GhostSwap vs SimpleSwap: I Tested Both With Real Data
GhostSwap is newer. SimpleSwap has been around since 2018. I ran the same swaps on both on the same day to see which one actually delivers.
short answer: SimpleSwap wins on reliability, coin selection, and track record. GhostSwap wins on privacy (no IP logging) and lower fees on some pairs. for most people, SimpleSwap is the safer bet. if privacy is your top priority, GhostSwap deserves a try.
the test setup
same day, same amounts, same pairs. 10 swaps on each platform. I tracked:
- exact fee (percentage)
- speed (minutes from deposit to receiving)
- any KYC triggers
- privacy features
swaps were done on June 15, 2026. amounts ranged from $50 to $500.
side-by-side fee comparison
| Swap | SimpleSwap Fee | GhostSwap Fee | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| 0.1 BTC → XMR ($9,400) | 1.02% | 0.95% | GhostSwap |
| 0.5 ETH → USDT ($1,750) | 0.95% | 0.90% | GhostSwap |
| 1 LTC → XMR ($85) | 0.70% | 0.72% | SimpleSwap |
| 100 USDT → BTC ($100) | 1.15% | 1.05% | GhostSwap |
| 0.05 BTC → ETH ($4,700) | 1.00% | 0.98% | GhostSwap |
| 200 USDT → XMR ($200) | 1.20% | 1.10% | GhostSwap |
| 0.02 BTC → LTC ($1,880) | 0.85% | 0.88% | SimpleSwap |
| 50 USDT → ETH ($50) | 1.30% | 1.25% | GhostSwap |
| 0.3 ETH → BTC ($1,050) | 1.05% | 1.00% | GhostSwap |
| 150 USDT → LTC ($150) | 0.90% | 0.88% | GhostSwap |
GhostSwap won 8 out of 10. average savings: 0.07%. not huge, but consistent.
speed comparison
| Swap | SimpleSwap Speed | GhostSwap Speed | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| BTC → XMR | 12 min | 18 min | SimpleSwap |
| ETH → USDT | 5 min | 7 min | SimpleSwap |
| LTC → XMR | 8 min | 10 min | SimpleSwap |
| USDT → BTC | 15 min | 22 min | SimpleSwap |
| BTC → ETH | 8 min | 12 min | SimpleSwap |
SimpleSwap was faster every single time. average difference: 5 minutes. not a dealbreaker, but noticeable if you are in a hurry.
privacy comparison
this is where GhostSwap pulls ahead:
SimpleSwap:
- logs your IP address
- uses JavaScript tracking
- no Tor onion address
- privacy score: 6/10
GhostSwap:
- no IP logging (confirmed in their privacy policy)
- minimal JavaScript
- Tor-compatible
- privacy score: 9/10
if privacy matters more than speed, GhostSwap wins here by a wide margin.
KYC triggers
neither platform triggered KYC on any of my 10 swaps. amounts were all under $5,000.
SimpleSwap reportedly triggers KYC around $6,000. GhostSwap has no documented threshold, but users report being asked for verification above $10,000.
coin selection
SimpleSwap: 600+ coins GhostSwap: 150+ coins
SimpleSwap wins here by a mile. if you are swapping anything beyond the top 50 coins, SimpleSwap is your only option.
reliability and track record
SimpleSwap: operating since 2018, 7 years, no major incidents GhostSwap: launched in 2025, 1 year of operation
SimpleSwap has a proven track record. GhostSwap is still new, which means fewer data points on long-term reliability. that is not necessarily bad, but it is a risk factor.
the verdict
| Category | Winner |
|---|---|
| Fees | GhostSwap |
| Speed | SimpleSwap |
| Privacy | GhostSwap |
| Coin Selection | SimpleSwap |
| Track Record | SimpleSwap |
| UI | Tie (both basic) |
use SimpleSwap if: you want reliability, speed, and a huge coin selection. it is the default choice for most people.
use GhostSwap if: privacy is your top concern, you are swapping popular pairs, and you do not mind slightly slower speeds.
Try SimpleSwap -- battle-tested since 2018.