$ETH Ethereum ($ETH) is a decentralized blockchain platform launched in 2015 by Vitalik Buterin and others. It enables smart contracts and decentralized applications (dApps), allowing developers to build a wide range of financial and non-financial services. Unlike Bitcoin, Ethereum is not just a digital currency—it’s a programmable network. Its native cryptocurrency, Ether ($ETH), is used for transactions and computational services on the network. Ethereum transitioned to proof-of-stake in 2022, making it more energy-efficient. Its versatility has made it popular for NFTs, DeFi, and various blockchain innovations. Despite competition, Ethereum remains a leading force in the blockchain industry.