Cryptocurrency Types: Everything to Know

By  Beluga Research September 8, 2023

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Summary

  • There are many categories of cryptocurrencies, some of which include bitcoin, ether and altcoins, each with unique features and purposes
  • Cryptocurrencies are digital currencies that operate on decentralized networks called "blockchains," which ensure transparency and immutability
  • Bitcoin is the first and most well-known cryptocurrency, while Ethereum is a programmable blockchain supporting decentralized applications (dApps)
  • Other types of cryptocurrencies include XRP for fast international money transfers, litecoin for smaller transactions and ADA for secure Dapps

Overview

There are many categories of cryptocurrencies including bitcoin, ether and altcoins, each with unique features and purposes. While Bitcoin takes the lead as a digital currency and store of value, Ethereum enables smart contracts and Dapps, while altcoins offer diverse features and use cases. Each type of cryptocurrency serves distinct purposes in the evolving world of blockchain and digital assets, catering to a wide range of financial and technological applications.

A Brief History

In 2009, the world was introduced to Bitcoin, the first decentralized cryptocurrency, by an anonymous individual or group known as "Satoshi Nakamoto." Bitcoin's creation marked a significant milestone and introduced blockchain technology, which underpins most cryptocurrencies today.

Cryptocurrency Types: Everything to Know

  • Bitcoin (BTC) . Bitcoin, often called the "king of cryptocurrencies," is the first and most well-known digital currency. It operates on a decentralized network, serving as a store of value and medium of exchange. With only twenty-one million coins ever produced, the scarcity of bitcoin contributes to the value. It paved the way for numerous other cryptocurrencies and leads in market capitalization.
  • Ether (ETH) . Ethereum is a decentralized platform enabling the creation and execution of smart contracts through the native cryptocurrency, "ether." Unlike Bitcoin, Ethereum is not only a digital currency but also a programmable blockchain. It gained popularity among developers and businesses for supporting decentralized applications (dApps) and new cryptocurrency issuance through initial coin offerings (ICOs).
  • Ripple (XRP) . Ripple is a digital payment protocol and cryptocurrency designed for fast and low-cost international money transfers. It aims to provide seamless experiences for financial institutions by enabling real-time cross-border payments. Ripple's network includes a distributed ledger and a native cryptocurrency called "XRP." Unlike Bitcoin and Ethereum, Ripple does not rely on mining but issues a fixed supply of 100 billion XRP tokens.
  • Litecoin (LTC) . Litecoin, often called the "silver to Bitcoin's gold," was created in 2011 by Charlie Lee, a former Google engineer. It shares similarities with Bitcoin but offers faster transaction confirmation times and a different hashing algorithm called "Scrypt." Litecoin is recognized as a reliable and secure cryptocurrency, often used for smaller transactions or as a testing ground for new features before implementing them on Bitcoin.
  • Bitcoin Cash (BCH) . Bitcoin Cash emerged in 2017 as a result of a hard fork from Bitcoin. The fork aimed to increase the block size limit of the Bitcoin blockchain, allowing more transactions per block. Bitcoin Cash aims to be a scalable and efficient digital currency for everyday transactions. It shares a history with Bitcoin but has diverged in development and community.
  • Cardano (ADA) . Cardano is a blockchain platform providing a secure and sustainable infrastructure for dApps and smart contracts. Cardano stands out due to a scientific approach to development, peer-reviewed research and a layered architecture. Cardano's cryptocurrency, "ADA," is used for transactions and participating in the network's proof-of-stake (PoS) consensus mechanism.
  • Polkadot (DOT) . Polkadot is a multi-chain platform enabling interoperability and information sharing among different blockchains. It addresses blockchain scalability and compatibility by creating a network of interconnected chains called "parachains." Polkadot's native cryptocurrency, "DOT," is used for governance and bonding within the network. It allows holders to participate in decision-making and secure the network by staking tokens.

Getting Started

To understand cryptocurrency types, it is crucial to grasp the underlying blockchain technology powering them. A blockchain is a distributed ledger that records and verifies transactions across multiple computers, ensuring transparency and immutability. Cryptocurrencies use blockchain technology to enable peer-to-peer (P2P) transactions without intermediaries like banks.

The most well-known cryptocurrency is bitcoin, which paved the way for other digital currencies. Bitcoin operates on a public blockchain and aims to be a decentralized digital currency for everyday transactions. It relies on a consensus mechanism called proof-of-work (PoW) to validate and secure transactions.

As cryptocurrencies gained popularity, developers explored alternative approaches to address Bitcoin's limitations. This led to the creation of alternative cryptocurrencies, known as "altcoins." Altcoins expanded blockchain technology's possibilities by introducing new features and functionalities.

Unique Aspects

  • Privacy Coins . Privacy coins focus on enhancing transaction anonymity and privacy. Unlike Bitcoin, which provides pseudo-anonymity, privacy coins employ advanced cryptographic techniques to obscure transaction details. Examples include Monero, Zcash and Dash, which use technologies like "ring signatures," "zk-SNARKs," and "CoinJoin" to ensure user privacy.
  • Stablecoins . Stablecoins aim to minimize price volatility by pegging associated values to stable assets like fiat currency or gold. They provide a reliable medium of exchange and store of value within the cryptocurrency ecosystem. Popular stablecoins include Tether (USDT), USD Coin (USDC) and Dai (DAI).
  • Utility Tokens . Utility tokens serve specific purposes within particular ecosystems. They are typically issued by blockchain projects and grant access to products, services or functionalities within their respective platforms. For example, Ethereum's native cryptocurrency, ether, is used as a utility token to pay for transaction fees and deploy smart contracts on the Ethereum network.
  • Security Tokens . Security tokens represent ownership or investment in real-world assets like company shares, real estate or commodities. Unlike utility tokens, security tokens are subject to securities regulations and offer legal rights to holders. Security tokens bridge traditional finance and the digital asset space, enabling fractional ownership and increased liquidity.
  • Governance Tokens . Governance tokens empower holders with voting rights and decision-making capabilities within a blockchain network or decentralized autonomous organization (DAO). These tokens allow stakeholders to participate in protocol governance, propose and vote on upgrades and influence project direction. Examples include Compound (COMP) and Uniswap (UNI).

Advantages

  • Decentralization . Cryptocurrencies are typically decentralized, meaning that they are not controlled by a central authority like a government or financial institution. This transparency eliminates intermediaries in transactions.
  • Security . Cryptocurrencies use advanced cryptography to secure transactions and control the creation of new units. This makes it difficult for hackers to manipulate the system or counterfeit digital currencies.
  • Privacy . Most cryptocurrencies offer varying levels of privacy. Bitcoin, for example, provides pseudonymous transactions wherein users' real identities are not directly linked to transactions. Others like Monero focus on enhanced privacy features using techniques like ring signatures and stealth addresses to obfuscate transaction details.
  • Global Accessibility . Cryptocurrencies operate globally and can be accessed by anyone with an internet connection. This allows seamless cross-border transactions without traditional banking systems, benefiting individuals in countries with limited financial access.
  • Financial Inclusion . Cryptocurrencies can provide financial services to the unbanked and underbanked populations. With a smartphone and internet access, individuals can store, send and receive funds securely, even without a traditional bank account.
  • Programmability . Some cryptocurrencies, like ether, offer programmable features through "smart contracts." Smart contracts are self-executing agreements that automatically execute when certain conditions are met. This allows for dApps and automation of complex financial transactions.

Disadvantages

  • Volatility . Cryptocurrencies are known for price volatility, with significant fluctuations over short periods. This volatility makes cryptocurrencies a risky investment and may discourage those seeking stable stores of value or mediums of exchange.
  • Regulatory Uncertainty . Cryptocurrency regulations are still evolving in many jurisdictions. Uncertainty can create challenges for businesses and individuals operating in the cryptocurrency space as they navigate compliance requirements and potential legal implications.
  • Scalability . Some cryptocurrencies face scalability challenges, especially with large user bases and high transaction volumes. As more users join the network, processing transactions quickly and efficiently becomes crucial. Solutions like "layer 2 scaling" or "off-chain" transactions address scalability concerns.
  • Energy Consumption . Certain cryptocurrencies, like Bitcoin, rely on energy-intensive mining processes. This raises concerns about environmental impact and sustainability due to the substantial computational power and energy consumption required.
  • Lack of Regulation . Cryptocurrencies lack centralized authority overseeing the market, which exposes users to risks such as fraud, market manipulation and security breaches. Global efforts are underway to establish regulatory frameworks that protect users and promote responsible cryptocurrency use.
  • Technical Complexity . Engaging with cryptocurrencies often requires a certain level of technical understanding. Concepts like "private keys," "wallets" and "blockchain technology" can be overwhelming and complex for newcomers. This complexity can present a barrier to entry for individuals unfamiliar with the underlying technology.