Guide
What Are Altcoins? Everything Beyond Bitcoin
Bottom line: every coin that isn't Bitcoin
"Altcoin" (alternative coin) means any cryptocurrency other than Bitcoin. Ethereum, Solana and XRP are all altcoins in the broad sense.
Key takeaways
There are thousands of altcoins, from serious platforms to worthless or fraudulent tokens. Higher potential upside comes with higher risk — research is essential.
Common categories
- Platforms — run apps (Ethereum, Solana)
- Payments — focused on transfers (XRP)
- Stablecoins — pegged to fiat
- Memecoins — driven by hype and community
Cautions
Don't chase "the next 100x"
Many altcoins go to zero. Check the project's purpose, team and real demand — and watch for scam signs.
Sources
- CoinGecko: https://www.coingecko.com/
Not financial advice
This article is for information only and is not investment advice. Crypto assets are volatile and carry risks including hacking. Do your own research and only use money you can afford to lose.
This article is informational only and is not financial, investment, or trading advice. Prices are reference snapshots and may be outdated. Always do your own research.
