Bitcoin Formats
Bitcoin Formats:
The Different Types of Bitcoin Address Formats Explained (2026 Guide)
Bitcoin address formats have evolved over the years.
Each new format improves privacy, lowers fees, or adds functionality. Here’s every type you’ll still encounter today — and which one you should use.
1. Legacy (P2PKH) – Starts with “1”
- Example: 1BoatSLRHtKNngkdXEeobR76b53LETtpyT
- Oldest format (2009)
- Highest on-chain fees
- Worst privacy (transparent reuse)
- Still widely supported, but avoid for new wallets
2. Nested SegWit (P2SH) – Starts with “3”
- Example: 3EktnHQD7RiAE6uzMj2ZifT9YgRrkSgzQX
- Wraps SegWit inside legacy format
- Lower fees than Legacy
- Better exchange and hardware wallet support in early days
- Transitional format – rarely chosen today
3. Native SegWit (Bech32) – Starts with “bc1q”
- Example: bc1qar0srrr7xfkvy5l643lydnw9re59gtzzwf5mdq
- Introduced in 2017 (BIP-173)
- Lowest on-chain fees (up to 30-40% cheaper)
- All lowercase, error-detecting code
- Excellent privacy when you use fresh addresses
- Best choice for most users in 2025
4. Taproot (Bech32m) – Starts with “bc1p”
- Example: bc1pmfr3p9j00pfxjh0z0r09fhqxnnufcvd274a8df5n2d2d8s7a355q0h8w2h
- Activated November 2021 (BIP-341)
- Even better privacy (looks identical to single-sig spends)
- Enables advanced smart contracts and multisig that stay cheap
- Future-proof format – now fully supported by major wallets
Quick 2026 Recommendation
- Daily spending & receiving → Use Native SegWit (bc1q…)
- Maximum privacy & future features → Switch to Taproot (bc1p…)
- Sending to old services → They still accept everything, but you pay more if you use Legacy
Pro tip: Modern wallets like Sparrow, BlueWallet, Electrum, and most hardware devices let you create all formats. Always pick bc1q or bc1p for new addresses — save money and protect your privacy from day one. Start using the latest Bitcoin address formats today and keep more sats in your pocket!
Bitcoin Formats: Don’t let your lack of knowledge hold you back from investing in Bitcoin.
Disclaimer: We are not financial advisors or a Institutional Custodian. , we are a bitcoin and digital asset consulting firm. The content on this website and our YouTube videos are for educational purposes only and merely cite our own personal opinions.
In order to make the best financial decision that suits your own needs, you must conduct your own research and seek the advice of a licensed financial advisor if necessary.
Know that all investments involve some form of risk and there is no guarantee that you will be successful in making, saving, or investing money; nor is there any guarantee that you won’t experience any loss when investing. Always remember to make smart decisions and do your own research!
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