The term covers everything from large platforms like Ethereum and Solana to small, speculative tokens. Altcoins tend to be more volatile than Bitcoin and vary enormously in quality and purpose.
Key takeaways
- Altcoin is an informal term for any cryptocurrency other than Bitcoin, covering thousands of different projects.
- Altcoins vary enormously in purpose, quality, and track record, from established networks to short-lived speculative tokens.
- Smaller altcoins tend to be more volatile and less liquid than Bitcoin, which can increase the risk of loss.
Altcoin — frequently asked questions
Does altcoin include Ethereum?
By the strict definition, yes, since altcoin means any coin that is not Bitcoin, though some people treat Ethereum as its own category.
Are altcoins riskier than Bitcoin?
Often they are, because many are newer, smaller, and less proven, but risk varies widely from one project to another.
This definition is educational and not financial advice. Crypto is volatile and high-risk — always do your own research.
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