Bitcoin is among the first cryptocurrencies introduced to the market. It has a blockchain network which is considerably slow compared to almost every other major cryptocurrency. This means that its advantage could be limited from now on. While the cryptocurrencies as a group offer no guarantees and their market cap might continue to fall, there are virtual currencies that offer long-term potential apart from Bitcoin.

1. Ethereum

Ethereum is designed to handle blockchain applications in both currency and non-currency transactions like those in online casino payments (gclub online casino offers an array of payment options including cryptocurrencies). Bitcoin is limited to processing currency applications only.

About 200 organizations from the Enterprise Ethereum Alliance worldwide tested versions of the Ethereum blockchain network in various industries and sectors. This network can be important for supply chain monitoring, energy trading platform acceleration, digital ID card creation, and more.

On top of the rich partnerships, what makes Ethereum interesting is an intelligent contract, a protocol that confirms, promotes, or enforces the contract. A smart contract could be fully customizable, which means it can be simple or elaborate according to the requirements of the business. This coordination, transparency, and binding nature of digital contracts is the ideal choice for many international companies.

2. Ripple

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_igzyWuwW2I

Ripple is about reaching out to financial institutions. The blockchain itself could have the greatest impact on the financial services industry by shortening settlement times, taking banks out of the equation, and thereby lowering transaction fees. According to Ripple, the transactions expire in seconds – including cross-border payments – and cost only a fraction of a cent. Ripple may have a lot to prove, but the list of brand partners is considerable.

3. Stellar

Another cryptocurrency to keep an eye on is Stellar with its Lumen Token (XLM). Like Ethereum, Stellar uses intelligent contracts on its blockchain, which enables companies to adopt the blockchain networks to their needs. Stellar blockchain services can also handle applications of currency and non-currency origins. Stellar claimed that transactions are usually processed within two to five seconds.

4. Nano

Nano really impressed many investors. The nano blockchain can process 7,000 transactions per second max. This is fast and virtually untouchable. Assuming developers are coming up with better infrastructure, the processing speed of Nano is much faster and it can compete with payment processors like Visa.

The primary key of Nano’s blockchain lies in its block structure. Every user can control their own blockchain without having a central blockchain, thus, transactions can be processed very quickly. These processing speeds are extremely promising.

5. Qtum

Qtum continues the trend of cryptocurrencies through the use of intelligent contracts. The China-based company takes the best aspects of Bitcoin and Ethereum infrastructure (without leaving smart contracts behind) and brings them to a unique network.