When you’re new to investing, the array of cryptocurrencies can be confusing and overwhelming. The top cryptocurrencies have a market gap and a store of value worth more than five billion. The store of value refers to a commodity, asset, or currency that maintains its value for a long period. Crypto utility tokens are designed for use with specific programs or platforms. Utility tokens grant owners access to blockchain-based products or services. These are the top cryptocurrencies for summer 2025.
Bitcoin
Bitcoin is a form of cryptocurrency that operates peer-to-peer and without a central authority that governs transactions. Bitcoin transactions between users are secured through crypto technology and recorded on a blockchain, which is a global spreadsheet only accessible to users conducting transactions. One of the advantages of Bitcoin is that it’s accessible for anyone with an internet connection. Some users consider Bitcoin to be a form of mining. People mine precious metals like gold from the earth. However, Bitcoin mining is entirely digital.
BNB
BNB or Binance Coin is a form of cryptocurrency that can be used for trading, making payments on Binance’s exchange, investing, and as collateral on loans. IN 2024, Binance was one of the largest cryptocurrency exchanges worldwide. Binance can be traded for other forms of cryptocurrency, used to pay for transactions on its exchange, for payment processing, and credit card payments. Some websites allow users to use Binance Coin to book flights, hotels, and other entertainment venues.
Ethereum
Ethereum is a decentralized platform created by a Swiss developer to enhance the functionality of blockchain usage. Ethereum was introduced in 2015. By 2017, it was ranked as the second-best blockchain network. Bitcoin is ranked as the best network. Since China began expressing more interest in the platform, it’s gained in popularity.
Ethereum is used for more than exchanging forms of cryptocurrency. Ether and the smart contract are its primary features. Ether is the cryptocurrency that Ethereum supports. Users have the option to create tokens to exchange for other forms of cryptocurrency. Third parties, including banks and brokers, aren’t necessary.
Litecoin
Litecoin is a type of internet currency that makes it easy to send global payments with very little cost. Litecoin is totally decentralized without any central authority. The network operates by mathematics, making it simple for users to control their finances. You’ll generally get confirmation of financial transactions faster than you would with a traditional financial institution. One of the outstanding features of Litecoin is its ability to handle a higher transaction volume than Bitcoin. One of the most significant features is that merchants can get faster confirmation times. One of the security features that Litecoin requires users enter their password before spending their Litecoins. Miners get rewards for every block. Estimates indicate Litecoin is expected to produce four times more currency units than Bitcoin.
Polkadot
Polkadot is similar to many other forms of cryptocurrency. It features a protocol that’s decentralized and a token that can be purchased and sold on exchanges, including Coinbase. The protocol of Polkadot is designed to allow blockchains that aren’t connected to communicate securely. The protocol allows data to flow easily between blockchains without the use of an intermediary. Polkadot can be used with Bitcoin and Ethereum blockchains. This system makes the process more efficient by using parallel blockchains and removing the processing from the primary blockchain.
Solana
Solana, which officially launched in 2020, is one of the public blockchain platforms. The primary features of Solana include low fees for users and developers and fast transactions. Solana offers outstanding security, making it the choice of many users. The crypto community prefers decentralized finance, which Solana offers. One of the unique features of Solana is non-fungible tokens or NFTs. The difference is that non-fungible assets are unlike paper currency and Bitcoin. Each one is unique and equal in amount. Non-fungible tokens are often used to prove ownership of digital assets that may include virtual pets, real estate, recordings, and artwork. Solana is designed to handle large-scale applications, including financial transactions in real-time, gaming applications, and Web3 social platforms. A Web3 uses technology like a blockchain that’s decentralized, giving users more security and privacy.
TRON
TRON or TRX is one of the blockchain platforms that hosts apps that are decentralized and can enable smart contracts. TRON originally used an Ethereum token. However, it began using its blockchain in 2018 and is one of the primary blockchains. The platform is unique since its purpose was to revolutionize the entertainment industry. TRX wants to use a system that allows content creators to connect directly with consumers and eliminate middlemen. One of the goals of TRX or TRON is to make it more flexible than any other blockchain by utilizing smart contracts. These contracts are fast and efficient. They’re written on the blockchain and go into effect when the conditions are met. Blockchains that use smart contracts can build a self-governing system.
XRP
XRP differs from most cryptocurrencies since it isn’t decentralized. Ripple is the company that owns XRP. The original system was known as SWIFT. XRP, the updated version, is being used by financial institutions and banks. XRP isn’t designed to be an alternative to traditional cryptocurrency. The goal of XRP is to function as a middleman for global trading using cryptocurrencies like Bitcoin, the Euro, and other currencies. Users who want to purchase Ripple or XRP must use one of the cryptocurrency exchanges, like Bitpanda, or use a currency including the U.S. Dollar or the Euro. Ripple Xpring is a system that provides grants for international companies and projects.
Cryptocurrencies can be purchased through brokerages, including Robinhood, and crypto exchanges such as Gemini, Coinbase, or Binance. The cost of the investment depends on the type of crypto you purchase and whether the exchange allows fractional trading.
When you’re new to investing, the array of cryptocurrencies can be confusing and overwhelming. The top cryptocurrencies have a market gap and a store of value worth more than five billion. The store of value refers to a commodity, asset, or currency that maintains its value for a long period. Crypto utility tokens are designed for use with specific programs or platforms. Utility tokens grant owners access to blockchain-based products or services. These are the top cryptocurrencies for summer 2025.
Bitcoin
Bitcoin is a form of cryptocurrency that operates peer-to-peer and without a central authority that governs transactions. Bitcoin transactions between users are secured through crypto technology and recorded on a blockchain, which is a global spreadsheet only accessible to users conducting transactions. One of the advantages of Bitcoin is that it’s accessible for anyone with an internet connection. Some users consider Bitcoin to be a form of mining. People mine precious metals like gold from the earth. However, Bitcoin mining is entirely digital.
BNB
BNB or Binance Coin is a form of cryptocurrency that can be used for trading, making payments on Binance’s exchange, investing, and as collateral on loans. IN 2024, Binance was one of the largest cryptocurrency exchanges worldwide. Binance can be traded for other forms of cryptocurrency, used to pay for transactions on its exchange, for payment processing, and credit card payments. Some websites allow users to use Binance Coin to book flights, hotels, and other entertainment venues.
Ethereum
Ethereum is a decentralized platform created by a Swiss developer to enhance the functionality of blockchain usage. Ethereum was introduced in 2015. By 2017, it was ranked as the second-best blockchain network. Bitcoin is ranked as the best network. Since China began expressing more interest in the platform, it’s gained in popularity.
Ethereum is used for more than exchanging forms of cryptocurrency. Ether and the smart contract are its primary features. Ether is the cryptocurrency that Ethereum supports. Users have the option to create tokens to exchange for other forms of cryptocurrency. Third parties, including banks and brokers, aren’t necessary.
Litecoin
Litecoin is a type of internet currency that makes it easy to send global payments with very little cost. Litecoin is totally decentralized without any central authority. The network operates by mathematics, making it simple for users to control their finances. You’ll generally get confirmation of financial transactions faster than you would with a traditional financial institution. One of the outstanding features of Litecoin is its ability to handle a higher transaction volume than Bitcoin. One of the most significant features is that merchants can get faster confirmation times. One of the security features that Litecoin requires users enter their password before spending their Litecoins. Miners get rewards for every block. Estimates indicate Litecoin is expected to produce four times more currency units than Bitcoin.
Polkadot
Polkadot is similar to many other forms of cryptocurrency. It features a protocol that’s decentralized and a token that can be purchased and sold on exchanges, including Coinbase. The protocol of Polkadot is designed to allow blockchains that aren’t connected to communicate securely. The protocol allows data to flow easily between blockchains without the use of an intermediary. Polkadot can be used with Bitcoin and Ethereum blockchains. This system makes the process more efficient by using parallel blockchains and removing the processing from the primary blockchain.
Solana
Solana, which officially launched in 2020, is one of the public blockchain platforms. The primary features of Solana include low fees for users and developers and fast transactions. Solana offers outstanding security, making it the choice of many users. The crypto community prefers decentralized finance, which Solana offers. One of the unique features of Solana is non-fungible tokens or NFTs. The difference is that non-fungible assets are unlike paper currency and Bitcoin. Each one is unique and equal in amount. Non-fungible tokens are often used to prove ownership of digital assets that may include virtual pets, real estate, recordings, and artwork. Solana is designed to handle large-scale applications, including financial transactions in real-time, gaming applications, and Web3 social platforms. A Web3 uses technology like a blockchain that’s decentralized, giving users more security and privacy.
TRON
TRON or TRX is one of the blockchain platforms that hosts apps that are decentralized and can enable smart contracts. TRON originally used an Ethereum token. However, it began using its blockchain in 2018 and is one of the primary blockchains. The platform is unique since its purpose was to revolutionize the entertainment industry. TRX wants to use a system that allows content creators to connect directly with consumers and eliminate middlemen. One of the goals of TRX or TRON is to make it more flexible than any other blockchain by utilizing smart contracts. These contracts are fast and efficient. They’re written on the blockchain and go into effect when the conditions are met. Blockchains that use smart contracts can build a self-governing system.
XRP
XRP differs from most cryptocurrencies since it isn’t decentralized. Ripple is the company that owns XRP. The original system was known as SWIFT. XRP, the updated version, is being used by financial institutions and banks. XRP isn’t designed to be an alternative to traditional cryptocurrency. The goal of XRP is to function as a middleman for global trading using cryptocurrencies like Bitcoin, the Euro, and other currencies. Users who want to purchase Ripple or XRP must use one of the cryptocurrency exchanges, like Bitpanda, or use a currency including the U.S. Dollar or the Euro. Ripple Xpring is a system that provides grants for international companies and projects.
Cryptocurrencies can be purchased through brokerages, including Robinhood, and crypto exchanges such as Gemini, Coinbase, or Binance. The cost of the investment depends on the type of crypto you purchase and whether the exchange allows fractional trading.
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