Ledger’s hardware crypto wallets, the Ledger Flex and Ledger Stax, are next-generation devices Ledger fans and crypto holders looking to purchase their first hardware wallet need to consider.
You can easily decide which suits you most by comparing the two devices. We’ve prepared this comprehensive Ledger Flex vs. Ledger Stax comparison guide to make things easier. Keep reading to learn what each wallet has to offer.
Ledger Flex vs. Ledger Stax: Summary
Ledger Stax and Ledger Flex are two very similar hardware wallets, boasting the same features like top-notch security, users having complete control of their private keys, support for over 5,500 coins, and more.
The two differ in the experience they provide. Ledger Stax is a premium hardware wallet, featuring added options like wireless charging and a large, curved, user-friendly screen that makes typing a lot easier than on the Flex.
Stacking is another differentiating factor and a feature that is only available on the Stax. It’s done with the help of in-built magnets. The magnets connect one Stax to another, and then that one to another, and so on, creating a stack. Additionally, you can differentiate between your stacked devices at a glance since the device name is fully visible via the e-Ink curved screen, even while stacked. This is ideal for dedicated crypto holders who want to have several hardware wallets for different coins or a separate one for NFTs.
On the other hand, Ledger Flex is more for the everyday user who’s not willing to compromise on security, a strong battery, and comprehensive crypto support but doesn’t need a large screen or a premium experience.
You can buy both in the official Ledger Shop. If you can’t decide which one to select, consider which type of buyer each Ledger device is made for:
- Ledger Flex is designed for budget-minded buyers looking for Ledger’s major next-gen features, but most importantly, flexibility.
- Ledger Stax is ideal for premium buyers who want convenience and unique options like stacking and customizing devices, as well as wireless charging.
| Ledger Flex | Ledger Stax | |
| Price | $249 | $399 |
| Number of Supported Coins | 500+ (Ledger Live)
5,000+ (third-party wallets) |
500+ (Ledger Live)
5,000+ (third-party wallets) |
| NFT Support | Yes | Yes |
| Top Features | Compact and easy to carry
Gorilla Glass screen cover Support for over 5,500 coins and NFTs |
Secure touchscreen technology
User-friendly design and interface Support for over 5,500 coins and NFTs |
| Size | 78.4 x 56.5 x 7.7mm
57.5g |
85 x 54 x 6mm (credit card size)
45g |
| Screen | 2.84 inch
16 greyscale E Ink® touchscreen |
3.7 inch
16 greyscale E Ink® curved touchscreen |
| Ledger Live Compatibility | Yes | Yes |
| In the Box | 1 Ledger Flex
1 USB-C to USB-C cable Ledger Stax guide 1 Recovery Sheet |
1 Ledger Stax
1 Ledger Stax Magnet Shell 1 USB-C to USB-C cable Ledger Stax guide 1 Recovery Sheet |
Ledger Flex & Ledger Stax Pricing and Fees
The two Ledger wallets are markedly different in price:
- Ledger Flex costs $249
- Ledger Stax costs $399
So, the Stax costs about 60% more than the Flex, enough to make the price one of the biggest considerations in this comparison.
It’s worth adding that the two devices come with the same accessories included in the box, except for the protective Ledger Magnet Shell provided with the Ledger Stax. If you want the same protection for the Flex, you’ll need to buy the Ledger Magnet Folio for $39, so with that in mind, the price of the Flex becomes $288 vs. $399 for the Stax, reducing the difference.
Regardless, the two devices come with very different price tags, and the reasoning for that is relatively simple.
The Ledger Stax hardware wallet boasts added features, most notably the bigger and more user-friendly e-ink touchscreen of 3.7 inches, compared to the 2.84-inch screen on the Flex. Both screens are e-ink, but the one on the Stax is curved, enabling you to display a custom device name on the side.
Another thing the higher price brings you is Wireless QI charging capability, with the option to buy the Belkin Boost Charge for $29, which offers up to 10 watts of power and the fastest and safest way of charging the Stax.
Moving on to additional expenses, neither comes with shipping costs or any hidden fees you need to worry about. You only have to pay the standard transaction fees, which don’t depend on the device but on the network. If you’re using swap or staking features in the Ledger Live app, the fees will depend on the third party handling the service.
Physical Specifications
These are crypto hardware wallet products, so their physical characteristics are crucial. Below, we examine the differences in size, weight, display, connectivity, color, and finish.
Size
The two Ledger wallets are comparable in size, with the Stax only slightly bigger. It’s the shape and size of a credit card, which is only thicker, while the Flex adopts more of a smartphone shape but is smaller.
Therefore, both are highly compact, making them easy to carry in your pocket or bag with other items. Naturally, it’s best to use the protective case that comes in the box with the Ledger Stax and is purchased separately for the Ledger Flex because both use e-ink touchscreens.
Weight
Despite being bigger, the Ledger Stax weighs less. That said, both devices are very lightweight, so this aspect shouldn’t make a massive difference.
The Stax is 45 grams or only about 1.58 ounces, while the Flex is just shy of 2.02 ounces. For comparison’s sake, the average smartphone weighs 4 to 7 ounces or 110 to 200 grams.
Display
Both Ledger wallets use an e-ink touchscreen, but the Stax’s is bigger. It’s 3.7 inches as opposed to the Flex’s 2.84. On top of that, it’s curved on one side, enabling you to add a custom name.
The Ledger Stax display is much more user-friendly, with the Ledger’s proprietary OS fitting nicely on a screen of that size. The buttons and other clickable options are easy to hit for most people, while typing is ok, miles ahead of the almost impossible-to-use keyboard on the Flex. Of course, given that both pair with the Ledger Live app, this won’t be much of an issue.
Connectivity
Both Ledger hardware wallets feature the same connectivity options — USB-C, Bluetooth, and NFC. However, the Ledger Stax also supports Wireless Qi charging, while the Ledger Flex is charged via a USB-C cable and a compatible charging brick.
Color and Finish
The Ledger Stax is only made in one color, graphite, while the Flex also comes in BTC orange, as seen in the image below.
Both are made with an aluminum frame and plastic back cover. The screen on the Stax features an ultra-thin plastic cover and anti-glare coating, while the Flex screen uses a Gorilla Glass screen cover, also with anti-glare coating.
Key Features
We’ve prepared a list of both wallets’ key features to see their similarities and differences. Here’s what’s important:
| Features | Ledger Flex | Ledger Stax |
| Display Size | 2.84’’ | 3.7’’ |
| Screen | E-ink touchscreen | E-ink touchscreen |
| Size | 78.4 x 56.5 x 7.7mm | 85 x 54 x 6mm |
| Weight | 57.5g | 45g |
| Colors | Graphite
BTC Orange |
Graphite |
| USB-C | Yes | Yes |
| Wireless Charging | No | Yes |
| Battery | Up to 10 hours of regular use or up to 150 completed transactions | Up to 10 hours of regular use or up to 150 completed transactions |
| Bluetooth | Yes | Yes |
| NFC | Yes | Yes |
| Operating System Support | Windows, macOS, Linus, iOS, Android | Windows, macOS, Linus, iOS, Android |
| Supported Coins and NFTs | 5,500+
Multi-chain NFTs |
5,500+
Multi-chain NFTs |
| Third-party Wallet Support | Over 50 wallets | Over 50 wallets |
| Protective Case | Ledger Magnet Shell (included) | Magnet Folio (purchased separately) |
| Secure Element Chip | CC EAL6+ certified | CC EAL6+ certified |
| Recovery Phrase | 24-word | 24-word |
| Recovery Options | Ledger Recover (optional subscription, $99 annually) | Ledger Recover (optional subscription, $99 annually) |
| Replacement Options | Optional 3-year protection plan for $34.99 | Optional 3-year protection plan for $49.99 |
| Stacking | No | Yes, embedded magnets |
| Price | $249 | $399 |
Based on all of these, it’s clear that the Stax offers a better and more user-friendly screen. In addition, it comes with embedded magnets that enable you to stack several Stax devices, like credit cards, without the fear of losing one.
A protective magnet case is also included with the Stax, while you have to buy one separately for the Flex. The Stax also supports wireless charging, while the Flex can only be charged “the old-fashioned way” with a cable.
The only thing the Flex does better than the Stax is the color options. The Ledger Flex hardware wallet comes in two colors, while the Stax only comes in a graphite variant.
This brings us to the most significant difference: the price. The Stax is more expensive, so it’s all about deciding whether these added options and the premium experience warrant the price bump.
Ledger Flex vs. Ledger Stax: Supported Coins
Regarding which digital assets the two wallets support, there are precisely zero differences. Ledger offers the same level of support on all devices, including the older Ledger Nano X and Ledger Nano S Plus.
Here’s a quick breakdown:
- Over 500 coins through the Ledger Live app
- Over 5,000 coins through third-party wallets (more than 50 wallets supported)
NFT Support
Like the crypto assets, the NFT support is the same between the two wallets. Here’s what’s available:
- Ethereum and Polygon NFTs through the Ledger Live app
- Multi-blockchain NFTs through third-party wallets
Security Features
Besides producing some of the most well-reviewed hardware wallets on the planet, Ledger is known for offering top-notch security, on a par with Trezor, whose hardware wallets are now fully integrated with Exodus.
All Ledger wallets provide the same level of security, so the Flex and the Stax are on equal footing here. However, it’s worth explaining what that footing is.
Ledger devices use a Secure Element chip, the same technology as banks, to keep your private keys encrypted and stored safely offline. Their proprietary BOLOS operating system was developed mainly to let users safely interact with their private keys.
Furthermore, Ledger wallets offer a 24-word Secret Recovery Phrase that you can use to unlock your wallet if you lose the device or you want to move to another wallet. Ledger also offers an optional subscription-based service called Ledger Recover, enabling you to access your wallet if you lose your recovery phrase.
The devices are also locked with a 4–8 digit PIN you create during the initial setup. The code is used for everything, from unlocking the device to making transactions, so no one without access to it can use your wallet.
Supported Services
Both Ledger wallets pair with the Ledger Live app, which will be your primary means of making transactions. On top of that, it lets you store over 500 cryptocurrencies, as well as all Ethereum and Polygon NFTs.
Both come with the optional Ledger Recover service we just described, which costs $99 annually. There is also a 3-year protection plan on both devices, which covers replacements in case of damage. It costs $34.99 for the Ledger Flex and $49.99 for the Ledger Stax.
Ledger Flex vs. Ledger Stax: Which One Should You Buy?
As you can see, the two Ledger devices offer similar features and options but come with a few noticeable differences that will be crucial to your decision-making process.
The Ledger Stax is a premium device offering a better and more convenient display, wireless charging, and stacking. If you’re willing to pay a premium, you should go for it. Also, the stacking feature is ideal if you want to use more wallets, but you’ll have to purchase several Ledger Staxs.
If none of these matter to you, and you’re not desperate for a premium experience, the much more affordable Ledger Flex comfortably gets the job done. It offers the same security features, supports the same coins, and pairs with the Ledger Live app. The screen is smaller, but it’s still a secure e-ink touchscreen.
Ultimately, it’s all about weighing these options and considering what you want from your Ledger hardware wallet. With all that in play, making the decision should be easy for most.
FAQ
Is Ledger Flex worth buying?
Is Ledger Stax worth the money?
What are the main differences between the Ledger Flex and the Stax?
Do I get the same crypto and NFT support on Ledger Stax and Flex?
Do I get the same level of security in the Ledger Flex and the Ledger Stax?
Can I use either the Ledger Flex or Ledger Stax without a computer?
Does Ledger Flex offer wireless charging?
Does the Ledger Stax have NFC?
References
- Product Comparison (Ledger)
- Ledger Flex Product Page (Ledger)
- Ledger Stax Product Page (Ledger)
- Ledger’s Next-Generation Devices: Ledger Stax vs. Ledger Flex (Ledger)
