2022 witnessed a lot of developments around two significant virtual assets: cryptocurrencies and non-fungible tokens (NFTs). Cryptocurrency and NFT innovations like TEDY have shown that their strength comes from their uniqueness. One of its signs is the increasing viability of blockchain-based digital transformation. Therefore, crypto and NFTs are a technological revolution.
Both virtual assets have particular advantages and disadvantages. This article aims to help you understand which is better between the two most well-liked categories of digital assets. It’s important to know that your answer depends on what you seek. So join us as we help you come to a solution by explaining the essential features of the two assets.
Differences between cryptocurrency and NFTs
- Definitions
What Exactly Are Cryptocurrencies?
Cryptocurrencies are digital money that employs encryption to thwart fraud and double spending. Using a network of computers spread out throughout the globe, the shared ledger technology known as blockchain is the cornerstone of many independent networks powered by cryptocurrencies. In addition, cryptocurrencies may resist manipulation or government intervention because they are typically not issued by a central body.
What are NFTs?
NFTs are non-fungible tokens. Unlike traditional cryptocurrencies like Bitcoin, their holders cannot swap them for one another. Each NFT has a unique value because they are all distinct. NFTs are commonly used to represent digital artifacts such as music, art, and other virtual goods. They are becoming increasingly popular due to how easy it is to buy, sell, and exchange them on decentralized marketplaces.
- Trading
Because NFTs are non-fungible and distinct digital assets that people cannot replace with other tokens, they differ from crypto in terms of trading. Cryptocurrencies, however, are fungible digital assets, meaning a different one may replace each one with the same value. Therefore, in contrast to trading cryptocurrencies, which involves trading the asset’s underlying value, trading NFTs consists of selling the product itself. Projectted.com helps you find a few top NFT marketplaces with US-based operations.
- Purpose
Establishing evidence of ownership for a digital item is the primary goal of an NFT. Holders of NFTs can use them to represent things like digital assets like images, videos, and audio files. NFTs represent physical goods like artwork, collectibles, and even real estate. NFTs exist on a blockchain-decentralized database, which is safe and impenetrable.
The development of cryptocurrencies came as a mechanism of exchange to transmit digital information and get past problems with traditional currencies. It allows for quick, secure, and decentralized transactions and the buying and payment of goods and services.
- Volatility
When people compare cryptocurrencies and NFTs, they praise the former for its volatility. While some view this fluctuation as a benefit, others view it as a significant problem. However, because the same market dynamics that affect cryptocurrencies don’t affect NFTs, they are typically considerably more dependable. However, people value NFTs according to their unique merits, which means that their prices are less vulnerable to market volatility.
- Use Cases and Marketplaces
One of the critical distinctions between NFTs and cryptocurrencies is that people use the former for various things, such as digital art, games, and collectibles. In contrast, cryptocurrencies are primarily used for transactions or investments. Moreover, unlike cryptocurrencies, which may be purchased and sold on various exchanges, NFTs are frequently traded on specialized platforms called NFT marketplaces. The best cryptocurrency exchanges in the USA include naming a few, Kraken, Gemini, and Crypto.com.
Cryptocurrencies and NFTs in 2022
To understand the future of these virtual assets in 2023, it’s essential to analyze the significant strides made by both cryptocurrencies and NFTs in the previous year. That way, you can decide which is better in 2023.
Cryptocurrencies
The crypto market has had a terrible first half of 2022. Bitcoin and Ethereum prices have dropped by more than 50% since their all-time highs in late 2021. Close to the end of last year, Ethereum, the second-largest cryptocurrency, also set a new record high. However, in June, it fell to its lowest point since the beginning of 2021, below $900.
The recent Terra Luna demise sparked interest in cryptocurrency regulations. The stablecoin TerraUSD (UST) decoupled from the dollar in May due to the collapse in cryptocurrency markets. Unfortunately, this also brought about a drop in the associated cryptocurrency, Luna. Since then, some businesses have declared bankruptcy, including Celsius and Three Arrows Capital. This ripple effect gave federal officials more ammunition to advocate for crypto regulation.
NFTs
2022 started with almost a million accounts consciously trading NFTS. However, now, only approximately 491,000 accounts are doing so. A chain-analysis study revealed that NFTs witnessed astronomical progress in 2021. Still, this growth has yet to be continuous and has leveled off so far in 2022. Experts also reveal that NFTs are riskier and more speculative than crypto, particularly as the price of Bitcoin generally declines.
