Top cryptocurrencies 2024: Bitcoin, Altcoins, and Tokens
Today, there are more than 5,000 types of cryptocurrencies, which indicates the vast popularity and demand for digital currency.
Cryptocurrencies are conventionally divided into bitcoin, altcoins (among them stablecoins), and tokens (including DeFi tokens). Each of these digital currencies has its own characteristics. Many people think that bitcoins and altcoins are money. But, there is not so. Bitcoins and altcoins are complex digital products that have their own crypto code and encrypted record. And, in order to obtain the status of an electronic currency, they go through a very complex mechanism of processing and transformation using special technologies.
In this article, we will take a closer look at the meaning of cryptocurrency, the types of cryptocurrencies, and their features.
What is cryptocurrency?
Cryptocurrency is a digital currency that is not regulated by the state. No government in the world can influence the release and transfer of this currency since all data is encrypted. There are many types of cryptocurrencies today. Among them are the most popular ones: Bitcoin, Litecoin, Ether, Bitcoin Cash, Ripple, etc.
Advantages of cryptocurrency
- Lack of intermediaries
- Safety
- Reliability
- Decentralization
- Anonymity
- Cryptocurrency is not subject to inflation
Disadvantages of cryptocurrencies
- Risk of being banned by government authorities
- Volatility
- Liquidity
Types of cryptocurrencies
Bitcoin (BTC)
This cryptocurrency appeared the first and today remains the leading electronic coin.
Bitcoin is a decentralized electronic payment system that provides the ability to make transactions without the participation of a bank or other financial institution.
This cryptocurrency is considered a digital alternative to fiat money and gold.
Bitcoin, like many other currencies, has its own risks that should be kept in mind by all users of this currency:
– significant cost fluctuations of BTC during trading;
– the external risk of how this cryptocurrency will be regulated.
Altcoins
After Bitcoin was successfully launched in 2008, many other cryptocurrencies began to appear, which are considered an alternative to Bitcoin and are called Altcoins.
Types of Altcoins
Litecoin (LTC)
This currency was created by Charlie Lee in 2011. Litecoin is one of the first cryptocurrencies to emerge after Bitcoin. This cryptocurrency was created as an analog of Bitcoin. Litecoin is known for generating new blocks more quickly, which allows making transactions faster.
Ethereum (ETH)
Ethereum was created in 2015; its tasks are significantly different from those of Bitcoin.
Ethereum is a kind of cryptocurrency and blockchain program that allows developers to create and run applications (DApps) and smart contracts.
Ripple (XRP)
Ripple (XRP) was launched in 2012. Ripple is a network that provides users with fast payments and charges minimal fees. Ripple’s goal is to provide the ability to send money from different parts of the world. This advantage has made this cryptocurrency especially attractive for banks looking to settle international transactions. Unlike bitcoins and other altcoins, Ripple uses less processing power as it does not require mining.
These cryptocurrencies are considered one of the most famous of the altcoins, but there are other types of altcoins. New altcoins are also emerging very often today.
Like Bitcoin, all kinds of altcoins can operate independently on their own networks through the use of distributed ledger technology (DLT).
The most popular type of DLT is blockchain technology. Altcoin becomes unique due to variations in the base code of each protocol.
Tokens
This type of crypto does not have its own blockchain, so it cannot exist on its own like Bitcoin and altcoin. Therefore, tokens are installed on the blockchain of another cryptocurrency.
Tokens are installed on blockchains of such cryptocurrencies as:
- Ethereum
- Omni
- Neo
- Tron
Most demanded tokens such as Chainlink, UNUS SED LEO, Huobi Token, and Maker are placed on the Ethereum blockchain.
What cryptocurrency to invest in 2023?
Based on the research of analysts and professional traders of Cryptorobotics, we have compiled a list of digital assets worth investing in 2023.
- Bitcoin (BTC)
- Ethereum (ETH)
- Cosmos (ATOM)
- Solana (SOL)
- Polkadot (DOT)
- Binance (BNB)
- Cardano (ADA)
Conclusion
Cryptocurrency has entered our daily life and is one of the most convenient ways to make transactions. Electronic currency is gaining more and more popularity, especially during a pandemic and economic crisis. Moreover, it is not only profitable and convenient to make purchases with cryptocurrency, but also to invest in it. Today, there are different types of electronic currencies, and it is important to choose a cryptocurrency for use that is more reliable and stable. Thus, you will have the opportunity to make a profitable investment and get huge profits from it.
READ MORE: Investing in cryptocurrency: how to start and reduce risks
