Which cryptocurrencies should beginners focus on?

Beginners should focus on Bitcoin and Ethereum, the two largest cryptocurrencies by market value. Bitcoin ($1.3+ trillion market cap) is the original cryptocurrency and easiest to understand. Ethereum ($500+ billion market cap) introduced smart contracts, enabling thousands of applications. Both have the most liquidity, meaning you can easily buy and sell them. Start by learning how these work before exploring altcoins. Consider your risk tolerance—crypto is volatile. Diversify your portfolio rather than investing everything in one asset. Use established exchanges, enable security features like two-factor authentication, and never invest more than you can afford to lose. Many experts recommend Bitcoin and Ethereum as foundational holdings before moving to newer projects.