Bitcoin isn't just a trendsetter that pioneered decentralized peer-to-peer cryptocurrency networks—it has become the de facto standard for digital currencies, inspiring countless followers and derivatives. Other cryptocurrency types like Ethereum are being used to create decentralized financial systems for those excluded from traditional banking.
Many altcoins gain recognition by offering features newer than Bitcoin, such as faster transaction processing or alternative consensus algorithms like Proof-of-Stake.
Top Cryptocurrency Alternatives to Bitcoin
1. Ethereum (ETH)
$2,541.9 (Updated: June 20, 2021)
Ethereum is a decentralized platform for building smart contracts and dApps without third-party interference. Its mission? To democratize access to financial products globally.
Key Features:
- Supports decentralized finance (DeFi) applications
- Transitioning from Proof-of-Work to Proof-of-Stake in 2021
- Ether (ETH) is the platform’s native token
👉 Learn more about Ethereum's upgrades
2. Litecoin (LTC)
$183.65
Created as the "silver to Bitcoin’s gold," Litecoin offers faster block generation and lower fees.
3. Cardano (ADA)
$1.45
A research-driven "Ethereum killer" focusing on scalability via Ouroboros Proof-of-Stake.
4. Polkadot (DOT)
$22.09
Enables interoperability between blockchains with its relay chain and parachain architecture.
5. Bitcoin Cash (BCH)
$710.04
A 2017 fork of Bitcoin with 8MB blocks for improved transaction speed.
6. Stellar (XLM)
$0.3939
Designed for cross-border payments, connecting financial institutions via Lumens (XLM).
7. Chainlink (LINK)
$28.78
Decentralized oracle network bridging smart contracts with real-world data.
8. Binance Coin (BNB)
$342.47
Utility token for fee discounts on Binance Exchange, now powering Binance Smart Chain.
👉 Trade with lower fees using BNB
9. Tether (USDT)
$1.00
The most popular stablecoin, pegged 1:1 to the USD for reduced volatility.
10. Monero (XMR)
$158.37
Privacy-focused cryptocurrency using ring signatures for untraceable transactions.
11. Ethereum Classic (ETC)
$69.51
The original Ethereum blockchain post-DAO hack, maintaining Proof-of-Work.
12. Zcash (ZEC)
$176.14
Offers optional privacy via zk-SNARKs technology.
13. Bitcoin SV (BSV)
$175.61
Aiming to restore Bitcoin’s original vision with larger blocks and low fees.
14. IOTA (IOTA)
$1.11
Designed for IoT microtransactions using Tangle (DAG) instead of blockchain.
15. Neo (NEO)
$56.06
China’s "Ethereum" with developer-friendly smart contracts and digital identity features.
16. Ripple (XRP)
$0.9155
Enterprise-focused payment protocol handling 1,500 TPS for cross-border transfers.
FAQ
Q: Which cryptocurrency is best for fast transactions?
A: Litecoin and Bitcoin Cash offer faster processing than Bitcoin.
Q: What’s the difference between Ethereum and Ethereum Classic?
A: ETC maintains the original chain pre-DAO hack, while ETH transitioned to a new network.
Q: Are stablecoins like Tether safe?
A: They reduce volatility but require trust in the issuer’s USD reserves.
Explore More: Dive deeper into cryptocurrency investments with our expert guides.
Note: Prices are as of June 2021. Always verify current market data before trading.
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