How do you choose your cryptocurrency?

The best cryptocurrencies today, as you have probably guessed, are not limited to Bitcoin, Ethereum or Litecoin. There is a multitude of cryptocurrencies currently on the market. In fact, there are so many at the moment that it would be impossible to list them all here.

This list, therefore, includes some of the most popular cryptocurrencies. For a complete list of the top 100 cryptocurrencies, click here.

Choosing Bitcoin as an investment 

Bitcoin is considered the first virtual currency and is still the currency with the highest value. At the time of writing, a single coin is worth between USD 5000 and USD 6000. It is a global phenomenon that we are far from understanding.

More and more merchants around the world are accepting payments in Bitcoin.

All other currencies since Bitcoin are known as "altcoins", alternative currencies to Bitcoin.

Choosing Ethereum as an investment 

Ethereum (or Ether as it is commonly called) is the second most popular cryptocurrency at the moment. It is the second most popular after Bitcoin. At the time of this writing, its value is between $250 and $350. Even though this is much less than the value of Bitcoin, some people predict that Ethereum will eventually be even more valuable than Bitcoin.

One of the reasons for this prediction is the technology, which is very different from Bitcoin.

While Bitcoin can be used for shopping, Ether might be more convenient and unique. In fact, it can be used by large government institutions or for contracts, so-called smart contracts.

Choosing Ethereum Classic as an investment 

0 has a slightly more complicated history. The Ethereum Classic was introduced due to a split within the Ethereum community. Currently, its value is around 10 USD.

Choosing Litecoin as an investment 

Litecoin is the third most popular cryptocurrency in recent times. A series of events have triggered its popularity, including the platform Coinbase adding it to its online marketplace along with Bitcoin and Ether. It has similar technology to bitcoin but is "lighter" in the sense that it's transaction processing is faster.

Choosing Ripple as an investment 

Ripple differs from cryptocurrencies like Bitcoin in that it is not exchanged via a blockchain, but is centralised by a private entity. Merchants do not yet accept Ripple. However, it is used for exchanging funds across countries.

Choosing Monero as an investment 

Monero has become a popular virtual currency, especially since the darknet market and Alphabay use it as their preferred currency.

Choosing Dash as an investment 

Dash was Darkcoin in a previous life. It adopted a new name to change its connection to the darknet. The founders intentionally wanted to distinguish themselves from an illegal currency and become more legitimate towards users. It is still completely anonymous: transactions are untraceable. But the memory of its dark past still makes it a bit controversial.

Choosing NEM as an investment 

NEM is a public/private cryptocurrency blockchain that has gained popularity recently. Like many other cryptocurrencies, it aims to be widely used. One of the innovative features is that NEM technology is characterised by "proof of importance".

Choosing ZCash as an investment 

These are intended for certain public services such as marketplaces or advertising.

Digital currencies versus tokens or tokens

Digital currencies are mined, while crisps are issued in an ICO-like initial coin sale. This is crowdfunding to help a blockchain company get on its feet by selling a certain number of crisps.

See the articles on ICOs.