What is Ethereum?

Ethereum is the second-biggest cryptocurrency by market cap after Bitcoin. It is also a decentralized computing platform that can run a wide variety of applications — including a universe of decentralized finance (or DeFi) apps and services.

Everything from financial tools and games to complex databases are already running on the Ethereum blockchain. And its future potential is only limited by developers’ imaginations. As the nonprofit Ethereum Foundation puts it: “Ethereum is for more than payments. It's a marketplace of financial services, games and apps that can't steal your data or censor you.”

How does Ethereum work?

Ethereum-based apps are built using its key innovation: “smart contracts.” Smart contracts, like regular paper contracts, establish the terms of an arrangement between parties. But unlike an old-fashioned contract, smart contracts automatically execute when the terms are met without the need for either participating party to know who is on the other side of the deal — and without the need for any kind of intermediary.

What is the difference between Bitcoin and Ethereum?

Ethereum, like Bitcoin, is an open source project that is not owned or operated by a single individual. Anyone with an internet connection can run an Ethereum node or interact with the network. However, Ethereum differs from Bitcoin in its ability to build and execute smart contracts. Smart contracts enable a vast ecosystem of applications on Ethereum, such as stablecoins (which are pegged to the dollar by smart contract), decentralized finance apps (collectively known as DeFi), and other decentralized apps (or dapps).

Until recently, Ethereum and Bitcoin were both secured by “miners” running specialized hardware to solve difficult math problems. In September 2022, Ethereum mining was phased out and Ethereum transitioned to Proof-of-Stake. Ethereum is now secured by a global network of validators running Ethereum’s software while staking a certain amount of ETH tokens. Validators earn rewards generated in Ether (ETH) for participating in the process, and can have their stake slashed if they violate the rules of the protocol. Anyone with an ETH stake and computer meeting the requirements can become a validator.

Who created Ethereum?

In 2013, a 19-year-old computer programmer (and Bitcoin Magazine cofounder) named Vitalik Buterin released a whitepaper proposing a highly flexible blockchain that could support virtually any kind of transaction. In 2014, Vitalik, along with a team of cofounders including Gavin Wood, crowdfunded the development of the Ethereum protocol with the sale of $18 million in pre-launch tokens. In 2015, the first public version of the Ethereum blockchain launched in July and smart contract functionality began to roll out on the Ethereum blockchain.

How can I stake Ethereum?

Coinbase makes it easy and secure to stake your ETH. Through Coinbase’s built-in staking feature, anyone can stake their ETH (as much or as little as you’d like) in just a few taps. In your Coinbase app, navigate to the ETH asset page. You’ll see a prompt to stake your ETH. Staked ETH (and rewards) can't be unstaked until the Ethereum network upgrade is complete, which most experts estimate will happen sometime in 2023. If you want to sell or send your ETH staked on Coinbase, you can do so by converting it to cbETH, Coinbase’s Wrapped Staked ETH token. The price of cbETH is determined by the market and may lose value. cbETH is available in select regions. Learn more about cbETH.

Why does the price of Ethereum fluctuate?

Like Bitcoin, Ethereum’s price is based on a global marketplace of supply and demand. Its price can be volatile in the short-term as demand overwhelms supply and vice versa.

How can I buy Ethereum?

By creating an account on Coinbase or an increasing number of other reputable financial technology companies, you can buy, send, and receive Ethereum. 

Released: July 2015