The arrival of Bitcoin in 2009 heralded a new age of digital currency. With it came the concept of a decentralized means of payment that used blockchain technology to fund transactions. Since that time, Bitcoin has paved the way for a whole host of new cryptocurrencies, with estimates of around 13,000 active coins at this time.
Known as ‘altcoins’ due to their creation as an alternative cryptocurrency to Bitcoin, coins such as Ethereum, XRP and Dogecoin offer investors a range of different features and functionalities. In this article, we will explore some of the similarities and differences between Bitcoin and altcoins, enabling investors to make an informed decision as to the best option for them.
The Similarities
As with any cryptocurrency, both Bitcoin and altcoins share a speculative nature, characterized by fluctuations in their value which can often be significant. This volatility makes both of these digital currencies highly risky from an investment perspective in comparison to more traditional asset classes such as real estate and blue-chip stocks.
A digital wallet is required to trade altcoins and Bitcoin. This electronic financial app enables individuals to make transactions in a secure and convenient way. By storing these digital currencies, both types of coin can be used as a method of payment on a decentralized platform known as a peer-to-peer (P2P) operating system, allowing users to send, receive, and manage their digital currencies.
Being cryptocurrencies, Bitcoins and altcoins are decentralized by nature, meaning they are not regulated by any government or central bank and do not rely on any intermediaries to facilitate transactions.
The Differences
Aside from their many similarities, Bitcoin and altcoin also share a number of differences. These are most notable when it comes to the purpose for which the digital currency was created. If you would like to buy Bitcoin, you can do so by visiting this site.
Unlike Bitcoin, which was primarily created as the first type of decentralized currency that used blockchain technology to allow P2P transactions, the majority of altcoins were created for other reasons. These may be features to enhance Bitcoin or to meet new functions, including faster transaction times, enabling smart contracts, enhancing privacy, and minimizing carbon emissions. For example, the altcoin Ethereum pioneered the use of smart contract technology in 2015, while altcoins like Hedera, Ripple and IOTA are considered more environmentally friendly than Bitcoin in terms of their energy efficiency.
Bitcoin relies on a proof-of-work (PoW) blockchain consensus mechanism to mine coins. The high amounts of energy required for this have resulted in the creation of altcoins that use more energy-efficient mechanisms such as the Delegated Proof of Stake (DPoS) or Proof of Stake (PoS) consensus mechanisms.
With Bitcoin dominating the global cryptocurrency market, coupled with altcoins’ lower reputational standing and adoption, the latter types of cryptocurrencies tend to display greater price fluctuations over the short term. As many altcoins are price-correlated with Bitcoin, any movements in Bitcoin can also result in an amplified reaction in altcoin markets.
Choosing whether to add altcoins or Bitcoin to your investment portfolio will ultimately depend on a range of factors such as your financial goals, appetite for risk and investment values,