Guide to Zcash Address Types and Privacy Levels

Zcash addresses come in several formats, each offering different levels of privacy and functionality.

Transparent addresses beginning with t1 or t3 work similarly to Bitcoin addresses—transaction sender, receiver, and amount are all publicly visible. By contrast, shielded Sapling addresses starting with zs1 encrypt the sender, receiver, and amount in every transaction.

Unified Addresses, identified by the u1 prefix, bundle multiple receiver types into a single address string, allowing both shielded and transparent capability. When funds are sent to a Unified Address, the sending wallet automatically selects the most private option it supports. Transparent-only addresses using the tex1 format (defined in ZIP 320) accept funds from transparent sources only and are primarily used by exchanges.

For users prioritizing privacy, the recommendation is to receive funds to either a u1 or zs1 address and maintain coins within the shielded pool. ZecZcash.com provides a free Address Checker tool that runs locally in the browser and does not transmit data externally, allowing users to verify address types without privacy concerns.