Getting Started
Popular Cryptocurrencies Explained (BTC, ETH, USDT, BNB, SOL)
The biggest coins compared, in plain English.
There are thousands of cryptocurrencies, but a handful dominate. Here is a beginner's map of the biggest ones and what makes each different.
Quick comparison
| Coin | In one line | Typical use |
|---|---|---|
| Bitcoin (BTC) | "Digital gold" — scarce, secure | Store of value. See what is Bitcoin |
| Ethereum (ETH) | Programmable blockchain for apps | Powers DeFi/NFTs. See what is Ethereum |
| Tether (USDT) | Dollar stablecoin (~1 USD) | Trading & transfers. See how to buy USDT |
| BNB | Exchange-ecosystem token | Fees & ecosystem apps |
| Solana (SOL) | Fast, low-fee blockchain | Apps, tokens, NFTs |
How to think about the differences
- Money vs platform: Bitcoin focuses on being sound money; Ethereum and Solana are platforms for apps.
- Stablecoins vs volatile coins: USDT aims to hold ~1 USD; BTC/ETH/SOL/BNB move with the market.
- Ecosystem tokens: BNB's value ties to its exchange ecosystem.
Risks that apply to all of them
- Volatility — even "blue chips" swing hard.
- Project risk — smaller coins can fail entirely.
- Scams — see how to avoid crypto scams.
Getting started
Pick a reputable exchange, verify, and start small. New? Follow our registration guide and learn the fees first.
Each coin, one level deeper
Bitcoin (BTC) — the oldest and most battle-tested network; its fixed 21M supply drives the "digital gold" thesis. Conceptually the simplest starting point.
Ethereum (ETH) — a platform more than a coin: thousands of apps and tokens run on it, and ETH's value is tied to how much the ecosystem gets used. Deep dive: what is Ethereum.
Tether (USDT) — the largest dollar stablecoin; think of it as crypto's cash register, not an investment. Deep dive: how to buy USDT.
BNB — the Binance ecosystem token; its value tracks the health of that exchange ecosystem (fee discounts, BNB Chain apps).
Solana (SOL) — a fast, low-fee chain popular for consumer apps and NFTs; it has suffered network outages in the past — a reminder that newer tech carries newer risks.
A $0.01 coin is not "cheaper" than a $50,000 one
Unit price says nothing by itself. What matters is market cap (price × circulating supply). Plenty of scams exploit the illusion that "cheap coins must 100x."
How to research any coin in 4 steps
- Use case — what problem does it solve, and does anyone actually use it?
- Supply — how many exist, and who holds the large allocations?
- Track record — how long has it run, and what happened in past crises?
- Liquidity — can you easily sell it on major exchanges? Hard-to-sell is a red flag.
How many coins should a beginner hold?
Fewer than you think. One or two majors you genuinely understand beat a basket of ten tickers you can't explain. Complexity multiplies mistakes.
Educational content only. Not financial advice. Market data and rankings change over time.