Thinking of investing in crypto this year? You’re not alone.
With over 250 cryptocurrencies vying for your attention, it can be hard to know where to begin. But don’t worry, we’ve got your back.
Whether you’re a Bitcoin believer, an Ethereum enthusiast, or simply crypto-curious, here’s a breakdown of 5 worthy cryptocurrencies as of May 2025, based on market capitalization and performance.
1. Bitcoin (BTC), the Boss
Market Cap: $2.07 trillion
Current Price: ~$104,231.94
Bitcoin isn’t just a digital coin, it’s the OG of crypto. Launched in 2009 by the mysterious Satoshi Nakamoto, Bitcoin runs on a proof-of-work blockchain and is trusted for its security and decentralization.
From $500 in 2016 to over $83K in 2025, that’s a jaw-dropping 12,668% growth. It’s no surprise BTC is still a top pick for long-term investors.
2. Ethereum (ETH), the Developer’s Darling
Market Cap: $325.43 billion
Current Price: ~$2,698
Ethereum is more than just a currency, it is a decentralized app platform powering smart contracts and NFTs. Despite a rough year, Ethereum’s long-term performance is solid, boasting a 29,559% gain since 2016.
Fun fact: Many Web3 projects and DeFi platforms are built on Ethereum’s network.
3. XRP (XRP), the Cross-Border Contender
Market Cap: $150.34 billion
Current Price: ~$2.56
XRP is making waves again. Originally developed for fast, cheap international payments via RippleNet, XRP saw a massive rebound this year. From just $0.006 in 2017 to over $2 in 2025? That’s 8,766% growth.
4. Tether (USDT), the Stablecoin Standard
Market Cap: $150.07 billion
Current Price: $1.00
If you’re looking to escape volatility without leaving the crypto world, Tether might be your new best friend. Pegged to the U.S. dollar, USDT is a stablecoin favored by traders and institutional players for easy transitions in and out of riskier assets.
5. Binance Coin (BNB); From Exchange Token to Top Gun
Market Cap: $93.71 billion
Current Price: ~$665.21
Born on the Binance exchange, BNB started as a discount token for traders, but now it’s so much more. From travel bookings to DeFi payments, BNB is finding real-world utility, which keeps it in the top ranks. It’s also one of the most actively burned tokens, helping control supply and boost value.
And get this: from $0.10 in 2017 to $614 now, that’s a 578,259% gain. Yes, you read that right.
