CAN WE COMPARE BITCOIN AND CRYPTO

[Rubuchi]

Crypto is a term for a whole that is tied to cryptography while bitcoin is a term for Bitcoin itself, which can be said to be a specific mention of an asset in the crypto market, but some people do not like to unite crypto with bitcoin because they consider it different, which is more clearly not like to unite Bitcoin with Shitcoin / altcoin which is full of manipulation and fraud that has no value in their view.

you’re right. From what I’ve all gathered knowledge wise, all bitcoins are cryptocurrency but not all cryptocurrency are bitcoin because bitcoin is one type of cryptocurrency and the pioneer cryptocurrency ever to be launched to the world market historically, but we have several types of cryptocurrencies like the altcoins which can also be referred to as the alternative coin, which is a combination of other types of cryptocurrencies that are not bitcoin with examples such as stablecoins, memecoins, shitcoins etc.

these are all kinds of altcoins which are different from bitcoin. Bitcoin has been able to identify itself as an industry leader so any other coin aside from bitcoin as an entity is an alternative currency to bitcoin which is why they are called altcoins.

For the stablecoins, they are the ones that are stable in price more or less like the digital footprint of some of the fiat currencies in the world like the USDT standing in as the digital footprint or representative of the US dollar, sharing the same or almost same value as the USD and the e-Naira though unpopular but which can also be treated as the digital version or equivalent of the Nigerian naira currency. Then we have memecoins and shitcoins etc.

[X-ray]

How hard it is to understand that bitcoin is product of cryptography and any other currency that use cryptography out there including altcoin is also a crypto.

There is reason people call crypto market as a whole that includes bitcoin and other altcoins as crypto market. Because every single one of them uses cryptography under the hood. It's as simple as that honestly. No need to overcomplicate things.

As long as there is cryptographic techniques being used in the technology, it's crypto.

[DeeppRockk]

How hard it is to understand that bitcoin is product of cryptography and any other currency that use cryptography out there including altcoin is also a crypto.

There is reason people call crypto market as a whole that includes bitcoin and other altcoins as crypto market. Because every single one of them uses cryptography under the hood. It's as simple as that honestly. No need to overcomplicate things.

As long as there is cryptographic techniques being used in the technology, it's crypto.

You're right that Bitcoin falls under the crypto umbrella technically, but equating it to most altcoins feels like comparing a precision tool to a pile of scrap metal. The cryptography is a base layer-yes-but Bitcoin's value comes from its *economic design*.

Fixed supply, decentralized security, and game theory create something different.

Most altcoins don't have that.

They're speculative bets, not sound money

[Mpamaegbu]

You may hear that some people don't agree that Bitcoin is crypto, like instead of crypto, they just say Bitcoin, or some will not acknowledge Bitcoin as crypto, like Bitcoin is only Bitcoin. Since you are in a Bitcoin forum, don't be surprised to encounter people like this.

You're right. In the past, it used to be heated argument here on this classification thing. This day I think those who countered that perception aren't that much hostile anymore. They've a more subtle way of seeing the "Bitcoin is crypto" thing now. It's the maximalists who've always had a way of making Bitcoin stand on its own. They forgot that things are often categorized. It's categorization that puts Bitcoin as a cryptocurrency. There's no harm in that. It's like mankind taking offence because he's categorized as an animal. Isn't man an animal? Of course, he's.

[Transylvanian]

The majority of other crypto projects are attempting to do more. Smart contracts applications games quick money and innovation, in general. That is thrilling but it also increases the risk due to the presence of more moving parts, which results in more opportunities to fail. Most of them are relying on hype of teams or even the fluctuations of rules.
In my case, Bitcoin seems to be the safest long-term bet due to its fixed supply decentralisation and trust. Other crypto may have more returns yet they require more care and risk taking. Therefore, the notion that Bitcoin is crypto and not every crypto is Bitcoin is precisely true. Their functions are very different and people are supposed to know that they should not invest in either one without understanding the functions before the investment.

[Bryangabriel]

Comparing bitcoin to crypto is like comparing watermelon to a fruit. Is a good reference of what bitcoin is

[hero_the_bossman]

You may hear that some people don't agree that Bitcoin is crypto, like instead of crypto, they just say Bitcoin, or some will not acknowledge Bitcoin as crypto, like Bitcoin is only Bitcoin. Since you are in a Bitcoin forum, don't be surprised to encounter people like this.

You're right. In the past, it used to be heated argument here on this classification thing. This day I think those who countered that perception aren't that much hostile anymore. They've a more subtle way of seeing the "Bitcoin is crypto" thing now. It's the maximalists who've always had a way of making Bitcoin stand on its own. They forgot that things are often categorized. It's categorization that puts Bitcoin as a cryptocurrency. There's no harm in that. It's like mankind taking offence because he's categorized as an animal. Isn't man an animal? Of course, he's.

i am happy for it to become less "itchy" topic than it was.

i would also say it's the human nature to put labels and categorize at all - we love associations and logical connections, it makes our brains itch

[Curious T]

There is no need to overcomplicate things. Crypto is short for Cryptocurrency. So if Bitcoin is a cryptocurrency, that means you can call it crypto. But for the sake of stating the difference between Bitcoin and other cryptocurrencies, people don't usually include it when talking. Bitcoin is so much superior to other cryptocurrencies that there needs to be a difference when talking about them.
You can take the Swiss Franc and the Iranian Rial as examples. One is so superior to the other, but they're all fiat currencies.

[aoluain]

How hard it is to understand that bitcoin is product of cryptography and any other currency that use cryptography out there including altcoin is also a crypto.

There is reason people call crypto market as a whole that includes bitcoin and other altcoins as crypto market. Because every single one of them uses cryptography under the hood. It's as simple as that honestly. No need to overcomplicate things.

As long as there is cryptographic techniques being used in the technology, it's crypto.

Correct

But

beacuse of the tidal wave of $hitcoins which has flooded the market over the years and the widespread
scams which followed Bitcoin HAS to be separated from Crypto, yea they are all based on
Cryptography and its easy to just refer to all as Crypto but they are actually not the same.

Scams, decentralisation, coding/development, management, ownership are all concerns to some degree
on almost all Altcoins but not Bitcoin.

[TheUltraElite]

Cryptocurrency is the broader term. It includes broadly bitcoin and altcoins. Anything other than bitcoin but coming under cryptocurrency will be labelled as altcoin. That is the gross way to understand the difference.

I would state here that 99% of when we talk about crypto we are talking about bitcoin in general. Most users of this forum are into bitcoin and less into altcoins. All have some sort of altcoin in holding patterns but they are rarely the point of interest, mainly because bitcoin is truly decentralized and censorship resistant while many altcoins are centralized and not upto the mark as bitcoin has been.

[alexandr1115]

You may hear that some people don't agree that Bitcoin is crypto, like instead of crypto, they just say Bitcoin, or some will not acknowledge Bitcoin as crypto, like Bitcoin is only Bitcoin. Since you are in a Bitcoin forum, don't be surprised to encounter people like this.

You're right. In the past, it used to be heated argument here on this classification thing. This day I think those who countered that perception aren't that much hostile anymore. They've a more subtle way of seeing the "Bitcoin is crypto" thing now. It's the maximalists who've always had a way of making Bitcoin stand on its own. They forgot that things are often categorized. It's categorization that puts Bitcoin as a cryptocurrency. There's no harm in that. It's like mankind taking offence because he's categorized as an animal. Isn't man an animal? Of course, he's.

Calling Bitcoin a cryptocurrency just makes things easier to understand. It helps people see where it fits among other digital money. But Bitcoin still stands out — it was the first, it’s the most secure, and it’s truly decentralized. Saying it’s part of “crypto” doesn’t take away its value. What really matters isn’t the label, but how well it works for real things like keeping your money safe and free from control.

[dzungmobile]

Calling Bitcoin a cryptocurrency just makes things easier to understand. It helps people see where it fits among other digital money. But Bitcoin still stands out — it was the first, it’s the most secure, and it’s truly decentralized. Saying it’s part of “crypto” doesn’t take away its value. What really matters isn’t the label, but how well it works for real things like keeping your money safe and free from control.

Call it Bitcoin makes it easiest to understand and it does not raise any confusion at all. Bitcoin is Bitcoin so why don't call Bitcoin is Bitcoin as simple as it is. Digital gold, cryptocurrency can be used by some people when they mention Bitcoin but it's unnecessary confusion.

Bitcoin is unique in cryptocurrency market, the best one, and it does not need a name-calling approach like altcoin projects. Altcoin projects are mostly useless and they have to use name-calling approach in order to shill their projects with attractive names like "Digital silver", "Bitcoin killer" and cryptocurrency to generalize things. While mentioning about altcoins, the community can call them as shitcoins that better describe about altcoins aka alternative cryptocurrencies.

[Rengga Jati]

Yes we can compare Bitcoin and crypto, but it helps to be clear about what that means Bitcoin vs crypto

Bitcoin vs crypto?
You mean Bitcoin vs altcoins right? Cryptocurrencies other than Bitcoin?

The comparison?
The clear one is this:
Bitcoin -> number 1
Altcoins -> Numbers 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, .......

This means that Bitcoin will remain the best, better, more trusted, and more reputable than altcoins. Bitcoin also determines the altcoin market.

[alexandr1115]

Calling Bitcoin a cryptocurrency just makes things easier to understand. It helps people see where it fits among other digital money. But Bitcoin still stands out — it was the first, it’s the most secure, and it’s truly decentralized. Saying it’s part of “crypto” doesn’t take away its value. What really matters isn’t the label, but how well it works for real things like keeping your money safe and free from control.

Call it Bitcoin makes it easiest to understand and it does not raise any confusion at all. Bitcoin is Bitcoin so why don't call Bitcoin is Bitcoin as simple as it is. Digital gold, cryptocurrency can be used by some people when they mention Bitcoin but it's unnecessary confusion.

Bitcoin is unique in cryptocurrency market, the best one, and it does not need a name-calling approach like altcoin projects. Altcoin projects are mostly useless and they have to use name-calling approach in order to shill their projects with attractive names like "Digital silver", "Bitcoin killer" and cryptocurrency to generalize things. While mentioning about altcoins, the community can call them as shitcoins that better describe about altcoins aka alternative cryptocurrencies.

I totally agree with you. Bitcoin really stands apart from all the other coins out there - it’s the original, the most secure, and it doesn’t need fancy branding or marketing slogans to prove its value. All those rival coins have come and gone, but Bitcoin keeps doing its thing steadily. Calling it “digital gold” might sound cool, but honestly, just calling it Bitcoin is enough - that name already means something. Still, to be fair, I’ve got to give some credit to those Bitcoin forks - they actually helped me make some profit, and I’m grateful for that!

[348Judah]

We may try to make some comparison just for clarity purpose, because till this time, many have not been fully aware of the difference between bitcoin and other cryptocurrencies often referred to as altcoins.

Additionally, bitcoin is the first cryptocurrency and any other coins came in place after its introduction and they are all referred to as crypto, while when we removed bitcoin every other crypto turned altcoins', goin to the aspect of market prediction, bitcoin mostly determine for the market performance of all the cryptocurrencies, except on rare cases and seasons that some other coins does not follow the same pattern.

[Zlantann]

You're right. In the past, it used to be heated argument here on this classification thing. This day I think those who countered that perception aren't that much hostile anymore. They've a more subtle way of seeing the "Bitcoin is crypto" thing now. It's the maximalists who've always had a way of making Bitcoin stand on its own. They forgot that things are often categorized. It's categorization that puts Bitcoin as a cryptocurrency. There's no harm in that. It's like mankind taking offence because he's categorized as an animal. Isn't man an animal? Of course, he's.

I don't blame those who doesnt want to categorise Bitcoin as crypto. This term crypto has been used to misinform people. These scammers will tell people that there are no difference between Bitcoin and altocin because they all fall under crypto. So it might be good the make a clear distiction at all times.

Bitcoin wildly accepted legal in many countries held by institutions other crypto Adoption varies many depend on hypeand trends, what I'm trying to narrate is that Bitcoin is crypto but not all crypto is Bitcoin, Bitcoin focus on security scarcity and long term value whole other crypto currency focus on utility and innovation often with higher risk.

Most bills that are proposed by lawmakers about establishing crypto reserve centres focus on Bitcoin. No country has made any altcoin a legal tender but two countries have made Bitcoin an offcial currency. Bitcoin is widely accpeted in diffrent counreis than other cryptos.   

[Fiasem20]

This issue has been one of the most discussed and debated topic in the crypto space. Bitcoin is a cryptocurrency,but it's highly valued than other coins in the crypto space. When you say "Can we compare bitcoin and crypto" you're wrong,because bitcoin also uses cryptography for security likewise other altcoins like Ethereum, Litecoin and Solana also uses cryptography for security. It is quite known that most enthusiasts dislike it when others refer bitcoin as a cryptocurrency, but that still doesn't change the fact that bitcoin was the first cryptocurrency to be invented and the most talked about cryptocurrency in the world today.

[DeeppRockk]

This issue has been one of the most discussed and debated topic in the crypto space. Bitcoin is a cryptocurrency,but it's highly valued than other coins in the crypto space. When you say "Can we compare bitcoin and crypto" you're wrong,because bitcoin also uses cryptography for security likewise other altcoins like Ethereum, Litecoin and Solana also uses cryptography for security. It is quite known that most enthusiasts dislike it when others refer bitcoin as a cryptocurrency, but that still doesn't change the fact that bitcoin was the first cryptocurrency to be invented and the most talked about cryptocurrency in the world today.

practically speaking the distinction isn't just preference; it's rooted in how systems categorize and regulate assets. when enthusiasts separate Bitcoin from 'crypto' they're reacting to real-world classification that affects everything from taxes to banking access.

for instance in many jurisdictions Bitcoin is treated differently under securities law compared to tokens like Ethereum or Solana which often get flagged as potential securities due to their ICO histories or centralization. it's like all dogs are animals but not all animals are pets -the categorization matters for laws and handling. people who get upset are often those who've dealt with compliance headaches where lumping Bitcoin with speculative altcoins leads to higher fees stricter KYC or account closures.

i've seen cases where someone's Bitcoin purchase was flagged because the exchange's risk algorithm associated it with 'crypto' trading patterns triggering extra scrutiny.

so while technically Bitcoin is a cryptocurrency the push to distinguish it comes from navigating bureaucratic systems that don't understand the tech but impose rules based on broad categories.  for example after the 2021 infrastructure bill in the US definitions got messy and Bitcoin holders had to argue their case to avoid being lumped with shitcoins.

that's the reality- systems shape language and language shapes outcomes.

[uchegod-21]

This issue has been one of the most discussed and debated topic in the crypto space. Bitcoin is a cryptocurrency,but it's highly valued than other coins in the crypto space. When you say "Can we compare bitcoin and crypto" you're wrong,because bitcoin also uses cryptography for security likewise other altcoins like Ethereum, Litecoin and Solana also uses cryptography for security. It is quite known that most enthusiasts dislike it when others refer bitcoin as a cryptocurrency, but that still doesn't change the fact that bitcoin was the first cryptocurrency to be invented and the most talked about cryptocurrency in the world today.

practically speaking the distinction isn't just preference; it's rooted in how systems categorize and regulate assets. when enthusiasts separate Bitcoin from 'crypto' they're reacting to real-world classification that affects everything from taxes to banking access.

for instance in many jurisdictions Bitcoin is treated differently under securities law compared to tokens like Ethereum or Solana which often get flagged as potential securities due to their ICO histories or centralization. it's like all dogs are animals but not all animals are pets -the categorization matters for laws and handling. people who get upset are often those who've dealt with compliance headaches where lumping Bitcoin with speculative altcoins leads to higher fees stricter KYC or account closures.

i've seen cases where someone's Bitcoin purchase was flagged because the exchange's risk algorithm associated it with 'crypto' trading patterns triggering extra scrutiny.

so while technically Bitcoin is a cryptocurrency the push to distinguish it comes from navigating bureaucratic systems that don't understand the tech but impose rules based on broad categories.  for example after the 2021 infrastructure bill in the US definitions got messy and Bitcoin holders had to argue their case to avoid being lumped with shitcoins.

that's the reality- systems shape language and language shapes outcomes.

Before now, i would have argued that OP was wrong with the choice of topic title but here I am saying to myself, "he is not wrong ". If anyone says too that bitcoin is crypto, they too are not wrong. Bitcoin may share certain similarities with other cryptocurrencies in terms of cryptography and blockchain technology, but in practical sense, we know that "cryptocurrencies" don't stand close when Bitcoin is mentioned.

We can say:
Technically, Bitcoin is also a cryptocurrency
Practically, they are not thesame

The use cases are different. Altcoins mostly serve utility and experimentation purposes.

[finaleshot2016]

You are making things complicated. Crypto is a general term while bitcoin is that type of crypto. Yes, there are different kind of crypto, but others just have different use cases, but Bitcoin can do it all too, it's not designed but we can if we want to. IMO, there's no limitation to what bitcoin can do so I think you're just comparing BTC to its DNA where in fact, that idea was just a seed of BTC so it doesn't make sense to compare to each other. We can compare yes but there's no point, why? those came from the OG, the comparison is only valid if it did not come from the OG and it's a unique idea in the same category.