CoinJoin Services Comparison
Several tools make CoinJoin accessible. This page compares the main options to help you choose.
Overview
| Service | Wallet | Coordinator | Min Amount | Approximate Cost |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Wasabi 2.0 | Wasabi Wallet | Centralized | 0.00005 BTC | 0.3% coordinator fee + mining |
| Whirlpool | Sparrow Wallet | Centralized | Pool dependent | Fixed fee per pool + mining |
| JoinMarket | Jam (Web UI) | Decentralized | Flexible | Variable (can earn as maker) |
Wasabi Wallet
Wasabi Wallet is a desktop Bitcoin wallet with built-in CoinJoin.
How It Works
- Download and install Wasabi Wallet
- Create or import a wallet
- Receive Bitcoin to the wallet
- Enable CoinJoin—coins mix automatically
- Wait for mixing rounds to complete
Pros
- ✅ Simple user interface
- ✅ Automatic mixing (set and forget)
- ✅ Large anonymity sets (100+)
- ✅ Continuous remixing included
- ✅ Works on Windows, Mac, Linux
Cons
- ❌ Coordinator fee (0.3%)
- ❌ Centralized coordinator (privacy trade-off)
- ❌ Must keep wallet running to remix
- ❌ Wallet is specific to Wasabi (not portable)
Best For
- Beginners who want simple privacy
- Users with moderate amounts to mix
- Those who prefer "set and forget"
Fee Structure
- Coordinator fee: 0.3% of the amount mixed
- Mining fees: Variable based on network conditions
- Remixing: Free (no additional coordinator fee)
Whirlpool (via Sparrow Wallet)
Whirlpool is a CoinJoin implementation originally from Samourai Wallet, now available in Sparrow Wallet.
How It Works
- Download and install Sparrow Wallet
- Connect to your own node (recommended) or public server
- Create or import a wallet
- Go to UTXOs → Select coins → Mix Selected
- Choose a pool size
- Coins enter the mixing cycle
Pool Sizes
| Pool | Entry Amount | After Fee |
|---|---|---|
| 0.5 BTC | 0.5 BTC + fee | 0.5 BTC outputs |
| 0.05 BTC | 0.05 BTC + fee | 0.05 BTC outputs |
| 0.01 BTC | 0.01 BTC + fee | 0.01 BTC outputs |
| 0.001 BTC | 0.001 BTC + fee | 0.001 BTC outputs |
Pros
- ✅ Fixed fee (predictable cost)
- ✅ Sparrow is an excellent wallet for other uses too
- ✅ Good anonymity sets
- ✅ Free remixes after initial mix
- ✅ Connects to your own node
Cons
- ❌ Fixed pool sizes (less flexible)
- ❌ Centralized coordinator
- ❌ Need to leave Sparrow running for remixes
- ❌ "Toxic change" problem (change from pool entry isn't private)
Best For
- Users already comfortable with Sparrow
- Those who want a full-featured wallet with mixing
- Users running their own Bitcoin node
Fee Structure
- Pool fee: One-time flat fee (varies by pool)
- Mining fees: For initial mix and subsequent remixes
- Remixing: Free (only mining fees)
Toxic Change
When you enter a Whirlpool pool, you pay a fee plus your contribution. The "change" from this entry transaction is called toxic change because:
- It's clearly linked to your identity
- It reveals you participated in CoinJoin
- It should be handled carefully (don't merge with mixed coins)
JoinMarket
JoinMarket is a decentralized CoinJoin marketplace with no central coordinator.
How It Works
JoinMarket has two roles:
Taker: Pays for mixes
- You pay makers a small fee to use their liquidity
- Your mix happens immediately
- You control timing
Maker: Earns fees by providing liquidity
- You offer your coins for others to mix with
- You earn fees when selected
- Your coins also get mixed in the process
Pros
- ✅ No central coordinator (truly decentralized)
- ✅ Can earn fees as a maker
- ✅ Flexible amounts (no fixed pools)
- ✅ More resistant to censorship
- ✅ Open-source and transparent
Cons
- ❌ Steeper learning curve
- ❌ Requires command line or technical setup
- ❌ Smaller user base = smaller anonymity sets
- ❌ As maker, coins are in a hot wallet
Best For
- Technical users comfortable with Linux/command line
- Those who want decentralization over convenience
- Users with time who want to earn fees as makers
Getting Started
JoinMarket traditionally required command-line skills, but newer interfaces like Jam (web-based UI) make it more accessible:
- Jam — Web interface for JoinMarket
Which Should You Choose?
Choose Wasabi If:
- You're new to CoinJoin
- You want the simplest experience
- You're OK with a centralized coordinator
Choose Whirlpool (Sparrow) If:
- You already use or want to use Sparrow Wallet
- You run your own Bitcoin node
- You want a full-featured wallet beyond just mixing
Choose JoinMarket If:
- You value decentralization above convenience
- You're technically skilled
- You want to potentially earn fees as a maker
Privacy Comparison
| Aspect | Wasabi | Whirlpool | JoinMarket |
|---|---|---|---|
| Coordinator | Centralized | Centralized | Decentralized |
| Anonymity Set | 100+ | 5+ (per round) | Variable |
| Rounds | Continuous | Multiple | As paid |
| Node Required | Recommended | Recommended | Required |
Important: Always Use Your Own Node
Regardless of which service you choose, connect to your own Bitcoin node.
If you use a public node:
- The node learns your addresses
- Your mixing is exposed to whoever runs that node
- You lose much of the privacy you're trying to gain
See our Bitcoin Node guide to set up your own.
After Mixing: Best Practices
Once you have mixed coins:
- Don't merge with unmixed coins — This undoes the privacy
- Use coin control — Be intentional about which UTXOs you spend
- Consider Lightning — Open channels with mixed coins for additional privacy
- Keep mixed coins separate — Different wallet or careful labeling
Next: Learn about Post-CoinJoin Best Practices to maintain your privacy after mixing.