SideShift vs Trocador
_ no-KYC exchange comparison · trust, privacy, custody
| SideShift | Trocador | |
|---|---|---|
| Trust score | C | C |
| Privacy | 48 | 60 |
| Trust | 78 | 83 |
| Type | exchange | aggregator |
| Verified | — | yes |
| Reviews | 0 | 0 |
// 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
Trocador
- ✓ No registration needed
- ✓ Tor / onion service
- ✓ No email required
- ✓ No JavaScript needed
- ✓ Accepts Monero
- ✗ Transaction monitoring
- ✗ KYC depends on partner
// verdict
SideShift vs Trocador: which to pick
These two services solve the same problem - no-KYC swaps - in different ways. SideShift is a direct exchange that has operated since 2018, holding funds temporarily in custody during the swap. Trocador, launched in 2022, is a non-custodial aggregator that routes your trade to a partner provider and never touches the coins itself.
- Custody: SideShift takes temporary custody during the swap; Trocador stays out of the flow entirely, forwarding you to the chosen partner.
- Rates: Both use hybrid quotes (fixed or floating). Trocador can show several providers side by side, which often surfaces a better deal; SideShift gives one quote but with a longer operational track record.
- Refunds: Handled case by case on both sides. With Trocador, disputes go to the underlying provider, though a limited guarantee program exists.
- Privacy: Trocador leans harder into privacy - Tor-friendly, works without JavaScript, minimal tracking.
Practical recommendation: pick SideShift if you value a single mature counterparty with a consistent UX and API. Pick Trocador if you want to compare quotes, avoid any custodial step, or route over Tor. For larger swaps, always check the live quote on both before committing.
// FAQ
Is SideShift or Trocador safer?
Different risk models. SideShift is a single counterparty with a longer track record since 2018 but takes temporary custody. Trocador never holds funds, but the actual swap risk shifts to whichever partner you select. Neither requires KYC for standard flows.
Which has better rates?
It depends on the pair and the moment. Trocador aggregates multiple providers and shows them side by side, so it often wins on price discovery. SideShift quotes its own book directly. Always compare both live quotes before sending funds.
What happens if a swap fails or gets stuck?
Both handle refunds case by case. SideShift manages support in-house since it runs the swap itself. With Trocador, you contact the partner provider that executed the trade, though Trocador offers a limited guarantee program up to roughly $1,000 for eligible issues.
Can I use either over Tor without an account?
Yes, neither requires registration for standard swaps. Trocador is explicitly designed for Tor and even works without JavaScript, making it the stronger choice for privacy-hardened setups. SideShift is accessible too but is more browser-oriented in its UX.
// related