Over the past few years, few investments have generated quite as much media attention as cryptocurrencies. After the launch of Bitcoin in 2009, the crypto market has really taken off, and there are now thousands of coins to choose from.
As interest in digital assets has grown, so too has the price of crypto, and these rapidly changing values have made some investors rich. When choosing which cryptos to invest in, most people opt for either Bitcoin or Ethereum, as they’re the two coins with the largest share of the market.
They’re also generally the most stable, with 0.3 ETH to USD being relatively easy to track. However, both coins have their pros and cons. Before you invest, it’s important to know which is right for you. Let’s take a closer look at each.
Bitcoin was the first-ever cryptocurrency, and it remains the most popular. It was created in 2009 by an anonymous person known only by the pseudonym Satoshi Nakamoto.
Their name is still used today, with one-hundred-millionths of a Bitcoin known as Satoshis. While digital currencies weren’t a new concept, Bitcoin was the first to utilize blockchain technology.
The blockchain is what allows Bitcoin to operate as a completely decentralized system, with no oversight from banks or middlemen. Essentially, all transaction data is saved on a public ledger, which is distributed to all nodes on the Bitcoin network. This ensures that it is regularly verified and transaction data can’t be faked or changed after the fact.
Ethereum was created as a modern alternative to Bitcoin, offering more than just a digital currency. The Ethereum network operates as a fully decentralised software platform, and it can be used by anyone to create secure digital tokens. Just like Bitcoin, it uses blockchain, but it also allows for something called smart contracts.
Smart contracts are one of the key features of the Ethereum network, allowing people to set up their own contracts, which complete once predetermined conditions are met. These essentially automate the process of executing a financial contract, removing the need for intermediaries.
Both Bitcoin and Ethereum are popular investments, especially among those interested in the world of cryptocurrencies. They each have their advantages and disadvantages that you’ll need to consider before investing. Let’s take a look.
Security is a major concern when making any type of investment. You want your money to be safe, and having peace of mind that your investment isn’t at risk is important. Thankfully, investing in cryptocurrency can be very safe, though you do need to take precautions.
When buying Ethereum or Bitcoin, be sure to use a trusted exchange and transfer your keys to a private wallet. Write your seed phrase down and keep it safe where others won’t find it. Never give out your private keys.
While some people prefer to hold their investments and watch them grow, others like to spend them online. There are now a growing number of places that accept cryptocurrency payments, and Bitcoin and Ethereum are both usually available.
However, the transaction times of these coins can vary. Both Bitcoin and Ethereum transactions can be slow if the network is congested. Ethereum tends to be faster, but you may still end up waiting a few hours during busy periods.
The price of all cryptocurrencies can be volatile, though Bitcoin and Ethereum are less so due to being more established. It’s impossible to predict future prices, but it’s fair to say that the popularity of these coins means they’re unlikely to ever decrease significantly relative to the rest of the market.
However, for investors looking for massive gains, it’s less likely that they’ll see the same kind of returns from the established crypto compared to less well-known coins. Still, if you want lower risk, then either Bitcoin or Ethereum is best.
Disclaimer: The above references an opinion of the author and is for information purposes only. It is not intended to be investment advice. Seek a duly licensed professional for investment advice. Invest responsibly and never invest more than you can afford to lose.
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