$XRP Bitcoin (BTC) is the original cryptocurrency, launched in 2009 to offer a peer-to-peer digital cash system without centralized control. It’s primarily used as a store of value and is often referred to as “digital gold.” Ethereum (ETH), launched in 2015, goes beyond currency by enabling smart contracts and decentralized applications (dApps). While Bitcoin focuses on security, scarcity, and simplicity, Ethereum is more flexible and rapidly evolving—especially with upgrades like Ethereum 2.0. BTC has a capped supply of 21 million coins, making it deflationary. ETH has no fixed supply but is increasingly deflationary after recent updates. Both assets dominate crypto markets but serve very different purposes.