The content of this topic was originally written in Portuguese, on March 3, 2022. At that time ChipMixer was tested, and although it is no longer in operation, I will keep the information I gathered about it.
EDIT 18/03/2023: I will be working on the topic over the next few days to include some of the suggestions already made. Thank you for understanding.
Until "today", I had never used a mixing service. I didn't, because I had never felt the need, and I used it now because I wanted to test this type of service.
Despite ChipMixer being one of the best-known mixes, and since I've never used one, I decided to take the opportunity to test Sinbad and Yo!Mix.
My report will not dwell on technical issues, it will only present a view as a consumer of these 3 platforms and how the experience was in each of them.
For this test, I used the same amount in all mixes: 0.00101 BTC
I will present the report, by the sequence in which I did the tests since I test one at a time.
1. SINBAD________________
The first one I tested was Sinbad, which can be accessed via the regular web or Onion. It is noted that the focus is on being functional, having a basic website without a very elaborate design, which is enough to fulfill this objective.
On the home page, I only present the steps necessary to carry out the mix: indicate the destination address(es); choose the service fee; and the mixing code - which serves, in case previous mixes have already been made, the coins already mixed do not come back to us.
The minimum amount to be mixed is 0.001 BTC, if a lower amount is sent, it is ignored by the system and considered a donation.
After having indicated the destination address, I chose the service fee, which I left at the default of 1.08%. If we use a higher rate, mixing should be faster.
After advancing to the next stage, I sent the BTC to the given address. Between sending the money and receiving it back, it took about 8 hours.
With all fees paid, I received 0.00089808
BTC.
2. CHIPMIXER_____________
The second mix I tested was the ChipMixer, which you can only access via Onion. With an equally simple design, but a little more appealing than Sinbad, it's also very practical to use.
When starting the process, just follow the steps indicated. Initially, we have to send the Bitcoin that we intend to mix, this channel - let's call it that - remains open for 7 days, so we can go on making several transactions, and then at the end mix everything. It must be done in multiples of 0.001 BTC, that is, 0.001/0.002/0.01/0.02/etc., if an "intermediate" amount is sent - let's say - it is considered a donation (this was the understanding I had).
In my case, in which I sent 0.00101 BTC, the 0.00001 BTC was considered a donation. So, only 0.001 BTC remains in the mix. He is very quick to recognize the transaction, just 1 confirmation (if I'm not mistaken) to continue the process.
Next, ChipMixer presents a series of options to make the mix, which initially may seem more complex. After validating that we have already sent all the intended Bitcoin, we choose how we want the mix to be done. Once the choice is made, we can keep a wallet that already has the coins with the mix made, or else request that the coins be sent to an address indicated by us.
I chose to receive the mixed coins at the address chosen for me, which is the most time-consuming process since it is only done once a day. According to what I understand it is done at 00h UTC. Because of that, I had to wait for almost 23 hours to receive my coins.
With all fees paid I got 0.00098889BTC.3. YO!MIX________________
Then I tested Yo!Mix, which can also be accessed via the regular Onion web. Of the 3 services, this is the one with the most elaborate design and most similar to the style used on service websites, with images and several tabs with useful information about the service. But the operation is equally simple and practical.
Starting the mixing process, we indicate the destination address, the service fee, and the delay to receive the mixed coins. I chose a minimum service fee - of 0.700%, and since then a base fee is still paid, which was 0.0000846 BTC. Then the money is sent to the indicated address, and as soon as it is received, the process starts based on the requested delay. This whole process took less than 1 hour, as I chose not to wait.
With all fees paid, I got 0.00091833
BTC.
FINAL CONSIDERATIONS_____
- At the site level, Yo!Mix is the one that presents a more common aspect to the style of sites we are used to. But all services are practical and easy to use, with Sinbad having a simpler design.
- The service that took the longest to carry out the whole process was ChipMixer, but also due to the mixing method is chosen and the hours in which I carried out the tests.- The service where I paid the most fees and received the same was Sinbad, followed by Yo!Mix and the best was ChipMixer.
- I found all services viable, with ChipMixer being the most interesting, since it is free (paying only the transaction fee) and where I received more money back.- Sinbad is the simplest and most practical, but it also tends to have a higher rate.
- Yo!Mix although you also pay a fee for the service, it's simple to use and seems to be the fastest.
I hope you enjoyed this review, from a mixing novice.