Introduction
Since the introduction of Ordinals, Bitcoin has been increasingly recognized as a viable platform for immutable digital assets. However, an alternative method known as Bitcoin Stamps has emerged, offering a different approach to on-chain data inscription. Both methods aim to permanently record information on Bitcoin’s blockchain but differ in terms of efficiency, cost, and applicability. This article explores the technical distinctions between these methods, highlighting their advantages and challenges.
Technical Comparison: Bitcoin Stamps vs. Ordinals
| Feature | Ordinals | Bitcoin Stamps |
|---|---|---|
| Storage Model | Embedded in individual satoshis | OP_RETURN across multiple UTXOs |
| Malleability | Can be affected by compression | Resistant to pruning |
| Cost | High due to block space usage | Higher cost per byte stored |
| Compatibility | Requires Taproot | Works with all Bitcoin versions |
| Scalability | Increases block size demand | Distributed but costly |
Advantages and Disadvantages of Each Approach
Ordinals:
✅ Greater adoption and support within the Bitcoin community.
✅ Capable of creating NFTs and fungible tokens.
❌ High block space consumption, impacting network scalability.
❌ Requires Taproot, limiting compatibility with older wallets.
Bitcoin Stamps:
✅ Data is immutable and cannot be pruned.
✅ Compatible with all Bitcoin versions.
❌ Higher cost per byte stored, reducing efficiency.
❌ Lower adoption compared to Ordinals.
Sources