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Key Differences Between Ordinals and NFTs

Annie Pei

&

Mark Hendrickson

General Wallet Use

Last Updated 11/13/24

Last Updated 11/13/24

Ordinals and NFTs are digital assets that serve different purposes in crypto. Bitcoin Ordinals emphasize simplicity and security, while NFTs on Ethereum, Stacks, and other networks provide added functionality and programmability. This makes them popular and versatile digital art assets.

Ordinals Definition

Ordinals are unique digital assets built on the Bitcoin blockchain. Each Ordinal connects to a single satoshi, which acts as a “digital container” to hold specific data. By inscribing satoshis with images, text, or other content, Bitcoiners turn them into Ordinals with their own identities and values.


Through Ordinals, Bitcoiners can explore digital ownership without changing Bitcoin’s core purpose as a secure network. Ordinals bring their own brand of asset ownership suited to Bitcoin, helping Bitcoin grow beyond its role as just a currency.

NFT Definition

NFTs (non-fungible tokens) exist on blockchains such as Bitcoin and Ethereum and represent ownership of unique digital items. An NFT can represent digital art, music, collectibles, or virtual real estate. Smart contracts make NFTs unique, allowing features like royalties, transfer rules, and other terms.


While NFTs are typically associated with Ethereum, there is also a growing ecosystem of Bitcoin NFTs. The launch of the Stacks protocol in 2021 introduced a scalable way to bring NFTs to Bitcoin. As a Bitcoin layer-2 solution, Stacks enables NFTs to be created off-chain while settling on Bitcoin’s main chain, allowing faster transactions and conserving block space.

Ordinals vs. NFTs Comparison

Ordinals and NFTs offer digital ownership but serve different needs and run on distinct blockchains. Knowing what sets them apart can help you decide which type best suits your goals.

Ordinals vs NFTs Technology


Ordinals use Bitcoin as their base, with each Ordinal linked to a single satoshi. This setup adheres to Bitcoin’s original design while adding a new way to utilize the Bitcoin blockchain. NFTs run on networks like Ethereum and Stacks, using smart contracts to create programmable assets.

Ordinals vs NFTs Functionality and Flexibility


NFTs offer a lot of flexibility. They can represent art, digital collectibles, or even items in virtual worlds. Each NFT can include metadata, royalties, or even be part of a metaverse game. Ordinals don’t have as much room for these added features, so they focus more on a simple form of digital ownership, such as an image or other piece of content.


On Bitcoin, Stacks NFTs provide flexibility similar to NFTs on Ethereum, with features like programmable smart contracts, metadata, and interactive elements. This programmability lets Stacks NFTs support more complex use cases, such as community rewards, gaming, or royalties, while maintaining a secure link to Bitcoin.

Ordinals vs NFTs Market Dynamics


NFTs have become part of a mature, active marketplace with high liquidity and broad community reach. The secondary NFT market allows users to trade and resell various types and values of NFTs. 


Bitcoin Ordinals are relatively new and have yet to cultivate the same trading volume or level of recognition. While interest is growing, the Ordinal market remains more specialized and smaller in scale compared to NFTs.

Ordinals vs NFTs Digital Ownership


Ownership works differently with Ordinals and NFTs. Ordinals are inscribed directly onto individual satoshis on Bitcoin’s main blockchain using the Ordinals protocol. Ordinals give Bitcoiners a simple, decentralized way to own assets, appealing to those who prioritize security and simplicity. 


NFTs generally offer more dynamic ownership, with programmable contracts allowing ongoing royalties or usage rights, creating more complex ways to own and use digital assets.

Should You Buy Ordinals or NFTs?

The choice between Ordinals and NFTs comes down to what you want out of digital assets. Ordinals may be the right fit if you value Bitcoin’s security and prefer a straightforward form of ownership without extra features. Once inscribed, they remain on the blockchain permanently, creating a lasting link to their data.


The most popular Bitcoin Ordinals include several well-known collections:


  • Bitcoin Frogs: With 10,000 unique frog-themed collectibles, Bitcoin Frogs quickly became a top-traded Ordinal collection. Their playful design and high availability helped make them accessible and widely appealing.

  • Ordinal Punks: Inspired by Ethereum’s CryptoPunks, this collection features 100-pixel art characters inscribed among the earliest Ordinals (within the first 650 inscriptions). Their scarcity and early inscription numbers contribute to their high demand.

  • Taproot Wizards: This collection, created by Udi Wertheimer, showcases hand-drawn wizard illustrations. The first Taproot Wizard inscription occupies an entire 4MB block, emphasizing the possibilities that Bitcoin’s Taproot upgrade enabled.


Ethereum NFTs give you access to various options, from art to interactive experiences, with a mature market. You can trade, collect, or profit from NFT resales. Here are three popular Ethereum NFT collections:


  • Art Blocks: Known for generative art, Art Blocks produces unique NFTs created by algorithms at minting. Collections like Fidenza and Chromie Squiggles appeal to collectors who appreciate algorithmic and digital art.

  • Bored Ape Yacht Club (BAYC): This collection of 10,000 cartoon apes with randomized traits offers community perks and exclusive event access, making BAYC one of the most sought-after NFTs.

  • CryptoPunks: As one of the first NFT projects, CryptoPunks includes 10,000 pixel art characters on Ethereum. Their rarity and status as early digital collectibles have made them icons in the NFT world.


Bitcoin NFTs are typically built on layer-2 solutions like Stacks, which add more programmable features to Bitcoin. This additional layer allows Bitcoin NFTs to support complex functionalities, such as royalties, metadata, and interactions with decentralized applications. Here are three noteworthy, Stacks-based Bitcoin NFT collections:


  • Bitcoin Birds: This collection is for the birds, each with a unique design. By existing on Stacks, Bitcoin Birds can offer extras, like features for community rewards and specific attributes, making them more than simple images.

  • Crash Punks: Crash Punks draw inspiration from the cyberpunk genre and bring a futuristic look to Bitcoin’s NFT world. They offer collectible characters with various traits, but they can be more interactive since they’re on Stacks.

  • Stacks Punks: These NFTs put a Bitcoin spin on the well-known CryptoPunks. Built on the Stacks layer, Stacks Punks lets collectors own pixel art characters with distinctive traits.


As with any creative investment, much of your decision will come down to personal taste. This article should serve as a general guide, not investment advice. Always do your own research before investing in anything crypto-related. Learn more about use cases for Bitcoin addresses.

The Future of Bitcoin Ordinals and NFTs

Ordinals and NFTs promise different things. For Bitcoin, Ordinals represent a new avenue for digital ownership, offering security and simplicity. As more people experiment with inscriptions, Ordinals may inspire new interest in Bitcoin beyond its primary use as an unbreakable digital currency.


Ethereum NFTs already have a foothold in digital art and collectibles, and they’re expected to keep growing as part of the Web3 movement along with NFTs on other networks like Stacks. While Ordinals offer an option rooted in Bitcoin’s structure, Ethereum NFTs have a head start in terms of market presence and community support, which may keep them at the forefront of digital assets.

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Ordinals vs NFTs FAQs

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What is the difference between Ordinals and inscriptions?

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