BTC vs ETH
Bitcoin vs Ethereum
BTC is the macro bellwether with the deepest liquidity, while ETH offers higher beta tied to network upgrades, staking flows, and smart contract activity.
Side by Side Comparison
Category
BTC
ETH
Liquidity
Deepest books, tight spreads
Deep books, slightly wider spreads
Volatility
Lower, steadier ranges
Higher, wider intraday swings
Catalysts
Macro news, ETF flows, halving
Upgrades, staking demand, DeFi cycles
Funding behavior
More stable in ranges
More variable in narrative runs
Typical leverage
5x to 15x for most traders
3x to 10x to control volatility
Best for
Macro trend and range trading
Higher beta trend setups
Key Takeaways
- Use smaller size on ETH for the same stop distance.
- Expect ETH to move more during upgrade windows.
- BTC is cleaner for range trades and macro events.
FAQ
Is BTC or ETH better for beginners?
BTC is usually easier because it has tighter spreads and lower volatility. ETH moves faster and needs more conservative sizing.
Does ETH always follow BTC?
ETH is correlated with BTC but can decouple during upgrade cycles or strong DeFi activity. Plan for higher beta moves.
How should I size ETH compared to BTC?
If your stop distance is the same, reduce ETH size so your dollar risk stays constant.