NEO, originally known as Antshares, rebranded in 2017 and quickly became a major player in the cryptocurrency world. Often dubbed "The Ethereum of China," NEO's value skyrocketed from $10.51 in 2017 to an all-time high of $196.85 in early 2018.
This guide covers everything you need to know about NEO, including its history, how to buy it, where to trade it, and whether it’s a worthwhile investment.
👉 Ready to buy NEO? Start here
Table of Contents
What Is NEO?
NEO is China’s first open-source blockchain platform, designed to support digital assets, smart contracts, and digital identities. Its goal is to create a smart economy by integrating blockchain technology with real-world applications.
NEO Token vs. GAS
- NEO Token: Used for governance (voting on blockchain decisions).
GAS Token: Used for transaction fees and smart contract execution.
- Holding NEO generates GAS as a dividend-like reward.
Smart Economies
NEO’s vision includes decentralized, trustless contracts enforced by code rather than intermediaries. This system aims to make transactions faster and cheaper than traditional banking.
Is NEO a Good Investment?
NEO’s price surged from $0.13 in 2017 to nearly $200 in 2018, delivering massive returns for early investors. While its value has fluctuated, its technology and community support suggest long-term potential.
👉 Discover top exchanges to buy NEO
How to Buy NEO
Step 1: Purchase Ethereum (ETH)
Since NEO isn’t directly purchasable with fiat currency, you’ll need to buy Ethereum (ETH) first.
- Sign up for a Coinbase account.
- Navigate to Buy/Sell and select Ethereum.
- Enter the amount you wish to purchase and complete the transaction.
Step 2: Convert ETH to NEO
- Transfer your ETH to a supported exchange (e.g., Binance).
- Locate the NEO/ETH trading pair.
- Place a market order to buy NEO at the current price.
Best Exchanges to Buy NEO
| Exchange | Trading Fee | Daily NEO Volume | Key Features |
|---------------|------------|------------------|----------------------------------|
| Binance | 0.1% | $29M | Low fees, BNB discounts |
| Upbit | 0.25% | $29M | Dominant in South Korea |
| Bitfinex | Tiered | $17M | High liquidity, advanced tools |
| CoinEgg | 0.10% | $11M | BTC-only trades |
| OKEx | 0.1% | $8M | High-risk due to past hacks |
Conclusion
NEO remains a strong contender in the crypto space, offering innovative technology and a loyal community. While Chinese regulation poses challenges, its potential for growth is significant.
Before investing, consult a financial advisor.
FAQs
1. What is the difference between NEO and GAS?
- NEO is for governance; GAS is for transactions and smart contracts.
2. Can I buy NEO with USD?
No, you must first buy ETH or BTC and then exchange it for NEO.
3. Which wallet supports NEO?
Official NEO wallets like Neon Wallet or exchanges like Binance support NEO storage.
4. Is NEO better than Ethereum?
NEO offers faster transactions (10,000 TPS) but is centralized compared to Ethereum’s decentralization.
5. How do I earn GAS?
Hold NEO in a supported wallet, and GAS will accumulate automatically.
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