Monero (XMR) is a decentralized, open-source cryptocurrency designed to provide private and secure digital payments. Launched in 2014, it differs from transparent blockchains by automatically concealing the sender, recipient, and amount of every transaction. Monero achieves this through technologies such as ring signatures, stealth addresses, and Ring Confidential Transactions (RingCT).
Privacy is enabled by default, so users cannot accidentally make a transparent transaction. This also gives XMR strong fungibility because individual coins cannot easily be distinguished by their previous transaction history. Monero uses the RandomX Proof-of-Work algorithm, which is designed to make mining with general-purpose processors more practical. The network has no company or central authority controlling it and is developed by a global open-source community. Monero is commonly used by people who value financial confidentiality, but users must still protect their devices, wallet keys, identity, and internet connections.