
Security ChipCC EAL5+CC EAL5+CC EAL5+
Price$399$149$79

Build Quality and Design

The Stax feels like a premium device the moment you pick it up. The aluminum frame provides rigidity while the curved glass display gives it a modern, sophisticated look. At 45g and 6mm thick, it's slim enough to carry in your pocket.

Materials

  • Aluminum frame construction
  • Curved Gorilla Glass display
  • Magnetic back for accessories
  • Premium matte finish

Design Philosophy

Designed by Tony Fadell, the "father of the iPod," Stax brings Apple-level design thinking to hardware wallets.

The credit-card form factor (85 x 54mm) fits naturally in your hand and wallet.

Security Features

CC EAL5+ Secure Element

Same chip used in passports and credit cards. Your private keys never leave this secure chip.

Secure Display

What you see is what you sign. The E-Ink display shows exactly what you're approving.

PIN Protection

Device wipes after 3 wrong PIN attempts. No brute-force attacks possible.

24-Word Recovery Phrase

BIP39 standard recovery phrase. Compatible with other wallets if needed.

Ledger Recover (Optional)

Paid service to backup seed phrase via ID verification. Completely optional.

Anti-Tampering

Genuine check verification ensures your device hasn't been compromised.

Security Bottom Line

Ledger Stax uses the same CC EAL5+ certified secure element as the Nano X and Nano S Plus. This chip is also used in passports and bank cards. Your private keys are generated and stored in this chip and never leave it. The main security benefit of Stax is the larger "secure display" - you can more easily verify what you're signing.

Supported Coins

Ledger Stax supports over 5,500 cryptocurrencies and tokens through Ledger Live and third-party apps. This includes all major chains and most tokens.

Bitcoin & Forks

BTCBCHBSVLTCDOGE

Ethereum Ecosystem

ETHAll ERC-20PolygonArbitrumOptimism

Layer 1s

SOLADAAVAXDOTATOMNEAR

BNB Chain

BNBAll BEP-20 tokens

DeFi Tokens

UNIAAVELINKMKRCRV

Stablecoins

USDTUSDCDAIBUSD

Note: Ledger supports the same coins across all devices (Stax, Nano X, Nano S Plus). The difference is only in the user interface, not coin compatibility.

Battery Life

E-Ink Advantage

Unlike OLED displays that constantly drain power, E-Ink only uses energy when the screen changes. This means your lock screen can stay on indefinitely.

  • - Weeks of standby time
  • - Days of active use
  • - Lock screen always visible

Charging Options

Stax supports both wireless and wired charging for maximum flexibility.

  • - Qi wireless charging
  • - USB-C wired charging
  • - Fast charge capable
  • - Charge indicator on display

200mAh battery | USB-C or Qi Wireless | Full charge in ~2 hours

Bluetooth Connectivity

Bluetooth 5.2

Ledger Stax uses Bluetooth 5.2 to connect to your smartphone, allowing you to manage crypto on the go via the Ledger Live mobile app.

  • Works with iOS and Android
  • Encrypted Bluetooth connection
  • No desktop required
  • WalletConnect support for DeFi

Security note: Bluetooth only transfers transaction data - your private keys never leave the secure chip. Even if someone intercepts the Bluetooth signal, they cannot steal your crypto.

Pros and Cons

Pros

  • Stunning E-Ink touchscreen display
  • Premium build quality with aluminum frame
  • Weeks of battery life thanks to E-Ink
  • Wireless Qi charging support
  • Customizable lock screen with NFT display
  • Same top-tier security as other Ledger devices
  • Magnetic accessories compatibility
  • Bluetooth 5.2 for mobile connectivity

Cons

  • Premium price point at $399
  • E-Ink refresh rate slower than OLED
  • Larger form factor than Nano series
  • May be overkill for casual users
  • Limited color display (grayscale E-Ink)

Price vs Value Analysis

$399
Ledger Stax
$149
Nano X
$79
Nano S Plus

Is the Premium Worth It?

The Ledger Stax costs $250+ more than the Nano X, but here's what you're paying for:

  • Touchscreen experience: Worth ~$100 in usability improvement
  • E-Ink display: Worth ~$50 for always-on + battery life
  • Wireless charging: Worth ~$30 in convenience
  • Premium materials: Worth ~$50 in build quality
  • Design by Tony Fadell: Priceless for tech enthusiasts

Bottom line: If you value user experience and can afford it, Stax is the best hardware wallet available. If you just need security, the Nano S Plus at $79 offers identical protection.

Who Should Buy Ledger Stax?

Crypto Enthusiasts

RECOMMENDED

If you interact with DeFi, NFTs, and multiple chains daily, the touchscreen makes everything easier.

High-Value Holders

RECOMMENDED

If you're securing significant assets, the premium device matches the importance of what you're protecting.

Design-Conscious Users

RECOMMENDED

If you appreciate premium tech and want a wallet you're proud to show, Stax delivers.

Budget-Conscious Users

CONSIDER ALTERNATIVES

If security is your only concern and budget matters, the Nano S Plus ($79) offers identical security.

Infrequent Users

CONSIDER ALTERNATIVES

If you rarely access your crypto, you may not benefit from the touchscreen convenience.

Frequently Asked Questions

Ready to Secure Your Crypto?

Get the Ledger Stax or explore other Ledger products. Always buy from the official store for genuine, secure devices.