Alternative coins, or "altcoins," are all other cryptocurrencies than Bitcoin. Altcoins are becoming more popular, but Bitcoin is the original digital currency.

Altcoins are built on a wide range of blockchain technologies, and they are intended to be used for a variety use cases. They include smart contracts, privacy features and decentralized finance.

Although some altcoins are similar to Bitcoin, they differ in terms of their consensus method, application or combination.

Some cryptocurrencies were created to solve specific problems. Others are designed to attract and unite investors and frequent traders.