Monero vs Zcash: Which Crypto Wins Privacy in 2025? Monero and Zcash are top privacy coins, but they use very different approaches. Here’s how they compare in 2025.
Monero Privacy Model : Monero enforces privacy by default for all transactions using RingCT, stealth addresses, and ring signatures—making funds nearly impossible to trace.
Zcash Privacy Model : Zcash offers optional privacy via zk-SNARKs. Users can choose shielded (private) or transparent (public) transactions, giving more flexibility but weaker default privacy.
Anonymity & Fungibility : Monero coins are fully fungible, as every transaction is private. Zcash’s transparent coins can be traced and may lose fungibility.
Compliance & Exchange Access : Monero faces exchange delistings due to strict privacy. Zcash’s optional privacy keeps it more compliant and widely listed.
Performance & Costs : Monero transactions are moderately fast but larger in size. Zcash’s transparent mode is faster; shielded mode is slower and resource-heavy.
Which Should You Choose? Pick Monero for maximum, always-on privacy. Choose Zcash if you want privacy flexibility with better regulatory acceptance.