Private and open-source alternatives to Bitcoin
4 private cryptocurrencies rated against the same public privacy criteria as Bitcoin, with our picks first.
The alternatives
Monero Grade A
Cryptocurrency that hides the sender, receiver and amount of every transaction by default, using ring signatures, stealth addresses and RingCT.
Monero scores 100 out of 100 (grade A) on the private cryptocurrencies criteria. It meets 4 of 4 criteria: open source, no trackers or telemetry, no ads or data sales and independent audit..
Bittensor Grade B
Decentralized network where subnets compete to produce machine learning and other digital work, rewarded in its TAO token. All transactions and balances are recorded on a public blockchain.
Bittensor scores 80 out of 100 (grade B) on the private cryptocurrencies criteria. It meets 3 of 4 criteria: open source, no trackers or telemetry and no ads or data sales.
Ethereum Grade B
Decentralized blockchain platform for smart contracts and applications, with Ether as its native currency. All transactions and contract activity are recorded on a public blockchain.
Ethereum scores 75 out of 100 (grade B) on the private cryptocurrencies criteria. It meets 2 of 4 criteria: open source and no ads or data sales.
Zcash Grade C
Cryptocurrency that uses zero-knowledge proofs to offer shielded transactions, which hide the sender, receiver and amount. Transparent transactions are also supported, so privacy depends on using shielded addresses.
Based in the United States (Five Eyes). Zcash scores 70 out of 100 (grade C) on the private cryptocurrencies criteria. It meets 3 of 4 criteria: open source, no ads or data sales and independent audit.