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.