Top Privacy Coins

Top Privacy Coins

ZCash (ZEC)

Zcash is the first open, permissionless cryptocurrency that can fully protect the privacy of transactions using zero-knowledge cryptography (zk-SNARK). Transactions are kept private by obscuring the sender, recipient and value of transactions on its blockchain. Transparent transactions can be alternatively be used. Zcash still allows for transparent transactions that do not hide these details, and users can choose which of these they want to use with their transaction. Zcash is a fork of the Bitcoin Core with an added layer of privacy that Bitcoin does not provide by itself. ZEC is the token of the Zcash blockchain, both in transparent and shielded transactions.

Network Statistics: Start Date: 10/28/2016
Proof of Work Transactions per Second: 6.67-26.67
Algorithm: Equihash Coin Supply: 3.92 Million
Block Time: 2.5 Minutes

Monero (XMR)

Monero (formerly BitMonero) is a peer-to-peer cryptocurrency and blockchain focusing is on privacy and security. Transactions use blockchain obfuscation technologies based on the CryptoNote protocol, making most transactions untraceable. Smart mining is also decentralized, limiting the effectiveness of big mining rigs and mining pools. Scalability also a priority, with block sizes larger than the median size of the previous 100 blocks it will incur some block reward penalties. XMR is the token of the Monero blockchain and used as block mining rewards. Monero's sophisticated privacy-centric technology makes it obscures which funds have been spent, and thus extremely unlikely that a transaction could be linked to particular user.

Network Statistics: Start Date: 02/06/2014
Proof: Proof of Work Transactions per Second: 5-10
Algorithm: CryptoNight Coin Supply: 16.03 Million
Block Time: 60 seconds

Dash (DASH)
(formerly XCoin/ DarkCoin)

Dash is a peer-to-peer cryptocurrency payment system which aims to to make itself attractive to both users and merchants. PrivateSend uses coin mixing technology to ensure that transactions are kept private. InstantSend confirms transactions near instantly, unlike other networks that can take several minutes or hours. Dash Master nodes form a second tier network. This second tier performs all of Dash’s special functions (PrivateSend, InstantSend and governance). It is self governed by means of a Decentralized Governance by Blockchain system where the operators of the master nodes vote on proposed changes or development and pay those who make these changes from a central “treasury” (funded by 10% of all block rewards). DASH is the asset of value by which payments are made on the blockchain.

Network Statistics: Start Date: 01/18/2014
Proof: Proof of Service Transactions per Second: 28-48
Algorithm: X11 Coin Supply: 8.07 Million
Block Time: 2.5 Minutes

Verge (XVG)

Verge is privacy and security blockchain focused cryptocurrency built upon the Bitcoin Core code, with additional privacy focused on its use of several features and networks, specifically TOR and I2P. The Verge blockchain utilizes multiple mining algorithms to provide a higher degree of security and allow nearly any type of miner to power its network. All transactions are untraceable and nobody, besides the sender and recipient, can see the transaction and what is contains. Its Simple Payment Verification technology provides for both fast and secure transactions. An added feature is the use of RSK Smart Contracts, allowing for stealth smart contracts. Verge (XVG) is the digital asset and currency that can be sent peer-to-peer between users and used to pay miners of the blockchain.
Network Statistics: Start Date: 02/15/2016
Proof of Work Transactions per Second: 100, (projected to reach 2000)
Algorithm: Scrypt, x17, groestl, Coin Supply: 14.99 Million
blake2s, lyra2rev2
Block Time: 30 Seconds

PIVX (PIVX)

Acronym: Private, Instant, Verified Transactions (X being Transactions)
PIVX is a peer-to-peer cryptocurrency that sports various intuitive features. Built on the Bitcoin core, and focusing on speed, the network uses SwiftX transactions, which only need one confirmation from a network of master nodes. PIVX uses Zerocoin technology for private transactions, ensuring that transaction details are kept hidden except to the sender and recipient. Users can also stake PIVX for rewards by keeping their wallet online, earning approximately 4.8% a year. Self governance is done through ownership system, with those controlling masternodes (the computers which power the blockchain through the proof-of-work algorithm) can vote on proposals for the PIVX network. PIVX (PIVX) is the token that is used to pay transaction fees and power the proof-of-stake algorithm.
Network Statistics: Start Date: 11/25/2015
Proof of Work/Proof of Service Transactions per Second: 50-120
Algorithm: Quark Coin Supply: 59.19 Million
Block Time: 60 Seconds

Bytecoin (BCN)

Bytecoin is a peer-to-peer cryptocurrency network that bills itself as the first enterprise-ready private, untraceable cryptocurrency. Nobody knows how much you have in your account or how much each transaction is worth. It utilizes a proof-of-work system called CryptoNight, which is utilizes ring signature algorithm. There are no fees on transactions. Miners are paid in BCN as incentive in a process called Bytecoin emission (65,000 BCN per block). Bytecoin emission is slowly decreasing, promoting the gradual deflation of Bytecoin. Transactions times are approximately two minutes to complete. BCN is the token that can be sent over the Bytecoin network and paid out as incentive to miners.

Bytecoin system ensures that it is totally impossible to get information about your financial operations and wallet balance, unless you decide to reveal those. Only you can manage information that your business partners and third parties will see.

Network Statistics: Start Date: 05/07/2012
Proof of Work Transactions per Second: 50-120
Algorithm: CyptoNight Coin Supply: 183.89 Billion
Block Time: 60 Seconds

All coin definitions were provided by eveningstar.io