Altcoin
Any cryptocurrency other than Bitcoin.
An altcoin (alternative coin) is a collective term for all cryptocurrencies other than Bitcoin. Ethereum is technically an altcoin, though it's often considered separately due to the size of its ecosystem.
Altcoin categories:
•Layer 1 blockchains — Ethereum, Solana, BNB, Cardano
•DeFi tokens — UNI, AAVE, CRV
•Meme coins — DOGE, SHIB, PEPE
•Stablecoins — USDT, USDC, DAI
•AI tokens — FET, RENDER, WLD
•Layer 2 — ARB, OP, MATIC
Altcoins generally have greater growth potential than Bitcoin, but also much greater risk. Many projects fail or are abandoned.