Altcoins - The Cryptocurrency World Beyond Bitcoin
What are Altcoins
Altcoin is short for Alternative Coin, referring to all cryptocurrencies except Bitcoin. Ethereum is technically an altcoin in the broad sense, but it's often classified separately due to its market cap and influence.
As of 2026, tens of thousands of altcoins exist, each with unique technology and purposes.
Classification of Altcoins
Platform Coins
Native currencies of blockchain platforms that support smart contracts.
- Solana (SOL): Processes thousands of transactions per second with low fees
- Cardano (ADA): Academic research-based, phased development approach
- Avalanche (AVAX): High scalability through subnet architecture
- Polkadot (DOT): Multi-chain network connecting multiple blockchains
Payment Coins
Cryptocurrencies aimed at fast and cheap transfers.
- XRP (Ripple): Specialized in international transfers between financial institutions
- Litecoin (LTC): A lighter version of Bitcoin with faster confirmations
- Stellar (XLM): Focused on remittances in developing countries and micropayments
Stablecoins
Cryptocurrencies pegged to fiat currencies, serving as base currencies on exchanges.
- Tether (USDT): The most widely used dollar-pegged stablecoin
- USD Coin (USDC): Issued by Circle, focused on regulatory compliance
- Dai (DAI): Maintains dollar value through decentralized mechanisms
Meme Coins
Cryptocurrencies originating from communities and internet culture.
- Dogecoin (DOGE): The first meme coin, famous for Elon Musk's support
- Shiba Inu (SHIB): Token inspired by Dogecoin
Meme coins are priced based on community enthusiasm rather than technical fundamentals, so exercise particular caution when investing.
Utility Tokens
Tokens used for functional purposes within specific platforms.
- Chainlink (LINK): Oracle connecting blockchain to external data
- Uniswap (UNI): Governance token for the decentralized exchange
- Aave (AAVE): Governance token for the decentralized lending protocol
Understanding Market Cap Rankings
Market Cap is calculated as current price × circulating supply. It's an important reference metric when investing in altcoins.
- Large Cap: Top-ranked by market cap, relatively stable
- Mid Cap: Growth potential and risk coexist
- Small Cap: High profit potential, high risk
What is Alt Season
The cryptocurrency market has a phenomenon called Alt Season. It refers to periods when funds flow into altcoins as Bitcoin's market dominance decreases.
Typical market cycle:
- Bitcoin rises first
- Funds move to large altcoins like Ethereum
- Rally spreads to mid and small-cap altcoins
- Market-wide correction after overheating
What to Consider When Investing in Altcoins
Project Verification
- Review the Whitepaper and roadmap
- Research the development team's background and activity
- Check GitHub code update frequency
- Verify actual use cases and partnerships
Risk Management
- Diversify investments to spread risk
- Recognize that lower market cap means higher volatility
- Low liquidity coins may be difficult to sell
- Beware of scam projects (unrealistic returns, anonymous teams)
Trading Checklist
- Listed on major exchanges
- Check 24-hour trading volume
- Review order book depth
- Check token unlock schedules
Track Altcoins on BitInsight
On BitInsight, you can view major altcoins' real-time prices, price comparisons across exchanges, and market data at a glance.