Bitcoin vs Ethereum: understanding the two leading cryptocurrencies

What is Bitcoin?

Bitcoin launched in 2009 as the first decentralised digital currency. Created by an individual or group using the pseudonym Satoshi Nakamoto, Bitcoin was designed primarily as a peer-to-peer electronic cash system – an alternative to traditional currencies that operates without central banks or intermediaries.

Bitcoin's main function is to serve as a store of value and medium of exchange. Often called "digital gold", it has a fixed supply cap of 21 million coins, which makes it inherently scarce. This scarcity, combined with growing institutional adoption, has positioned Bitcoin as both a speculative asset and a potential hedge against inflation.

What is Ethereum?

Ethereum, launched in 2015 by Vitalik Buterin and other co-founders, takes a broader approach. While it includes its own cryptocurrency called ether (ETH), Ethereum is fundamentally a programmable blockchain platform that enables developers to build decentralised applications and smart contracts.

Smart contracts are self-executing agreements written in code that automatically carry out actions when specific conditions are met. This capability has made Ethereum the foundation for a wide range of applications, from decentralised finance (DeFi) protocols to non-fungible tokens (NFTs) and beyond.

What are the key differences between Bitcoin and Ethereum?

Here's a quick comparison of the main technical and functional differences:

Understanding the key differences

• Purpose and use case: Bitcoin focuses on being a decentralised currency with a straightforward value proposition. Its design prioritises security and simplicity over flexibility. Ethereum, by contrast, prioritises programmability and functionality as a platform for running applications rather than just transferring value, which gives it broader potential use cases but also introduces additional complexity
• Supply and economics: Bitcoin's maximum supply of 21 million coins creates predictable scarcity, with new bitcoins created through mining that halves approximately every four years. Ethereum's supply can theoretically continue growing, though at a potentially decreasing rate depending on network activity following its transition to proof-of-stake
• Consensus and energy: Bitcoin and Ethereum use consensus mechanisms to validate transactions and secure the blockchain without central authority. Bitcoin's proof-of-work system requires miners to compete by solving complex mathematical problems, demanding significant computational power and energy. Ethereum's proof-of-stake mechanism relies on validators who stake their ether to participate in transaction validation, dramatically reducing energy consumption while aiming to maintain security
• Development philosophy: Bitcoin's development tends toward conservatism, with changes requiring broad consensus and moving slowly to maintain stability. Ethereum takes a more experimental approach with regular upgrades that introduce new features, reflecting its focus on expanding functionality while potentially introducing additional complexity and risks

How secure are Bitcoin and Ethereum?

Both Bitcoin and Ethereum have proven track records when it comes to network security, though they achieve it through different means.

Bitcoin's proof-of-work system has secured the network for over 15 years without a successful attack on its core protocol. The sheer amount of computing power required to compromise Bitcoin's network makes it exceptionally secure, though this comes at the cost of significant energy consumption.

Ethereum's proof-of-stake mechanism relies on economic incentives to maintain security. Validators must stake significant amounts of ether, which they risk losing if they attempt to validate fraudulent transactions. While this approach is newer and less battle-tested than Bitcoin's proof-of-work, it has operated successfully since the 2022 transition.

Both networks face different security considerations at the user level. Protecting your private keys, using secure wallets and being cautious of phishing attempts remain essential regardless of which cryptocurrency you're interacting with.

Which cryptocurrency might suit your trading approach?

There's no universal answer to whether Bitcoin or Ethereum is "better" – they serve different purposes and may appeal to different trading strategies.

Bitcoin may be more suitable if you're interested in trading a simpler value proposition focused on digital scarcity. Its longer track record and more straightforward functionality might appeal to those seeking a less complex entry into cryptocurrency markets.

Ethereum may be more interesting if you're drawn to its broader ecosystem of applications and potential for innovation. However, this comes with added complexity and potentially higher technical risk, as the platform continues to evolve.

Both cryptocurrencies experience significant price volatility and both involve substantial risks. Market sentiment, regulatory developments, technological changes and broader economic factors can all impact their prices dramatically. When trading CFDs, losses can exceed your initial deposit due to leverage.

The role of community and development

The communities surrounding Bitcoin and Ethereum reflect their different philosophies and priorities – neither approach is inherently superior, just different in focus.

Bitcoin's community tends to favour stability and security over rapid innovation. Debates about protocol changes can be lengthy and contentious, with a strong emphasis on maintaining backward compatibility and avoiding unnecessary risks. This conservative approach has helped Bitcoin maintain consistency but can sometimes slow the adoption of new features.

Ethereum's community embraces more rapid development and experimentation. The Ethereum Foundation coordinates much of the platform's research and development, though the network remains decentralised with numerous independent contributors. This more dynamic approach allows for faster innovation but may also introduce additional complexity and potential technical challenges.

Both communities are global, diverse and passionate about their respective projects. Understanding these different cultures can provide insight into how each network might evolve over time.

How can you trade Bitcoin and Ethereum with IG?

With us, you can trade both Bitcoin and Ethereum through CFDs, giving you the ability to take a position on price movements without owning the underlying assets. This means you can potentially profit from both rising and falling markets, though it also means losses can exceed your initial deposit.

With CFD trading, you're using leverage, which magnifies both potential gains and potential losses. It's essential to understand these risks and use appropriate risk management  tools before trading.

You'll have access to advanced charting tools, real-time market analysis and the ability to set stop-losses and take-profit orders to help manage your positions. 

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Footnotes: 
¹ Number 1 in Australia by primary relationships, CFDs & FX, Investment Trends November 2024 Leveraged Trading Report.