My understanding is that all cryptocurrencies are obviously encrypted and all use a blockchain for transactions. The blockchain is not owned by anyone, thus, it operates peer to peer. Bitcoin was the first cryptocurrency to exist and is most widely accepted. Other cryptocurrencies, Ethereum, Litecoin, bitcoin cash, bitcoin gold. etc, are similar in nature but for me, they are just copycat cryptos, someone reinventing the wheel. I am investing in bitcoin now and see it as a viable currency into the future.