A comprehensive guide to the top cryptocurrencies on the market today.
It is rare for a day to go by without some mention of cryptocurrency in the headlines. From conmen and fraudsters, to opportunistic criminals, to everyday investors – cryptocurrency has been talked about around the world since it came into being.
But what are cryptocurrencies? And more importantly, what are they used for?
What is Cryptocurrency?
Cryptocurrency is a digital currency that uses encryption techniques to regulate the generation of units of currency and verify the transfer of funds, independently of any central bank. It operates independently of a single administrator, like a bank or government.
The first cryptocurrency was Bitcoin, which was created in 2009 and is still the best known. Today, there are hundreds of other cryptocurrencies being used for a variety of purposes all over the world.
Which are the best cryptocurrencies to invest in? Cryptocurrencies are all the rage. And it is not hard to see why.
With Bitcoin soaring to record highs thanks to intense retail demand from Japan and South Korea, investors have started looking at other cryptocurrencies that could offer similar profits.
But this is easier said than done. With hundreds of cryptocurrencies on the market, and more being created every month, it can be challenging to keep track of which ones you should invest in.
So, we did the hard work for you! We researched over 100 coins and picked out the 5 best cryptocurrency investments for 2018.
The Best Cryptocurrency Investments for 2018
1. Bitcoin (BTC) – The Best Cryptocurrency Investment of 2018
2. Ethereum (ETH) – The Next Big Thing?
3. Ripple (XRP) – The Rising Star of Crypto Investing
4. Monero (XMR) – The Privacy Coin That’s Going Places
5. Zcash (ZEC) – Another Privacy Coin Worth Investing In
Bitcoin
The most popular cryptocurrency, Bitcoin was first released as open-source software in 2009. Because no one knows who created Bitcoin, it’s all the more mysterious. It is the largest of its kind in terms of total market value.
Ethereum
It was launched in 2015 and has since become the largest blockchain network, as well as the largest blockchain-based project in the world. Ethereum has a total market cap of $62 billion. Many startups are using it as their base technology.
Ripple
Ripple uses blockchain technology to make international payments securer and faster for banks. The network aims to become the go-to platform for banks on a global scale, while still being able to provide competitive exchange rates. As of now, Ripple has a total market cap of $18 billion.
Bitcoin Cash
Bitcoin Cash was a hard fork from Bitcoin classic. This means that it shares most of its characteristics with Bitcoin, but has some technical differences. Launched in August 2017, this cryptocurrency had a fast start out of the gate as far as market capitalization is concerned, but it’s currently worth about $10 billion less than Bitcoin Gold.
Litecoin
Litecoin is another cryptocurrency that you can invest in 2018. Released in 2011, Lite
The world of cryptocurrency has been a tumultuous one since Bitcoin first entered the scene in 2009. Since then, over 1500 cryptocurrencies have come and gone, with more springing up every day. However, amid the sea of altcoins there are a few standouts that are truly worth investing in. These are the coins to watch out for in 2018 and beyond.
Bitcoin
Since its debut, Bitcoin has remained the dominant player in the cryptocurrency market. As of May 2018, its market capitalization is about $125 billion. Bitcoin is often used as a base for other currencies and serves as a popular store of value for investors and traders.
Ethereum
Launched in 2015, Ethereum has become one of the most valuable cryptocurrencies on the market thanks to its high trading volume, growing user base and support from large companies including Microsoft and Samsung. Ethereum’s value is currently estimated to be at $72 billion, which makes it second only to Bitcoin.
Ripple
Ripple was launched in 2012 as an instant payment system based on blockchain technology. It is now also used by banks such as Bank of America and UBS to process international payments quickly and securely. Ripple has experienced steady growth since its launch, making it one of the most promising cryptocurrencies on the market today.
Bitcoin
The cryptocurrency market is now worth a staggering $20 billion. It’s grown from a novel idea to an established financial sector in less than ten years. But the vast majority of people outside of the financial sector still don’t know what cryptocurrencies are, and more importantly, how to invest in them.
To help our readers wade through the rapidly growing world of cryptocurrencies, we created this guide. It goes into detail about the most popular cryptocurrencies to invest in, as well as offering some unique tips and tricks for investing like a pro.
If you’re looking for a comprehensive guide on how to make money with cryptocurrency, check out our article “How to Make Money with Cryptocurrency: A Comprehensive Guide.”
Bitcoin was the first cryptocurrency, but its by no means the only one. Bitcoin is currently the most popular and valuable cryptocurrency, but other cryptocurrencies exist as well. There are thousands of different types of coins and tokens that are available for trade on exchanges.
Below are some of the most popular cryptocurrencies currently in use:
Bitcoin – The original cryptocurrency and still the most widely used and valuable.
Ethereum – Ethereum is a platform that can be used to create digital tokens. It has its own currency called Ether (ETH).
Cryptocurrencies were invented to allow for peer-to-peer electronic cash systems. They are decentralized, which means that no single entity controls them. They are also immutable and transparent, meaning that a record of every transaction is saved and can be viewed by anyone.
This combination of features has made cryptocurrencies a preferred form of payment for many people who want to engage in online transactions without having to give out their personal information. Cryptocurrencies have also allowed entrepreneurs to create new businesses and raise funds through initial coin offerings (ICOs) — an alternative to the traditional venture capital startup model.
The number of cryptocurrencies in the market has been rapidly growing over the past few years. As of June 2018, there are more than 2,000 cryptocurrencies in circulation with a combined market capitalization of approximately $345 billion. This guide will provide you with all the information you need to invest in cryptocurrencies and get started.