Looking for privacy-first, non-custodial Monero exchange software? Below are desktop apps and projects that let you trade XMR without surrendering your keys to a centralized website. This guide covers BasicSwap, Bisq, RetoSwap (Haveno-based), and Serai DEX.
What This Guide Covers
- BasicSwap — Atomic-swap DEX for true crypto-to-crypto trading.
- Bisq — Decentralized P2P exchange over Tor with an XMR/BTC market.
- RetoSwap — Haveno-based P2P software; you can trade on RetoSwap, but you can’t trade on Haveno itself at this time.
- Serai DEX — Forthcoming cross-chain DEX focused on BTC, ETH, and XMR.
BasicSwap
What it is: BasicSwap is a privacy-focused DEX that uses atomic swaps for direct XMR ↔ BTC (and other coins) without intermediaries. Orders are posted to a decentralized book; settlement happens chain-to-chain, so there is no custodian and no wrapped assets.
Best for: Users who want pure, non-custodial crypto-to-crypto swaps and maximum sovereignty.
Requirements: Local software and configured nodes or light setups for the coins you trade.
Bisq
What it is: Bisq is a long-running decentralized P2P exchange operating over Tor. It has mediation and supports many fiat payment methods via the BTC side.
How XMR fits: Bisq uses BTC on one side of every pair. Practically, you can do fiat ↔ BTC in Bisq, then trade BTC ↔ XMR in the XMR/BTC market, all inside the app.
Best for: Traders who need a fiat on/off-ramp and are comfortable routing via BTC to reach XMR.
RetoSwap (Haveno-Based)
What it is: RetoSwap is software you run yourself for peer-to-peer trades, based/built on Haveno principles (privacy via Tor/I2P, non-custodial multisig escrow, user-run network).
Important note: RetoSwap is Haveno-based and you can trade Monero on RetoSwap; however, you can’t trade on Haveno itself right now. See the Haveno project at haveno.exchange for status and development updates, and always verify functionality before planning trades.
Serai DEX (Forthcoming)
What it is: Serai DEX is a security-first, cross-chain DEX intended to support BTC, ETH, and XMR. It aims for non-custodial, privacy-preserving swaps. Follow the project for release updates and audits as it matures.
How To Choose
- I want direct XMR ↔ BTC without custodians: Choose BasicSwap for atomic swaps.
- I need fiat on/off ramps and can route through BTC: Use Bisq for fiat ↔ BTC, then BTC ↔ XMR in the XMR/BTC market.
- I want Haveno-style P2P software: RetoSwap is Haveno-based and supports trading; Haveno itself is not trade-ready.
- I’m watching future cross-chain options: Track Serai DEX for forthcoming releases.
Safety and Privacy Tips
- Verify downloads: Use official sources and check signatures or hashes.
- Network hygiene: Follow each project’s Tor/I2P guidance; avoid leaking identifying info.
- Escrow and disputes: Learn how atomic swaps, multisig escrow, and mediation work before trading.
- Self-custody: Keep your seed offline and never hand funds to a custodial website “for convenience.”
- Start small: Test new setups with tiny amounts until you are confident.
FAQ
Can I trade Monero directly on Bisq? Yes, via the XMR/BTC market inside Bisq. Bisq requires BTC on one side of every pair.
Is RetoSwap based on Haveno, and can I trade XMR there? Yes—RetoSwap is Haveno-based and you can trade on RetoSwap. However, you cannot trade on Haveno itself at this time. Check Haveno for project status.
Are BasicSwap trades truly non-custodial? Yes. BasicSwap uses atomic swaps for chain-to-chain settlement without custodians or wrapped tokens.
Does Serai DEX support XMR today? Serai DEX is a forthcoming cross-chain DEX with XMR in scope; watch for official releases and audits.
