What are the main differences between ERC721 and ERC20 tokens in the cryptocurrency world?

5 answers

• samadhan kadamDec 07, 2020 · 5 years ago
  ERC721 and ERC20 tokens are both widely used in the cryptocurrency world, but they have some fundamental differences. ERC721 tokens are unique and non-fungible, meaning each token has a distinct value and cannot be exchanged on a one-to-one basis. On the other hand, ERC20 tokens are fungible, meaning they are interchangeable and can be exchanged on a one-to-one basis. ERC721 tokens are commonly used for representing ownership of digital assets like collectibles, virtual real estate, or in-game items, while ERC20 tokens are typically used for utility tokens, representing shares in a project or as a medium of exchange. In terms of implementation, ERC721 tokens require more complex smart contracts to handle individual token ownership and transfer, while ERC20 tokens have simpler contracts for managing balances and transfers.
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• assi-assiaJul 19, 2025 · a month ago
  ERC721 and ERC20 tokens are like apples and oranges in the cryptocurrency world. ERC721 tokens are unique and cannot be divided into smaller units, while ERC20 tokens are divisible and can be broken down into smaller fractions. This difference in divisibility makes ERC721 tokens suitable for representing one-of-a-kind assets, such as digital art or rare collectibles, while ERC20 tokens are better suited for representing fungible assets, like cryptocurrencies or utility tokens. From an implementation perspective, ERC721 tokens require more sophisticated smart contracts to handle the uniqueness and ownership of each token, while ERC20 tokens have simpler contracts for managing balances and transfers.
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• harisharoraDec 07, 2022 · 3 years ago
  When it comes to ERC721 and ERC20 tokens, the key difference lies in their purpose and functionality. ERC721 tokens are designed to represent non-fungible assets, meaning each token is unique and cannot be exchanged on a one-to-one basis. This makes ERC721 tokens ideal for representing ownership of digital assets like virtual real estate, game items, or collectibles. On the other hand, ERC20 tokens are fungible and can be exchanged on a one-to-one basis. They are commonly used for utility tokens, representing shares in a project or as a medium of exchange. In terms of implementation, ERC721 tokens require more complex smart contracts to handle individual token ownership and transfer, while ERC20 tokens have simpler contracts for managing balances and transfers.
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• Hector ChavarriaFeb 15, 2025 · 6 months ago
  ERC721 and ERC20 tokens are two different breeds in the cryptocurrency world. ERC721 tokens are non-fungible and represent unique assets, while ERC20 tokens are fungible and represent divisible assets. Think of ERC721 tokens as one-of-a-kind paintings and ERC20 tokens as identical dollar bills. ERC721 tokens are commonly used for digital collectibles, virtual real estate, or in-game items, while ERC20 tokens are used for cryptocurrencies, utility tokens, or representing shares in a project. In terms of implementation, ERC721 tokens require more complex smart contracts to handle individual token ownership and transfer, while ERC20 tokens have simpler contracts for managing balances and transfers.
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• ESRAA SOKANov 07, 2020 · 5 years ago
  As an expert in the cryptocurrency industry, I can tell you that ERC721 and ERC20 tokens have distinct characteristics. ERC721 tokens are non-fungible, meaning each token is unique and cannot be exchanged on a one-to-one basis. They are commonly used for representing ownership of digital assets like collectibles, virtual real estate, or in-game items. On the other hand, ERC20 tokens are fungible and can be exchanged on a one-to-one basis. They are typically used for utility tokens, representing shares in a project or as a medium of exchange. From an implementation standpoint, ERC721 tokens require more complex smart contracts to handle individual token ownership and transfer, while ERC20 tokens have simpler contracts for managing balances and transfers.
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