$ETH Ethereum (ETH) and Bitcoin (BTC) are the two leading cryptocurrencies, but they serve different purposes. Bitcoin, launched in 2009, is primarily a digital store of value and “digital gold,” designed as a decentralized alternative to traditional currency. Ethereum, introduced in 2015, is a programmable blockchain that supports smart contracts and decentralized applications (dApps), enabling a wide range of use cases beyond simple transactions. While Bitcoin has a capped supply of 21 million coins, Ethereum’s supply is dynamic, with recent upgrades improving scalability and reducing fees. Both have strong communities and investment appeal, but ETH focuses more on innovation, while BTC emphasizes security and scarcity.