How to Mine Dogecoin in 3 Steps

How to Mine Dogecoin in 3 Steps - Dogecoin logo

What started as a joke, now has a $22 billion market value. Dogecoin collected a fanbase worldwide and despite its recent success it’s still possible to mine Dogecoin and make some profit. In this article, we’ll walk you through a step-by-step guide on how to mine Dogecoin.

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How Mining Dogecoin Works

Screenshot of Dogecoin website homepage

Before talking about Dogecoin mining, it’s important to first understand how mining cryptocurrency works in general. Dogecoin and other cryptocurrencies operate in a blockchain network that works by adding new blocks to its decentralized ledger. 

“Mining” is critical for cryptocurrencies’ maintenance, development, and circulation. In practical terms, sophisticated hardware needs to solve complex mathematical problems and the first computer able to find the solution, receives the next block, the process begins again and the miner receives a newly minted coin as a reward for completing the “block.”

There are two different ways to mine: Proof of Work and Proof of Stake. Proof of Work (PoW) is what all types of hardware are needed for mining, such as GPUs, ASICs, and FPGAs (more on this later). Proof of Stake is an alternative for PoW, PoS is a consensus mechanism where cryptocurrency validators share the task of validating transactions.

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For the most part of mining cryptocurrency, including Dogecoin, miners resort to PoW. Here is the difference between Dogecoin mining and Bitcoin mining (as of December 2022):

Dogecoin logo

Dogecoin

Bitcoin logo

Bitcoin

Algorithm

Scrypt

SHA-256

Difficulty

8.48 million

36.95 trillion

Total Supply

Infinite

21 million

Reward per block

10,000

6.25

Block time

1 min

10 min

Bitcoin is the oldest and largest cryptocurrency by market cap and it uses a hashing algorithm called SHA-256. A hashing algorithm is simply a function that generates a fixed-length code using a certain technique. Each hashing algorithm uniquely creates random codes.

On the other hand, Dogecoin uses a hashing algorithm called Scrypt – a bit less complex than Bitcoin’s SHA-256. This makes mining Dogecoin much faster and less energy-intensive than BTC.

Most cryptocurrencies have a limited supply cap. Bitcoin, for instance, has 21 million whereas Dogecoin doesn’t, which means that its mining and circulating capacity increases continuously. This gives a larger block time between the two. New Dogecoin blocks are discovered every minute, while Bitcoin blocks, every 10 minutes. 

The Process of Mining Dogecoin

Since the unexpected rise of Dogecoin at the beginning of 2021 – among pop culture, memes, and Elon Musk tweets about it – the meme coin ignited the interest of many crypto enthusiasts in Dogecoin mining and sent mining profitability to a new six-year high.

As its popularity increased, so did the mining process. This means, it is still possible to mine Dogecoin but it’s getting more and more difficult to do it. Because of that, miners got together and formed “mining pools.”

Mining pools are a group of miners who mine the cryptocurrency as a single entity – or node –  by merging their computing power. The rewards get distributed among the participants proportionally by the amount of computer power committed by each miner. Today there are three ways to mine Dogecoin: individual mining, mining pools, and cloud mining. 

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How to Mine Dogecoin - visual representation of the difference between solo mining and pool mining

Dogecoin Mining Risks

Mining Dogecoin individually is possible as long as you know the risks. So, before diving into Dogecoin mining, you should know what you’re getting yourself into. We’ve listed the main risks of mining Dogecoin solo:

  • Electricity: Mining any PoW crypto consumes a lot of energy because computers must run 24/7. A GPU (graphics processing unit) from Nvidia and AMD requires high-wattage power supplies. A rig with three GPUs can consume 1,000 watts of power or more.
  • Faster wear and tear of equipment: If a miner decides to use their laptop to mine Dogecoin, they must be aware that, just like GPUs are up and running 24 hours a day, a laptop must do the same. This may accelerate the depreciation and affect the lifespan of your equipment. 
  • GPU shortage could return: Nvidia has recently put an end to GPU shortage and boosted RTX 30-series graphics cards. Still, since dedicated GPUs are mainly manufactured by two companies, AMD and Nvidia, the market is vulnerable and maybe, still susceptible to another shortage again. 

How to Mine Dogecoin in 3 Steps

Now that you know the process of mining Dogecoin, how it works, and the risks that come with it, and if you’re ready to venture into mining this successful meme coin, there are a few steps to follow. 

Note that you can start mining Dogecoin instantly with a cloud-mining platform like Hashshiny. The steps below would work only if you’re willing to invest in mining hardware and take the longer route.

Step 1: Get Equipped

There are a few must-haves to start mining Dogecoin or any other cryptocurrency, and the two starters are hardware and software. 

Hardware

There are three types of hardware equipment you can use:

  • CPU: Your regular PC’s processing unit can do the work, but as mentioned above, you might end up damaging your equipment due to overheating.
  • GPU: A graphic process unit is much more potent than a regular CPU; GPUs are also faster and more efficient and have become a must-have among miners. 
  • ASIC: Application-specific integrated circuit miners are the highest level of mining crypto. They’re more powerful than GPUs and were specifically designed for mining crypto. However, it’s also more expensive. 

Software

After choosing your equipment, it’s time to pick the software. Each one of the hardware listed above has its software to accompany it. We’ve listed the main ones:

  • CPU: CPU miner by Pooler, for Litecoin, Bitcoin, Dogecoin, and other cryptocurrencies
  • GPU: EasyMiner is a good option for beginners, CudaMiner works best with Nvidia GPUs, while CGminer goes well with all types of GPUs
  • ASIC: CGminer and EasyMiner can also be used with ASICs 

Step 2: Get a Wallet

Screenshot of Dogecoin's different types of wallet

The second step is to get yourself a wallet. Dogecoin offers its official wallets – called Dogecoin Core and Multidoge but you can find another one that also stores Dogecoin. If you don’t know which crypto wallet to choose, check the best crypto wallets in 2023. A wallet will let you collect any revenue as a reward from mining DOGE.

Step 3: Decide How You Will Mine 

As already mentioned, there are three approaches to mining Dogecoin: solo, pools, or cloud mining. If you intend to mine DOGE just for fun, you can do it by yourself, using a GPU through software such as Easy Miner or Cuda Mine, for example. 

The function of a GPU is basically to process and render all images on a computer’s screen, and many laptops and desktop computers use it to improve image processing.

However, solo mining alone can be a tricky process if the individual isn’t used to it, and oftentimes it’s not profitable unless you’re willing to shell out significant sums of money on high-quality and professional equipment and electrical bills.

For first-time miners, we recommend trying to join a DOGE mining pool or a cloud-mining platform. Mining in a group increases the chances of becoming a block validator due to the collective hashing power of the pool. Also, a pool boosts the chances of profiting from mining – which is higher than mining solo. 

The Crypto Economics Behind Dogecoin Mining

Most people want to know if it’s still possible to make some profit mining Dogecoin, even after its last peak in April 2021. But before discussing its profitability, let’s quickly look at the economics behind the Shiba Inus coin.

As opposed to the most popular cryptocurrencies out there such as Bitcoin and Litecoin, Dogecoin doesn’t have a fixed upper coin limit, which makes it an inflationary currency

Although when first created, it was designed to be a limited supply of 100 billion coins, and the block reward was set to halve every 100,000 blocks until block 600,000 was mined. However, one year and 160 days after its launch, developers decided to give Dogecoin an infinite supply, thus DOGE turn into an inflationary currency with a slowly declining inflation rate.

With no hard cap supply, the DOGE hash rate declined significantly after that. To protect the network from 51% percent attacks, developers decided to allow merge, letting Dogecoin miners receive hashing power from another proof-of-work network. As a result, miners today can mine both Dogecoin and Litecoin simultaneously.

Is Mining Dogecoin Profitable?

That’s a very common question among miners and crypto enthusiasts. Profiting from DOGE depends on four main factors: energy costs, equipment’s hashpower, the current Dogecoin price, and the block reward. Generally speaking, the most costly variable is energy costs, as depending on the region or even the country, costs can go through the roof, then mining isn’t that profitable, especially if done solo.

The hash power provided is also an important variable that defines whether mining Dogecoin will turn out to be a profitable activity or not. The most popular GPU can make $0.25 to $2 per day. If using a new ASIC model, miners can make a profit of approximately $10-$40 per day. 

Of course, it’s worth remembering that we aren’t including amortization into consideration – some GPU or ASIC models can take years to pay off the equipment’s price. 

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How to Trade Crypto

Besides mining, there are other ways to profit from the crypto craze, such as NFT, DeFi, and trading. One of the most common ways is through trading.

You can trade cryptocurrency by exchanging one crypto for another (such as Bitcoin to Ethereum) or buying or selling crypto using fiat currency (like US dollar to Bitcoin). The process, however, can get complex if you aren’t familiar with the crypto market – which is similar to stocks and other financial markets. 

Before starting off, you should understand how blockchain technology and the market involved in trading crypto works. Signing up with a quality crypto exchange will make things much easier for you.

Pros & Cons of Cryptocurrency

Cryptocurrencies are highly volatile, so it’s very common to see Bitcoin prices fluctuate over 10% in a single day. This is a great opportunity for high-risk profiles to make a profit quicker with crypto trading.

But is crypto worth investing in? Or is it something for you? If you can handle volatility and are okay with the risk of loss (in case you can’t access your wallet or private key) and security, cryptocurrencies have a high return potential (oftentimes higher than the stock market). 

It gives users anonymity, and it’s very accessible and versatile – it only takes a few minutes to trade and transfer Bitcoin or any other crypto. If you’re sold on the idea of profiting from cryptocurrencies, check the fastest growing cryptocurrencies in 2023 and get ready.

Pros: 

  • Potential for high rewards
  • Anonymity 
  • Cryptocurrencies beat inflation

Cons: 

  • Understanding cryptocurrency takes time and effort
  • Cryptocurrencies are highly volatile
  • Crypto newbies are vulnerable to security risks

Evaluate the complete pros and cons of cryptocurrencies to make the right decision for yourself.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) for How to Mine Dogecoin

We have answered the most frequently asked questions so you can learn more about how to mine Dogecoin. 

Bottom Line on How to Mine Dogecoin

If you’re wondering if there’s still space for late adopters to make some profit with Dogecoin, the short answer is yes. However, there are some aspects and risks to consider when it comes to mining not only Dogecoin but any other cryptocurrency. 

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5 Best Online Business Checking Account (No Credit Check)

Person checking an online credit check form

Managing your business’s finance is no easy task–but it’s easier when you work with the right tools. An online business checking account with no credit check is one of the essential resources you need for your business to operate. 

Opening a business bank account is necessary if you want to separate your personal finances from your company’s finances. It’s also a must if you want to get your business registered. The good news is that there are low-cost and efficient options to do it: Many banks offer business checking accounts that cost very little–or nothing at all–while also offering a broad set of banking services that fit small businesses’ needs just right.

Best Online Business Checking Account (No Credit Check)

Product

Service

Fees

Credit Checks

Annual Percentage Yields (APY)

Support

Checking account integrates with other business tools

  • $50 minimum opening deposit 
  • $0 monthly service fees

No credit check when opening an account

It doesn’t offer

E-mail only

Checking account with best Annual Percentage Yields (APY)

  • $0 minimum opening deposit 
  • $0 monthly service fees

No credit check for LLC or corporation

Up to 1.5% interest for eligible customers

Phone or e-mail

Checking account with up to 1% cashback

  • $100 minimum opening deposit 
  • $10 monthly service fees

Only when applying for loans

0.10% APY on balances of $5,000 and up

Online chat, phone or e-mail

Checking account with tax optimizer

  • $0 minimum opening deposit
  • $0 monthly service fees

No credit check when opening an account

Savings with 1% APY

E-mail only

Checking account with over 12,000 ATMs across the US

  • $25 minimum opening deposit
  • $10 monthly service fees

Second chance account available

It doesn’t offer

Phone or local branches

Novo logo

Novo: Best Overall

Pricing: $0/month

4.5

If you are looking for a cost-efficient business checking account with no credit checks, Novo is the best fit for you. Its features cover all the basic banking services your small business might be looking for, all at a very low cost. In addition, Novo discloses all its fees. 

Users can easily access the checking fee schedule on the website. While your business won’t benefit from an APY interest rate, the Novo checking account offers a broad set of features that will take your business’s finances to the next level, without adding any complexity to it.  

As far as credit checks go, Novo makes it very clear that it will not check your credit history once you apply for an account. In addition, having an account with Novo does not affect users’ credit scores. 

What really sets Novo aside is its integrations. Businesses can connect Novo with a number of tools, such as Shopify, Stripe, QuickBooks, and Xero. These features help businesses track their sales within payment platforms, sync transactions to accounting software, and easily send money overseas. Novo is also supported by Google Pay and Apple Pay–you won’t need to carry your plastic around when shopping for your business. 

Also, Novo users get access to discounts and credits with partner companies such as Stripe, Booking.com, Google Cloud, and Gusto. However, Novo requires a minimum of $50 as an opening deposit. Also, there are charges for NSF (Non-Sufficient Funds) and UCF (Uncollected Funds) of $27 each. 

Why we choose it: Novo is the best overall for small businesses as it offers an affordable business checking account, integration with business tools, and discounts with partner companies. 

  • Low costs and no hidden fees 
  • Easy transfers 
  • A broad set of integrations and discounts with partner companies
  • Requires a minimum opening deposit 
  • A $27 fee for insufficient funds charges
  • A $27 fee for uncollected funds returned 

Pricing: 

  • $50 minimum opening deposit
  • $0 monthly fees
BlueVine logo

Bluevine: Best for Earning Interest

Pricing: $0/month

4.0

Ranked as the best small business bank account for LLCs, the BlueVine business checking account comes in a close second in our ratings, as it offers a broad set of banking features at nearly zero costs–the company doesn’t require a minimum deposit to open an account and doesn’t charge monthly fees, insufficient funds fees or incoming wire fees.

One of the main benefits of the BlueVine business checking account is its competitive APY interest rate. While most services won’t even reach 1%, BlueVine allows businesses to earn up to 1.5% interest. This means that eligible users can earn 50x the US average on balances up to and including $100,000.

BlueVine lets you easily schedule one-time and recurring payments and manage bills. Furthermore, the mobile app allows you to check your balance, deposit checks and set up transfers. BlueVine can also be integrated with QuickBooks Online and sync your business’s bill information. The company also allows you to lock your card if it gets lost or stolen.

BlueVine falls short in a few things–the number of users for a single account. In other words, there’s no joint account, which might be a problem for multi-owner businesses.

Also, since it’s an online-only bank, account holders have no access to a physical branch, and in case you need to issue a deposit, there’s a $4.95 fee per deposit. 

Why we chose it: BlueVine offers a free business checking account with interest-earning for users and unlimited transactions at no extra cost. 

  • No monthly fees, minimum opening deposit or minimum balance requirements 
  • Unlimited, fee-free transactions 
  • Up to 1.50% interest rate
  • No joint accounts 
  • It charges a fee per deposit 
  • No branch access 

Pricing: 

  • $0 minimum opening deposit
  • $0 monthly fees
LendingClub logo

LendingClub: Best Online Business Checking Account for Cash Back

Pricing: $10/month

4.0

LendingClub offers a comprehensive business checking account. In addition to the complete set of banking services, it also offers APY–although its interest rate is lower than its competitors. 

The company also goes beyond digital banking: it offers fee-free ATM access and point-of-sale (POS) solutions, which can be great for small local businesses.

Applying to LendingClub is quick and easy: Users can open an account in about 10 minutes. Regarding credit checks, LendingClub only pulls a hard inquiry when users apply for a credit card, mortgage, small business loans, or other sorts of credit–and only once the loan is approved. Being declined for a loan does not affect the user’s credit score. Users can also run a soft inquiry and check their credit score with LendingClub. However, check out this article if you’re interested in bad credit loans.

LendingClub offers a perk that not many checking accounts offer: a cashback of up to 1%. Users can earn back up to 1% of their money on online and signature-based transactions made with their debit cards. In addition, users can earn 0.10% interest on APY. However, both of these benefits are only available for users that maintain an average monthly balance of $5,000 or more.

Why we chose it: LendingClub offers 1% cashback, unlimited transactions, and no fee for ATM withdrawals.

  • 1% cashback and 0.10% APY interest rate
  • Unlimited transactions and fee-free ATM access
  • Digital invoicing and POS
  • A $100 minimum opening deposit 
  • A $10 monthly fee, waived with a $5,000 minimum balance 
  • Charges for both incoming and outgoing wire transfers

Pricing:

  • $100 minimum opening deposit
  • $10 monthly fees, waived with $5,000 minimum balance 
Lili logo

Lili: Best for Tax Optimization

Pricing: $0/month

4.0

The Lili Business checking account is perfect for one-person businesses who just need essential banking services. Lili has all the checking account features a small business might be looking for and a competitive APY interest rate. 

But more than that, it also offers features that help small business owners manage their companies, such as tax optimization features and accounting tools. A fee-free overdraft of up to $200 is also available, which is excellent for managing cash flow. 

The drawback of Lili’s business checking account is that it is only eligible for sole proprietors and single member LLCs. As an account with essential banking services, users won’t be able to access additional banking services such as additional debit cards and third-party integration. Like most online-only banks, users can’t make cash deposits. 

Lili stands out from other checking accounts thanks to its exclusive features. The tax optimizer provides users with a write-off tracker, an estimated tax calculator, and automatic tax savings. In addition, Lili also comes with accounting tools such as invoicing software, transaction categorizations, quarterly expense reports, and receipt scan and save. 

Concerned about bad credit or credit checks? Don’t worry–Lily discloses right up front on its homepage that opening an account will not hurt your credit score.

Why we chose it:  Lili offers fee-free overdrafts at zero costs, no minimum balance requirements or minimum opening deposit, and exclusive features such as a tax optimizer and accounting tools. 

  • No account fees and no minimum balance
  • Up to $200 fee-free overdraft 
  • Tax optimization tool 
  • Eligible only for sole proprietors and Single Members LLC 
  • No cash deposits
  • No additional banking services

Pricing: 

  • $0 minimum opening deposit
  • $0 monthly service fees
Wells Fargo logo

Wells Fargo: Best for Full Banking Service

Pricing: $10/month

3.5

Wells Fargo offers a comprehensive set of banking services, which is a good option for businesses looking for broader features. The bank has different account plans too–you can start with the basic account and move up as your business grows. Its convenient payment options also allow businesses to pay vendors, employees, and bills using its full set of payment services.

With Wells Fago, businesses have access to a full range of services at the tip of their fingers: its mobile banking allows any time access to the account. Don’t want to carry around your wallet all day long? Simply add your debit card to your digital wallet and get access to fast and secure payments, as well as a variety of ATMs. Also, if you’re often on the go, Wells Fargo moves along with you–it offers alerts that help you monitor account balances, track purchases and cash withdrawals. 

Finally, Wells Fargo offers “second chance” business checking accounts, meaning you can get access to basic banking services no matter your credit score. 

For small businesses that are looking for a wider range of banking services, Wells Fargo is the way to go. In addition to a number of digital banking services, Wells Fargo also comes with the traditional perks small business owners might value: there are over 12,000 ATMs across the USA and approximately 4,900 branches from coast to coast in case there is any need for in-person attention. Withdrawals have a charge fee when using a non-Wells Fargo ATM.

However, the cons of opening a business checking account at Wells Fargo are the fees. As opposed to its online-only competitors, the bank charges a $10 monthly fee, unless users have at least a $500 minimum daily balance. Also, to open a business checking account at Wells Fargo, there’s a deposit of a minimum of $25.

Why we chose it: Wells Fargo makes an excellent option for businesses of any type and size that need several banking services and features at hand, it offers thousands of ATMs and branches across the country. 

  • 12,000 ATMs and 4,900 branches
  • 24/7 fraud monitoring 
  • Customized cards and checks
  • $10 monthly fee, waived with $500 minimum daily balance or $1,000 average leger balance 
  • $25 minimum opening deposit 
  • Charges fees when using non-Wells Fargo ATMs

Pricing: 

  • $10 monthly fee
  • $25 minimum opening deposit

Methodology for the Best Business Checking Account with no Credit Checks

There are a number of online business checking accounts out there that companies in their early stages can rely on – some offer free business accounts. When writing this review, we chose the criteria on what we think are the most relevant aspects a business checking account should meet to cater to small companies’ needs. 

Small businesses usually work on a budget, so fees we’re highly taken into account. Obviously, we took into consideration checking accounts that don’t run credit checks or don’t run a pull a heavy inquiry. Let’s dive into each one of them and the other criteria we considered for this rating. 

No Credit Checks 

Credit checks are exactly what their name suggests. It is a process that involves checking your credit score and credit history. 

Some banks offer a “second chance” business checking account that does not run a hard credit check. Checking accounts are usually meant for everyday access to your own money and do not offer any sort of credit, applicants can easily open an account within minutes without facing any hurdles. 

Low Costs & Transparency 

Costs were highly taken into consideration–the lower the monthly fees, the better. We also took into consideration a low minimum deposit, as we understand small businesses don’t usually start off with high capital. 

Another major criterion was transparency. Business checking accounts that ditch small letters and are open about their fee schedule got extra points. 

Access to Basic Services 

A good checking account should properly allow you to pay bills, make purchases, receive deposits, and carry out withdrawals. However, since most businesses these days are going fully digital, not offering these perks wasn’t considered eliminatory. We’d rather favor checking accounts that offer mobile banking with good UI/UX to get you going.

Extra Features 

Managing a small business can be tough. So, one of the criteria we considered for this review was business checking accounts that offer features that help businesses manage their business, either via a wide set of integrations or other types of resources. 

Business checking accounts that are able to connect and sync information with other software and services were highly considered, such as e-commerce platforms, accounting tools, and PoS machines.

Interest 

We did take into consideration if the business checking account offered APY earnings. However, we consider this more of a perk.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) for Business Checking Accounts

Do you have questions regarding business checking accounts? Here are a few Frequently Asked Questions answered. 

So What’s the Best Online Business Checking Account (No Credit Check)?

For small companies that want to separate their personal finance from their company’s finance, a business checking account with no credit checks is the simplest, most efficient way to go. The options listed in this rating offer a complete set of banking services with low, near-to-zero costs–and they fit perfectly for the job. 

We selected Novo as the Best Overall checking account because it has overall low costs and, most importantly, it is transparent about its fee schedule, which can be easily accessed via the Novo website. In addition, Novo does not run credit checks and offers a broad set of integration options, which take its service to another level. 

Best Business Bank Accounts by State

Below you will find an interactive U.S map that can help you locate and compare different banks and financial institutions that offer business accounts in your area.

AL AK AZ AR CA CO CT DE FL GA HI ID IL IN IA KS KY LA ME MD MA MI MN MS MO MT NE NV NH NJ NM NY NC ND OH OK OR PA RI SC SD TN TX UT VT VA WA WV WI WY DC

Windscribe Review: Everything About the VPN Service 

Windscribe logo

Windscribe is a virtual private network (VPN) service provider. With Windscribe, users can navigate the internet privately, without being exposed to inconvenient advertisements, but there’s much more to Windscribe than this. In this Windscribe review, we will narrow down the pros, cons, features, pricing, and alternatives of this VPN service. 

Our Verdict

Windscribe is a VPN service provider that allows users to browse the internet freely. It blocks inconvenient ads and trackers while also enabling access to content only available in certain locations. For instance, it unlocks access to 69 countries and 112 cities, enabling users to access content from different locations around the globe that are not available in their country.

For that matter, Windscribe is the perfect fit for users that want more privacy and fewer ad interruptions while browsing the web. It is also the ideal service for those who want to access websites restricted to certain locations. For instance, with Windscribe, a Netflix subscriber can watch a TV series or movie only available in a determined country from a completely different location.

On the other hand, Windscribe has its drawbacks. It is based in Canada, a five eyes country, meaning users’ data can be shared with other countries in certain situations. Moreover, users have reported speed issues at times. The company has also faced a concerning server security issue recently: At least two servers in Ukraine were left unencrypted, and Ukrainian authorities were able to seize the VPN services as they obtained access to Windscribe’s private key. 

While these cons can be important aspects to consider when choosing a VPN service, Windscribe still offers a comprehensive set of features for an affordable price and can be a good option for users looking for a bit more privacy when using the internet.

Multiple devices using the windscribe vpn
Source: BR Atsit
  • Offers a free version with 10GB of data
  • Offers ad blockers (R.O.B.E.R.T)
  • Provides an autopilot browser extension
  • Based in a Five Eyes Country
  • Speed issues have been reported at times
  • Server security issues have been reported

Windscribe at a Glance 

Windscribe offers a comprehensive set of features to protect users’ privacy and data while navigating the internet. One of its main benefits is it offers a free version with 10GB of data, meaning users can have a test run before committing to a plan. And, if they do need an upgrade, it won’t cost much –  pricing starts at only $4.08 a month – and users can also build a plan according to their needs. 

Windscribe effectively blocks unwanted advertisements with R.O.B.E.R.T, a customizable server-side domain, and IP blocking tool. It also provides an autopilot browser extension that automatically picks the best location for users browsing the web. The service supports multiple operating systems, such as Windows, macOS, Linux, Android, and iOS. 

Who Windscribe is Best For 

Windscribe can be used virtually by any person that is looking for more privacy while navigating the internet. It is also an excellent service for users that want to access content from another location. Windscribe offers a user-friendly interface and a free version with up to 10GB of data, making it a great option for first-time VPN users that are looking for access to basic services. 

Pricing 

Screenshot of Windscribe pricing plans page
Source: Windscribe

Windscribe offers a free version for users using up to 10GB of data. But, its yearly plan costs $49 a year – or $4.08 a month. The VPN service also offers the possibility to build a plan, making it more cost-effective for certain users, depending on their needs. 

Windscribe logo

Plans

Free plan

Monthly plan

Yearly plan

Build a plan

Price

$0

$9 per month, billed monthly

$4.08 per month, $49 billed yearly

$1 per month, per location

R.O.B.E.R.T

Unlimited Data

All Locations Available

Config Generator

All the Windscribe plans offer R.O.B.E.R.T, a customizable server-side domain, and IP blocking tool. Yet, the free plan is limited to malware and ads, while the pro plans offer a more comprehensive set of features. 

Free users also have a limited 10GB of data and do not have full access to all available locations. In the built plan, users can choose the locations of their preference and will be charged accordingly at a $1 rate per month, per location. In addition, the pro plans also enable users to generate configuration files and profiles for OpenVPN, IKEv2, and WireGuard protocols. 

Windscribe Features

Windscribe offers a wide set of features – and its free version offers a proper set of basic resources. Let’s check them out.

R.O.B.E.R.T

R.O.B.E.R.T is a customizable server-side domain and IP blocking tool. It blocks ads and trackers, providing a smooth web browsing experience even for free users. 

In its pro versions, R.O.B.E.R.T also prevents infections by blocking access to evil domains. It also provides custom access rules: users can block lists of domains or IPs of their choice and whitelist the domains they want to access.

Unlimited data

Pro versions, including the built plan, offer unlimited data and infinite protection. However, the free version is limited to 10GB of data, provided users share their e-mail addresses when creating an account. If users decide not to share their e-mail, they can still have access to 2GB.

All locations are available 

The pro versions offer access to all the supported Windscribe locations – consisting of a list of 69 countries and 112 cities. In the free version, however, Windscribe is limited to 10 countries.

Config Generator  

With the pro account, Windscribe uses can generate configuration files and profiles under the OpenVPN, IKEv2, and WireGuard protocols. This is a handy feature for users who do not wish to use the Windscribe applications or those whose device does not support the apps in question, as they can manually configure the connections on their devices. 

Alternatives to Windscribe 

Unsure about Windscribe? We’ve gathered three of the best Windscribe alternatives for you.

Surfshark is one of the most popular VPN services for PC and mobile. Like Windscribe, it also blocks ads and malware. Nonetheless, Surfshark offers additional benefits: it can also block cookie pop-ups and offers 2-factor authentication, making it the ideal fit for users seeking more privacy and security.

Besides, users can also connect unlimited devices to their accounts.

On the other hand, Surfshark has P2P servers limited to a few locations and poor speed for torrenting. It also provides average OpenVPN speeds, making it unfit for users looking for a faster VPN solution. Some users have reported that Apple products are slightly weaker. 

In comparison with Windscribe, Surfshark offers a limited set of features. But, it is more affordable than Windscribe, with prices starting at $2.49 and eligible for a 2-month free of charge usage and additional anti-virus for free.

  • Affordable pricing 
  • Blocks cookie pop-ups 
  • Offers 2-factor authentication 
  • Limited P2P servers & poor speed
  • Average OpenVPN speeds
  • Apple products are slightly weaker

NordVPN is another popular VPN service provider. In addition to the features offered by most VPNs – like Windscribe –NordVPN is feature-rich, including multi-factor authentication, split tunneling support, and double protection. Another pro from NordVPN also offers a Business plan for companies looking to simplify secure access to their network. In other words, this VPN service is perfect for users looking for extra layers of security and privacy.

On the flip side, NordVPN has a few downsides: it installs additional programs that must be manually reinstalled, and users have reported installation issues on iOS. Also, setting up OpenVPN on the user’s router might not be a user-friendly experience. 

Because it is a more robust VPN system than Windscribe, NordVPN is also pricier: if committing to a 2-year plan, monthly prices can get to $13.90 – significantly higher than other alternatives in the market. 

  • Multi-factor authentication 
  • Split tunneling support 
  • Offers a Business plan 
  • Pricier when compared to its competitors 
  • Unfriendly user experience when setting up OpenVPN to router 
  • Additional software may require manual reinstallation 

ProtonVPN is another leading VPN service provider with a comprehensive set of features, even in its free version. This VPN service is located in Switzerland, where the right to privacy is granted under Federal laws – meaning that privacy and security are ProtonVPN’s core. 

It offers strong encryption and protocols, enabling more security layers. And above all, ProtonVPN also offers acceptable speed, as opposed to other VPN service providers where speed is usually a common issue. 

However, ProtonVPN only offers e-mail support, so don’t expect immediate responses if you face any issues. Another downside is its Pro plans are billed in Euros, meaning users outside of Europe will have to pay in a different currency and might face additional tax and processing fees. ProtonVPN offers limited P2P availability and supports torrenting in a few countries. 

Compared to Windscribe’s free version, ProtonVPN offers fewer features: its over 100 servers are only available in three countries (US, NL, and JP). Free users also get only a medium VPN speed – as disclosed on their website – and access to a single VPN connection.

The Pro plan provides access to a comprehensive set of features and can reach €4.99 with the two-year plan.

  • Located in Switzerland
  • Strong encryption and protocols 
  • Acceptable speed
  • E-mail support only
  • Billed in Euros
  • Limited P2P availability

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) for Windscribe Review

Unsure about Windscribe? We’ve answered the most frequently asked questions, so you can be sure about your VPN choice. 

Bottom Line on Windscribe VPN Review

Windscribe is a feature-rich VPN service provider. Users can get 10GB of data every month at no cost — and, if they wish to upgrade, prices start as low as $4.08 a month, making it an affordable option. 

Windscribe comes with R.O.B.E.R.T, which blocks IPs and domains of the user’s choice on all devices. It also provides an autopilot browser extension and selects the best location for users browsing the web. 

On the other hand, Windscribe has a few downsides: it is based in Canada, a Five Eyes country, meaning the company may share users’ data with other countries in certain situations. On top of that, speed and security issues have been reported by some users.

How to Create NFT in 7 Steps & NFT Ideas to Create Now

Futuristic NFT creation concept

Non-fungible tokens (NFT) are taking the digital world by surprise – it’s changing the way we buy and sell digital art, brand products, and experience the internet. If you are already sold on the idea of the NFT craze and want to surf in this wave, we’ve listed seven ways to create your own NFT and how you can do it. 

How to Create NFT & NFT Ideas to Create Your Own NFT

NFT stands for Non-Fungible Token, which means that each token represents a unique item. Think of it in this way – fungible is a synonym for non-replaceable – some things are unique, and even if there’s a copy, the original is only one, like the Mona Lisa. Or a Picasso’s painting. For instance, Bitcoin is fungible, you can trade one coin for another, and that will be the exact same coin. An NFT is a one-of-a-kind digital file, which means non-fungible. Things like art, collectibles, photos, songs and even real estate can be turned into tokens. 

These NFTs can only have one official owner at a time and most of them are secured by the Ethereum blockchain – no one can modify the record of ownership or copy and paste a new NFT into existence.

How Do NFTs Work?

NFTs are individual and unique items with blockchain records that store information about the digital file. The NFT’s market value is set by the market demands and the transfer among owners is noted on the blockchain as well. The market fluctuates dramatically, so you may see it up or down any given month. In 2022, there has already been more than $37 million invested in NFT marketplaces, according to Chainalysis.

How to Create an NFT

Now that you understand what a Non-Fungible Token is, maybe it’s time to consider creating your own NFT and selling it. If you aren’t convinced about its worthiness, think of the NFTs that have gone viral such as the Bored Ape Yacht Club which cost $190 at launch last April and now they go for over $400,000 (more about it later on). 

Let’s say you come up with a really cool digital sticker idea and you believe in its potential to become the next Bored Ape or a Nyan Cat, it is time to get your hands dirty. We’ve listed the seven steps to creating an NFT.

Step 1: Choose the NFT Content

Digital art, similar to real-world art is open to all kinds of creative forms. If you decide to create an NFT, you need to choose its format and generate an NFT from any multimedia file. An NFT can be a digital painting, a GIF, a photo, a text, audio, a 3D image, or a video from some notable event. But it doesn’t stop here – NFTs can also be virtual items like a virtual sneaker, avatars, and even virtual lands in the metaverse.

Step 2: Pick Your Format

The second step is to choose the format. Keep in mind that after deciding what content and in which format you wish, you will need to convert it to a suitable file type, especially if it is not already digital. Most items tend to be stored as portable network graphics (PNG) or graphics interchange format (GIF) files. Texts would typically be available in portable document format (PDF), while music would likely be stored as MP3 and video kept as MP4.

Step 3: Mint your creation

The process of turning a digital item into an asset on the blockchain is called minting – similar to minting a coin – and that’s what you will do next. This step is what makes your Non-Fungible Token unique, tamper-proof, and impossible to be deleted – once it’s recorded in a distributed ledger or decentralized database. Minting an NFT can be daunting, so you can follow this step-by-step guide here

Step 4: Choose the NFT Marketplace

Now that you have pre-minted your NFT, it is time to pick the marketplace you want to sell it. There are a few websites out there, but the most popular is OpenSea – often called the Amazon of NFTs. 

However, choosing the right marketplace is an essential part of minting NFTs, as this depends on many things, including certain blockchain types, supported standards and formats, accessibility, and a price to mint an NFT (in most platforms, this process is paid). 

These marketplaces differ in various aspects, such as different focus, niches, pricing, and user interface, so do proper research to narrow down your preferences and choose one that suits your needs.

Most NFTs are commercialized under Ethereum, although Ethereum does not have a monopoly on NFTs. When looking to mint a token on the blockchain, users will be required to pay a gas fee – that refers to the contribution the user will make to compensate for the computing energy used to process and validate transactions on the blockchain.

Step 5: Get a Wallet

According to the basic blockchain principle, anything related to cryptocurrency transactions is done through a crypto wallet – that eliminates the need to store user account data. Like a physical wallet, a crypto wallet lets you store and buy your cryptocurrencies. There are many wallets to choose from, and they can be both downloaded on a smartphone or accessed in an internet browser.

Step 6: Buy Crypto

As mentioned, most of the NFT marketplace transact NFTs with Ethereum. If you don’t own any ETH, you can purchase some from a reputable broker or cryptocurrency exchange and store it in your wallet. 

Step 7: Follow the Instructions

Each NFT marketplace has specific instructions creators will need to follow in order to create a Non-Fungible Token. Following the instructions are important because this will determine the chances of selling your creation. 

Generally speaking, you will need to upload the file and fill it in with an attractive description and title. Then, you might be asked to choose whether to mint a single token or a whole collection. Next, you will need to decide the way you want to sell your NFT: fixed price or auction. Depending on the marketplace, you’ll be able to choose a royalty percentage, that is the amount you will get when future collectors sell your NFT.

Best NFT Wallets 

An NFT wallet is a cryptocurrency wallet that supports the blockchain protocol that NFTs are built on. Crypto wallets help users exchange and store NFTs by providing them with a private key to the address where the NFT is stored. 

However, not all crypto wallets can hold NFTs, so it’s important to check which crypto wallets include NFT wallets that manage assets on the consumer’s behalf. The most popular NFT wallets are Coinbase Wallet, Meta Mask, and Math Wallet

4 NFT Ideas to Try

An NFT could represent many things, such as:

Digital Art:

  • GIFs
  • Collectibles
  • Music
  • Videos

Real-World Items:

  • Deeds to a car
  • Tickets to a real-world event
  • Tokenized invoices
  • Legal documents
  • Signatures

Some examples of NFTs that exist today, so you can get the idea:

Artwork collection

One of the most popular NFT collections is the Bored Ape Yacht Club. The collection of thousands of bored apes started at less than $200, and the cheapest now costs $420,000 (145 ether).

Another example includes the renowned digital artist Beeple, who managed to auction one of his collections for $69 million dollars at Christie’s and broke the NFT record pricing.

Gaming items

NFTs take the in-gaming experience to the next level. Gamers can generally buy items and upgrade their avatars, but with an NFT, they can recoup their money by selling the items once they’re finished with them. But it’s not limited to it – games founded on the blockchain can develop their NFT, such as The Sandbox and Decentraland, which both sell virtual properties for as high as a few million dollars.

Memes

As far as creativity goes, you can also profit from making memes. NFTs of memes can make millions with viral content. Recently, a common meme called Bad Luck Brian was sold for $36,000.

Tweets

The first tweet ever tweeted in the history of Twitter was in March 2006 by Jack Dorsey, CEO of Twitter, and was purchased for $2,915,835. The trade was supported by the Valuable by Cent platform, a special type of platform which deals with signed tweets from original creators, creating a world where people can earn from viral tweets.

How to Flip NFT for Profit

In the blockchain vocabulary, flipping is a loose term for buying an NFT for a low price and selling it when the price is high. To spot potential in an NFT, there are a few key factors you should bare in mind:

  • Benefits: Does the NFT offer any perks? Or is it simply a digital asset with no value? Some companies are using NFTs to access exclusive membership clubs and real-world events such as gigs and live concerts. 
  • Community: Follow the online interest on a given NFT – how much are people talking about it on social media, forums, or YouTube videos? Look at the engagement around it, do you think many people believe in it?
  • Credibility: Like everything that’s new and unregulated, is more likely to be prone to scams and frauds. Make sure you know the team behind the NFT project and whether they’re trustworthy and credible – which is essential for your success and investment.
  • Uniqueness: While the quality of the art project isn’t a determining factor, you should be able to spot the chances of the NFT becoming an icon. Similar to a real art painting, think of the aesthetic of the project, the uniqueness, the creativity, and features. Read more on how to flip NFTs here.

How to Buy an NFT

Now that you have identified which NFTs are worth investing in, it’s time to buy some. There are two ways to do it: minting an NFT when the price drops and buying an NFT on a secondary marketplace.

Most NFT collections are released at low prices and sometimes even for free. But since high quality and trending NFTs are hard to mint, most of these projects release whitelists for those who want to guarantee access when the collection goes live. 

To get whitelisted, join the project’s Discord group to learn its criteria for eligibility, and the date and time the NFT collection will go live. You can also opt for buying NFTs on a secondary market by making an offer to the NFT seller.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) for How to Create an NFT

Here are some frequently asked questions about how to create your own NFT and some NFT ideas.

Bottom Line on How to Create an NFT

Similar to artwork, the sky’s the limit for creating NFTs. The success of an NFT depends on many factors, but mostly on creativity, selling skills, and luck. A high-quality, unique, and captivating NFT, with a well-written description, may turn into a viral digital asset. 

Buying and selling Non-Fungible Tokens requires a few things: an NFT crypto wallet, owning some Ethereum (for most NFTs), and an account in an NFT marketplace. Once up and running, the NFT data is recorded into the blockchain and it can only have one official owner at a time – of course, copies can be done, but there’s only one original like there’s only one Mona Lisa

Chase Bank Review 2023: Business Checking Account

Chase Bank logo - Chase Bank Review - Business Checking Account

In today’s modern world, with payments and banks going digital, the role of brick-and-mortar banks is shrinking. However, it does have its place as it offers many benefits that mobile banks don’t have. In this Chase Bank review, we’ll look at one of America’s largest full-service banks. 

Screenshot of Chase for Business website page
Source: Chase Bank

Our Verdict 

Chase Bank offers banking solutions catered for businesses, called Chase for Business. Chase Bank mixes the traditional brick and mortar with online banking by offering a large branch network and user-friendly online tools – what we consider ideal for small businesses that need both worlds combined together. 

As a traditional bank, Chase Bank doesn’t seem to want to fall behind its digital banks competitors and wants to attract customers – so it’s offering a $300 bonus to new customers when opening a Chase Business Checking account. It ranks fourth when it comes to the best business checking accounts.

  • $300 bonus to new customers and cashback with business credit card
  • 16,000 ATMs and 4,700 branches available across the U.S.
  • No minimum opening deposit
  • $15 monthly fee 
  • Low to zero interest-earning potential
  • In-person visit to open an account

Chase Bank Business Account at a Glance 

The Chase Business Complete Banking account stands out among the best business bank accounts for LLCs. This business account gives its account holders the best of the offline and online world: It provides access to 16,000 Chase ATMs and 4,700 branches across the U.S while providing user-friendly online banking tools. 

This business checking account offers many benefits for the business owner; the first one is the sign-up bonus. If you sign-up for the Chase Business Complete Banking account, you’ll get a $300 bonus as long as you deposit $2,000 on your account, maintain it for at least 60 days, and complete one of the five activities required within 90 days of offer enrollment.

However, if you can’t afford to maintain the minimum deposit to get the bonus but you still want to open a business account at Chase Bank, the good news is that you can, and there’s no minimum opening deposit. But the rewards and benefits don’t stop there. 

Chase Bank also gives a $750 bonus cash back for new business credit card members and unlimited 1.5% cash back rewards on every purchase. All you have to do is spend $7,500 on purchases in the first three months after account opening.

The Chase Business Complete Banking account isn’t a good fit for those looking for some earning potential within their bank accounts – Chase Bank doesn’t offer interest in most of its accounts. Also, we wouldn’t recommend this account for people who don’t want to pay an in-person visit to open an account – you must visit a Chase branch in person to open a Chase Business Complete Banking account.

Who Chase Bank Business Account is Best For 

Business owners who need in-person support and have access to several ATMs across the country while using user-friendly mobile and banking tools, then this account is for you. 

You should also consider the Chase Business Complete Banking account if your business deals with many transactions, but you don’t want to get hit with per-transaction fees – online transactions are unlimited.

If you are interested in opening a fee-free business account, here is a detailed Oxygen Review, Kabbage Review, and SoFI Review packed with information about the pros, cons, and alternatives to both fintech companies. 

Pricing

In this review, we’re mostly covering the Chase Business Complete Banking which caters most to small-business owners but Chase Bank offers three business checking accounts: Chase Business Complete Banking, Chase Performance Business Checking, and Chase Platinum Business Checking. 

For a better understanding of all price tiers in the business checking account, we’ve compared the main features of the three accounts. 

Chase Business Complete Banking

Chase Performance Business Checking

Chase Platinum Business Checking

Monthly Fee

$15 or $0 monthly fee if you maintain $2,000 minimum daily balance

$30 or $0 monthly fee if you maintain $35,000 combined average beginning day balance

$95 or $0 monthly fee if you maintain $100,000 combined average beginning day balance

Cash Deposit Fee

Fee-free at $5,000 in cash deposits per statement cycle

Fee-free at $20,000 in cash deposits per statement cycle

Fee-free at $25,000 in cash deposits per statement cycle

Mobile and Online Banking

Multiple User Accounts

Accept Card Payment

Fraud Prevention Services

Fee-free Incoming Wires

Cash Management Support

Platinum Business Customer Service

Chase Bank Business Account Features

As a brick and mortar traditional bank with digital banking tools, Chase Bank Business accounts offer many benefits among its features, even in the entry-level option. We’ve listed the main features below. 

Mobile and Online Banking 

Screenshot of Chase mobile app features - chase bank review
Source: Chase Bank

The Chase Mobile® Banking app is easy to use and offers security with encryption technology and offers many interesting features to business owners such as online bill pay (and schedule payments), fraud protection, receiving or sending payments, getting account alerts and setting up multiple account users straight from the app. 

Sign-up Bonus

Screenshot of Chase for Business signup bonus page
Source: Chase Bank

If you’re looking for a business checking account with a sign-up bonus, this is an opportunity to earn some extra money. Chase Bank offers $300 for newcomers who sign up for Chase Business Complete Checking, deposit $2,000 and maintain it for 60 days, and complete five of the qualifying activities such as debit card purchases and Chase QuickAccept deposits.

Cash Back Bonus

Earn a $750 bonus cash back after you spend $7,500 on purchases in the first three months after account opening, 5% cashback on the first $25,000 spent in combined purchases at office supply stores and on internet, cable and phone services each account anniversary year and 2% cashback on the first $25,000 spent in combined purchases at gas stations and restaurants each account anniversary year with Ink Business Cash® credit card.

Accept Card Payment

Chase for Business visa ATM card and mobile app
Source: Chase Bank

Your business can accept credit and debit card payments with Chase QuickAccept in the Chase Bank app. This payment processing service connects with a mobile card reader to tap, swipe or dip transactions and you can receive the funds into your account on the same day. 

No minimum opening deposit

Most brick-and-mortar business checking accounts require a minimum deposit of money to open a bank account. However, the Chase Business Complete Banking℠ account is one of the few that doesn’t do that. Even if you have no extra cash, you can even open a Business Complete Banking℠ account with no money.

Alternatives to Chase Bank Business Account

In case you aren’t sure whether the Chase Bank Business account isn’t the best fit for your business, there are some alternative options and we’ve listed the best ones. 

BlueVine is an excellent alternative for Chase Bank. You can pay bills, apply for small loans in minutes, and even earn a decent interest rate without having to pay monthly fees. As opposed to Chase, you can open a bank account in a few minutes with no minimum deposit, so it’s a good fit for businesses of any size.

Account-holders also get unlimited transactions and can earn 1.5% interest on your balance up to and including $100,000 if you meet a monthly activity goal.

  • Earn up to 1.2% APY
  • No monthly fees
  • No minimum balances
  • Only allow cash deposits through Green Dot Services
  • No physical branches

Another great option for small businesses is Novo. The mobile-only bank offers an easy-to-use platform, under a 10-minute application, refund ATM fees and no monthly fees, as opposed to Chase Bank. 

Novo offers free ACH transfers you can easily sign into your app via your mobile device and pay bills, send money, fund payroll, or transfer money to your personal account within seconds. However, Novo falls short in two aspects: it doesn’t allow users to set up recurring payments and as a digital bank it doesn’t let you deposit cash. 

  • User-friendly app
  • Refund ATM fees
  • No monthly fees
  • No recurring payment functionality
  • Can’t deposit cash

What’s interesting in Mercury is that it advertises itself as a fintech, not a bank. Mainly focused on ecommerce businesses and startups, this company offers both virtual (generated instantly) and physical cards, it integrates with major accounting software, and Mercury’s checking and business savings accounts are completely free with no minimum deposit or balance requirements.

The drawback of opening an account with Mercury is that, like most online-only banks, you can’t deposit cash and in case you’re looking for some earning potential – similar to Chase Bank – Mercury offers no-interest drawback.

  • Virtual and physical card available
  • No minimum deposit or balance required
  • Accounts integrate with major accounting software
  • Can’t deposit cash
  • No interest-earning potential

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) for Chase Bank

We’ve listed the most asked questions about Chase Bank Business Account.

Bottom Line on Chase Bank Review

Overall, Chase Bank offers many benefits for small business owners–especially for those who need to make a deposit in cash, need in-person assistance, access fee-free ATMs but don’t want to give up the ease of having an online bank right in your pocket.

Best Business Bank Accounts by State

Below you will find an interactive U.S map that can help you locate and compare different banks and financial institutions that offer business accounts in your area.

AL AK AZ AR CA CO CT DE FL GA HI ID IL IN IA KS KY LA ME MD MA MI MN MS MO MT NE NV NH NJ NM NY NC ND OH OK OR PA RI SC SD TN TX UT VT VA WA WV WI WY DC

5 Best Crypto Tax Software in 2023

Best Crypto Tax Software time reminder concept

Have you been investing in cryptocurrency? Maybe now it’s time to calculate and pay your crypto taxes. What is already a complicated activity can get a lot trickier if you don’t work with crypto tax software. In this article, we’ve wrapped up the best crypto tax software for 2023.

Best Crypto Tax Software

Our Methodology

Most crypto tax software platforms offer similar products and services. To pick the best bang for the buck for our readers, we’ve analyzed if they have four things: free tax report (even if it’s a limited number) if it’s supported in multiple countries and offers multiple transactions, and most importantly, if it’s suitable for all budgets. Read more about our methodology here.

Product

Pricing

Free Trial

Integrations

Transactions

Supported countries

Starts at $49

Yes

Supports exchanges, wallets, and DeFi

Up to 100 with the Hobbyist plan

International tax reporting

Starts at $0

Yes

Supports exchanges, wallets, and blockchains

Up to 25 with the Free plan

65+

Starts at $0

Yes

Supports exchanges, wallets, and blockchains

Up to 10,000 with the Free plan

20+

Starts at $0

Yes

Supports exchanges, wallets, DeFi, NFTs, and more

Unlimited in the Free plan

US only

Starts at $0

Yes

Supports exchanges, blockchains, and DeFi

Up to 25 in the free plan and unlimited in the Platinum plan

US only

CoinLedger logo

CoinLedger: Best Overall

Starts at $49

4.8

CoinLedger supports a broad set of exchanges, wallets, and DeFi. While CoinLedger does not offer a free plan, users can access many of the features available in each plan at no cost. If you commit to a plan, and in case it doesn’t correspond to your expectations, CoinLedger provides a 14-day money-back guarantee. But be aware that users will have to pay to use the platform after this period, as it doesn’t offer free plan tiers. 

However, you are likely not to be disappointed: this crypto tax software has been reported by users as an easy-to-use program with excellent customer service. The platform’s automated data importing lets users import, track and reconcile all information in a few clicks. It also easily integrates with TurboTax and TaxDirect and 100 crypto exchanges and the most popular crypto wallets. It supports Ethereum blockchain and NFT transactions.

CoinLedger provides free portfolio tracking and free data import for all plans. In addition, it supports international tax reporting and can calculate returns for thousands of cryptocurrencies. 

Why we chose it: CoinLedger offers an easy-to-use and straightforward platform even for newbies. The customer service is rated as one of the best among its competitors, and trader have a 14-day money-back guarantee. 

  • Easy-to-use 
  • 14-day money-back guarantee
  • Excellent customer service
  • No Free plan available 
  • Not available in many countries

Pricing:

Plan

Number of transactions

Price per tax year

Hobbyist

100

$49

Day Trader

1,500

$99

High Volume

5,000

$199

Unlimited

Unlimited transactions

$299

Tax reports 

Payment will be required for users who want to download and view their full tax reports. If you’re looking for a free option, you may choose ZenLedger, Coinpanda, or Tax Bit. However, CoinLedger allows users to import all of their crypto transaction history, view their net capital gains and losses, and track their portfolio for free.

Supported countries 

CoinLedger provides international tax reporting. Users can generate crypto gains, losses, and income reports in any currency, then use these reports to complete the tax forms in their own country.

Supported exchanges 

CoinLedger supports a wide set of exchanges, wallets and DeFi. Users can import their data from any platform. However, if you need a higher number of exchanges, Coinpanda and Koinly offer more options – 500 and 350, respectively.

Coinpanda logo

Coinpanda: Best for Beginners

Starts at $0

4.6

Coinpanda is considered one of the best tax software tools among crypto users, especially for beginners, and we couldn’t agree more. Its Free plan offers all types of ready-to-file tax reports (based on traders’ activity) and supports up to 25 transactions.

However, if you want to try out other plans, or in case you increase the number of transactions, Coinpanda offers a free trial for every package: the Hodler ($49 per tax year), Trader ($99 per tax year), and Pro ($189 per tax year). If you ever decide to start a new life somewhere around the globe, Coinpanda will follow in at least 65 countries. In addition, the software supports a wide range of crypto exchanges, wallets, and blockchains–more than most of its competitors. 

Another highlight of Coinpanda is the tax-loss harvesting tool and portfolio tracking– It allows users not only to pay less tax but also to track their crypto portfolio, learn about their trades, and how to maximize them. 

With over 4,000 customers, Coinpanda offers a free portfolio tracker and tax preview. Its Free plan also comes with error reconciliation, margin trading, NFT transactions from OpenSea and DeFi and email support. 

Coinpanda, however, falls short in a few aspects. The company hasn’t developed an app for its users, which forces users to access the platform in a browser. Also, Coinpanda offers competitive pricing on its Trader and Pro plans but if traders pass 3,000 transactions, they’ll have to purchase additional transactions in bundles of 100 for $0.69. 

Unsatisfied with Coinpanda software of service? If you decide the software isn’t for you, you have a seven-day-refund policy.

Why we chose it: The Free plan works perfectly for beginners. Coinpanda offers affordable plans as you increase the number of transactions you carry out, and the software is available in 65+ countries.

  • Free plan for beginners, and free trial
  • Supports over 500 exchanges, 75 wallets, and 125 blockchains 
  • Available in over 65 countries
  • No mobile app 
  • Expensive for frequent traders
  • Lower transaction limit available in the Free plan when compared to competitors 

Pricing: 

Plan

Number of transactions

Price per tax year

Free

25

$0

Hodler

100

$49

Trader

1,000

$99

Pro

3,000

$189

Satoshi

20,000

$389

Satoshi (increased limit)

50,000

$596

Satoshi (increased limit)

75,000

$768

Satoshi (increased limit)

100,000

$941

Tax reports 

Tax reports are one of the most–if not the most–important features for crypto tax software, as they streamline the process for taxpayers and take off a lot of the stress associated with a tax settlement. Coinpanda offers all tax reports even in its free plan. Although only available for up to 25 transactions, unlike 10,000 with Koinly, this crypto software offers affordable plans as you raise your game with crypto trading.

Supported countries 

Crypto is borderless – and so should be crypto tax software. Coinpanda is available in over 65 countries – the software on the list that supports the largest number of countries, so this definitely adds points to its rating. 

Supported exchanges

Coinpanda supports all major exchanges for tracking trades and tax calculations – and it’s the most complete software on the list. Users can easily import their historical transactions using API keys or CSV files. It also supports over 500 exchanges, 75 wallets, and 125 blockchains. In addition, it also integrates with 38 services. 

Koinly logo

Koinly: Best for Frequent Traders

Starts at $0

4.5

Koinly aims to be a platform that is user-friendly and useful to as many different cryptocurrency users around the world as possible. The software generates complex tax reports in about 20 minutes. 

Available in over 20 countries around the globe, Koinly is the crypto tax software designed for crypto enthusiasts, Koinly offers a comprehensive level of support for cryptocurrency exchanges and wallets. It accepts payments with BTC, ETH, DAI, and USDC and also supports over 17,000 inflationary and deflationary cryptocurrencies – meaning you can report your gains and losses for the most popular cryptocurrencies, altcoins, and stable coins–making Koinly the best option for frequent traders. 

Furthermore, it also offers over six years of prices: historical crypto and fiat spot prices can assure users that their costs are accurate. 

With Koinly, users can easily track their crypto assets and taxes and visualize their actual Return of Investment (ROI), income overview, and profit/loss & capital gains. In addition, crypto traders can also connect their accounts via API and add their BTC wallets using x/y/zpub keys and ETH tokens with their public addresses. 

Even though Koinly is a great option for frequent traders, the tool doesn’t allow users to pay for its services using the cryptos from their crypto wallet. Instead, you’ll have to pay using fiat money. For those using the free version, be aware that the no-cost tier offers no tax reports (such as Form 8949, Schedule D, and international reports).

Why we chose it: Frequent traders who have a diverse portfolio can count on Koinly. The platform generates tax reports in 20 minutes and users can do it using its free app. 

  • Available in over 20 countries
  • Free app
  • Supports over 17,000 cryptocurrencies 
  • The Free plan does not support tax report download 
  • Email support is only available in the Trader plan
  • Cannot pay for services using bitcoin or any other crypto

Pricing: 

Plan

Number of transactions

Price per tax year

Free

10,000

$0

Newbie

100

$49

Hodler

1,000

$99

Trader

3,000/10,000+

$179

Tax reports

Opposed to Coinpand, Koinly does not provide tax report downloads for the Free plan – not even for as few as 25 transactions–which makes it not the best fit for beginners. On the other hand, frequent traders will have to commit to a plan no matter the crypto tax software they choose. So, they might as well go with one of the best and choose Koinly, for it provides multiple features and affordable prices compared to competitors.

Supported countries 

Koinly is available in over 20 countries, while Coinpanda is present in more than 65. The company supports all countries that use Average Cost, FIFO, LIFO, HIFO, and more for calculating gains. In addition, Koinly also offers specialized tax reports for the US, Canada, Australia, UK, Germany, Norway, Denmark, and Sweden. 

Supported exchanges 

Koinly supports over 350 exchanges and no fewer than 50 wallets. The crypto software auto-syncs data from all sources without the need for a private key. 

TaxBit logo

TaxBit: Best for Free Tax Reports

Starts at $0

4.1

TaxBit offers data integration with over 500 platforms, current-year tax forms for all supported TaxBit network companies and a DeFi and NFT tax engine. 

TaxBit integrates with over 500 exchanges, wallets, DeFi protocols, and the most popular NFT marketplaces such as OpenSea. This crypto tax software has supported an impressive number of over five million taxpayers.

TaxBit provides an Individual and Enterprise platform. With the Individual platform, users can easily automate their crypto tax forms for free. In addition, TaxBit can provide instant insights into users’ portfolio value and optimize tax-loss harvesting strategies. 

Despite many benefits, TaxBit falls short in three major aspects: it doesn’t have a mobile app, the platform doesn’t accept crypto payments and access is limited to US users only.

Why we chose it: The thing that sets TaxBit apart from other crypto tax software is it offers unlimited transactions even in its Free plan. In addition, TaxBit also allows users to export tax reports for free.

  • Unlimited transactions for all plans
  • Free tax reports
  • DeFi and NFT tax engine available in all plans
  • No mobile app 
  • Does not accept crypto payments
  • Limited to the US

Pricing: 

Plan

Number of transactions

Price per tax year

Network

Unlimited

$0

Basic

Unlimited

$50

Plus

Unlimited

$175

Pro

Unlimited

$500

Tax report 

One of the most significant aspects of TaxBit is it offers free tax reports for all users and unlimited transactions. This means that the Free plan can cater to beginners to frequent traders. 

Supported countries 

The downside to TaxBit, however, is it is localized to the US. This means international users will not entirely benefit from the platform’s features, in this case, we recommend Coinpanda, present in more than 65 countries. 

Supported exchanges

TaxBit supports over 500 platforms, similar to our best overall pick, Coinpanda, indicating that any crypto trader settling with the US tax requirements can benefit from this software.

ZenLedger logo

ZenLedger: Best for Customer Support

Starts at $0

3.6

ZenLedger supports over 400 crypto exchanges, including more than 30 DeFi protocols and wallets via API or CSV. Furthermore, ZenLedger’s free plan provides detailed reports for up to 25 transactions. However, if you feel you want to take it up a notch, the Starter plan provides up to 100 transactions with prices starting at $49.

With ZenLedger, users can track their trades and their profits and losses. They can also import and review their transactions and download their forms easily. ZenLedger allows traders to access many features, such as audit reports, tax pro access, HIFO/FIFO/LIFO, unlimited exchanges, mining, donations, tax-loss harvesting, and ICOs. 

For all the frequent traders out there that require more personalized assistance, ZenLedger’s Platinum plan offers two hours of premium support from one of their dedicated customer service agents. But, the good thing is that customer service is excellent in all-tier plans. 

The bad news is that ZenLedger is only available in the US. users. Another drawback is that staking, DeFi, and NFTs aren’t accessible for Free and Starter plans – only Premium and above.

Why we chose it: ZenLedger stands out for premium customer support, no matter the plan the user has committed to. Another pro is that the free plan allows users to access all detailed reports.

  • Premium support available in all plans 
  • Free plan comes with all detailed reports 
  • A personal consulting is available per request
  • Supports only US requirements 
  • Not fit for international users
  • DeFi, staking and NFTs are only available for the Premium plan and above

Pricing: 

Plan

Number of transactions

Price per tax year

Free

Up to 25

$0

Starter

Up to 100

$49

Premium

Up to 5,000

$149

Executive

Up to 15,000

$399

Executive

Unlimited

$999

Tax report 

ZenLedger provides users with all detailed reports, even if they are using the Free plan. This makes it an excellent tool for first-timers that carry out fewer than 25 transactions, unlike 10,000 Koinly offers. 

Supported countries 

ZenLedger tax reports are localized and will only support the requirements of the US. This means that international users might not take the most advantage of the platform. Traders wanting international support, Koinly and Coinpanda support multiple countries. 

Supported exchanges 

ZenLedger supports all crypto exchanges and wallets through API or CSV files. In addition, it is integrated with over 400 exchanges, similar to Koinly and Coinpanda, more than 40 blockchains, and no fewer than 20 DeFi protocols. 

Methodology for the Best Crypto Tax Software 

As you have seen in this article, there are a number of excellent crypto tax software that can help investors. But what makes Coinpanda our number one choice among the other platforms? Well, we’ve picked a platform that would be suitable for different profiles. This includes their trading activity, localization, and used platforms. 

  • Free tax reports: Our top pick must offer the option of a free tax report download, even if it is for a limited amount of transactions. We know that a large part of investors start off with very few transactions–and because the crypto world might seem like something new for them, being able to test crypto tax software thoroughly is essential for a smooth operation from end-to-end. 
  • Supported by multiple countries: As we mentioned previously in this article, crypto is borderless, and so should be a crypto tax software. Investors are located worldwide, and even US investors might eventually feel the need for a global platform: they might move out of the country and start a new life somewhere else or start an operation in a new region. Either way, having a crypto tax platform that supports multiple countries will come in handy in these scenarios. 
  • Supported by multiple exchanges: Our top pick should have the most comprehensive set of integrations with exchanges and wallets and blockchains. After all, there are hundreds of crypto platforms out there and integrating with every possible one is essential for users, especially considering many traders use multiple platforms. 

How to Trade Crypto

You can make a crypto trade by exchanging one crypto for another (such as Bitcoin to Ethereum) or buying or selling crypto using fiat currency (like US dollar to Bitcoin). The process, however, despite being easy, can get complex if you don’t understand the crypto market, similar to stocks and other financial markets.

Before starting off, you should understand how blockchain technology and the market involved in trading crypto works. So, if you’re ready to venture into crypto trading, there are six steps to follow and we’ve detailed them in this complete guide on how to trade crypto.

Pros & Cons of Cryptocurrency

Cryptocurrencies are highly volatile, so it’s very common to see Bitcoin prices fluctuate over 10% in a single day. This is a great opportunity for high-risk profiles to make a profit quicker with crypto trading.

But is crypto worth investing in? Or is it something for you? If you can handle volatility and are okay with the risk of loss (in case you can’t access your wallet or private key) and security, cryptocurrencies have high return potential (oftentimes higher than the stock market), it gives users anonymity, and it’s very accessible and versatile–it only takes a few minutes to trade and transfer Bitcoin or any other crypto. If you’re sold on the idea of profiting from cryptocurrencies, check the fastest growing cryptocurrencies in 2023 and get ready.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) for Best Crypto Tax Software

We have answered the most frequently asked questions so you can learn when and how you should report your gains and losses with cryptocurrency. 

Bottom Line On Best Crypto Tax Software 

Working with reliable crypto tax software can make reporting your gains and losses with crypto trading much smoother. When choosing the right platform, be sure to check if the crypto tax software is available in your country. Moreover, you should also check if the platform supports whatever exchange or wallet you will sync your data with. 

If you are reporting your crypto gains and losses for the first time and aren’t a frequent trader, you might want to consider crypto tax software that offers free tax report downloads. This will streamline your tax settlement process while also providing accurate results. Most importantly, don’t forget about customer service: paying taxes is tricky as it is, so choosing a provider that will guide you through this process and answer all of your questions can make a huge difference at the end of the day. 

Calculating and paying your crypto taxes doesn’t have to be painful. Crypto tax software such as Coinpanda, Koinly, CoinLedger, ZenLedger, and TaxBit offer a number of features that make tax reporting surprisingly seamless.

Freshdesk Contact Center Review: VoIP Software for Small Businesses 

Freshdesk Contact Center logo

Freshdesk Contact Center (formerly Freshcaller) offers a new channel for telephonic communication called VoIP (Voice Over Internet Protocol). You’ll see in this Freshcaller review that it’s a helpful tool for businesses looking to scale and establish a local presence. It also allows you to manage all calls from anywhere with a mobile device or computer. 

Screenshot of freshdesk contact center website page
Source: Freshworks.com

Our Verdict 

For business owners who want to set up a call center but find it an overwhelming process, they might want to consider the Freshdesk Call Center. This VoIP solution is tailored to streamline the whole process. 

Freshdesk offers many features that make managing a remote and large team of agents easy. First of all, the system is user-friendly and intuitive, so both you, your managers, and your agents won’t get caught up in configuration or learning how the system works–it requires no zero phone hardware, coding, downloads, or costs, and you’ll find that this VoIP service is much more intuitive than competing VoIP platforms.

The platform also provides built-in reports that convert phone metrics and team performance into data sets that can be used for your analysis. According to our research, the Freshdesk Call Center VoIP solution offers the best balance between affordability and available features.

  • Free plan available
  • Customizable and in-depth reports
  • Easy to set up and run
  • Wide set of features
  • Focused on call center operations
  • Expensive per-minute calls
  • Not recommended for organizations dealing with highly sensitive data

Freshdesk Contact Center at a Glance 

When your business hours starts to grow, you might realize that you’ll need customer support. But the good news is that voice-over-internet-protocol (VoIP) services such as Freshdesk Contact Center give you the option to set up an easy and scalable customer support operation with multiple agencies represented by one single number. 

Freshdesk Contact Center is a VoIP phone number provider that offers local, international, toll-free, and vanity phone numbers across 90+ countries.

The agents can make and receive calls through both mobile and computer devices, and traditional online telephone support system features such as caller ID, call forwarding, and conference calls. But Freshdesk features make VoIP the ideal solution for modern enterprises wanting to leverage their call center software system like automatic call routing, voicemail, call recording, CRM, helpdesk, or other third-party integrations. It also allows the managers to monitor their team performance through customized reports with information like metrics and activity. 

An illustration of a man using Freshdesk contact center on his mobile phone
Source: Freshworks

Freshdesk Contact Center’s live dashboard allows you to monitor all call your agents are doing and you can even engage and join a specific call. Also, the AI bot streamlines your team’s work by offering features like round-the-clock automatic response to callers, queued call-backs, and holiday settings.

In case you already have a business phone number provided by an external carrier but you want to upgrade your call center capabilities, you don’t need to switch your current number. Freshcaller offers the BYOC (Bring Your Own Carrier) option which you can port your existing phone number to VoIP, so you can continue using the same phone number while availing the benefits of VoIP.

Who Freshdesk Contact Center VoIP Solution is Best For 

Freshdesk Contact Center VoIP tool is an excellent solution for businesses that are scaling but are on a tight budget. The company offers a free plan and a 21-day free trial. If after the trial you want to continue, plan tiers are very affordable. 

Pricing 

The free plan best suits small teams with low call volume and basic call management needs. As the business needs go up, so does the pricing. See the pricing chart below.

Freshdesk contact center logo

Plans

Free Plan

Growth

Pro

Enterprise

Price

Free

Starts at $18 per agent per month

Starts at $47 per agent per month

Starts at $83 per agent per month

Buy Local Numbers

Buy Toll-free Numbers

Call Metrics & Notes

Basic Call Queues

Inbound Caller ID

Wait Queues

Call Recording

Call Monitoring

Holiday Routing

IVR (Phone Trees)

Smart Escalation

Omnichannel Routing

Freshdesk Contact Center VoIP Features

Freshdesk Contact Center offers a variety of features that works well for any size and type of business. We’ve listed the main ones in this Freshcaller Review.

Smart Escalation

Screenshot of Freshdesk contact center wait queue settings page
Source: Freshworks.com

Available only at Pro and Enterprise plans, the Smart Escalation feature proactively plans to handle all your customer service team allowing calls with fallback rules. This functionality aims to reduce the operational burden from the calls that your technical support team can’t attend to immediately, so it will automatically direct these calls to voicemails, wait queues, nested call queues, and callbacks wherever suitable.

Call Metrics

You can view your team’s call metrics by storing call logs, checking and analyzing call lifetime metrics, and keeping a tab of all billing-related information for every call made or taken. Functionality is available in all plans, including the free package.

Reports

Screenshot of Freshcaller call analytics page
Source: Freshworks.com

You can collect and use all the data available in your favor with the reporting analytics tool. From call trends, volume trends, and the number of call transfers, hold time, and average talk–you can use any of these reports to evaluate your team’s performance and spot trends in calls either hourly, daily, weekly, and monthly basis.

After Call Work

Screenshot of Freshcaller call metrics and call details page
Source: Freshworks.com

After Call Work is defined as the process of wrapping up the current call before being available for the next call. It can include logging notes about the call, emailing prospects on critical points discussed, and updating comments on the CRM. You can increase your team’s productivity, understand each agent’s time spent on ACW, and gain insights into the average ACW time through the comprehensive call summary report.

Alternatives to Freshdesk Contact Center VoIP

Choosing the right VoIP platform for your business doesn’t have to be complicated. If you wish to know what else is out there besides what you’ve learned about in this Freshcaller review, we’ve listed the best VoIP providers for businesses.

RingCentral offers very similar services and sets of features, such as voicemail, toll-free numbers with minutes, and call recording. The solution also allows users to structure automated prompts for callers, and make use of several collaborative tools to boot.

Pricing tiers start at $19.99 per month and it’s a great option for international companies as it provides international phone numbers to over 100+ countries, while Freshdesk Contact Center supports over 90. 

  • International presence in more than 100 countries
  • Toll-free numbers available
  • Collaborative tools to bots
  • No free trial
  • No free plan
  • Not as user-friendly as Freshdesk Contact Center

8×8 brings together voice, video, and messaging to call center. Get multiple call flows depending on the origin of the call, and set up HD video conferencing for up to 100 guests (and expand to 500 participants at higher-level plans). The software also offers to record and transcribing capabilities for future reference. 8×8 is the best choice for companies looking for the best video conferencing solution – which might not be the case for most small enterprises. 

However, the downside of 8×8 is that it’s not as easy to identify and block spam calls as the other best VoIP providers for businesses can. Also, for companies looking to expand internationally, you might choose other options such as Freshdesk or RingCentral – 8×8 makes international phone calls available for 48 countries. 

Pricing ranges from $15 to $133.

  • HD video conferences 
  • Video call record and transcribe
  • Voice calling for up to 48 countries
  • Limited protection from spam calls

Dialpad’s most significant feature is its work with AI. With a business and sales approach, business owners may use the Dialpad solution to run their call center and scale sales and revenue by using virtual assistants–which can transcribe voicemail and video calls to text and let you know the tone of the message. Freshworks also offers call recording but only on paid plans. Pricing starts at $15 per month. 

The solution offers unlimited calls, SMS, and group messaging for all plans and a 14-day free trial. The downside of Dialpad is that it charges a $15 add-on fee for video conferencing for more than 10 meeting participants

  • Free 14-day trial
  • Call recording and voicemail transcription available at all plans
  • Unlimited calls, SMS, and group messaging
  • The Standard plan limits your service to one physical location
  • $15 extra for video conference with 10+ participants

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) for Freshcaller Review

In this section, we’ve listed the most frequently asked questions about Freshdesk Contact Center VoIP.

Bottom Line on Freshcaller Review

Setting up a call center doesn’t have to be daunting. Many customers highly appreciate high-quality and efficient customer support phone number, and at times, it can be a decision-making factor when choosing between two products or services in an effortless and affordable manner. In other words, if your company doesn’t offer an appropriate center solution, they might look for your competitors. 

What Are Inflationary & Deflationary Cryptocurrencies?

Graphical representation of inflationary and deflationary cryptocurrency

Inflationary and deflationary cryptocurrencies are opposite sides of the same coin. The first one consists of increasing cryptocurrencies in circulation, while deflationary cryptocurrencies have a limited amount circulating (this amount usually remains the same, it doesn’t increase). Or, if they eventually do, it rises at a slower pace. 

What is a Deflationary Cryptocurrency? 

A deflationary cryptocurrency is a cryptocurrency that reduces supply over time, resulting in a limited amount of the currency in circulation and ultimately increasing its value. This reduction of supply happens in two ways. One is through buyback-and-burn, in which developers repurchase a large number of cryptocurrencies and send them to a dead wallet (or in crypto slang, “burns” them) so that it’s no longer in circulation. 

The second way is through transaction fees–also called burn-on transactions. The coin’s contract states that the tax applied to all on-chain transactions that involve that coin will be burned and removed from circulation.

However, to better understand deflationary cryptocurrencies, you should first understand more about the concept of inflation and deflation.

Inflation vs Deflation: What Are the Differences?

Piles of coins rising in quantity with a crypto-themed background
Source: Freepik

If you Google “inflation and deflation,” you will find that inflation increases the price of goods and services and that deflation is the opposite phenomenon, where prices for goods and services go down. 

But why do these phenomena occur? After all, prices can go up or down for various reasons, being the laws of supply and demand one of them.

Well, when there is an increasing amount of money in circulation, the value of this currency drops. As part of the logic of the market economy, everything abundant and easier to access tends to devalue over time. As a result, consumers will need more units of the same currency to trade for a specific good or service. This phenomenon is called inflation.

When the supply of money and credit drops, the price of goods and services declines, and the amount of money in circulation remains the same, it is called deflation.

With global inflation on the rise–mostly associated with the Covid-19 pandemic–deflationary cryptocurrencies are now in the spotlight as a way to dodge inflation.

What is an Inflationary Cryptocurrency? 

In an inflationary system, the total amount of money circulating in the economy increases continuously. Thus, the value reflected in currency declines, and capital loses value. In crypto, the same phenomenon occurs–as cryptos are simply a digital currency. An inflationary cryptocurrency is when the number of tokens in circulation rises. 

One example of an inflationary cryptocurrency is Dogecoin. In 2014, one of its creators abolished a hard cap of 100 billion to ensure the cryptocurrency had an unlimited supply. Over time, its value has gone through severe fluctuations. If you go back to May 7, 2021, you might recall that the altcoin with the iconic Shiba Inu dog logo spiked, reaching its all-time high of $0.64. A few days later, the token was worth $0.30. Today, the current price is near $0.10. 

Moving away from the meme altcoin, here is another–quite surprising–example of a token that was once purely an inflationary cryptocurrency: Ether, from the Ethereum network. However, as of August 2021, an update mandated to burn some ethers whenever the network activity rises to make the cryptocurrency deflationary. 

Most Popular Deflationary & Fastest Growing Cryptocurrencies in 2023

Before we talk about the most popular deflationary cryptocurrencies, let’s explain the system around the leading crypto of all: Bitcoin

If you are a crypto enthusiast, you already know that Bitcoin–the pioneer of all cryptocurrencies–has a hard cap of 21 million units. This number is forecast to be reached sometime in 2140. 

Until then, Bitcoin uses a process called “halving,” where it cuts the number of Bitcoins that can be mined and put into circulation every four years. In 2016, the mining reward was 12.50 bitcoins. It dropped to 6.25 in 2020 and will drop to 3.125 by 2024. After 64 halvings, all 21 million Bitcoin will be in circulation. This will make Bitcoin a scarce asset, and if demand continues to rise, its value will likely spike.  

So, is Bitcoin inflationary or deflationary? 

Bitcoin on a bluish background
Source: Freepik

Bitcoin is technically inflationary because its supply increases over time. However, the halving process automatically reduces the supply of Bitcoins by 50% every four years, which makes Bitcoin resistant to inflation – a regular process for deflationary cryptocurrencies. It means that Bitcoin, one of the fastest growing cryptocurrencies, is both inflationary and deflationary. 

Besides Bitcoin, here are a few examples of the most popular deflationary cryptocurrencies in 2023. 

Binance Coin (BNB)

In the beginning of the article we mentioned that some deflationary cryptocurrencies use the Buyback-and-Burn approach to reduce supply.

One of the world’s leading crypto exchanges, Binance, uses this procedure to reduce the amount of Binance Coins (BNB). Binance repurchases BNBs from investors who profited more than 20% in the previous quarter and sends them to a dead address, out of circulation. As of January 2022, the total supply of Binance Coins is a bit over 166 million. 

Cronos (CRO)

Cronos (CRO) is the native token on another leading cryptocurrency platform, Crypto.com. This non-minable cryptocurrency has a limited supply of 30 billion tokens in circulation. 

PancakeSwap (CAKE) 

The native token of the PancakeSwap platform, CAKE, has no maximum supply – which would make it an inflationary token. However, CAKE uses a coin burn mechanism, making it deflationary. 

Litecoin (LTC)

Like Bitcoin, Litecoin (LTC) also goes through a halving process every four years. However, Litecoin supply has a hard cap of 84 million units. 

Solana (SOL)

Like CAKE, Solana (SOL) is both inflationary and deflationary. Having no cap on supply and distribution makes Solana an inflationary token. Also, Solana’s miners burn transaction fees, making it deflationary. 

Ripple (XRP)

Ripple (XRP) is the default currency of the RippleNet platform that charges transaction fees to reduce supply. These fees don’t return to the central authority nor are used to reward validators, but are burned – thus making XRP a deflationary cryptocurrency. 

Polygon (MATIC) 

MATIC is a native token to the Polygon blockchain technology. Its two purposes are to pay translation fees and participate in the Proof-of-Stake (PoS) consensus program. A percentage of each block’s transaction fees is burned to provide support for the MATIC crypto’s value. 

Bitcoin Cash (BCH)

Like Bitcoin, Bitcoin Cash (BCH) has a capped supply of 21 million units. And, like BTC, it also uses a halving process that reduces the mining rate by 50% every four years. In addition, Bitcoin Cash also burns coins: Antpool, a crypto mining pool that validates 10% of BHC transactions, burned 12% of the block reward received in 2018. As a result, the price went up.

How to Trade Crypto

You can make a crypto trade by exchanging one crypto for another (such as Bitcoin to Ethereum) or buying or selling crypto using fiat currency (like US dollar to Bitcoin). The process, however, isn’t difficult, as it just involves a few steps until you can buy or sell the cryptocurrency of your choice.

Similar to stocks and other financial markets, trading cryptocurrency can be daunting and complex, so before starting off, you should understand how blockchain technology and the market involved in trading crypto works. If you’re ready to venture into crypto trading, there are six steps to follow and we’ve detailed them in this complete guide on how to trade crypto..

Pros & Cons of Cryptocurrency

Cryptocurrencies are highly volatile, so it’s very common to see Bitcoin prices fluctuate over 10% in a single day. This is a great opportunity for high-risk profiles to make a profit quicker with crypto trading.

But is crypto worth investing? Or is it something for you? If you can handle volatility and are okay with the risk of loss (in case you can’t access your crypto wallet or private key) and security, cryptocurrencies have high return potential (oftentimes higher than the stock market), it gives users anonymity, and it’s very accessible and versatile–it only takes a few minutes to trade and transfer Bitcoin or any other crypto. 

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) for Deflationary Cryptocurrencies

We’ve wrapped up some of the most frequently asked questions about inflationary and deflationary cryptocurrencies. 

Bottom Line on Deflationary Cryptocurrencies

In short, deflationary cryptocurrencies are digital assets with limited or decreasing supply over time. In other words, the number of units – or tokens – doesn’t increase at all, or if it does,  increases very slowly. As a result, the value of each coin rises as long as the demand remains consistent. 

Deflationary cryptocurrencies are often classified as assets that protect money from inflation. With a limited supply and high demand, its tokens increase value–as opposed to inflationary currencies, in which its increasing supply lowers purchase power. 

Google Voice Review: VoIP Software for Small Businesses 

Google Voice logo banner

Google Voice is Google’s Voice over Internet Protocol (VoIP) solution. It is a digital phone system that works for desk phones, smartphones, and computers. This system is completely integrated with Google Workspace’s ecosystem and is an excellent tool for small to medium-sized businesses that need to level up their communications with customers. 

In this Google Voice review, we have narrowed down all the most important aspects of this VoIP service. 

Screenshot of Google Voice website
Source: Google Voice

Our Verdict

Google Voice logo

Google Voice

Visit

Google Voice provides overall great VoIP service for small businesses. Because this is Google we are talking about, it seamlessly integrates with Google Workplace, especially Google Calendar and Google Meet. In addition, it also offers a familiar user interface, which makes it intuitive and easy to use. After all, who doesn’t use at least one Google product on a daily basis? 

This VoIP service is also cost-effective compared with other alternatives in the market. With comprehensive features and prices starting at $10 a month per user in its Starter plan, Google Voice app is perfect for small to medium-sized businesses. Also, the Standard and Premier plans offer an even broader set of features with prices as low as $20 and $30 a month, respectively. 

  • Fully integrated with Google Workspace
  • Works on desk phones, smartphones and computers
  • Syncs all devices
  • Delays and voice vibration at times 
  • Inaccurate voicemail transcripts at times 
  • SMS limited to the US

Google Voice at a Glance

Google Voice is the perfect VoIP service for small to medium-sized businesses. It offers comprehensive voice features at prices starting as low as $10 per month, making it one of the most cost-effective solutions. 

But what sets Google Voice apart from other solutions in the market is, well… Google. Since this is a Google product, it integrates with Workplace apps. Users can easily manage meetings in Google Calendar, receive calls from ongoing meetings on Hangouts Meet, and use Gmail to follow up on contacts made with Google Voice. 

Google Voice works perfectly on desktop phones, smartphones, and computers, meaning users can carry out phone calls from whichever device they prefer. Moreover, Voice also syncs all connected devices with an internet connection, allowing users to access their information from wherever they want. 

Most Google Voice users have reported being generally satisfied with the product. However, Google Voice fails in a few aspects. For instance, the SMS features could be broader: the unlimited SMS function is available only in the US, which can be a downer for companies doing business abroad. Google could also improve voice transcripts – users have reported delays and inaccurate voice transcripts. 

Who Google Voice is Best For 

Google Voice is the perfect VoIP service for small businesses because it provides a high-quality and user-friendly digital phone system that can help them lower costs and swiftly manage their contacts. 

It’s a good fit for small businesses looking for affordable cell phone plans with other Google solutions as part of their daily work and can easily integrate with Google Voice. 

On the flip side, larger companies that operate with other software and need integration with other business solutions such as CRM software or customer support might not be a good solution, as Google Voice integrates only with Google Workspace apps. 

Pricing 

Screenshot of Google Voice pricing plans
Source: Google Voice

Pricing starts as low as $10 a month per user. Google Voice is also compatible with Google Fi – Google’s mobile virtual network operator (MVNO) – and comes with a seamless Google Calendar and Google Meet integration. These features can come in handy for small business owners who use Google Meet quite often.

For businesses looking for an upgrade, Google Voice’s Standard plan offers additional services such as a multi-level auto attendant, ring groups, desk phone support, and eDiscovery for calls, voice mails, and SMS at only $20 a month per user. The Premier plan offers what is included in the Standard plan, plus unlimited users in international locations and advanced reporting at $30 a month per user. 

Google Voice logo

Plans

Starter

Standard

Premier

Price

Starts at $10/month per user

Starts at $20/month per user

Starts at $30/month per user

Unlimited users

Up to 10

Unlimited

Unlimited

Domestic Location

Up to 10

Unlimited

Unlimited

International Locations

None

None

Unlimited

Compatible with Google Fi

Voicemail-to-text

Integrated with Google Calendar & Meet

Web Application

Call forwarding

Multi level auto attendant

Ring Groups

 

 

Google Voice Features & Integrations

Although it’s a comprehensive tool overall, we found some features and integration that stand out in Google Voice during our analysis. 

Screenshot of Google Voice website
Source: Google Voice

Make Calls From Gmail

Suppose you’re in the middle of an email when you realize it will be too long or too complex to explain through a written text. Google Voice makes it easier for you – instead of writing a long and complex email, you can call for free, straight from your inbox. 

Screenshot of Google Voice make a call website page
Source: Google Voice

Voicemail to Text

If you need to transcribe a voicemail into text, Google Voice does it for you. Using advanced speech recognition technology, this great future not only turn voicemails into text but also allows you to scan the voicemail and check its content, just like you would with an email. 

Call Recorder

Get back to a call whenever you want with this great feature. Record calls from beginning to end and keep a record of important meetings and interviews that occur over the phone.

Google Calendar Integration 

Google Voice website users page
Source: Google Voice

Google Voice integrates perfectly with Google Calendar and even lets busy business owners shut down from work by automatically sending calls to voicemail after business hours. It also enables this feature whenever the call conflicts with the events on the calendar. 

Google Meet Integration 

Like Google Calendar, Voice also integrates with Google Meet, making it easier for users to join meeting even when they are on the go. For instance, when users receive a call from Hangouts Meet, they can check what meeting is calling. 

Gmail Integration 

Although not listed as a feature on the official Voice page, we couldn’t leave behind the Gmail integration provided by Google Voice. Voice allows users to unify their calling experience by providing a widget on Gmail that enables them to make and receive calls without switching tabs or apps. When using Gmail, Google Voice appears on the right side of the screen, allowing users to carry out calls from the computer. 

Alternatives to Google Voice

Not sure about Google Voice? There are other VoIP phone services are available on the market – below, we’ve listed our favorite options.

CloudTalk logo

CloudTalk

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CloudTalk is possibly one of the most comprehensive VoIP tools and is very similar to Google Voice. It is known to provide the best Interactive Voice (IVR) system and comes with multiple integrations. In addition, CloudTalk also integrates call recordings as a standard service in all plans. However, the Starter plan doesn’t come with text messaging and IVR. Also, SMS is only available via request.

CloudTalk might be a better fit for larger businesses, as it comes with additional resources that aren’t very useful to small enterprises.

Compared to Google Voice, CloudTalk has more features, but it comes at a cost: its plans start at $30 a month per user, three times more expensive than Google Voice.

  • Provides the best Interactive Voice (IVR) system 
  • Call recording comes as standard service in all plans
  • Multiple integrations
  • Text messaging and IVR aren’t available on the Starter plan 
  • SMS is only available via request
  • Audio conferencing is limited to three users
OpenPhone logo

OpenPhone

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OpenPhone takes VoIP to the next level — or, more specifically, it takes CRM and text messaging to the next level. With OpenPhone, users can initiate a discussion thread with their co-workers based on a single interaction with clients or potential buyers. No more forwarding messages to random groups and losing track of unique interactions with clients. 

This feature makes OpenPhone great for teamwork, so medium-to-large-sized companies might benefit the most from it in comparison with small businesses. 

With prices starting at $10 a month per user, OpenPhone, like Google Voice, also offers voicemail transcripts — and also call recordings, which are not included in Voice. However, OpenPhone does not support group calling, has fewer integrations if compared to Voice, and has no international calling options outside the US and Canada.

  • Next-level text management: you can comment on inbound texts with co-workers and easily manage contacts 
  • Voicemail-to-text transcript 
  • Call recording
  • No group calling (coming soon)
  • Fewer integrations 
  • No international calls outside US and Canada 
Nextiva logo

Nextiva

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Nextiva’s Essential plan offers a comprehensive set of VoIP features, completely catering the needs of a small business. With 24/7 customer support, video calls, and integrations with Outlook and Google Contacts, Nextiva’s Essential VoIP plan offers a good set of features. 

However, this might be a better option for companies foreseeing more team members and the need for a more robust solution. Its Professional plan offers an even more complete set of features — including team collaboration tools.

Compared to Google Voice, Nextiva offers similar features in its Essential plan, but at a higher price. The Essential plan starts at $18.95 a month per user, while the Professional plan starts at $22.95 a month per user. To learn more about Nextiva’s features, read our complete Nextiva review.

  • 24/7 customer support 
  • Integrates with Outlook and Google Contacts
  • Video calls included in all plans
  • More expensive
  • Fewer features in the Essential VoIP plan
  • No messaging available on the Essential plan

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) for Google Voice Review

We’ve listed the three most frequently asked questions about Google Voice. 

Bottom Line on Google Voice

Google Voice is designed to be simple, smart, and scalable. And it delivers on its promise: a comprehensive VoIP service for small-to-medium-sized businesses. 

Google Voice is fully integrated with Google Workspace and provides a seamless experience with Google Calendar and Google Meet. In addition, a widget available on Gmail lets users make and receive calls without having to switch tabs. 

The cloud-based service also syncs to all user’s devices, letting them choose where they want their phone to ring. Apart from that, it also works on desk phones, smartphones, and computers. 

Finally, Google’s AI carries out voicemail transcriptions and automatically blocks spam calls, allowing users to not be interrupted and focus on their business. 

Bottom line, compared with other VoIP providers solution in the market, Google Voice offers a comprehensive, cost-effective service — and all for one at competitive prices, starting at only $10 a month per user. 

ADP Review: Pros & Cons of the Payroll Software for Your Small Business

ADP logo

In this ADP payroll review, you’ll see it’s one of the best on the market, with multiple plans, so you can upgrade as you grow. The company offers plans for organizations with less than 50 employees, but it may be a bit complex, so we recommend it for businesses expecting rapid growth. 

We’ve narrowed down the benefits and downsides of the software and you’ll see why it gets such high marks for ease of use, payroll reporting tools, and its employee portal. Plus, if you need HR tools, ADP payroll might replace what you’re using now.

Screenshot of ADP payroll dashboard
Source: ADP

Our Verdict 

ADP is a comprehensive payroll solution that helps companies automate and manage regular employee payments. ADP offers tax services, including automatic payroll tax filing and ensures you stay compliant. There’s also an employee self-service portal, payroll reporting tools, and standard payroll features.

Besides the traditional payroll resources, ADP comes with helpful additional features, such as expanded human resources functions and software integrations. This makes ADP a more robust solution when compared to its competitors—meaning it should continue to meet businesses’ needs as they grow. 

While these exclusive features are what make ADP stand out from other payroll software, it  adds extra costs to the solution, which can become pricey for a small business looking for simpler and more affordable solutions. 

ADP is great for companies that require a broader set of resources beyond payroll. In addition to basic HR features, ADP also includes add-ons that take payroll to the next level, such as time and attendance, retirement, workers’ compensation, and health insurance resources. 

However, its broad set of features makes ADP an improper fit for small businesses. Companies with fewer than 50 employees might find such features unnecessary, disrupting the cost-benefit scale. On the other hand, businesses quickly scaling up might want to choose ADP at their early stages to adjust their needs as they grow. 

  • Automated tax filing 
  • HR features, including employee access, new hire onboarding, and employee discounts
  • 50+ integrations are available (ERPs, accounting, time and attendance)
  • Extra payroll run costs extra 
  • Some users have reported that customer support isn’t responsive at times
  • Feature-heavy for small businesses looking for more straightforward solutions

ADP Payroll at a Glance 

ADP has a variety of resources and features. In addition, its many available integrations make the software an even more robust solution. Companies can integrate ADP with multiple apps, including QuickBooks, Oracle, ClockShark, ZipRecruiter, and Slack.

With ADP, payroll can be set to autopilot, and payroll taxes are calculated, deducted, and automatically paid. Furthermore, all packages include customizable reports. But HR features set ADP apart from completion—all packages include employee access, new hire onboarding, and employee discounts.

When it comes to costs, ADP does not disclose its pricing upfront—businesses should request a quote at the ADP website. The only pricing available is the Essential Payroll package, starting at $59 monthly plus $4 per employee per month. 

However, many users have stressed that some features available on the payroll software are charged extra, which can be a significant hurdle for small businesses on a budget. 

Who ADP is Best For 

Although ADP is available for companies with as few as one employee, extra charges are what set back small companies from choosing this payroll software. This ADP Payroll review will show you why it’s best for established or fast-growing companies rapidly expanding their headcount.

Pricing

Screenshot of ADP pricing plans
Source: ADP

For companies with less than 50 employees, ADP offers four different plans that vary in terms of pricing and features. All price tiers include payroll and tax, HR, marketing and consulting and services modules. 

ADP Run logo

Plans

Essential

Enhanced

Complete

HR Pro

Price

$59/monthly + $4 per employee/month

Pricing available upon request

Pricing available upon request

Pricing available upon request

Payroll: Computer, Mobile App, Phone Call

Direct Deposit

Reporting

General Ledger Interface

New-Hire Reporting

W-2s and 1099s

Tax Filing

Payroll Delivery

Multi-jurisdiction Payroll

Wisely Direct Debit Card

Check Signing: Security

State Unemployment Insurance (SUI) Management

Labor Law Poster Compliance

ADP Payroll Features

We’ve analyzed and detailed the main features in the Essential package that stand out for this ADP Payroll review:

  • Payroll accessibility 
  • Tax filing
  • Employee access
  • Google Ads setup and management 
  • Time and attendance

Payroll Accessibility

ADP is a cloud-based service, so both employees and employers can access it from mobile devices or desktops. The company also allows you to run payroll via its mobile app (available for iOS or Android). Alternatively, companies can also run payroll by phone. 

Tax Filing 

ADP automates tax filing for companies by calculating, filing, depositing, and reconciling payroll taxes. ADP also responds to inquiries from taxing agencies regarding deposits and returns. 

It is worth mentioning that a few users have reported issues with ADP’s tax filing. However, if there are any tax filing errors, ADP will pay the resulting fines or penalties imposed by taxing authorities. 

Employee Access 

HR features make ADP a more comprehensive tool compared to other payroll software. One of the leading resources available in this module is employee access. Employees can manage ADP retirement accounts, check payment history, and enroll in pay statements. 

Google Ads Setup & Management 

Aside from payroll and HR features, ADP plans come with marketing resources. All small business plan tiers offer Google Ads setup and management, allowing companies to launch a campaign and reach more customers. This benefit is a helpful addition for businesses aiming to reach more customers through a Google Ads campaign. 

Time and Attendance 

With the time and attendance add-on, companies can run payroll accurately, include and manage schedules, hours worked, vacations, and sick time for employees. 

Alternatives to ADP 

For small businesses that don’t need such robust payroll software, there are a few alternatives in the market. Here are a few we find might be a better fit. 

Gusto’s starting package includes full-service payroll, employee profiles and self-service, Gusto-broked health insurance administration, employee health and financial benefits, and several integrations. Gusto might be a better fit for small companies as it offers a complete set of payroll features, with pricing more affordable than ADP. Pricing starts at $39 per month, plus $6 per person per month for the Core plan, and $12 per person for the Complete plan.

Compared to Gusto, ADP offers more features in its basic package, especially in the HR module. But as far as payroll goes, ADP isn’t different from Gusto when comparing pricing and main payroll features in its basic plans. Go beyond our comparison of Gusto to ADP in this ADP Payroll review—read the Gusto vs ADP article to learn more about which is right for your business.

  • Affordable package for comprehensive payroll software
  • Easy-to-use platform and beginner-friendly
  • A broad set of integrations 
  • Unlimited payroll runs
  • Limited customer support hours

QuickBooks is another alternative for ADP that covers all payroll services a small business may need. Pricing starts at $35 for the Payroll Core + QuickBooks Simple Start, with a $4 extra charge per employee, per month.

When compared to ADP, QuickBooks offers fewer HR features and employee benefits. There are also few integrations without QuickBooks Online. Payroll is also limited to the US and Canada. However, for businesses looking for more cost-effective solutions, QuickBooks might be a better fit as it’s more affordable than ADP.

  • Unlimited payroll runs 
  • Next-day direct deposit
  • Affordable pricing
  • Limited customer support hours

Paychex Flex is one of the best-known payroll and HR software for small-to-medium-sized businesses. Pricing starts at $39 monthly with a $5 charge per employee per month.

Similar to ADP, Paychex Flex offers 24/7 customer support and automatic tax payroll administration, including calculation, filing, and payment of payroll taxes. Paychex also comes with HR analytics, a free mobile app, and custom reports. Read the Paychex Flex review to learn more.

  • Unlimited payroll runs
  • Pay any kind of worker (full-time, hourly, or contract) via direct deposit, paper checks, or payment cards
  • 24/7 customer support
  • Some users have reported poor user interface 

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) for ADP Payroll Review

ADP Payroll software can streamline the way you run payroll in your company. We’ve listed the most asked questions about ADP Payroll to determine whether this software solution is a good match for you.

Bottom Line on ADP Payroll Review

ADP is one of the most comprehensive payroll software out there. It comes with full payroll and tax features that help take off the stress from carrying out employee payments. Additional HR features are what make ADP stand out, along with seamless integration with over 50 platforms that expand the software’s functionalities and benefits. 

However, many of the features available in ADP cost extra. Plus, none of the costs are disclosed by ADP—not even the basic package plans are available on ADP’s website, meaning you should request a quote to make sure about pricing. 

Bottom line, ADP is a robust payroll solution fit for established companies and fast-growing businesses. If your company expects rapid change and quick scaling, we’ve established in this ADP Payroll review that it’s a fine software to meet your needs. However, if you are a small business on a budget, looking solely for payroll solutions, simpler software such as Gusto can perfectly cater to your needs.