When trading on Binance, two of the most prominent cryptocurrencies you'll encounter are $BTC and $ETH. $BTC, launched in 2009, is often referred to as "digital gold" and is primarily used as a store of value and a medium of exchange. It operates on a proof-of-work system and is known for its security and dominant market position. However, $BTC transactions can be relatively slow—around 10 minutes per block—and typically come with higher fees, especially during periods of network congestion.

In contrast, $ETH , launched in 2015, brings more functionality to the table. It powers smart contracts, decentralized applications (DApps), and the growing DeFi ecosystem. $ETH transactions are much faster—averaging about 15 seconds—and with its move to a proof-of-stake model, users can now stake their coins to earn passive rewards. While $ETH fees can also spike, it offers a broader range of use cases compared to $BTC.

On Binance, both $BTC and $ETH enjoy high liquidity and are among the most actively traded assets. Choose BTC if you’re looking for a long-term store of value, or opt for $ETH if you're interested in innovation, staking, and participating in decentralized finance.