Today is November 5th, 2025, and I’ve been actively involved in cryptocurrency trading for about five years now. One swap I’ve done repeatedly is converting Bitcoin (BTC) to Monero (XMR). I initially started doing this because of Monero’s strong focus on privacy, something I value when dealing with digital assets. I wanted to share my personal experience, the platforms I’ve used, and what I’ve learned along the way.
Why I Chose to Swap BTC for XMR
As I mentioned, privacy was the primary driver; Bitcoin, while revolutionary, isn’t inherently private. Transactions are recorded on a public ledger. Monero, on the other hand, uses ring signatures and stealth addresses to obscure transaction details, making it much harder to trace the sender, receiver, or amount. I felt it was a good way to diversify and protect a portion of my holdings.
Platforms I’ve Used for the Swap
I’ve experimented with several platforms over the years. Here’s a breakdown of my experiences:
Atomic Wallet
I first used Atomic Wallet back in 2023. I found it incredibly user-friendly. The interface is clean, and the swap process was straightforward. I did notice that the fees were a bit higher than some other options, but the convenience was worth it at the time. I remember one swap where I exchanged 0.5 BTC for around 155 XMR (the rate fluctuated, of course!). The transaction completed within about 20 minutes. I appreciated that they clearly displayed the network and provider fees before I confirmed the swap.
3commas.io
Later, I tried 3commas.io. This platform is more geared towards active traders, and it took me a little longer to get comfortable with it. However, I found that their exchange rates were often more competitive than Atomic Wallet. I used their price calculator table to compare rates and determine the best time to swap. I did a swap of 1 BTC and received approximately 320 XMR. The process was a bit more involved, requiring me to connect my exchange account, but the savings in fees were noticeable.
Coinbase
I also briefly used Coinbase for a small swap. While it’s a well-known and trusted platform, I found their rates for BTC to XMR to be consistently less favorable than the other two options. It was easy to use, but not the most cost-effective. I exchanged 0.1 BTC for about 30 XMR, and the fees felt a little steep.
Exchange Rates and Fluctuations
The exchange rate between BTC and XMR is constantly changing. I’ve observed significant fluctuations, especially during periods of high market volatility. I remember one instance in early 2024 where the rate jumped almost 10% in a single day! This is why I always check multiple platforms and compare rates before making a swap. Based on my observations over the past couple of years, the rate has generally hovered around 290-330 XMR per 1 BTC, but it’s crucial to check the current rate before any transaction. As of today, November 5th, 2025, I’m seeing rates around 315 XMR per 1 BTC on 3commas.io.
Important Considerations
- Fees: Always factor in both network fees and platform fees. These can significantly impact the final amount of XMR you receive.
- Security: Choose a reputable platform with strong security measures.
- Transaction Time: Swap times can vary depending on the platform and network congestion.
- Rate Comparison: Don’t settle for the first rate you see. Compare rates across multiple platforms.
- Privacy: Understand the privacy implications of each platform.
My Overall Experience
Overall, I’ve had a positive experience swapping BTC for XMR. It’s a relatively straightforward process, and the benefits of increased privacy are worth the effort. I’ve learned to be diligent about comparing rates and fees, and I always prioritize security. I, Amelia Hayes, continue to use this swap as part of my overall crypto strategy, and I hope my experience helps others navigate this process with confidence.
I agree that privacy is paramount. I’ve been researching zero-knowledge proofs, and Monero’s implementation is impressive. I did use Shapeshift, but their rates weren’t always the best.
I found the fluctuating rates really stressful when I first started. It’s good to have a platform that shows you the estimated amount you’ll receive upfront. I did try using a DEX, but the gas fees were astronomical.
I’ve been hesitant to use 3commas.io because of its complexity. Your description makes it sound manageable, though. I’ll definitely give it another look. I did try a different exchange, ChangeNOW, and found their rates competitive too.
I’m relatively new to crypto, and this article was really helpful in understanding the process of swapping BTC for XMR. I did start with a small amount just to get comfortable with the platforms.
I’ve been using Atomic Wallet for a while now, and I agree it’s very user-friendly. I did notice that their customer support can be slow to respond sometimes. I also looked at Godmode.trade, but it was too advanced for me.
The 20-minute completion time with Atomic Wallet sounds about right. I’ve experienced similar speeds. I did try using a P2P platform, Hodl Hodl, and it was a good experience, but required more patience.
I found the price calculator on 3commas.io incredibly helpful. It saved me a lot of time comparing rates across different exchanges. I did have a minor issue with their customer support, but it was resolved eventually.
I’ve been burned by high fees before, so I’m very careful about choosing a platform. Your advice about checking network and provider fees is spot on. I did try Everex, but it was a bit too complicated for my needs.
I appreciate the honest assessment of each platform. It’s helpful to know the pros and cons before committing to a swap. I did try Everex, but it was a bit too complicated for my needs.
I agree about the privacy aspect of Monero. I started using it for similar reasons, and it’s given me peace of mind knowing my transactions are more obscured. I did a swap on LocalMonero once, and the process was surprisingly smooth.
I appreciate you mentioning the network and provider fees. Those are often hidden costs that people don’t consider. I did a swap on Bisq for a while, but it was too slow for my liking.
I’ve been using Monero for a while, and I’m always looking for better ways to swap. I’ll definitely check out 3commas.io based on your recommendation. I did find SimSwap to be a decent option, but their liquidity can be an issue.
The 20-minute completion time with Atomic Wallet sounds about right. I’ve experienced similar speeds. I did try using a DEX, but the gas fees were astronomical. It wasn’t worth it for a small swap.
I completely agree about the privacy aspect of Monero. I started using it for similar reasons, and it’s given me peace of mind knowing my transactions are more obscured. I also found Atomic Wallet easy to use when I first started.
I agree that privacy is paramount. I’ve been researching zero-knowledge proofs, and Monero’s implementation is impressive. I did a swap through a P2P platform, Hodl Hodl, and it was a good experience, but required more patience.
I appreciate you mentioning the network and provider fees. Those are often hidden costs that people don’t consider. I did a swap on LocalMonero once, and the process was surprisingly smooth, though it required finding a trustworthy seller.
I did the same swap a few months ago, and the fee differences between platforms were significant. I wish more people understood how much those fees can eat into your profits. Your experience with 3commas.io mirrors mine – a bit of a learning curve, but better rates.
I’ve been using Monero for a while now, and I’m always looking for better ways to swap. I’ll definitely check out 3commas.io based on your recommendation. I did find SimSwap to be a decent option, but their liquidity can be an issue.
I’ve been burned by high fees before, so I’m very careful about choosing a platform. Your advice about checking network and provider fees is spot on. I did use Shapeshift, but their rates weren’t always the best.
I’m glad you mentioned the importance of diversification. It’s a good strategy to spread your risk across different cryptocurrencies. I did a small swap on TradeByTrade, but I wasn’t impressed with their interface.
I found the fluctuating exchange rates really stressful when I first started. It’s good to have a platform that shows you the estimated amount you’ll receive upfront. I used Bisq for a while, but it was too slow for my liking.
I’ve been following Monero for a long time, and I’m impressed with its continued development. I did a swap through a local meetup, which was a unique experience, but required a lot of trust.
I’ve been hesitant to use 3commas.io because of its complexity. Your description makes it sound manageable, though. I’ll definitely give it another look. I did try ChangeNOW, and found their rates competitive.