Hodlhodl vs Swan

Hodl Hodl is a peer-to-peer Bitcoin marketplace that removes the custodial step most exchanges require. When you buy or sell on a typical platform, the exchange holds your funds and decides when you can withdraw. That reintroduces the same counterparty risk Bitcoin was designed to eliminate. Hodl Hodl takes a different approach: each trade locks bitcoin in a 2-of-3 multisig escrow that you, the counterparty, and Hodl Hodl support control together. Neither side can move the funds alone, which means trades settle directly between wallets without Hodl Hodl ever holding custody. That shifts trust from a centralized company to verifiable on-chain contracts.

You can sign up with an email and start trading without submitting identity documents. Hodl Hodl supports over 100 fiat currencies and lets sellers post offers using bank transfers, cash in person, Revolut, PayPal, and other payment rails you already trust. Premiums vary by offer and tend to be higher for new accounts until you complete a few trades and build reputation. The platform uses a limit tier system: as your reputation score grows through successful contracts and reviews, you unlock higher daily and lifetime trading caps.

The web interface is straightforward. You filter offers by country, currency, and payment method, read the seller's instructions, and open a contract. Both parties chat inside the contract, upload payment proof, and coordinate the release once fiat clears. If something breaks, you can open a dispute and Hodl Hodl support co-signs the multisig based on the evidence. A Testnet environment lets you rehearse the full workflow with valueless coins before risking real sats, so you learn the escrow flow, chat prompts, and dispute process without capital at stake.

Hodl Hodl fits users who want non-custodial trading and are comfortable managing their own wallets, confirming payments, and negotiating premiums. You bring your own Bitcoin wallet to every trade, which means no withdrawal limits or custodial freezes. The trade-off is that you handle more of the process yourself compared to a custodial exchange that automates order matching and holds funds. Choose Hodl Hodl when self-custody and privacy matter more than instant card funding or automated recurring buys.

Swan Bitcoin, launched by Cory Klippsten and based in California, is a platform focused on making it easy for beginners to buy and save Bitcoin.

What makes Swan distinct is its focus on self-custody support and education. It automatically withdraws BTC weekly to your own address and provides guides for self-custody, while also offering Swan Guard with fraud protection and identity verification tools. Swan prioritizes teaching users about Bitcoin's value for financial freedom. Swan also targets long-term savers by offering IRA products making Bitcoin tax-advantaged retirement savings easier.

Swan offers zero-fee purchases on the first $10,000, a low 0.99% fee for recurring buys, and free withdrawals to personal wallets, encouraging self-custody. Its app is praised for its clean design and simple setup. However, some users report slow customer support and issues with account restrictions.

Its vision is to onboard 10 million Bitcoin users by promoting Bitcoin as better money for a decentralized future.