Ripple Coin vs Litecoin: What’s The Difference?

The world of financial transactions that we know today functions on decades-old technology used by entities who are largely disconnected across the globe. 

That said, the disconnect isn’t entirely their fault. A seamless and cohesive system that could facilitate transactions across borders and currencies in a safe and secure manner was hard to invent. 

As a result, banks across the globe had to rely on centralised and reliable systems like Society for Worldwide Interbank Financial Telecommunications (SWIFT). But these systems have their flaws.

They take days to carry out international transactions and can be significantly costly when currency exchange rates are involved. All of this changed with the evolution of blockchain technology. 

It gave rise to transaction platforms that could provide a cohesive, safe, secure, cost-effective, and reliable means to send and receive money globally. Ripple and Litecoin are a direct result of this evolution.

What Is The Difference Between Ripple Coin And Litecoin?

Ripple is a blockchain-based platform that simplifies international transactions. With the Ripple platform, users can send and receive money in as little as 3 seconds and at a substantially lower cost. 

The transactions are safe and transparent which adds a layer of trust to Ripple. This puts Ripple in direct competition with traditional systems that are a patchwork of several centralised legacy solutions. 

All of this is possible due to RippleNet, a decentralized network of Ripple users like banks, payment processors, merchants, and more. It even has validators across the globe that Ripple calls “the internet of value”. 

Wondering why the internet is a part of this conversation? It’s simple - the internet uses HTTP, a protocol that’s universally accepted and understood to send and receive information. 

Similarly, Ripple uses the RTXP or the Ripple Transaction Protocol. Ripple has its own cryptocurrency called Ripple Coin (XRP) that has generated 340% returns since the start of the year. 

You must’ve noticed how Ripple is hyperfocused on international payments. While this has benefits, it limits the scope of what can be achieved. Enter, Litecoin. 

Litecoin (LTC) is a peer-to-peer digital currency based on the blockchain. It can be used by banks, merchants, and the common public for domestic and international payments.

Unlike Ripple which is a payments platform and happens to have its own cryptocurrency, Litecoin was meant to be solely a cryptocurrency that can be used to pay for goods and services or traded on an exchange.  

LTC has generated 63.16% returns since the start of the year. It’s also important to note that Litecoin was initially conceptualized as a spinoff of Bitcoin and is very similar in many ways. 

However, Litecoin claims to be faster and can handle more transactions than Bitcoin. You’ll also notice that the number of Litecoins in existence will only ever be 84 million, not more. 

Ripple crypto is similar as there’ll only be 100 billion XRP in circulation across its lifetime. Litecoin and Ripple do have one more thing in common - they’re both deflationary. 

This simply means that the number of Litecoins and Ripple Coins in the market will slowly go down after every transaction, which is known to increase the value of the cryptocurrency. 

But the biggest difference lies in the fact that Ripple crypto cannot be mined while Litecoin can and rewards miners with 12.5 new LTC for every new block that’s mined. 

Key Differences Between Ripple Coin & Lite Coin

Should You Invest In Ripple Coin Or Litecoin?

Regardless of the similarities and differences, Ripple and Litecoin occupy a similar space so there’s bound to be a choice that investors may have to make - whether to invest in Ripple (XRP) or Litecoin (LTC).

Let’s look at the facts. Ripple comfortably outpaces Litecoin in terms of volume and market cap. But, Litecoin has a wider scope and use case that may seem attractive to potential investors in the long run. 

That’s why there’s no clear answer to what’s better between Ripple and Litecoin. Both cryptocurrencies have their own pros and cons. Either way, investors must exercise caution before investing in any crypto. 

Note: Facts & figures are true as of 02-12-2021. None of the information shared here is to be construed as investment advice. Exercise caution when investing in unregulated assets like cryptocurrency.