Bitcoin vs. Dogecoin: Complete Guide

Zac McClure
ByZac McClure, MBAReviewed byAlex MilesUpdated on December 30, 2024 · minute read
VerifiedExpert verified

TokenTax content follows strict guidelines for editorial accuracy and integrity. We do not accept money from third party sites, so we can give you the most unbiased and accurate information possible.

  • Bitcoin and Dogecoin differ in purpose, technology, and potential as investments. Bitcoin is often seen as a store of value, while Dogecoin (the first meme coin) is more of a community-driven token driven by hype and speculation.

  • To compare Bitcoin and Dogecoin, consider factors like price history, security, market volatility, adoption, and supply. Each has unique risks and rewards.

Understanding Bitcoin and Dogecoin

Bitcoin and Dogecoin are two of the most well-known cryptocurrencies, but their differences in purpose, technology, and market behavior make them appealing to different investors. They are both built on blockchain technology and use proof-of-work (PoW) consensus mechanisms. However, their origins, goals, and functionalities differ significantly.

Always do your own research before investing in crypto, and understand this guide does not constitute investment advice and simply illustrates the differences between Bitcoin and Dogecoin.

Calculate your crypto gains with our free crypto profit calculator.

What is Bitcoin?

Bitcoin is the first cryptocurrency launched in 2009 by the pseudonymous Satoshi Nakamoto. Designed as a decentralized digital currency, Bitcoin powers peer-to-peer transactions without intermediaries. With a capped supply of 21 million coins, Bitcoin is often viewed as a store of value or "digital gold."

What is Dogecoin?

Dogecoin was created in 2013 as a fun and community-driven alternative to Bitcoin. Based on a popular meme, Dogecoin is notably the first meme coin. It operates on a modified PoW system using the Scrypt algorithm. Unlike Bitcoin, Dogecoin has no maximum supply, with over 5 billion coins added to circulation annually.

Bitcoin vs. Dogecoin: price history

Bitcoin and Dogecoin have vastly different price histories, reflecting their unique roles in the cryptocurrency market.

CryptocurrencyLaunch YearAll-Time High PriceCurrent Price (as of December 30, 2024)
Bitcoin2009$108,000 (Dec 2024)Approximately $93,625
Dogecoin2013$0.74 (May 2021)Approximately $0.32

Bitcoin’s price is driven by its adoption as a store of value and hedge against inflation. Dogecoin’s price history reflects its dependence on social media trends and celebrity endorsements.

Dogecoin vs Bitcoin: security and technology

Security and technological design are crucial to understanding the differences between Bitcoin and Dogecoin.

FeatureBitcoinDogecoin
ConsensusProof-of-Work (SHA-256 algorithm)Proof-of-Work (Scrypt algorithm)
SecurityHighly secure with the largest network of minersModerately secure with a smaller network
DevelopmentRegular updates by a dedicated developer communityLimited updates, smaller developer base

Bitcoin’s extensive network and frequent updates make it more secure and better suited for long-term use than Dogecoin.

Dogecoin vs Bitcoin: market volatility

Different factors influence market volatility for Bitcoin and Dogecoin.

CryptocurrencyVolatilityInfluencing Factors
BitcoinHighMacro-economic trends, institutional adoption
DogecoinVery HighSocial media, celebrity endorsements

Dogecoin’s volatility stems from its reliance on public sentiment, while Bitcoin’s fluctuations are more closely tied to macroeconomic and regulatory developments.

Dogecoin vs Bitcoin: adoption and use cases

Adoption and use cases vary significantly between Bitcoin and Dogecoin.

MetricBitcoinDogecoin
AdoptionWidely accepted by businesses globallyLimited acceptance, mostly online tipping
Use CasesStore of value, investment, paymentsMicrotransactions, tipping, meme culture

Bitcoin is widely adopted for payments and as a store of value, whereas Dogecoin remains popular for tipping and online microtransactions.

Dogecoin vs Bitcoin: development and support

Bitcoin and Dogecoin rely on developer communities, but their development and innovation levels differ significantly. Bitcoin benefits from a global network of developers actively improving its blockchain and addressing scalability issues. Dogecoin has seen limited development activity in recent years.

AspectBitcoinDogecoin
Developer SupportExtensive, with a large, well-funded global communityLimited, community-driven, less consistent updates
InnovationFrequent updates, ongoing scalability solutionsMinimal updates, relies on existing infrastructure
FundingBacked by institutional interest and grantsPrimarily supported by donations and enthusiasts

Bitcoin’s ongoing development ensures it remains at the forefront of the cryptocurrency ecosystem. At the same time, Dogecoin’s sporadic updates highlight its focus on being a community-oriented token rather than a technologically innovative asset.

Bitcoin vs. Dogecoin: supply

The supply models of Bitcoin and Dogecoin significantly affect their value and utility.

CryptocurrencyMaximum SupplyCirculating Supply (approx.)
Bitcoin21 million19.5 million
DogecoinUnlimited140 billion

Bitcoin’s capped supply drives its scarcity and appeal as a store of value. Dogecoin’s unlimited supply contributes to its inflationary nature, reducing its investment potential.

Learn more about the Bitcoin halving and how it affects circulating supply.

Risk analysis

Here’s a quick look at the various risks of investing in one or both of these cryptocurrencies.

Risks with Bitcoin

  • High Volatility: Bitcoin prices can fluctuate drastically over short periods.

  • Regulatory Risks: Governments could impose regulations or bans that impact Bitcoin’s value and adoption.

Risks with Dogecoin

  • Dependence on Hype: Social media trends and endorsements heavily influence Dogecoin's value.

  • Limited Development: A smaller developer community raises concerns about long-term sustainability.

How to buy Bitcoin and Dogecoin

  1. Choose a Cryptocurrency Exchange: Select a trusted platform like Coinbase, Binance, or Kraken.

  2. Create and Verify Your Account: Sign up and complete identity verification.

  3. Deposit Funds: Add money to your account via bank transfer, credit card, or crypto deposits.

  4. Purchase Bitcoin or Dogecoin: Search for the currency and execute your trade.

See our expert picks of the best crypto wallets.

Bitcoin vs. Dogecoin FAQs

To stay up to date on the latest, follow TokenTax on Twitter @tokentax.

Zac McClure
Zac McClureCo-Founder & CEO at TokenTax
Zac co-founded TokenTax after his career in international finance and accounting at JPMorgan, Imprint Capital and Bain. He has worked in more than half-dozen countries and received his MBA from the UPenn Wharton School.
Alex Miles
Reviewed byAlex MilesCo-Founder at TokenTax
Prior to TokenTax, Alex worked as a Product Designer at Dropbox and before that Readmill (acquired by Dropbox). He holds a BS in Digital Information Design - Interactive Media from Winthrop University.

Get a personalized crypto tax consultation.

Complete our questionaire and we'll evaluate your situation — for free.