Bitcoin (BTC): The first and most widely recognized cryptocurrency, often referred to as digital gold. Its limited supply of 21 million coins has contributed to its value and popularity.

Ethereum (ETH): Known for its smart contract functionality, Ethereum allows developers to build decentralized applications (DApps) on its platform.

Ripple (XRP): Focuses on enabling real-time cross-border payment systems, making it popular among financial institutions.

Litecoin (LTC): Often referred to as the silver to Bitcoin's gold, Litecoin offers faster transaction times and a different hashing algorithm.