#BTCvsETH
Bitcoin (BTC) and Ethereum (ETH) are the two leading cryptocurrencies, both operating on blockchain technology with a focus on decentralization [[1]](https://crypto.com/en/bitcoin/bitcoin-vs-ethereum-whats-the-difference-between-btc-and-eth). However, they have distinct purposes and technological foundations [[1]](https://crypto.com/en/bitcoin/bitcoin-vs-ethereum-whats-the-difference-between-btc-and-eth)[[2]](https://www.vaneck.com/us/en/blogs/digital-assets/bitcoin-vs-ethereum/).
**Here's a comparison:**
* **Purpose:**
* **Bitcoin:** Primarily a store of value and medium of exchange, often referred to as "digital gold" [[1]](https://crypto.com/en/bitcoin/bitcoin-vs-ethereum-whats-the-difference-between-btc-and-eth)[[3]](https://www.investopedia.com/articles/investing/031416/bitcoin-vs-ethereum-driven-different-purposes.asp). It aims to be a decentralized digital currency [[2]](https://www.vaneck.com/us/en/blogs/digital-assets/bitcoin-vs-ethereum/).
* **Ethereum:** A functional platform that enables the execution of applications and smart contracts. It's considered "digital silver," less scarce but with more uses than Bitcoin [[1]](https://crypto.com/en/bitcoin/bitcoin-vs-ethereum-whats-the-difference-between-btc-and-eth)[[3]](https://www.investopedia.com/articles/investing/031416/bitcoin-vs-ethereum-driven-different-purposes.asp). Ethereum facilitates the creation of decentralized applications (dApps) [[4]](https://www.gemini.com/cryptopedia/ethereum-vs-bitcoin-blockchain-differences).
* **Technology:**
* **Bitcoin:** Focuses on secure value transfer and storage [[2]](https://www.vaneck.com/us/en/blogs/digital-assets/bitcoin-vs-ethereum/). Transactions on the Bitcoin network primarily record transaction information [[3]](https://www.investopedia.com/articles/investing/031416/bitcoin-vs-ethereum-driven-different-purposes.asp).
* **Ethereum:** Enables programmable contracts and a decentralized world computer [[2]](https://www.vaneck.com/us/en/blogs/digital-assets/bitcoin-vs-ethereum/). Ethereum's technology allows for mor