ShadowPay vs DMarket: Which Marketplace Offers More in 2024?

Skins play an important role in the development of players in CS2. They not only improve the visual perception of the game but also inspire and push for more active participation in the game economy and community. It is best to buy, sell, and trade skins on third-party platforms, of which there are now many. To find the best option, it is worth evaluating all the functionality of a particular platform. In this article, we will compare two of the most popular platforms – ShadowPay and Dmarket.

Usability

Both platforms have a simple and clear interface that should not cause problems even for beginners in CS2 skins trading. Both ShadowPay and DMarket support more than 10 common languages ​​and currencies. Their design is made in dark colors, while the DMarket website is more complex as it generally offers users more functionality.

Both sites offer skins for several games. If ShadowPay is open to CS2, Dota 2, and Rust players, then DMarket, in addition to these games, also offers in-game items for Team Fortress, Life Beyond, and other players.

In addition, DMarket offers users the ability to download an application for iOS and Android, which can significantly simplify the trading process for active users.

Registration Process

Registration on both platforms is very fast and simple. It is carried out through a Steam account. Additionally, users need to specify data such as trade URL, email, and API key in their profile. Also, to fully use all the functionality, users need to pass verification. For a higher level of security, it is recommended to activate 2FA.

Variety of Skins

Both DMarket and ShadowPay offer thousands of skins to players at prices up to 40% lower than on the Steam market. In addition, many skins are available at big discounts. For example, on ShadowPay, you can buy the Survival Knife | Night Stripe skin in Factory New (StatTrak) condition with a -91% discount at $1321.18 or M9 Bayonet | Crimson Web in Filed-Tested condition at $697.44 (a -34% discount). On DMarket, you can buy,  for example, AWP | Wildfire (Minimal Wear) at $78.74 (a -21% discount).

The filter system for searching skins for purchase is convenient on both platforms, but on ShadowPay it is more understandable. Users can filter skins by weapon type, rarity, float value, price, and the presence of stickers or StatTrak.

Trading Modes

Both DMarket and ShadowPay allow users to buy and sell skins. DMarket offers players advanced functionality to buy rare skins that are not currently available for sale. Players can track when such offers appear.

ShadowPay users can sell a skin in two ways – P2P or Instant. The first method is more profitable since the user can set the price for the skin themselves, but they may have to wait for a buyer. The second method allows users to sell the skin instantly at a price determined by the platform. Skins are sold on DMarket directly to the platform, so the price may be slightly lower, but the advantage is that the sale is instant.

The skin trading function is only available on DMarket. Users have two windows available. In the left window, you can see your inventory and its cost, and in the right window, you can see the skins offered for exchange.

In addition to the main functionality, DMarket offers users regular giveaways with interesting rewards. ShadowPay also has them, but not as often, which is also a plus for players interested exclusively in buying/selling skins.

Withdrawal of Funds

Both platforms offer users more than 20 ways to top up their accounts, including bank cards, payment systems, cryptocurrency, and gift cards.

Withdrawals should also be no problem. ShadowPay users can use bank cards, bank transfers, and cryptocurrency. The minimum amount for the first two methods is $50 and $55, respectively. For the third method, the minimum amount is $21. DMarket platform users can withdraw funds using bank cards, Payoneer, PayPal, or Skrill.

Customer Support

The support service on the platforms differs. On ShadowPay, it is based on tickets. To get an answer to a question, users can use the FAQ section or file a question as a ticket and wait for an answer.

The DMarket platform has an online chat. Users can get an answer to a question through a bot or ask to connect with an operator. In general, users of both platforms can get help quite quickly.

Wrapping It Up

We’ve looked at some of the most popular platforms for buying and selling skins of popular video games today. Both ShadowPay and DMarket offer a variety of skins at affordable prices, as well as discounts on skins. However, for players who want more functionality, including the Trade feature and events with prizes, DMarket may be more interesting.