2025 has been a breakout year for Bitcoin, hitting multiple all-time highs despite stretches of sharp volatility. Supportive legislation in the U.S. and other countries has added fuel to the crypto market’s momentum.
But while Bitcoin is still king in terms of market cap, it hasn’t been the best performer. A handful of other cryptocurrencies—including some long-established names—have posted even higher year-to-date (YTD) returns.
5 Best-Performing Cryptocurrencies in 2025 (So Far)
The list below highlights the top five cryptocurrencies by YTD performance among coins with market caps above $10 billion, helping filter out lesser-known or highly speculative tokens.
| Cryptocurrency | Price | 2025 YTD Return |
|---|---|---|
| Hyperliquid (HYPE) | $50.54 | +111.52% |
| XRP (XRP) | $2.97 | +42.93% |
| Bitcoin Cash (BCH) | $588.02 | +35.55% |
| TRON (TRX) | $0.33 | +30.55% |
| Ethereum (ETH) | $4,320.19 | +29.69% |
Data as of Sept. 8, 2025. Table updates weekly.
More About the Top Crypto Performers
Here’s a closer look at the five cryptocurrencies leading the market in 2025:
1. Hyperliquid (HYPE)
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Launch year: 2024
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Developer: Hyper Foundation (Singapore)
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Highlights: HYPE powers the Hyperliquid smart contract platform, which supports decentralized finance (DeFi) apps like lending and borrowing. Investors can stake HYPE to earn passive income.
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Availability: Not available to U.S. or Ontario, Canada investors due to regulatory restrictions.
2. XRP (XRP)
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Launch year: 2012 (originally OpenCoin)
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Developer: Ripple Labs (U.S.)
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Highlights: XRP doesn’t rely on proof-of-stake or proof-of-work—it uses a unique consensus mechanism. While it doesn’t natively support staking, XRP has become compatible with some Ethereum-based DeFi platforms in 2025.
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Use case: Known for cross-border payments and speed of transactions.
3. Bitcoin Cash (BCH)
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Launch year: 2017
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Origin: Forked from Bitcoin
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Highlights: Designed to be faster and more usable for everyday transactions than Bitcoin. It supports smart contracts but not staking.
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Passive income: Some platforms allow users to earn interest by depositing BCH.
4. TRON (TRX)
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Launch year: 2014 (originally on Ethereum)
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Current platform: TRON blockchain (since 2017)
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Developer: TRON Foundation (Singapore)
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Highlights: A smart contract platform that supports staking and a growing DeFi ecosystem.
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Note: Some wallets charge high withdrawal fees or require minimum balances.
5. Ethereum (ETH)
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Launch year: 2015
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Developer: Ethereum Foundation (Switzerland)
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Highlights: The largest smart contract platform, Ethereum revolutionized crypto by enabling DeFi, NFTs, and more. It switched to a proof-of-stake system in 2022, which allows users to earn rewards by staking ETH.
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Use case: Widely adopted across financial and tech sectors.
Is Crypto a Good Long-Term Investment?
According to Malcolm Ethridge, a financial planner with CIC Wealth, crypto can play a supporting role in a diversified portfolio.
“A small crypto investment isn’t absolutely necessary,” he said, “but it may help provide diversification—as long as you limit your exposure and have a plan.”
🤓 Nerdy Tip
A July 2025 NerdWallet/Harris Poll survey found that 10% of Americans with retirement accounts had some crypto exposure. Younger investors were most likely to invest in crypto through retirement accounts:
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Gen Z: 14%
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Millennials: 18%
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Gen X: 7%
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Baby Boomers: 5%
Which Cryptocurrency Should You Buy Right Now?
There’s no one-size-fits-all answer. The best crypto to invest in depends on your goals, risk tolerance, and investment timeline.
If you’re speculating for fun:
You might be drawn to smaller, high-volatility coins. These may offer triple-digit returns but come with serious risk.
If you’re investing for the long term:
Look at established coins like Bitcoin and Ethereum. These “blue chip” cryptos have:
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Longer track records
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Higher liquidity
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Broader adoption by financial institutions
Be cautious with niche or meme coins:
Coins like Dogecoin (DOGE) and Shiba Inu (SHIB) may gain popularity quickly, but they often lack real-world utility and are prone to sharp price swings.
⚠️ Example: Toncoin (TON), a Telegram spinoff, originated from a now-defunct blockchain hosting project.
How to Add Crypto to Your Portfolio
You don’t need to be a tech expert to invest in crypto. Here are some accessible options:
Popular platforms that support crypto:
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Robinhood
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Public
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Fidelity
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M1 Finance
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Interactive Brokers
ETF options:
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Crypto ETFs: Indirect exposure to multiple coins
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Spot Bitcoin ETFs: Hold actual Bitcoin
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Spot Ethereum ETFs: Hold actual Ethereum
Financial planner Malcolm Ethridge recommends focusing on either:
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Bitcoin, the most established cryptocurrency, or
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A diversified crypto ETF that includes 10–20 vetted tokens.
“This keeps things simple, helps reduce fees, and avoids the high trading costs often associated with individual crypto purchases,” Ethridge said.
Final Thoughts
While Bitcoin may be grabbing headlines in 2025, it’s not the only crypto worth watching. Coins like Hyperliquid, XRP, and TRON have delivered strong returns this year—and all five of the top performers have real-world use cases.
Still, investing in crypto requires caution. Volatility is high, and not all coins are created equal. If you’re thinking about adding cryptocurrency to your portfolio:
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Stick to well-established coins
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Use reputable platforms
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Limit your allocation (5% or less is a common guideline)
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Consider ETFs for simplified, diversified exposure
Want to explore crypto investing further? Check out our guides to the best crypto exchanges, crypto wallets, and the latest on Ethereum ETFs.
