Bitcoin vs Altcoins in Bull Markets: Who Leads the Rally?

The crypto market’s buzzing again, and if you’ve been through a few cycles, you know the question always comes up, is Bitcoin still calling the shots, or are the altcoins about to run wild? Spoiler: it’s complicated. 

This isn’t just about price charts or guessing who pumps first. It’s about understanding how money moves, where momentum builds, and how you can ride that wave without wiping out. 

Whether you’re new to crypto or just tired of watching from the sidelines, this guide breaks it all down clearly, honestly and without the usual hype. We’ll talk dominance, altcoin seasons, and how to actually track your gains without 27 tabs open. 

Let’s get into this crypto rally.

What’s a Bull Market, Anyway?

Alright, here’s the simplest way to put it. A bull market is when prices go up and people lose their minds in a good way (mostly). In crypto, that means green candles everywhere, Discords popping off, and Twitter suddenly full of experts. A strong crypto rally brings in retail investors, media attention, and even grandma asking about “that coin thing.”

Here’s how it usually plays out:

• Bitcoin takes off first, because big money likes something familiar.
• Altcoins follow. As confidence grows and people want bigger returns.
• Then comes altcoin season. When everything’s mooning and no one’s sleeping.

Seen this movie before? Yeah. But it still hits different each time.

A Quick Look Back: How Bitcoin & Altcoins Performed

2017 Bull Market

• Bitcoin hit $20K. Big moment.
• Ethereum and XRP exploded.
• Everyone and their cousin bought some altcoin with a dog on it.

2021 Bull Market

• Bitcoin smashed $69K.
• DeFi coins, NFT coins and meme coins all had their 15 minutes (and sometimes a lot more).

2024–2025 Bull Market (So Far)

• Bitcoin blew past $70K in early 2024, then reached a new all-time high of around $112K by May 2025.
• Ethereum rallied steadily with support from L2 growth and staking momentum.
• Solana bounced back in a big way, fueled by high-speed DEXs and memecoin mania.
• New narratives took over: AI tokens, real-world assets (RWAs), and gaming altcoins pulled in fresh capital.
• Meme coins like PEPE and DOGE made a return, because of course they did.

Each crypto rally brought fresh waves of hype, opportunity, and chaos for every kind of cryptocurrency investment.

The bottom line is that Bitcoin usually starts the party but altcoins spike when things really get wild.

Bitcoin vs Altcoins: Who Moves What & When?

So yeah, altcoins can outperform Bitcoin especially in the heat of a bull market. But they’re also way easier to get wrecked on. Navigating a crypto rally without strategy is a quick route to regret.

Where Should You Put Your Money in a Bull Run?

Not financial advice, but here’s a framework:

• Playing it safe? Go with Bitcoin. It’s boring until it’s not.
• Want more upside? Go with Ethereum, Solana, or the hot altcoins of the moment.
• Feeling lucky? Go with Small-cap altcoins, but seriously know what you’re buying.

A successful cryptocurrency investment doesn’t just come down to luck. Strategy, timing, and tools matter.

If you're trying to manage Bitcoin and altcoins in one app with Plus Wallet, that's a solid start. It helps you stay organized, track the chaos, and react fast. Great tools mean you stay ahead of the next crypto rally.

Oh, and it’s the best crypto wallet app for tracking Bitcoin and altcoin performance. No spreadsheet juggling required.

Track Your Gains (or Losses) Without Losing Your Mind

Bull markets move fast. Like, blink-and-you-missed-it fast. You need a wallet that moves with you.

That’s where Plus Wallet comes in:

• Securely store Bitcoin and altcoins with Plus Wallet. No sketchy exchanges.
• Manage Bitcoin and altcoins in one app with Plus Wallet. Clean interface, real-time data.
• Compare altcoin and Bitcoin holdings on Plus Wallet. Know what’s working and what’s not.
• Use Plus Wallet during bull markets to monitor gains. Watch your net worth dance in real time.
• Protect your bull market gains with Plus Wallet security features. Because FOMO isn’t worth getting hacked.

This setup helps you stay sharp and in control when the next crypto rally hits.

So What’s Bitcoin Dominance & Why Should You Care?

Bitcoin dominance = Bitcoin’s share of the total crypto market.

• When it’s high → Bitcoin is in charge.
• When it’s dropping → Altcoins are starting to flex.

Altcoin season often kicks off when Bitcoin chills and people start moving profits into other coins. If you’re watching this live with Plus Wallet, you’ll know when the switch flips. It’s how you survive the chaos of a crypto rally.

Who’s Winning the Bull Market Right Now?

Here are the usual suspects:

• Bitcoin – Reliable, predictable-ish, leads the market.
• Ethereum – Always in the conversation.
• Solana, Avalanche, Cardano – Layer 1 battles are still hot.
• Meme tokens & trend coins – Sometimes they hit, sometimes they vanish.

Crypto rally leaders shift with sentiment. Be ready to pivot your long term crypto investment accordingly.

Pro move: Don’t just watch them, track them all in Plus Wallet.

Final Thoughts: Don’t Just Ride the Bull. Steer It

Look, bull markets are loud. There’s hype, there’s drama, and yes, there’s real opportunity. But don’t get caught staring at green candles without a game plan. Bitcoin might lead the way, but altcoins bring the fireworks. Every serious cryptocurrency investment deserves attention, intention, and the right tools to track it.

You just have to know when to pivot and how to keep up. That’s why you need Plus Wallet. It gives you the tools to move fast, stay smart, and keep your crypto where it belongs, in your hands. Plan your moves. Track your performance. Don’t guess, know. Because a well-timed crypto rally can change everything.

FAQ: Real Questions, Straight Answers 

What’s the difference between Bitcoin and altcoins?

Bitcoin’s the OG and often referred to as digital gold. Altcoins are everything else, and they range from super legit to absolutely bonkers. Your cryptocurrency investment choices depend on how much risk you’re cool with.

Do altcoins outperform Bitcoin in a bull market?

Yes. Sometimes by a lot. But they can also crash faster. Timing is everything, especially in a fast-moving crypto rally.

Which coins perform best during crypto bull runs?

Usually Bitcoin leads, then Ethereum, then whatever’s trending like DeFi, NFTs or meme stuff. Every crypto bull run has its favorites.

How can I securely store Bitcoin and altcoins?

With Plus Wallet, you're in full control. It's a non-custodial wallet, which means your keys stay yours, and your coins do too. You can securely store Bitcoin and altcoins with Plus Wallet while keeping everything safe, simple and under your control.

Can I track performance without spreadsheets?

You bet. You can compare altcoin and Bitcoin holdings on Plus Wallet and track your moves easily.

What signs say altcoin season is here?

Watch for Bitcoin dominance dropping + altcoins pumping. Then use Plus Wallet during bull markets to monitor gains without losing your mind. If you want to keep up with a crypto rally, you need the right tools in your corner.

How do I protect my profits?

Lock in gains, don’t YOLO everything, and protect your bull market gains with Plus Wallet security features. Smarter cryptocurrency investment = better sleep.