Next Big Cryptocurrency: What Could Explode in 2025?

Cryptocurrency might have started as a fringe investment, but it’s now a mainstream asset class with the potential for massive returns — and major losses. While bitcoin and ethereum continue to dominate, savvy investors are asking a bigger question: What’s the next big cryptocurrency?

This guide explores which cryptos are poised to explode next, and what signs to look for when evaluating a cryptocurrency’s long-term potential.

5 Cryptocurrencies That Could Be the Next Big Thing in 2025

If you’re searching for the next big cryptocurrency, keep your eye on coins that offer more than just hype.

Here’s a quick look at the cryptocurrencies to keep on your radar for 2025:

1. BNB (BNB)

Binance is the largest cryptocurrency exchange in terms of trading volumes. Its coin, BNB, puts about one-fifth of its profits each quarter into permanently getting rid of, or “burning,” BNB tokens. These burns help reduce the coin’s supply, creating some scarcity — though not to the same extent as the fixed bitcoin coin limit, which caps total supply at 21 million.

Binance has two blockchains, which reduce the kind of bottlenecks Ethereum is vulnerable to. It’s also fast and scalable, and Binance is in the process of making the platform more regulator-friendly, according to Seeking Alpha. 

Binance recently announced a $100 million incentive program to boost real-world asset (RWA) projects. RWAs are physical items that can be turned into digital assets using blockchain technology. Through a process called tokenization, owners can convert things like real estate or art into digital tokens, letting many people buy fractional shares.

On June 13, just two months after launching this initiative, Binance shared that it had already backed 17 new projects on its Binance Smart Chain — a blockchain that supports smart contracts. These projects include everything from meme tokens to decentralized finance and artificial intelligence.

2. Tether (USDT)

Tether is a type of “stablecoin” designed to provide a less volatile alternative to bitcoin because it’s linked to another asset. In Tether’s case, that asset is the U.S. dollar.

Investors use it to hold funds or make transactions using funds they want to protect against the price swings to which bitcoin and other non-stable cryptocurrencies are vulnerable. You can also stake your tether holdings — that is, make your coins available for transaction validation — and earn rewards.

In valuation terms, tether usually has a 1-to-1 ratio with the dollar, meaning it’s less volatile than cryptos such as bitcoin — “usually” being the operative word. The blockchains on which tether operates, like Ethereum and Tron, secure the Tether Network. The coins are secured with reserves including cash, cash equivalents and secured loans.

Although tether’s value won’t increase, its market cap has grown steadily over the last two years and sits at $155.53 billion as of June 16.

Tether is the largest stablecoin and the third-largest coin overall. It’s also the most traded coin. This level of adoption makes it less likely to fail.

3. Algorand (ALGO)

Algorand, founded by noted computer scientist Silvio Micali, might be the next big cryptocurrency. It has positioned itself as a competitor to the Ethereum blockchain.

Hundreds of companies, including the International Federation of Association Football, use it. Some governments do, too, including El Salvador and the Marshall Islands.

Algorand uses a “pure proof-of-stake” system that now lets individual users earn staking rewards. Anyone who stakes at least 30,000 ALGO coins to help verify transactions can earn real-time, compounding rewards.

Algorand also has entered the RWA space with Lofty, a real estate tokenization project. Lofty has turned 148 properties into digital tokens and brought in more than $2 million in rental income so far.

Beyond real estate, Algorand supports projects in decentralized finance and digital rights protection — including tools to safeguard data from misuse by artificial intelligence.

4. Render (RENDER)

Render, formerly known as render token, is a network that helps people share computing power.

It works like this: People with extra graphics processing power (often from powerful computers used for gaming or crypto mining) rent it out to artists and studios that need it for projects like 3D graphics or AI image creation.

As AI demands more power, this kind of sharing becomes even more valuable. On the Render network, people use the render token to pay and receive these services.

Render is backed by Otoy, a company known for cloud-based graphics technology. Otoy created the Octane X RNDR app for iOS, which lets users create high-quality graphics using the same powerful rendering technology used by studios like Disney and Marvel, according to Fast company.

With this cutting-edge tool, Render has the potential to become a major player in creating 3D experiences for the metaverse.

5. Solana (SOL)

With a market cap of $83.35 billion, solana is the sixth-largest crypto by that metric. Its blockchain is the second-largest by “total value locked,” which represents the blockchain’s value in U.S. dollars.

As CoinCodex reported, Solana transactions are among the least expensive, with an average fee of $0.001 per transaction. That has helped Solana position itself as a major blockchain for NFTs and gaming.

Solana’s growth potential is also getting a boost from investment companies that want to launch a solana exchange-traded fund (ETF). Like bitcoin and ethereum ETFs, solana funds would give investors direct exposure to the cryptocurrency itself rather than companies involved in cryptocurrency.

How To Find the Next Big Crypto Coin

Up-and-coming crypto coins usually have several characteristics in common.

Look for Innovation and Utility

Meme coins grab headlines, but rarely does hype alone cause sustainable growth. For that, a coin needs to have utility for solving real-world problems.

“Use cases,” or the practical applications for a cryptocurrency, promote the widespread adoption necessary for growth.

Evaluate the Development Team and Vision

An experienced development team with a strong track record will give the project a better chance to succeed. But even the most talented team can struggle to succeed without a clear vision and a plan to solve real problems.

Investors and partners want to see how a project will make an impact before they commit their support and funding.

Research Community Engagement and Support

The collaborative nature of communities that spring up around cryptocurrencies plays a major role in development and adoption, according to OSL.

Dogecoin is a perfect example. If the coin has no utility to speak of — its growth is 100% community-driven.

Key Metrics To Spot the Next Crypto To Explode  

Investing in cryptocurrency takes research and careful evaluation, just like investing in stocks. However, you’ll need to focus on different metrics and tools to assess a cryptocurrency’s potential for growth.

• Market metrics: Metrics like market capitalization and trading volume can give you a sense of how likely a coin is to grow.
• Market cap: The total value of a crypto’s circulating coins. Coins with larger market caps tend to be more stable.
• Trading volume: Tells you how many coins are trading hands. High volume means more investors actively trading, and a better chance that you’ll be able to buy and sell coins instantly, at predictable prices.
• Technology and development progress: Keep an eye on a cryptocurrency’s website and platforms like GitHub for updates on its development. These announcements show if the project is making progress toward its goals. If development stalls, it’s a red flag that the project may not succeed.
• Partnerships and real-world adaptation: Partnerships show a cryptocurrency project in action. Algorand’s partnership with a major sporting association is a prime example. Proof of a cryptocurrency’s utility encourages adoption by new partners. Expanding adoption is key to a crypto’s growth.

Risks To Watch Out for When Investing In Emerging Cryptos

Cryptocurrency is a speculative investment that poses unique challenges to investors.

Market Volatility

Crypto is subject to the same market forces as stocks and other investments. But the swings are often wider and less predictable, which makes it that much more important to diversify your portfolio.

Pro Tip

For more security, consider indirect investments through exchange-traded funds that hold crypto-related stocks.

Scams and Fraudulent Projects

The lack of regulation makes cryptocurrency vulnerable to market manipulation scams like pump-and-dump schemes.

With these schemes, the organizer hypes up demand for a risky cryptocurrency with low trading volume. As the price peaks, the organizer dumps their holdings, causing prices to plummet and leaving investors stuck with their now-worthless coins.

Crypto Scam Prevention Tips

• Go to the project’s website and read its white paper and development updates.
• Look for news from reputable sources like CoinDesk, CoinTelegraph and CoinMarketCap.
• Search the SEC website for any regulatory actions or red flags tied to the cryptocurrency.

The Next Big Cryptocurrency: Final Takeaway

Whether you’re focused on AI tokens, scalable blockchains or institutional-friendly platforms, there are signs that help you spot a rising star. Just be sure to balance potential rewards with the risks, and do your own research before making any moves.

The next big crypto could already be gaining traction — now’s the time to learn where to look.

Vance Cariaga and Caitlyn Moorhead contributed to the reporting for this article.

Data is accurate as of June 16, 2025, and is subject to change.