How can investors decide which cryptocurrency is just the right alternative to invest in when there are too many to choose from? Although Bitcoin is generally regarded as the first cryptocurrency as per preference that comes to mind, analysts use a variety of methods to evaluate tokens other than BTC. Here are some of the best alternatives to bitcoin to buy in 2021, ranging from the most famous cryptocurrencies making headlines around the world to lesser-known digital currencies you might have never heard of.

Ethereum {ETH}

Launched in July 2015, Ethereum is the largest and most well-known open-ended decentralized software framework in the market. After bitcoin, Ether (ETH), the Ethereum network’s cryptocurrency, is arguably the second most popular digital token in use. The Ethereum network’s currency- “ether”, powers Ethereum’s entire applications and contracts. Ether, like Bitcoin, can be used easily to buy & sell products and services. In simple terms, it is a technology that lets you send cryptocurrency to anyone across the world for a nominal fee.

Ethereum allows smart payment contracts and decentralized applications (Dapps) to be designed and operate without the need for any downtime, manipulation, influence, or third-party intervention allowing it for a wide range of possible uses, all of which are fueled by its native cryptographic token, ether itself. Ether’s popularity has forced it to compete with all other cryptocurrencies, especially from the standpoint of traders.

Read more to Buy ethereum in India

Price as on 4/15/2021 – $2,480.62

Source: https://coinmarketcap.com/currencies/ethereum

Binance Coin {BNB}

Binance Coin is a cryptocurrency that is distributed by the Binance exchange and trades under the symbol BNB. The Binance coin is based on the Ethereum blockchain and adheres to the ERC 20 standards & comply with 2FA verification.

Binance has a lot of room for improvement, but it caters to experienced users and offers hundreds of currency trading options to foreign traders. It is one of the cheapest platforms to use currently & the biggest pros it offers for users are low fees, comprehensive charting options, and hundreds of cryptocurrencies supported.

Price as on 4/15/2021 – $553.80

Source: https://coinmarketcap.com/currencies/binance-coin

XRP

Ripple’s digital asset- XRP, is said to be able to settle a payment in just four seconds and process 1,500 transactions per second! To explain it better, Ripple is a real-time gross settlement system, currency exchange network & a remittance network specifically developed by Ripple Labs Inc.; a technology company headquartered in the United States.

Being a contender of Bitcoin & continuing to gain ground, owing to the increasing adaptability and diverse applications – XRP positions fourth on the list of top virtual currencies by market cap, behind bitcoin. XRP is a cryptocurrency that is best known for its digital payment protocols and network. In fact, many major banks today practice the XRP payment system for better reliability.

Price as on 4/15/2021 – $1.76

Source: https://coinmarketcap.com/currencies/xrp

Cardano {ADA}

Cardano is the very first peer-reviewed blockchain in the world. It’s a smart contract platform that claims to solve the scaling issues of first-generation coins like bitcoin and second-generation coins like Ethereum via its advanced decentralized applications framework and protocols. Its unique proof of stake (PoS) technology enables the network to authenticate transactions without the pricey proof of work (PoW) method used by Bitcoin and Ethereum.

Cardano is clearly superior to Bitcoin. Cardano is distinct from other digital currency projects for several reasons. To begin, it defines itself as a third-generation blockchain, which means that it aims to rectify problems that plagued its predecessor coins and are about to be settled more broadly across the industry. Furthermore, the ability to submit and receive funds instantly and for a low fee has many benefits in the business and finance world. Besides that, because of the coin’s lightning speed, the network could potentially handle a million transactions per second.

Price as on 4/15/2021 – $1.45

Source: https://coinmarketcap.com/currencies/cardano

Polkadot {DOT}

Polkadot is a scalable, heterogeneous, multi-chain technology that offers a common platform & better framework facilitating communication between public and private blockchains. Polkadot, in particular, enables users to send more than just tokens through blockchains. It enables these networks to exchange real-time data in a nutshell. Few components of this network are Relay Chain, Parachains, Para threads & bridges to enlarge the interoperability of the entire network.

There is an array of reasons why you might want to connect individual blockchains. For starters, the ability to send any type of data across any type of blockchain can transform the entire community for good flexibility. It enables the users to join multiple chains together in a single network, allowing them to conduct transactions in unison and securely share data between them easily. As per the market survey Polkadot will be worth $113.39 in 2025, mounting to approx. $160 by 2028.

Price as on 4/15/2021 – $42.60

Source: https://coinmarketcap.com/currencies/polkadot-new

Litecoin {LTC}

Launched in 2011, Litecoin is a digital currency that uses a database to keep track of all transactions in a public ledger. It is used to move funds between individuals or companies without the use of a middleman like a bank or payment processing service. It permits individuals to make payments & transactions anywhere in the world with very low fees. As of March 2021, Litecoin’s market cap is $13.7 billion

Litecoin has been known to be a strong investment time after time, forming a solid foundation in the market the asset is primed for another uptrend, making it a perfect investment. Litecoin is less expensive per coin, has a quicker transaction speed, and still has a lot of value. It makes no difference whether you invest in Bitcoin or Litecoin, just as it makes no difference whether you invest in gold or silver as both can work well together in a portfolio.

Price as on 4/15/2021 – $275.22

Source: https://coinmarketcap.com/currencies/litecoin

Despite its popularity, Bitcoin isn’t the last word in the world of cryptocurrency; trendsetters and innovators do exist & thrive to bring something better and new, and there are now over 7,000 cryptocurrencies accessible in the market. That being said, as the industry progresses into the mainstream, investors want to keep an eye on a number of other less expensive digital currencies & tokens that have the potential to break new ground in the coming years.