Ledger Stax Review 2025: Fees, Pros, Cons, & Safety

Ledger Stax Overview

What Is The Ledger Stax?

The Ledger Stax is Ledger’s premium hardware wallet. 

It takes all of the core features you get with the original Ledger Nano hardware wallets, but adds a ton of extra offerings that make the experience that much better.

With the Ledger Stax, you’re not just storing your assets. You’re taking full control of them. It keeps your private keys offline, safe from hackers, while letting you make transactions securely as needed. 

It means that using your crypto frequently, and even on the go, is no chore. At the same time, your crypto is always kept safe.

But what really sets the Stax apart? 

Its sleek E Ink® touchscreen is responsive, easy to read, and wraps cleverly around the device. It even lets you customize it with your favorite image or NFT. It’s like your wallet has a personality, making it uniquely yours. 

The Stax also supports wireless charging, so you don’t even have to plug in your device between uses.

And it’s not just about convenience. The Ledger Stax is built for peace of mind. You get the security Ledger is known for, wrapped in a device that’s actually enjoyable to use.

In a nutshell, the Ledger Stax stands out because it doesn’t just protect your assets—it offers the most premium experience while doing so. 

Ledger Stax Key Features

• Ledger Live app: Securely manage, buy, sell, swap, stake, and track crypto, handle NFTs, access dApps, and sync accounts across devices—all in one app.
• Secure E Ink® Touchscreen: It has a 3.7-inch grayscale E Ink screen that curves around the spine of the device. It’s super clear, responsive, and saves battery life. This makes navigating and reviewing transactions a breeze.
• Top-Tier Security: Built with a Secure Element chip (CC EAL6+ certified), your private keys stay offline and out of reach from hackers at all times. It’s like having a digital vault in your pocket.
• Wide Asset Support: The Stax works with thousands of cryptocurrencies, tokens, and NFTs. Basically, almost whatever crypto or digital collectible you have, this wallet can probably handle it.
• Bluetooth and USB-C Connectivity: You can use Bluetooth or USB-C to connect to your devices. Whether it’s a smartphone or a computer, syncing is simple and quick.
• Intuitive Interface: The design is user-friendly, and you can even customize the lock screen with images or NFTs. It’s practical and personal at the same time.

Ledger Stax Fees

Ledger don’t take any fees for themselves from any buys, sells, or transfers on the Ledger Live app. However you’ll need to pay standard network fees on whichever blockchain you use when transacting.

There are also fees associated with third-party providers when staking or swapping crypto through the app. These depend on the provider chosen.

Buying or selling crypto with fiat through Ledger Live is also done through third-party providers, and is subject to their fees and KYC processes (if necessary).

These fees vary greatly with your selected country, payment method, and payment processor, so make sure you always double-check them before going ahead.

Our Expert Review of the Ledger Stax

In this hands-on Ledger Stax review, we’re going to unbox the Ledger Stax and run through the setup process. 

I’ll give you my honest thoughts about the device, the software, and setting it up from start to finish. Let’s go!

If you’re wondering what you get in your Ledger Stax box, here it is:

• 1x Ledger Stax hardware wallet
• 1x USB-C to USB-C connector/charging cable
• 1x Seed phrase recovery sheet
• 1x Quick start guide 

First Impressions of the Ledger Stax 

The first thought I had when unboxing the Ledger Stax was: Wow, this thing is SLEEK. 

It’s super thin but still feels high-quality in your hand. Honestly, a metallic back cover would’ve been the cherry on top, but the plastic cover is a minor detail—and it does help keep it lightweight.

The E Ink® screen is such a cool feature! 

If you’ve used a Kindle before, you’ll know what I mean—it’s like reading text printed on paper, but digital. It’s super easy on the eyes, saves battery, and even has this neat wrap-around portion that shows your device name, lock status, and battery level without taking up space on the main display.

The only catch? It’s not backlit, so you’ll need a light source if you’re using it in the dark. Otherwise, it’s easy to read, and the setup process is super user-friendly—it really walks you through step by step.

The Ledger Live App

When using any Ledger device, you need to interact with the Ledger Live software, which you’ll download on your desktop and/or mobile device.

Ledger Live is an all-in-one app that makes managing your cryptocurrency easy and secure. Here’s what you can do with it:

• Track your Portfolio: Keep an eye on your crypto investments in real-time, with support for tons of cryptocurrencies and tokens.
• Buy and Sell Crypto With Fiat: Easily purchase or sell crypto directly through the app using services like MoonPay, Transak, and Ramp.
• Swap Crypto: Exchange one cryptocurrency for another quickly and seamlessly within the app.
• Earn Rewards by Staking: Stake supported coins to earn rewards and track your earnings effortlessly.
• Manage NFTs: Store, view, and manage your NFTs securely in one place.
• Access DeFi Tools: Dive into decentralized finance with options for lending, borrowing, and more, while staying secure.
• Sync Accounts Across Devices: Access your Ledger Live account from multiple devices without missing a beat.

The desktop app is a little easier to navigate, since everything is set out nicely on one page. 

On the mobile app, there’s a little scrolling around to be done to uncover all of its features—which is fair, because there’s a ton of them.

Regardless—on all platforms, Ledger Live is tidy, easy to use, and has a ton more features than you’d expect. 

Setting up the Ledger Stax 

Setting up the Ledger Stax is even easier than setting up Ledger’s other wallets, all thanks to the touch screen. 

It gives you clear and concise on-screen instructions that guide you through the entire setup process, without needing to refer to a paper or internet guide. 

It also makes it much easier to tap specific things on the screen, rather than navigate using two physical buttons.

Here’s what the process looked like:

1. Power it up & download Ledger Live

Use the side button (the only physical button on the device) to power it on, then install the Ledger Live app on your desktop or mobile device.

To download Ledger Live, simply scan the QR code that pops up on the Stax device with your mobile phone, or visit ledger.com/start to get started on desktop. 

I used the desktop app for my setup, so that I could take photos—but setting it up with your phone is just as easy!

2. Connect to your desktop via the USB-C cable

Plug your wallet into your desktop device using the USB-C cable provided. For mobile setup, you can use bluetooth, no cable required!

Note: The cable is USB-C to USB-C, so make sure you have a compatible port in your computer.

3. Check device authenticity & update firmware 

Ledger Live will conduct a genuine check of your device, to make sure it’s authentic. It’ll also check that the firmware is up to date on your Stax device and update it, if necessary.

Each step must be approved on the device itself, by tapping the appropriate buttons on the touch-screen. The E Ink® screen is super cool, and highly responsive.

In my case, the firmware needed to be updated and installed—twice, which was a bit of a pain (two versions behind). It only took a couple of minutes to take care of.

4. Set the device name and PIN

The touchscreen was amazingly easy to type on, even with my fat thumbs. The screen and keyboard might look compact, but they work like a charm. 

Important: Make sure you remember your PIN! If you get it wrong three times, the device will reset itself to factory settings, and you’ll need to restore it using your seed phrase.

5. Set up a new wallet, or recover an existing one

In most cases, you’ll be setting up a new wallet, with a fresh seed phrase. 

I always recommend you do this to keep your security top-notch, unless you absolutely have to recover an old wallet—recycling old seed phrases isn’t great for security.

6. Back up your seed phrase

This is the most important step in the process—if you lose your seed phrase, you lose your coins! 

I repeat: IF YOU LOSE YOUR SEED PHRASE, YOU LOSE YOUR COINS!

Sorry for the caps lock but you have to understand this. 

Write down your seed phrase using the recovery sheet provided. Keep it in a safe, dry place! If possible, write it down in multiple places and keep each copy in a different spot—you should always have a backup in case you lose one.

It was a little bit of a pity that only one recovery sheet was provided here. It would’ve been handy to have an extra one or two in the event of a mistake or if I wanted to create a new seed phrase down the track.

You’ll then confirm each word in your seed phrase on the Stax device. 

Doing this 24 times may sound like a long process, but it’s actually super quick to do on the touch screen. Simply tap the right word out of four options each time.

I also think it’s great that the Stax checks every word instead of just a few. Some other devices only confirm a few of the words, leaving a small chance of backing it up incorrectly—not great!

7. Install Ledger apps

Now, it’s time to set up the apps so that your ledger supports your desired assets. 

Bitcoin and Ethereum apps will download automatically, but it’s up to you to add additional ones for other assets and chains such as Solana.

8. Fund your Ledger Stax

Now, you’re all set up! You can now send funds to your Ledger Stax for safekeeping. 

Use the Ledger Live app to transfer assets to your device, or buy some using fiat through the app’s “Buy/Sell” tab.

You can also customize your lock screen—check out the Milk Man I put on mine:

Buying Crypto via Ledger Live

If you don’t have any crypto yet, or you simply want to top-up your stash, Ledger makes this easy to do via the Ledger Live App. 

To do this, click on “Buy/Sell” and follow the steps in the interface. The process is extremely streamlined. All you need to do is:

1. Select your fiat currency of choice
2. Choose the crypto you want to buy (and there are a ton of options, believe me!)
3. Enter how much you want to buy
4. Select your country and preferred payments provider
5. Follow their payment process, including KYC if required.

Once again, remember—each payment provider, currency, and payment method comes with different fees! Make sure you know what kind of deal you’re getting, before following through.

And voila! Once the payment is processed, you’ll have some fresh crypto in your Ledger Stax.

Ledger Customer Service

When it comes to self-custody of your crypto, most of the responsibility is going to be on you. However, if you need help relating to the device or Ledger Live app, Ledger has some support channels.

The Ledger website’s support page offers the usual self-help experience, guiding you to FAQ and guides for most common questions that users may have.

There’s also an AI chatbot available for consulting about any inquiries or issues. You can find this by clicking the speech bubble icon in the bottom right-hand corner of the support section.

To my surprise, the bot actually did an excellent (and rapid) job of answering a question I had about Solana tokens:

If you want to speak to a human for personalized support, however, you might run into a little speed bump. 

The bot estimated up to a 48 hour wait time for a response from a customer service agent, and I could only choose to be contacted via email.

Who’s the Ledger Stax For?

• People who want an easy hardware wallet experience: If you want an easier experience and the ultimate convenience, the Ledger Stax has a large touchscreen that’s easy to use. It also comes with wireless charging, stackable design to save space, and Bluetooth to connect to your devices without any hassle.
• Active crypto users: The Ledger Stax is perfect for those who frequently trade and manage their crypto. Its Bluetooth connectivity and touchscreen make it way more convenient to use compared to cheaper wallets, all while maintaining top-notch security. It’s designed to handle the needs of active users without sacrificing ease or protection.
• People with a bigger budget: If you’re willing to invest more, the Ledger Stax offers all the best features for a premium experience—of course at a higher price point than most other hardware wallets.

Who’s it Not For?

• People who don’t have much crypto to store: If your crypto holdings are relatively small, the price of the Stax might feel like overkill. For those with only a few hundred dollars in assets, a simpler and more affordable solution could be a better fit.
• People who aren’t active crypto users: If you’re the type to store your crypto and leave it untouched for a long time, a Ledger Nano device could be a better fit. It offers all the security and features you need at a much lower price, making it a practical choice for less active users.

Ledger Stax Alternatives

The Ledger Stax is somewhat in a league of its own, as far as the price point and set of features go. However, there are a couple of wallets on the market that have similar functionality: 

Ledger Stax vs. Trezor Model T

The Ledger Stax and Trezor Model T are both solid, secure wallets that make managing crypto easy with touchscreens and support for tons of coins. 

The Stax is more high-tech, with Bluetooth, an E Ink screen, a battery with wireless charging, and fun lock screen customizations. It also feels more premium—which makes sense, considering the price difference. 

Ledger Stax vs. Ledger Flex

Both the Ledger Stax and Ledger Flex are cutting-edge hardware wallets with advanced security and sleek designs. 

The Stax stands out with its larger, curved display and added convenience of wireless charging, making it the more premium option. It’s also thinner and feels a bit more premium in the hand.

However, the Flex also offers excellent functionality at a lower price, making it a great choice if you want a modern, secure wallet—without the extra cost of the Stax’s premium features.

Is the Ledger Stax Safe to Use?

Ledger is a Veteran Company

Ledger is no newbie to the crypto security space—it’s been a leader in crypto security since 2014. 

It currently protects over 20% of global crypto. Yep, 20%.

It was founded by a group of blockchain and security pros who really know their stuff. With Pascal Gauthier as CEO, Ian Rogers improving how people use their products, and Charles Guillemet driving security upgrades, they’ve kept ahead in the fast-moving crypto world. 

They’ve even brought in big names like Tony Fadell, who created the iPod, and Lily Liu from the Solana Foundation to their board. It’s a team of experts building innovative and reliable ways to manage digital assets.

Together, this team has built a strong reputation for delivering secure, forward-thinking solutions for managing crypto.

Billion Dollar Valuation, Notable Investors.

They’ve also got backing from serious names in the industry, adding to their credibility.

Ledger has grown into one of the biggest names in crypto security and has raised a whopping $577 million over the years. 

Their biggest funding round was in 2021, pulling in $380 million and pushing their value to over $1.5 billion. Investors like 10T Holdings, Draper Associates, and Digital Currency Group have backed them along the way.

Overcoming Bumps in the Road

The above aside, it hasn’t always been smooth sailing for Ledger. 

In July 2020, Ledger had a major data breach where customer details like email addresses were leaked. The good news is, this wasn’t a hack of their wallets or crypto systems, but rather a third-party marketing database.

A second incident happened in December 2023, when there was a supply chain attack where a bad actor managed to sneak malicious code into a version of Ledger’s Connect Kit. This hit users who interacted with certain dApps, leading to unauthorized transactions. 

Ledger caught it fast, rolled out a fix within 40 minutes, and even promised to compensate affected users. They’ve since beefed up their security to avoid anything like this happening again.

Despite these challenges, Ledger has proven it can tackle obstacles head-on while staying focused on protecting its users and putting their needs first.

Final Thoughts On The Ledger Stax

The Ledger Stax is, simply put, a standout hardware wallet. It’s sleek, feels luxurious, and is incredibly easy to use—thanks to its responsive E Ink® touchscreen.

Connecting it to your devices is a breeze with USB-C and Bluetooth, and the Ledger Live app makes managing your crypto straightforward on both desktop and mobile. 

It’s also compatible with popular browser wallets like MetaMask, Coinbase Wallet, and Phantom, giving you a secure and seamless way to transact on almost any major blockchain—without exposing your funds to unnecessary risks.

Is all of this a bit much for a hardware wallet? Maybe. But if you’ve done well with crypto, this is the kind of premium device that feels like a well-earned upgrade.

Ledger Stax Frequently Asked Questions