Quick answer
- Most coins and pairs: SimpleSwap (2,800+ assets, 100+ networks).
- Cheapest published fee on big BTC/ETH/LTC swaps: FixedFloat (0.5% float, 1% fixed + network fee).
- Middle ground: ChangeNOW (1,000+ coins, fees built into the quote, optional Pro account).
- All three: no account for normal crypto-to-crypto swaps, but any of them can freeze a flagged transaction and ask for ID. “No-KYC” means “no KYC by default,” not “never.”
If you have ever tried to swap one coin for another without opening a Coinbase or Binance account, you have probably landed on one of these three sites. They all look similar: paste an address, send coins, get different coins back. The differences are in the details that cost you money — how the fee is built, how long a fixed rate is locked, how many coins are supported, and what happens if the risk system flags your transaction.
We use SimpleSwap for most of our own swaps (we wrote a full SimpleSwap review here), but that does not mean it is the best choice for every trade. Below is an honest side-by-side based on each platform’s own published FAQ and fee pages as of October 2026.
SimpleSwap vs ChangeNOW vs FixedFloat: side-by-side comparison
| Feature | SimpleSwap | ChangeNOW | FixedFloat |
|---|---|---|---|
| Operating since | 2018 | ~2017 | 2018 |
| Coins supported | 2,800+ on 100+ networks | 1,000+ | Smaller list, focused on major coins |
| Swap fee | Built into rate; “may start from 0.2%” | Built into rate; varies by pair and amount | 0.5% float / 1% fixed + network fee |
| Fixed-rate lock | 20 minutes | Limited deposit window | 10 minutes |
| Account required? | No (optional, adds loyalty perks) | No (optional Pro account) | No |
| Can it ask for ID? | Yes, if flagged by AML checks | Yes, via SumSub if flagged | Policy not detailed in FAQ; flagged funds can be held |
| Fiat on-ramp | Yes, via partners (from ~0.5%) | Yes, via partners | No |
| Best for | Altcoins, rare pairs, beginners | General use, mid-size swaps | Large swaps of major coins |
Sources: each platform’s official FAQ (simpleswap.io/faq, changenow.io/faq, ff.io/faq), checked October 2026. Fees and coin counts change — always compare the live quote before you send.
How fees actually work on instant exchanges
None of these platforms charge you a separate “trading fee” line item the way Coinbase does. Instead, the fee is baked into the exchange rate you are quoted. That makes headline fee percentages misleading. Your real cost is made of three pieces:
- The platform’s spread or fee — FixedFloat publishes theirs (0.5% or 1%). SimpleSwap and ChangeNOW fold it into the quote.
- The deposit network fee — what your wallet pays to send coins to the exchange. You always pay this.
- The payout network fee — what it costs the exchange to send your new coins. Usually included in the amount shown to you.
The only honest way to compare is to enter the exact same amount and pair on all three sites at the same moment and compare “you get” numbers. On major pairs the difference is often under 1%. On small-cap altcoins the gap can be several percent, and sometimes only SimpleSwap lists the coin at all.
Fixed rate vs floating rate: which should you pick?
Every platform offers both. Here is the practical rule:
- Floating rate is usually cheaper, but the final amount is set when your deposit is processed. In a fast-moving market you can get more or less than the estimate.
- Fixed rate locks the amount you will receive, but includes a small buffer for the exchange’s risk. Your deposit must arrive and confirm inside the lock window — 20 minutes on SimpleSwap, 10 minutes on FixedFloat.
If you are sending Bitcoin during a busy period with a low network fee, your transaction may not confirm inside a 10-minute window. That is the most common reason fixed-rate swaps fail. For BTC deposits, either pay a normal network fee or choose floating.
The truth about “no-KYC” exchanges
All three advertise swaps without registration, and for the vast majority of ordinary transactions that is true. But read the fine print on every one of them: if an automated risk system flags your transaction (for example, coins that recently passed through a mixer, a sanctioned address or a hacked wallet), the swap is put on hold and you can be asked to verify your identity before funds are released or refunded. ChangeNOW states that it runs those checks through a partner called SumSub. SimpleSwap’s FAQ says it may request identity, address or source-of-funds documents.
This is not a reason to avoid them. It is a reason to understand them. We explain this in more depth in our guide to how no-KYC crypto exchanges work and their real risks.
Which one should you use?
Choose SimpleSwap if…
You are swapping anything outside the top 20 coins, you want the widest choice of networks (for example USDT on Tron vs Ethereum vs Solana), or you are new and want the simplest interface. The 20-minute fixed-rate window is also the most forgiving of the three. Try SimpleSwap here (affiliate link — it costs you nothing extra).
Choose FixedFloat if…
You are moving a larger amount of BTC, ETH, LTC or a major stablecoin and you want a transparent, published fee. On big swaps a clear 0.5% can beat a variable spread.
Choose ChangeNOW if…
The coin you need is not on FixedFloat, and ChangeNOW’s live quote beats SimpleSwap’s for your specific pair and amount. Always compare.
Step-by-step: how to compare and swap safely
- Open all three sites in separate tabs.
- Enter the same pair and amount. Note the “you get” amount on each, and which rate type (fixed or floating) it is.
- Copy your receiving address directly from your own wallet. Check the first and last 6 characters after pasting — clipboard malware that swaps addresses is real.
- Confirm the network matches (USDT-TRC20 is not USDT-ERC20).
- Start with a small test swap if it is your first time with that pair.
- Save the exchange ID until the coins arrive in your wallet.
Want a full walkthrough? Read how to swap Bitcoin for Ethereum without an account. And once your coins land, move them somewhere safe — our guide to hot vs cold wallet security covers how.
Frequently asked questions
Is SimpleSwap cheaper than ChangeNOW?
It depends on the pair and the moment. Both build the fee into the quoted rate, so the only reliable test is comparing the live “you get” amount for the same swap on both sites at the same time.
Do SimpleSwap, ChangeNOW or FixedFloat require KYC?
Not for normal crypto-to-crypto swaps. All three can hold a transaction flagged by their anti-money-laundering checks and ask for verification before releasing or refunding funds.
Which instant exchange has the most coins?
SimpleSwap lists the most, with 2,800+ cryptocurrencies across 100+ networks according to its FAQ. ChangeNOW lists over 1,000.
What happens if my fixed-rate deposit arrives late?
The swap may fail or be re-quoted. SimpleSwap says late fixed-rate deposits may be offered a refund or a new rate. Use a normal network fee so your deposit confirms within the window.
Are instant exchanges safe?
They are custodial for the few minutes your swap is processing, so you are trusting the platform during that window. Use established services, test with small amounts, and never leave funds sitting on any exchange.
Disclosure: This post contains an affiliate link to SimpleSwap. If you use it we may earn a commission at no extra cost to you. This is not financial advice; crypto is volatile and you can lose money.
