Centralized vs. Decentralized Bitcoin and Crypto Mixers

Many people see cryptocurrencies as a way to keep transactions anonymous and private. However, recent reports suggest that most crypto transactions happen on centralized exchanges, leaving user data vulnerable to theft and fraud.

The popularity of crypto mixers has been steadily growing as a way to combat this problem. A crypto mixer is an online service that helps mix funds from different crypto wallets and exchanges. 

This strategy makes it difficult for anyone to trace the transaction back to the user. Crypto mixers can be either centralized or decentralized, each with unique features.

If you are into crypto, you have probably already read stories of criminals managing to leverage mixers for their schemes. However, this does not mean everyone using crypto mixers is a criminal. On the contrary, many law-abiding citizens use mixers to ensure their privacy in crypto transactions.

This article aims to clarify several concepts linked to crypto mixers. First, we will define what crypto mixers are and how they work. Then, we’ll see the differences between centralized and decentralized crypto mixers, focusing on some of the most popular crypto mixer services.

What Is a Mixer, and What Are Its Purposes?

A crypto mixer, or a crypto tumbler, is a service that helps users to anonymize crypto transactions. It works by breaking up large amounts of crypto into smaller pieces and mixing them with other transactions. In this way, the source of the funds is much harder to trace.

Crypto mixers can help users to maintain their financial privacy and protect their crypto assets from theft or fraud. Furthermore, crypto mixers can also help crypto users create an extra layer of security for their crypto wallets.

How Do Centralized Mixers Work?

Centralized crypto mixers work by pooling funds from several users into a single wallet. Then, the crypto mixer will divide the pooled funds and send them out via different crypto wallets. This process makes it hard for any third party to trace where the funds came from.

An example can clarify this concept – Alice wants to send crypto funds to Bob. Alice can choose a crypto mixer and send the crypto funds there. The crypto mixer will then mix those funds with other transactions, sending them out from different wallets to Bob. This makes it impossible for anyone but Alice and Bob to know who sent the crypto where.

Also, crypto mixers offer additional features to help crypto users increase their privacy. For example, some crypto mixers allow users to specify a delayed timeframe between the deposit and the sending of funds. This helps make it even harder for anyone to trace the transaction back to the user.

How Do Decentralized Mixers Work?

Decentralized crypto mixers work similarly to centralized crypto mixers. However, there is one crucial difference – a central entity does not manage decentralized crypto mixers. Instead, these crypto mixers use peer-to-peer (P2P) strategies to let people send crypto funds without relying on third-party services.

To clarify the matter, let us go back to Bob and Alice. Instead of relying on a centralized system, Alice can use a decentralized crypto mixer to send crypto funds to Bob. 

The crypto mixer will then use P2P technology to let Alice and Bob exchange crypto funds without third parties. This ensures that their transactions are secure and anonymous.

Examples of Bitcoin/Crypto Mixers on the Market

Currently, there are undoubtedly many crypto mixers on the market. Therefore, we’ve compiled a list of popular centralized and decentralized systems to simplify the matter.

Samourai Whirlpool

The Samourai wallet offers a Whirlpool tool designed explicitly for your crypto-mixing necessities. The system even lets users operate through their mobile devices.

Whirlpool is an excellent choice for crypto enthusiasts, with an intuitive, user-friendly interface and a simple setup process. However, you must first deposit enough crypto into your Samourai wallet to use the crypto-mixing service.

The mixing process is automated and consists of several steps:

1. Selecting UTXOs for mixing
2. Setting up the cycle priority and pool selection
3. Reviewing the details
4. Broadcasting the Pre-Mix transaction
5. Monitoring your mix cycles
6. Checking your post-mix UTXOs.

Once the mixing is successful, you must manage the “toxic” change output to keep your crypto safe from malicious parties. Finally, monitor your mix cycles to stay up-to-date with their status and progress.

Whirlpool can be an excellent tool for crypto users who want to stay safe while transacting cryptocurrencies. With its simple setup and intuitive user interface, crypto mixers can keep their crypto safe, secure, and anonymous.

The Samourai wallet also has features that make crypto mixing even better. Therefore, check out the Samourai wallet to enjoy its features and secure crypto transactions.

JoinMarket

JoinMarket is a popular decentralized protocol for crypto users to create CoinJoin transactions with other crypto users. By combining their inputs, the crypto user’s privacy grows as it becomes difficult for outside entities to track the transactions. 

JoinMarket also implements a smart contract that keeps the private keys of crypto users safe. The software never broadcasts them outside the network computers, significantly reducing the theft risk. 

In addition, JoinMarket utilizes free market forces to drive fees down and incorporates features such as Segwit addresses. 

The system has multiple “mix depths” for better coin isolation and control. This strategy wants to allow crypto users to freeze individual UTXOs to prevent anyone from using them in any transaction. 

Through its fidelity bonds system, JoinMarket protects crypto users from Sybil attacks. As a result, JoinMarket is an excellent choice for crypto users looking for enhanced privacy and security when using crypto assets.

The main downside to choosing a system such as JoinMarket is needing more technical skills. The setup can be more complex than with some other crypto mixers.

However, much documentation is available that makes using JoinMarket easier. Once you have become accustomed to using it, you will find its features extremely useful.

Yo!Mix

Yo!Mix is a platform that deserves a special mention in our list of crypto-mixing services. This team relies on a zero-logging policy and promises to keep your crypto transactions anonymous.

The platform mentions several advantages for its community, such as safe coin mixing and support for all types of addresses. Furthermore, the system’s multi-transactions make it hard to track your crypto movements.

Also, the platform claims to be compatible with multiple address types, including SegWit, Taproot, Legacy, and Bech32.

As for the fees, the minimum you need to pay is 0.7%, with a minimum of 0.001 BTC. For the moment, Yo!Mix exclusively supports Bitcoin mixing, but the team mentions it plans to add more coins to its offer.

Users can set up to five outgoing addresses and choose a maximum 72-hour mixing delay. Furthermore, in all the applicable cases, the platform promises immediate crypto mixing.

If you want to dive deeper, the platform offers a FAQ section with many answers to common questions. Yo!Mix also provides 24/7 technical support for any crypto-related issues that users might have.

Overall, Yo!Mix is what crypto users need to enhance their privacy while moving crypto funds across different wallets.

Coinomize

We should mention Coinomize as another excellent option for anonymous transactions. It is a cryptocurrency mixing service that provides Bitcoin anonymization. 

The process works by taking several inputs (usually the same amount) from multiple users and mixing them. Then, the system creates one or more outputs of similar value and sends the funds to different addresses. Thanks to this strategy, it is hard for anyone to trace the source of origin.

Coinomize has an additional feature called “Coin Mixing,” a mixing that will mix coins from different blockchain networks. It provides complete anonymity for users who need extra privacy. It also offers some great features, such as fast transactions, low fees, no logs kept, and high levels of encryption. 

Coinomize has an excellent user interface which makes the mixing process straightforward. In addition, by extending the blockchain’s remittance strings, Coinomize’s novel algorithm renders your financial transactions untraceable.

There are multiple steps to follow when using Coinomize, but all of them are pretty simple. First, you must generate a deposit address and then configure the destination address and the delay of sending. After that, you can send your Bitcoin to the mixer and wait until it processes your coins. 

Once the process is over, you can enjoy your new untraceable Bitcoins. Your mixing strength will depend on your options (transfer delay and fee), so keep that in mind. Coinomize claims it deletes all user-related data within three days after the process, giving extra layers of privacy to users.

Mixtura

Mixtura defines itself as a “Bitcoin Mixer 2.0.” A group of developers created this tool to help users protect their privacy when using digital currencies. It provides a range of features, including anonymous transactions, cleansing funds from transaction history, and enabling multiple input/output addresses.

With its features, Mixtura promises all its users can enjoy maximum privacy and security when carrying out digital currency transactions. In addition, the platform offers a Letter of Guarantee for all users, which helps prove that it securely runs their transactions. 

It also has a range of security measures to protect user data and funds. Among these, we can mention advanced encryption technology and multi-signature mechanisms. Mixtura also offers a particular fee structure, depending on the size of the transaction in execution.

The minimum fee for transactions is 0.001 BTC. The dynamic structure of the company’s fees aims to ensure that more significant transactions do not have overcharges. At the same time, this trick avoids that small transactions don’t incur unnecessary costs.

Users can choose their fee structure, allowing them to customize their experience in the best way possible. In addition, Mixtura offers many customer support options, including online chat and email support. This ensures users get the help they need when using Mixtura’s services.

In addition, the company has an extensive FAQ section on its website. Anyone can use this page to find answers to commonly asked questions quickly.

A Look at Decentralized and Centralized Crypto Mixers Legal Considerations

A fundamental aspect to consider when looking at decentralized and centralized crypto mixers is that multiple legal considerations are involved. Let us address the core ones in the subsections below.

Using a Crypto Mixer Does Not Make You a Criminal

First, using a crypto mixer does not make you a criminal. Crypto mixers are sometimes involved with money laundering and other illegal activities. However, many crypto users want to maintain their financial privacy when dealing with crypto funds.

That said, crypto mixers are still subject to multiple regulations and laws. Therefore, crypto users must understand the legal implications of using crypto mixers.

Finally, crypto users should always take extra precautions when using mixers. Everyone must ensure they only enter the crypto addresses of people or organizations they trust. 

This will help crypto users better protect their assets and minimize the risk of running afoul of any legal regulations.

Past Legal Issues

One of the most emblematic cases of misuse of crypto mixers was that of the platform Helix.

Founded in 2014, this crypto mixer ran a service that promised to launder Bitcoin transactions and obscure the funds’ origin. In 2021, the U.S. Department of Justice (DoJ) charged Helix for its role in money laundering activities through its services.

At the same time, FinCEN issued an order to impose a penalty of $60 million for crypto mixing services.

Helix’s founder, Larry Deen Harmon, pleaded guilty to the charges. He is accused of laundering over $300 million through crypto mixing services. His sentence could involve up to 20 years in prison.

This case serves as a reminder not only for crypto mixers but for crypto users too. In short, anyone must always conduct crypto-related activities following legal procedures. Not doing so may result in severe penalties.

The Future of Crypto Mixers Regulation

All mixers should follow the cryptocurrency regulations issued by the authorities. In addition, we can mention FinCEN’s guidance on anti-money laundering (AML) and counter-terrorist financing (CTF).

Otherwise, crypto users may risk legal consequences. It is important to note that using crypto mixers for money laundering and other criminal activities is illegal.

Today, we live in a gray area concerning crypto mixers, but this may change shortly. Predicting the regulator’s behavior is pretty complex. For instance, governments may increase the rules or ban crypto mixers altogether.

It is essential to stay up-to-date with crypto regulations since they may change anytime. All crypto users must be aware of the legalities of crypto activities. 

Crypto mixers should always remain compliant. However, crypto mixing services could incur severe penalties or even shut down in most countries if employed for money laundering.

Use Cases for Centralized and Decentralized Mixers

As mentioned above, many users rely on crypto mixers for their legit crypto activities. For instance, crypto exchanges and lenders often use crypto mixers to anonymize their transactions. This helps them protect their user data from malicious actors tracking crypto movements for various reasons.

Moreover, crypto traders often employ crypto mixers to hide their trading activities from the public view. They may also wish to protect themselves from market manipulation, among other reasons.

Finally, crypto mixers can also help anyone make anonymous crypto donations. Crypto users who want to donate crypto funds without revealing their identity can also use them.

Final Thoughts

Crypto mixers are services that can help crypto users anonymize their crypto transactions. However, it would be best if you always used crypto mixers with caution. You should also be aware of the legal implications of using these services.

In the future, crypto regulations may change. Therefore, it is vital to stay informed about them to avoid any potential risks associated with crypto mixers.

Moreover, crypto mixers can serve legitimate crypto purposes. However, Crypto users should know the different use cases for centralized and decentralized crypto mixers before taking advantage of them.