The following are some popular cryptocurrencies as of 2025, typically ranked by market capitalization and adoption rate.
Largest cryptocurrencies by market capitalization ("Must-Haves")
* Bitcoin (BTC): As a pioneer, Bitcoin is the largest cryptocurrency by market capitalization. It is often considered a "digital safe haven" and is widely adopted by institutions.
* Ethereum (ETH): The second-largest cryptocurrency. It is the leading platform for "smart contracts" and decentralized applications (dApps).
* Tether (USDT): A "stablecoin" pegged to the US dollar (1 USDT = 1 USD). It is widely used for trading and maintaining stability.
* Binance Coin (BNB): The utility token of the Binance ecosystem, the largest cryptocurrency exchange in the world.
* Solana (SOL): Known for its speed and low transaction costs, it is becoming increasingly popular among developers and investors, especially in the DeFi (decentralized finance) and NFT spaces.
* Ripple (XRP): A cryptocurrency designed to facilitate fast, low-cost international remittances.
* Dogecoin (DOGE): Originally just a joke, it has gained immense popularity due to its active community and use in trading.
* Cardano (ADA): A blockchain focused on scientific research and sustainability. Its academic approach and development projects make it a major player.
Other noteworthy cryptocurrencies
* Litecoin (LTC): Often considered the "silver" version of Bitcoin, Litecoin offers faster and cheaper transactions.
* Sui (SUI): A relatively new project that has quickly stood out due to its excellent performance.
* Polkadot (DOT): A project focused on interoperability between different blockchains.
* Chainlink (LINK): An "oracle" that allows "smart contracts" to connect to real-world data, a highly demanded feature.
* Avalanche (AVAX): Another blockchain known for its speed and low cost, competing with Ethereum.
* Shiba Inu (SHIB): Another "meme coin" inspired by Dogecoin, which has also attracted a large community.