After LocalMonero shut down in May 2024 and AgoraDesk followed in November 2024, the Monero P2P trading landscape split across multiple platforms. I trade actively on all of them. Here is an honest comparison based on real experience, not marketing copy.
| Feature | RetoSwap (Haveno) | DawnSwap (Haveno) | XMRBazaar | OpenMonero |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Type | Decentralized DEX | Decentralized DEX | Classifieds | P2P Marketplace |
| KYC | None | None | None | None |
| Fees | 0.6% total | ~2% total | 0% | 0% |
| Escrow | 2-of-3 multisig | 2-of-3 multisig | Optional | None (self-custodial) |
| Security Deposit | 15% (both parties) | 5% (both parties) | None | None |
| Cash by Mail | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Face-to-Face | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Network | Tor (mandatory) | Tor (mandatory) | Clearnet + Tor | Clearnet + Tor |
| Platform | Desktop + Android | Desktop only | Web browser | Web browser |
| Users/Volume | ~$2M/month | Growing (newer) | 7,000+ users | ~1-5K users |
| Arbitration | 24-48h (RoundTheRoses) | Minutes-hours (24/7) | Community | None |
| Account Required | No (crypto ID) | No (crypto ID) | Username only | Username only |
Best for: Large trades, first-time counterparties, maximum security
Rating: 9/10 Security · 8/10 Privacy · 6/10 Ease of use · 7/10 Liquidity
RetoSwap is the largest Haveno instance with approximately $2 million per month in trading volume. Every trade is secured by 2-of-3 multisig escrow: both parties and a neutral arbitrator each hold one key. Funds can only move when two of three parties agree.
From my experience as a maker with multiple active offers: the 15% security deposit is significant. If you run four offers at 0.25 XMR each, you need 1.0 XMR in offers plus roughly 0.60 XMR in deposits — 1.60 XMR tied up. When a trade is taken, remaining offers may auto-deactivate if your wallet balance can not cover their reserves.
The arbitrator, RoundTheRoses, is highly trusted and has resolved hundreds of disputes fairly. Response time is typically 24-48 hours, which feels slow when you have capital locked in a dispute but is reasonable for the security model.
Best for: Frequent traders, smaller amounts, faster dispute resolution
Rating: 9/10 Security · 8/10 Privacy · 5/10 Ease of use · 5/10 Liquidity
DawnSwap uses the same Haveno protocol as RetoSwap but with different parameters. The key difference: 5% security deposits instead of 15%. This means less capital locked per trade, making it practical to run more simultaneous offers.
The trade-off is higher fees (~2%) and a newer, smaller user base. DawnSwap's arbitration team operates 24/7 with response times in minutes to hours — significantly faster than RetoSwap.
Best for: Discovery, variety of payment methods, browsing offers, zero fees
Rating: 6/10 Security · 7/10 Privacy · 9/10 Ease of use · 8/10 Liquidity
XMRBazaar is the closest thing to the old LocalMonero classifieds experience. Over 7,000 registered users and 11,000+ listings, with zero platform fees. Post your offer, wait for buyers to contact you via encrypted messaging.
The Monero Near Me map is unique to XMRBazaar — it plots traders geographically, making it easy to find Face-to-Face partners. Optional multisig escrow is available but not mandatory.
The forum section adds community value: discussion threads, reputation building, and a space for traders to establish credibility beyond their profile ratings.
Best for: Experienced traders, established relationships, zero-fee trading
Rating: 4/10 Security · 7/10 Privacy · 8/10 Ease of use · 5/10 Liquidity
OpenMonero launched after LocalMonero shut down, aiming to fill the gap. Zero fees, no email required for registration, available on clearnet and via Tor. The interface will feel familiar to anyone who used LocalMonero.
The critical difference from Haveno: OpenMonero has no built-in escrow. Trades are entirely self-custodial — you and your counterparty agree on terms and execute directly. This works well between established trading partners but carries significant risk for first-time trades with unknown counterparties.
OpenMonero experienced a data breach in June 2025, though affected users were reportedly refunded. The platform remains operational in 2026.
First trade with an unknown person? → RetoSwap (Haveno). The 2-of-3 multisig escrow protects both parties. The 15% deposit is the cost of mathematical certainty.
Regular trading, want low deposits? → DawnSwap (Haveno). Same security, 5% deposits, faster arbitration. Higher fees are worth it if you trade frequently.
Browsing for the best deal? → XMRBazaar. Largest selection, zero fees, multiple payment methods. Use Monero Near Me to find local traders.
Trading with someone you already trust? → OpenMonero. Zero fees, minimal friction, direct trade. Only use with established counterparties.
As an active EUR/XMR P2P trader, I maintain presence on all four platforms simultaneously. Each serves a different function:
Real negotiation happens via direct messaging (Telegram, Signal, or Session) regardless of which platform the counterparty found me on. The platforms serve as discovery channels — the actual trade terms are agreed directly.
Ready to trade? Contact @arnoldnakamura on Telegram for XMR/EUR trading. Cash by Mail across the EU, Face-to-Face in Frankfurt, Stuttgart, Mannheim, Heidelberg, Karlsruhe, Freiburg, and Strasbourg. Escrow via Haveno available on request.
Reputation: 683 trades, 454 unique partners, 100% positive feedback. Verify on Wayback Machine.
Related:
LocalMonero Alternatives 2026 — Complete guide to all P2P Monero options.
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How to Use Haveno — Beginner Tutorial — Install, fund, trade: the complete beginner guide.
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Sell Monero for Cash (EUR) — 5 methods to convert XMR to euros privately.
Why Buy and Sell Monero P2P — 8 reasons peer-to-peer is the only reliable option in 2026.
Monero Tax Guide for P2P Traders — EU & Germany tax rules for P2P crypto.
Monero Escrow Explained — How 2-of-3 multisig and platform escrow work.
Face-to-Face Trading Safety — How to safely meet for in-person crypto trades.
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arnoldnakamura — XMR/EUR P2P Trading — Full profile and contact info.
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