SideShift vs StealthEX

_ no-KYC exchange comparison · trust, privacy, custody
SideShiftStealthEX
Trust scoreCC
Privacy4849
Trust7879
Typeexchangeexchange
Verified
Reviews00
// pros & cons

SideShift

  • ✓ No registration needed
  • ✓ No email required
  • ✓ Accepts Monero
  • ✓ Non-custodial
  • ✓ Good customer support
  • ✗ Transaction monitoring
  • ✗ Shotgun KYC
  • ✗ Data sharing
  • ✗ May freeze / suspend

StealthEX

  • ✓ No registration needed
  • ✓ No email required
  • ✓ Accepts Monero
  • ✓ Non-custodial
  • ✓ Public policies
  • ✗ Transaction monitoring
  • ✗ KYC required for AML refund
  • ✗ Shotgun KYC
  • ✗ May freeze / suspend
// verdict

SideShift vs StealthEX: which to pick

Both exchanges launched in 2018, use a hybrid rate model (fixed or floating), and handle refunds on a case-by-case basis. They score similarly in our framework, but they are not identical under the hood.

The clearest difference is custody. SideShift holds funds temporarily during the swap, which is standard for aggregators but means coins briefly sit on their infrastructure. StealthEX routes orders in a more pass-through, non-custodial manner and advertises automatic data deletion, which appeals to users prioritizing minimal data retention.

  • Pick SideShift if you want a polished UX, broad multi-network support across roughly 200+ assets, and don't mind temporary custody during the swap window.
  • Pick StealthEX if you want the widest asset coverage (2000+ coins), a stricter non-custodial flow, and stronger emphasis on data minimization.

Rates are hybrid on both, so the 'better' quote depends entirely on the pair and the moment. For any swap above a few hundred dollars, open both side by side, request a quote for the same amount, and compare the receive value and the network fee. For long-tail altcoins, StealthEX usually has it listed; for mainstream BTC/ETH/SOL flows, SideShift is typically faster to confirm.

// FAQ
Is SideShift or StealthEX safer?
Both have operated since 2018 with no major incidents. StealthEX leans more strictly non-custodial, while SideShift takes temporary custody during the swap. If you want minimal exposure to a counterparty holding funds, StealthEX has a slight edge; otherwise both are comparable.
Which has better rates?
Rates are hybrid on both platforms and vary by pair, liquidity source, and market conditions. There is no permanent winner. Always request a live quote on both for the same amount and compare the final receive value, including any network fee, before committing.
Do either require KYC?
No. Neither SideShift nor StealthEX requires registration or identity verification for standard swaps. Both may flag transactions in rare risk-review situations, which is why refunds are described as case-by-case rather than guaranteed automatic.
Which supports more coins?
StealthEX advertises 2000+ assets, which is broader than SideShift's roughly 200+ supported cryptocurrencies. For obscure altcoins or smaller-cap tokens, StealthEX is more likely to list the pair you need. For major coins and L2s, both cover the essentials.
// related