Disclosure: eToro USA LLC; Investments are subject to market risk, including the possible loss of principal.

Bitcoin is the first and largest cryptocurrency, but the coin has long been plagued by scalability issues. Its blockchain transaction record is public to provide transparency and accountability, but as consumer focus shifts to privacy, Bitcoin has needed to strike a better balance between the transparency of the network and the privacy of its users. 

The Taproot upgrade seeks to begin to address both the scalability and privacy problems on the network. It serves as a stepping stone that could lead to major network improvements in the future. 

What exactly is the Bitcoin Taproot upgrade? Learn more now.

Is The Bitcoin Taproot Upgrade Live?

Bitcoin works on a Proof-of-Work (PoW) model, in which miners solve complex cryptographic puzzles in order to mine new blocks and validate network transactions. When block #709632 was mined on November 14, 2021, the network adopted the new upgrade. 

The upgrade was first proposed in 2018, with several Bitcoin Improvement Proposals (BIPs) being created and merged into Bitcoin Core. Bitcoin Core is the source code that runs the Bitcoin network. 

In June 2021, over 90% of miners signalled their support for the upgrade. The several month gap between the proposal being ratified and the implementation existed so that miners could update their software to be compatible with the new upgrade. Additionally, this time allowed for added testing of the upgrade to ensure that it was bug-free.

So far, not all miners have updated their software, and those miners are no longer able to mine new blocks until they complete the upgrade. Even without all miners having updated to Taproot, the network is currently running properly.  

What Does The Taproot Upgrade Do? 

Taproot enables the batching of transactions and signatures together. Bitcoin requires a signature to verify a transaction. This signature comes in the form of a private key from a party involved in the transaction. 

This private key is then verified against a public key. These signatures were an extreme burden on the network during multi-signature transactions in which multiple users are involved in a transaction. 

Taproot introduces Schnorr signatures, which are smaller and more efficient than their predecessors. For multiple signature transactions, these signatures make a huge difference in how efficiently the blockchain can process these transactions.

Additionally, Schnorr signatures allow for the grouping of signatures in multiple-signature transactions, which makes them look less distinct from single-signature transactions. This increases the privacy of all parties involved in large multiple-signature transactions. 

Are There Smart Contracts on Taproot?

In short, no. Bitcoin does not yet have smart contract functionality. 

Smart contracts are agreements made on the blockchain that automatically complete when certain conditions occur. They represent a very powerful new decentralised tool that can enable complex decentralized applications (dapps) such as popular decentralized finance tools like Aave, Uniswap and Serum. (DeFi). Ethereum is the current leader with its robust dApp ecosystem. 

Taproot is a step towards a Bitcoin network that can run smart contracts. Large groups of transactions are needed to run dApps, and by reducing the space taken up by multiple-signature transactions, Taproot brings Bitcoin closer to developing that functionality.

What Does Taproot Mean For Bitcoin’s Price?

Taproot itself doesn’t revolutionize the network, but it marks an important stepping stone towards future improvements. While Taproot isn’t a hugely important improvement to Bitcoin, it is still universally regarded as a good thing for the network. Taproot can only help increase Bitcoin’s utility, and as a result, its price.

Where To Buy Bitcoin

Centralized exchanges are the most user-friendly way to buy Bitcoin. eToro offers a program in which investors can mimic the trades of notable investors and celebrities. Coinbase stands out for its fantastic learn-and-earn program that offers steady rewards in the form of various cryptocurrencies. These exchanges just require an email, password and some basic personal information. 

To help decide which exchange is best for you, check out Benzinga’s guide to the best crypto trading platforms.

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Disclosure: eToro USA LLC; Investments are subject to market risk, including the possible loss of principal.

1 Minute Review

eToro, headquartered in Cyprus, England and Israel, has provided forex products and other CFD derivatives to retail clients since 2007. A major eToro plus is its social trading operations, including OpenBook, which allows new clients to copy trade the platform’s best performers. Its social trading features are top notch, but eToro loses points for its lack of tradable currency pairs and underwhelming research and customer service features

Best For

  • U.S. based cryptocurrency traders
  • Social and copy traders
  • Simple user interface
  • Community engagement and following other traders

Pros

  • 25 cryptocurrencies
  • Expansive network of social trading features
  • Large client base for new traders to imitate

Cons

  • U.S. traders can only buy cryptocurrency

1 Minute Review

Coinbase is one of the Internet’s largest cryptocurrency trading platforms. From Bitcoin to Litecoin or Basic Attention Token to Chainlink, Coinbase makes it exceptionally simple to buy and sell major cryptocurrency pairs. 

You can even earn cryptocurrency rewards through Coinbase’s unique Coinbase Earn feature. More advanced traders will love the Coinbase Pro platform, which offers more order types and enhanced functionality.

Though Coinbase doesn’t offer the most affordable pricing or the lowest fees, its simple platform is easy enough for complete beginners to master in as little as a single trade.

Best For

  • New cryptocurrency traders
  • Cryptocurrency traders interested in major pairs
  • Cryptocurrency traders interested in a simple platform

Pros

  • Simple platform is easy to operate
  • Comprehensive mobile app mirrors desktop functionality
  • Coinbase Earn feature rewards you with crypto for learning about available coins

Cons

  • Higher fees than competitors

1 Minute Review

Gemini is a cryptocurrency exchange and custodian that offers investors access to 26 coins and tokens. Founded in the US, Gemini is expanding globally, in particular into Europe and Asia. Offerings include both major cryptocurrency projects like Bitcoin and Ethereum, and smaller altcoins like Orchid and 0x.

Gemini is 1 of the only brokers with multiple platform options based on skill level. New investors will love the streamlined interface of Gemini’s mobile and web apps, while advanced investors might appreciate all the tools that come with ActiveTrader. 

In addition to a host of platform choices, Gemini users also have access to insured hot wallets to store tokens without worrying about digital asset theft. Learn more about what Gemini can do for you in our review.

Best For

  • New investors looking for a simple mobile and web app
  • Experienced investors who need a more advanced platform with more tools
  • Users looking for a 1-stop-shop to buy, sell and store all of their coins

Pros

  • Easy and quick signups — can get started in as little as a few minutes
  • Multitude of platforms to accommodate traders of all skill levels
  • Hot wallets include insurance to protect your from theft and hacking attempts

Cons

  • Charges both a commission and a convenience fee for users buying and selling through the desktop or mobile app

Kraken

Best For

Crypto futures traders

Best For

Crypto futures traders

1 Minute Review

Kraken is a cryptocurrency that offers access to more than 50 supported coins and tokens, staking capabilities, futures trading and more. Kraken offers a variable maker-taker fee schedule, which often results in lower fees compared to flat-rate brokerages.

In addition to a wide range of crypto choices, Kraken offers customizable ordering platforms and mobile apps that you can use to fully refine your trading experience. There’s plenty to love about trading on Kraken. It appeals to both seasoned professionals and new investors looking to learn more about the market.

Best For

  • Cryptocurrency investors looking for a wide selection of supported assets
  • Crypto futures traders
  • Beginner investors looking for maximum account security

Pros

  • Wide selection of supported tradable assets
  • Straightforward platform is easy for new users to master
  • 24/7 customer service available via live chat

Cons

  • Maker-taker fee schedule may confuse some users
  • No option for phone or email customer service

Cryptocurrency Market Update

The cryptocurrency market currently sits in a dip due to fears that a new COVID-19 variant could cause more restrictions. However, in 2020 the market quickly recovered from the dip caused by COVID-19, and this time we have vaccines and therapeutics that should lessen the potential impact of the new virus strain. Sentiment remains bullish. 

Is Using Bitcoin Different After The Upgrade?

Using Bitcoin is marginally different after the Taproot upgrade. While some benefits exist, overall the state of the network is mostly unchanged. 

Taproot does put Bitcoin onto better footing to compete with other blockchains, but it will take more than just Taproot to unlock smart contract functionality. 

Benzinga crafted a specific methodology to rank cryptocurrency exchanges and tools. We prioritized platforms based on offerings, pricing and promotions, customer service, mobile app, user experience and benefits, and security. To see a comprehensive breakdown of our methodology, please visit see our Cryptocurrency Methodology page.