What is Ethereum?
The foundation for our digital future
Ethereum is open access to digital money and data-friendly services for everyone – no matter your background or location. It's a community-built technology behind the cryptocurrency ether (ETH) and thousands of applications you can use today.
Banking for everyone
Not everyone has access to financial services. But all you need to access Ethereum and its lending, borrowing and savings products is an internet connection.
A more private internet
You don't need to provide all your personal details to use an Ethereum app. Ethereum is building an economy based on value, not surveillance.
A peer-to-peer network
Ethereum allows you to move money, or make agreements, directly with someone else. You don't need to go through intermediary companies.
Censorship-resistant
No government or company has control over Ethereum. This decentralization makes it nearly impossible for anyone to stop you from receiving payments or using services on Ethereum.
Commerce guarantees
Ethereum creates a more level playing field. Customers have a secure, built-in guarantee that funds will only change hands if you provide what was agreed. You don’t need large company clout to do business.
Compatibility for the win
Better products and experiences are being built all the time because Ethereum products are compatible by default. Companies can build on each other's success.
Welcome to Ethereum
We hope you stay.
Ethereum 101
Ethereum is a technology that lets you send cryptocurrency to anyone for a small fee. It also powers applications that everyone can use and no one can take down.
It's the world's programmable blockchain.
Ethereum builds on Bitcoin's innovation, with some big differences.
Both let you use digital money without payment providers or banks. But Ethereum is programmable, so you can also use it for lots of different digital assets – even Bitcoin!
This also means Ethereum is for more than payments. It's a marketplace of financial services, games and apps that can't steal your data or censor you.
So step into the bazaar and give it a try...
How Ethereum works
If you're interested in blockchain and the technical side of Ethereum, we've got you covered.
Try Ethereum
ETH
Ethereum's native cryptocurrency and equivalent to Bitcoin. You can use ETH on Ethereum applications or for sending value to friends and family.
Wallets
How you manage your ETH and your Ethereum account. You'll need a wallet to get started – we'll help you choose one.
Ethereum dapps
Products and services that run on Ethereum. There are dapps for finance, work, social media, gaming and more – meet the apps for our digital future.
Discover Ethereum use cases
Decentralized finance (DeFi)
A more open financial system that gives you more control over your money and unlocks new possibilities.
Non-fungible tokens (NFTs)
A way to represent unique items as Ethereum assets that can be traded, used as proof of ownership, and create new opportunities for creators.
Decentralized autonomous organisations (DAOs)
A new way to collaborate and set up online communities with shared goals and pooled funds.
Explore Ethereum
Make something with Ethereum
If you want to try building with Ethereum, read our docs, try some tutorials, or check out the tools you need to get started.
The Ethereum community
Our community includes people from all backgrounds, including artists, crypto-anarchists, fortune 500 companies, and now you. Find out how you can get involved today.