In light of the current state of the cryptocurrency market (in 2025), here is a list of popular cryptocurrencies, often ranked by their market capitalization and adoption.
The largest market capitalizations (the "must-haves"):
* Bitcoin (BTC) : The pioneer and the largest cryptocurrency in terms of market capitalization. It is often considered a "digital safe haven" and has wide institutional adoption.
* Ethereum (ETH) : The second largest cryptocurrency. It is the reference platform for "smart contracts" and decentralized applications (dApps).
* Tether (USDT) : A "stablecoin" whose value is pegged to the US dollar (1 USDT = 1 USD). It is widely used for transactions and stability.
* Binance Coin (BNB) : The utility token of the Binance ecosystem, the largest cryptocurrency exchange platform in the world.
* Solana (SOL) : Known for its speed and low transaction costs, it has gained popularity among developers and investors, particularly in the DeFi (decentralized finance) and NFT sectors.
* Ripple (XRP) : A cryptocurrency designed to facilitate fast and low-cost international money transfers.
* Dogecoin (DOGE) : Initially created as a joke, this cryptocurrency has gained significant popularity due to its active community and its use for transactions.
* Cardano (ADA) : A blockchain focused on scientific research and sustainability. Its academic approach and development projects make it a major player.
Other cryptocurrencies to watch:
* Litecoin (LTC) : Often considered the "silver" version of Bitcoin, Litecoin offers faster and cheaper transactions.
* Sui (SUI) : A relatively recent project that has quickly established itself as a revelation, particularly due to its outstanding performance.
* Polkadot
