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Even if you are new to the crypto space, you’d have heard of the cryptocurrencies Bitcoin (BTC), Ethereum (ETH), and Ripple (XRP). In terms of popularity, they are indeed among the top five digital assets across the globe. As for market capitalization, Bitcoin, Ethereum, and Ripple are again among the top ten cryptocurrencies worldwide, as of the beginning of March 2021. And since all three of these cryptocurrencies boast immense popularity among crypto traders, it’s only natural to wonder what the distinctions between these three are, so you can decide which one you want to invest in.
There are some evident dissimilarities between Bitcoin, Ethereum, and Ripple, be it concerning the blockchain technology and consensus algorithms used by the protocols, the distinction between the price of Ripple, that of Ethereum’s, and Bitcoin value, the workings of the coins, or any other functional differences. Before we get into these differences, let’s first briefly look at each of these cryptocurrencies and their various features.
Bitcoin: How Does It Work?
The majority of the global crypto community consider Bitcoin to be the OG cryptocurrency, launched back in 2009 by the mysterious Satoshi Nakamoto. The main objective behind this cryptocurrency’s introduction was to give users full power over their own money instead of traditional fiat financial systems, where there’s a centralized authority figure/institution controlling everything. Therefore the Bitcoin protocol is a decentralized platform, and the technology working behind it is, of course, the blockchain tech.
The Bitcoin blockchain is a transparent, peer-to-peer (P2P) network, and as mentioned before, no centralized figure controls the generation or circulation of bitcoins. A distributed network of computers (known as nodes) each maintains a record of all transactions on the Bitcoin blockchain. This way, the network’s security is ensured despite the complete transparency; since every user on the network gets a copy of the ledger, it’s almost impossible for hackers to access the network and alter any data stored in the blocks.
The Bitcoin protocol makes use of the proof-of-work (PoW) consensus algorithm and uses the ‘mining’ system to generate new bitcoins. A group of users known as miners has to use special hardware to verify transactions made on the Bitcoin blockchain and add new blocks to the chain. In return, they get newly minted bitcoins as block mining rewards. The total supply of bitcoins is capped at 21 million, as in there will only ever be 21 million bitcoins in circulation.
According to market cap, Bitcoin is the topmost cryptocurrency in the global crypto markets, with a market cap of over $952 billion.
Ethereum: How Does It Work?
Since Bitcoin’s success in 2009, many altcoins have been released to achieve the same popularity as Bitcoin. Out of all these projects, arguably, Ethereum has remained the most successful one so far.
Vitalik Buterin, the mastermind behind the Ethereum platform, was only seventeen years old when he conceptualized a robust blockchain platform for developers to create ‘decentralized applications’ effortlessly. Subsequently, the Ethereum protocol was launched in 2015.
Ethereum is defined by two primary features: smart contracts and dApps – or decentralized applications. Smart contracts are programs stored on a blockchain that self-execute when all predetermined conditions are met. And dApps are blockchain-enabled programs that run on a peer-to-peer (P2P) network of multiple computers. dApps can be anything ranging from websites to programs or software running on Ethereum. Decentralized applications operate through smart contracts.
Along with facilitating dApps, the developers behind Ethereum also aimed to combat one of the main issues the internet faces: user data vulnerability to any hacking attempts. Smart contracts are Ethereum’s way of combating security issues. Smart contracts also eliminate the need for an intermediary in a transaction, which helps reduce transaction fees for users.
Ethereum occupies the second spot among all cryptocurrencies in the market, right next to Bitcoin as per market cap. Ethereum’s market capitalization is a little over $200 billion at the moment.
Ripple: How Does It Work?
San Francisco-based Ripple Labs first introduced Ripple in 2012. Ripple is a blockchain-based digital payment mechanism that facilitates transactions – even cross-border ones – at a much lower cost and a greater speed than most other payment protocols. Ripple was rebranded to RippleNet in 2019.
The developers behind RippleNet envisioned the XRP coins as a link between fiat currencies during cross-border connections instead of aiming for it to become an alternative to fiat currency, like Bitcoin. The consensus algorithm RippleNet uses allows a poll to be conducted for the network nodes to decide by consensus the validity of the transactions happening on the blockchain. This mechanism also curbs the chances of double-spending (cloning a crypto coin and using those copies in transactions).
Ripple started out by announcing a total of 100 billion XRPs, all of which were released at the time of its launch. However, most of the XRP coins are held by RippleNet and its partners, and RippleNet also holds the right to print out more XRP if they see it fit. This particular fact leads many within the crypto community to question Ripple’s claims of being a decentralized protocol.
Ripple’s market capitalization is around $21.5 billion right now, which places it among the top ten cryptocurrencies in market cap.
So, What Are the Differences Between Bitcoin, Ethereum, and Ripple?
Now that we have gone through the basic features of all three cryptocurrencies, here are the most basic differences between the three:
| Bitcoin | Ethereum | Ripple | |
| Algorithm | Proof-of-Work (PoW)SHA-256 | Proof-of-Work (PoW)Ethash (although ETH 2.0 will use a Proof-of-Stake or PoS algorithm) | Ripple Protocol consensus algorithm |
| Coin Generation Method | Mining | Mining | Launched all at once during Ripple’s launch |
| Mining Hardware | ASICs (application-specific integrated circuit) | GPUs (Graphical Processing Unit) | Not required |
| Average Time a Transactions Needs | 10 minutes | 10 to 19 seconds | 4 seconds |
| Maximum Supply of Coins | 21 billion | 18 million per year | 100 billion (but more might be created) |
| Market Capitalization | $952 billion | Almost $200.2 billion | Around $21.5 billion |
| Price | Bitcoin India rate today is around INR 38 lakhs/ coin | 1 ETH = nearly INR 1.3 lakh | The price of Ripple is around INR 35 |
| Objective behind Protocol | To replace fiat currency in general marketplaces and give users full control of their money. | To make it easier for developers to create decentralized applications and to get rid of the security issues that come with using the internet. | To facilitate fast and cost-effective cross-border transactions. |
Despite Bitcoin being the most popular crypto across the globe, the quite high transaction charges and the slow transaction speeds are yet barriers in its way to going mainstream. Ethereum, despite providing better transaction speeds and lower trading charges than Bitcoin, is not as widely accepted as BTC by businesses and vendors. Plus, Ethereum is also not looking to become an alternative to fiat money, just like Ripple.
And of course, there’s a stark difference between the prices of these three cryptocurrencies, with Bitcoin value being the highest – at about INR 38 lakhs and Ripple’s price is the lowest – around INR 35. This is another crucial distinction you might consider before choosing which cryptocurrency to invest in.
And there you have it, the differences between Bitcoin, Ethereum, and Ripple! We do hope this post would help you decide which coin you want to put your money behind!
WazirX allows you to trade 100+ cryptocurrencies, including the three ones mentioned above. To find out more about trading cryptocurrencies on WazirX, do give our website a visit!
Happy trading!
Further Reading:
What is the difference between a token and a Bitcoin?
What are the Differences Between Bitcoin and Ripple?
What is the difference between Litecoin and Ethereum?
What are the Differences Between Bitcoin and Ethereum?
What are the Differences Between Ripple (XRP) and Ethereum (ETH)?
What is Litecoin (LTC)? Hows is it Different from Bitcoin?
Difference between Litecoin (LTC) and Ripple (XRP)
Frequently Asked Questions
What Is The Meaning Of Bitcoin?
Bitcoin is a type of cryptocurrency that was first introduced in January 2009. It is invented based on the key concepts and notions presented in a whitepaper by Satoshi Nakamoto, a mysterious and pseudonymous figure. The name of the individual or people who invented technology is yet unknown. Bitcoin promises reduced transaction fees than existing online payment methods, and a decentralized authority controls it, unlike government-issued currencies.
Is Bitcoin And Cryptocurrency The Same Thing?
Bitcoin is a cryptocurrency that was designed to facilitate cross-border transactions, eliminate government control over transactions, and streamline the entire process without third-party intermediaries. The absence of intermediaries has resulted in a significant reduction in transaction costs. Satoshi Nakamoto, the creator of Bitcoin, created the first cryptocurrency in 2008. It began as open-source software for money transfers. Since then, plenty of cryptocurrencies have emerged, with some focusing on specific fields.
Is Bitcoin Trading Is Legal In India?
In 2020, the Supreme Court of India lifted the RBI’s restrictions on cryptocurrencies. According to the Supreme Court, the existence of Bitcoin or another cryptocurrency is unregulated but not unlawful. The verdict has greatly aided the world of digital money in the country. To put it another way, investing in Bitcoin is perfectly legal, and you may do so through various apps and traders.
Can XRP Reach $100 Dollars?
To reach $100, XRP must climb 270 times. At $100, the market capitalization of XRP would be $5.1 trillion. If XRP rose at a 25% annual pace, it would take at least 26 years to hit $100.
How To Mine Ripple Coins?
Ripple (XRP) cannot be mined in the traditional sense like other cryptocurrencies such as Bitcoin or Ethereum. One of the most efficient techniques for mining XRP is to mine Bitcoin (BTC) and Ethereum (ETH) and then exchange the mined coins for Ripple (XRP) via Crypto exchanges.
Is Ripple Coin A Good Investment?
Ripple coin can be a good investment option due to its potential to revolutionize cross-border payments and its partnerships with major financial institutions.
What Is Meant By Bitcoin?
Bitcoin is a digital currency that was initially released in January 2009. It is based on ideas offered by Satoshi Nakamoto, a mysterious and pseudonymous figure, in a whitepaper. The name of the person or individuals who invented technology has not been revealed. Bitcoin promises lower transaction fees than other online payment systems, and unlike government-issued currencies, it is decentralized.
How Many Bitcoins Are There?
There are 18,730,931.25 Bitcoins in circulation as of June 2021. The total number of Bitcoins that would ever be there is just 21 million. On average, 144 blocks are mined every day, with 6.25 Bitcoins per block. The average number of new Bitcoins mined every day is 900, calculated by multiplying 144 by 6.25.
Is Bitcoin Mining Free?
Bitcoin mining isn't free, but it can be tried on a budget. Bitcoin mining is an essential part of the blockchain ledger's upkeep and development and the act of issuing new Bitcoins. It is accomplished by the use of cutting-edge computers that tackle complicated computational arithmetic problems. The effort of auditor miners is rewarded. They're in charge of ensuring that Bitcoin transactions go off without a fuss and that they're legal.
Who Created Bitcoin?
Bitcoin is the first application of the concept of "cryptocurrency," first articulated in 1998 on the cypherpunks mailing list by Wei Dai, who proposed a new form of money that relies on cryptography rather than a central authority to manage its creation and transactions. Satoshi Nakamoto published the initial Bitcoin specification and proof of concept on the cryptography mailing list in 2009. Satoshi exited the project in late 2010, with little information about himself available. Since then, the community has evolved, with numerous people working on Bitcoin. Satoshi's anonymity has sparked unfounded fears, many of which may be traced back to a misunderstanding of Bitcoin's open-source nature.
Disclaimer: Cryptocurrency is not a legal tender and is currently unregulated. Kindly ensure that you undertake sufficient risk assessment when trading cryptocurrencies as they are often subject to high price volatility. The information provided in this section doesn't represent any investment advice or WazirX's official position. WazirX reserves the right in its sole discretion to amend or change this blog post at any time and for any reasons without prior notice.
