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Bitcoin

Bitcoin (BTC) is the first cryptocurrency. Launched in 2009, it runs on a peer-to-peer network with no central operator, uses Proof of Work consensus, and has a fixed maximum supply of 21 million coins. Edited by Eric Nkando.

What is Bitcoin?How Bitcoin worksSupply, halvings, and issuance
$84,740
+1.28%
sparkline — 30d
Mkt cap$1.70T
Vol 24h$33.74B
Docs43
TickerBTC
section lead photo — 4:3
The big story

What is the Lightning Network? Bitcoin's payments layer explained

The Lightning Network is a Layer 2 payment network on top of Bitcoin. Sub-cent fees, near-instant settlement. Here's how it works and where it fits.

Eric Nkando · 1 min · Updated 14 Sep
Start here
4 pieces that explain how this works.
01
What is the Lightning Network? Bitcoin's payments layer explained
02
Bitcoin mining explained: how it works and why it matters
03
Bitcoin halving explained: what it is, when the next one is, what it does
04
How to buy Bitcoin in 2026: a practical step-by-step guide
From the editor
“Every fact on this page is dated. Every source is cited. If it doesn't have a last-verified line, don't act on it.”
Eric Nkando, Senior Writer
Bitcoin, in numbers
TickerBTC
Coverage43 pieces
Live price$84,740
Latest in Bitcoin
43 articles
Newest first
Analysis

What is the Lightning Network? Bitcoin's payments layer explained

The Lightning Network is a Layer 2 payment network on top of Bitcoin. Sub-cent fees, near-instant settlement. Here's how it works and where it fits.

Eric Nkando · 1 min · 14 Sep
Comparison

Bitcoin vs Ethereum: differences, use cases, which to hold

Bitcoin and Ethereum are the two largest cryptocurrencies, but they're designed for very different jobs. Here's how they compare on supply, consensus, use cases, and where each fits in a portfolio.

Eric Nkando · 2 min · 14 Sep
Predictions & price analysis
Bitcoin Minetrix Price Prediction - 2024, 2025, 2030

This Bitcoin Minetrix price prediction analyses factors influencing the stock. Learn about the company's mining operatio

Reviews
Binance Review 2026: VIP Fee Tiers, BNB Discount, and Why It's Off-Limits to US Retail

Binance 2026 review — 0.10%/0.10% base fees dropping to 0.02% VIP 9, 25% BNB discount, November 2023 US DOJ settlement f

Related topics
What is Bitcoin? · How Bitcoin works · Supply, halvings, and issuance

Frequently asked questions

How many bitcoins are there?
Bitcoin's protocol hard-codes a maximum supply of 21,000,000 BTC. As of 2026 approximately 19.7 million have been mined.
Who created Bitcoin?
Bitcoin was created by an anonymous developer or group using the pseudonym Satoshi Nakamoto. Their identity has never been verified.
Is Bitcoin decentralized?
Bitcoin's consensus rules are enforced by tens of thousands of independent nodes worldwide. No single entity can change Bitcoin's monetary rules unilaterally.