Bitcoin and other cryptocurrencies have redefined the way we think about money as a whole. Nowadays, what was once regarded as a niche asset has become a mainstream investment and even legal tender.
So, it should come as no surprise that both casual crypto enthusiasts and seasoned investors are looking to add Bitcoin and other cryptos to their portfolios.
Given the unregulated and decentralized nature of digital assets, the crypto market is subject to massive price fluctuations as a result of market manipulation. This coupled with the high valuations on mainstream cryptos like Bitcoin means that investors are understandably hesitant about risking their entire portfolios on an intangible asset.
However, the insane volatility of the crypto market works both ways with prices also capable of going through the roof at a moment’s notice.
Fortunately, you can dabble in the crypto market without facing the risk of financial ruin. All thanks to what is called a Bitcoin faucet.
What Is a Bitcoin Faucet?
Bitcoin faucets are basically websites that reward you with tiny amounts of Bitcoin when you complete a series of preset tasks. These range from watching videos to playing games or just answering surveys. The Bitcoin which is paid out is regarded as an incentive to attract participants.
In the early days, Bitcoin and other crypto faucets were started in order to generate awareness and interest for digital assets. This encouraged users to experiment with cryptocurrencies and helped them understand how these assets work.
Nowadays, most faucets offer payouts in the form of newer, less-valuable cryptocurrencies. But there are still some functioning faucets that do offer Bitcoin rewards.
Pros
- You can get free Bitcoins
The biggest draw of using a Bitcoin faucet is that you can collect Bitcoins for free from it. As mentioned above, you usually have to complete a survey, watch some advertisements, or just play a few games. In exchange, you’re rewarded with a small quantity of Bitcoins that you can use.
- Anyone can use it
Another advantage of visiting a crypto faucet is that just about anyone can use it to collect cryptocurrencies. All you need is an internet connection and a smart device or personal computer. From here, you’re all set and as long as you fulfill the requirements outlined, you can collect your rewards from it.
- Risk-free way to start exploring crypto
Rather than risking all of your capital on volatile crypto, Bitcoin faucets let you collect BTC for free without having to fork out a single cent. This lets you explore and learn more about how Bitcoin and other cryptocurrencies work. From here, you can slowly build up your knowledge and be better prepared for the real deal when the time comes.
Cons
While Bitcoin faucets are genuine and do pay out real crypto, there are several things you should keep in mind when using them.
- The rewards are small
First of all, don’t expect to become a crypto millionaire overnight by collecting Bitcoins from faucets. The rewards paid out by crypto faucets are extremely small and are measured in Satoshis not Bitcoins.
Satoshis are the smallest measurement for Bitcoins, so unless you’re going to invest significant amounts of time and effort into faucets, don’t get your hopes up.
- Not all faucets are safe
Keep in mind that not all cryptocurrency faucets are safe or trustworthy. Cybercriminals often take advantage of how desirable Bitcoins and other cryptocurrencies have become by setting up fake Bitcoin faucets.
These websites will install malware or viruses that will track your online activity, steal your passwords, or simply damage your computer. Others may trick you into depositing funds into a third-party account and disappear.
As a rule of thumb, always keep track of what the site advertises. Note that faucets will never ask for your personal information or passwords. And if it sounds too good to be true, then you should avoid it.
- Can get repetitive
Bitcoin faucets reward you with cryptocurrency in exchange for completing several tasks. However, do keep in mind that the tasks outlined can get extremely repetitive and boring over time. And given how small the rewards are, you may find that farming Bitcoin faucets simply isn’t worth the time and effort.
Closing Thoughts
So now that we’ve seen the pros and cons of Bitcoin faucets, we ask the question — are these sites worth your time?
The answer is yes and no. While faucets do pay out free cryptocurrency, they are not risk-free and the rewards can be underwhelming. So, if you’re just looking to experiment with crypto or want to learn more about it, then faucets are worth it.
But if you want something more, then I’d recommend that you be prepared to invest significant amounts of time and effort into them.
