What is the best cryptocurrency to invest in right now?

The best cryptocurrency to invest in right now, or at any time, depends on your individual goals. By monitoring news and social media sentiment and performing technical analysis, you may be able to spot trending coins in time to capitalize and make a profit.

What is the best cryptocurrency in the US?

Cryptocurrency markets are global. This means that market data like price and volume is a snapshot of trading activity across the world. The best cryptocurrency picks will generally stay the same, no matter which country you live in. However, some countries have attempted to ban privacy coins from being traded on local exchanges. In the US, the SEC has opened investigations into individual coins, such as Tether and Ripple.

What cryptocurrency will explode this year?

There is no way to guarantee which cryptocurrency could take off tomorrow, let alone this year. To help, Finder publishes a regular expert price survey , which analyzes how top market cap coins might perform this year and beyond. Research firm Messari also releases an annual report that includes market trends for the coming year.

Which cryptocurrency is the most profitable right now?

Cryptocurrency trading profits are calculated based on your entry and exit price. The difference between these is the profit or loss. This means determining which cryptocurrency is most profitable is nearly impossible, as it ultimately depends on your individual trading circumstances.

Is it a good idea to buy cryptocurrency right now?

Cryptocurrency is widely considered a high-risk, volatile investment. Be cautious of social media influencers and peer pressure to buy, and ensure you fully understand the risks before you begin. A professional financial advisor can provide personalized advice so you can determine whether now is the time to invest.

Top Cryptocurrencies to Buy Right Now

Finder makes money from featured partners, but editorial opinions are our own. Advertiser disclosure

Disclaimer: This page is not financial advice or an endorsement of digital assets, providers or services. Digital assets are volatile and risky, and past performance is no guarantee of future results. Potential regulations or policies can affect their availability and services provided. Talk with a financial professional before making a decision. Finder or the author may own cryptocurrency discussed on this page.

It has been a hot year for bitcoin, but it is far from the only option available. When you are seeking the best crypto to buy right now, these are some top options to consider.

However, with constant market fluctuations, it is always best to do your due diligence before making an investment. Contact a financial advisor to explore personalized strategies based on your risk tolerance and financial goals to find the best crypto for your portfolio.

What are the best cryptocurrencies to buy right now?

It is not easy to pick short-term investments. In addition to price data, consider using social media sentiment analysis and news to contextualize what price movements might mean and make an educated decision.

Keep in mind that most big run-ups in price are usually followed by a correction, where the price comes back down after reaching a peak. Therefore, it is up to you to implement a strategy that allows you to exit with a profit before the market turns.

If you are investing over the long term, you may want to consider “blue-chip coins” like bitcoin (BTC) and ether (ETH), which have a relatively well-tested track record. These coins have been adopted by financial institutions worldwide and have utility beyond speculative investing.

The top 10 cryptocurrencies by market cap include several potential long-term investments. Let’s take a closer look at why they are a part of so many investment portfolios.

1. Bitcoin (BTC)

Bitcoin (BTC), released in 2009, is the world’s first cryptocurrency. It was created by a person or persons known only by the pseudonym Satoshi Nakamoto. It pioneered blockchain technology and gave birth to a multi-billion-dollar industry.

It is a widely accepted form of currency that is not controlled by any government or corporation and can be sent to anyone, anywhere in the world.

Since its release, Bitcoin has witnessed exponential growth and outperformed every asset class over the past 15 years.

Why do people think BTC has value?
Although it was designed as a peer-to-peer trustless digital payment system, many now consider it more of a store of value than a means of payment. It has even been called “digital gold” due to its limited supply of 21 million coins and the difficulty involved in creating new ones.

2. Ethereum (ETH)

Ethereum (ETH) was crowdfunded in 2014 by a team of software engineers and is the most used blockchain for decentralized applications (dApps).

It introduced smart contracts via a custom programming language called Solidity. Smart contracts allow for the development of automated software and applications that use the Ethereum blockchain for security. You can think of Ethereum as a highly secure financial layer for the internet with thousands of automated services, websites and applications that do not require staff to operate.

Ethereum currently struggles with slow transaction speeds compared to many of its competitors, although it has a robust development cycle set to tackle these issues.

Why do people think ETH has value?
Ether (ETH) is the native currency of the Ethereum blockchain and is used to pay for network transaction fees, known as gas. Each transaction burns (destroys) a portion of ETH permanently, reducing the supply over time.ETH can be staked (locked up) in return for earning yield.

3. XRP (XRP)

XRP is also one of the oldest, founded in 2012 by Ripple. Ripple originally designed XRP for use in cross-border payments, and the coin remains popular today.

Unlike blockchains like Bitcoin and Ethereum, where new coins are generated at set intervals via mining or staking, XRP was pre-mined, with all 100 billion tokens being created at launch.

These pre-mined tokens were distributed to individuals and companies in large quantities. Questions and concerns have been raised regarding the true decentralization of XRP, as a large majority of its tokens are held by just a few entities.

Why do people think XRP has value?
XRP is often associated with Ripple’s goal to modernize cross-border payments for banks and financial institutions. Hype about institutional adoption tends to drive interest and price.Also, in July 2023, Ripple secured a partial legal win when a US court ruled that XRP sales on public exchanges didn’t constitute securities. This led to renewed investor confidence and a price surge.

4. Binance Coin (BNB)

Binance Coin (BNB) is the native cryptocurrency of the BNB Chain and was created by the world’s largest cryptocurrency exchange, Binance.

BNB utilizes smart contracts and has an ecosystem of decentralized applications (dApps) built on its network. It operates in much the same way as competitor blockchain Ethereum and was designed to improve ETH’s network throughput and reduce transaction fees.

Why do people think BNB has value?
BNB is used to pay for transaction fees on the network, participate in Binance exclusive token releases and receive discounted trading fees on the exchange.
Users can stake BNB to earn regular yield, which also helps reduce the supply and theoretically increases demand.

5. Solana (SOL)

Solana (SOL) is a Layer-1 blockchain released in 2020 by the Solana Foundation. Much like Ethereum, Solana supports smart contract functionality and the development of dApps.

These projects range from NFT marketplaces, such as Magic Eden, to DeFi trading platforms, including Raydium and Orca.

A large part of Solana’s success as a Layer-1 blockchain and direct competitor to Ethereum is its unique proof-of-history (PoH) consensus developed by Solana founder and lead developer Anatoly Yakovenko. PoH allows for blockchain scalability, as well as fast and cost-efficient transactions.

In late 2022, Solana came under scrutiny following the declared bankruptcy of crypto exchange FTX, which had invested directly in and held a significant portion of the SOL circulating supply.

Why do people think SOL has value?
SOL is the native coin of the network, which means it is used to pay for transaction fees (gas) and can be staked in return for yield. It is a common trading pair for many of the DeFi protocols or NFT marketplaces on the network.

6. Dogecoin (DOGE)

Dogecoin (DOGE) was developed in 2013 by software developer Billy Markus to put some humor in the crypto space. Although originally released as a joke, Doge has become one of the world’s most well-recognized and popular cryptocurrencies, ranking in the top 10 projects by total market cap in recent years.

Dogecoin operates similarly to Bitcoin and Litecoin as it was created as a clone of these open-source codebases, otherwise known as a fork. Key differences include its uncapped total supply and fast block production time. It is most commonly used as a payment network.

Why do people think DOGE has value?
DOGE experienced rapid growth throughout the 2021 bull cycle and was heavily promoted by crypto enthusiasts and even eccentric billionaire Elon Musk. Musk’s company, Tesla, began accepting DOGE as a form of payment in 2022, further increasing its recognition as a legitimate payment coin.

7. Tron (TRX)

Tron is a Layer-1 blockchain based on a modified version of Ethereum. It is notable for its low transaction fees, which first brought it to prominence in 2018.

It was founded by Justin Sun, a notable and sometimes controversial figure in the crypto space, who was Ripple’s former chief representative in China.

In 2018, Justin Sun purchased BitTorrent and incorporated elements of the Tron blockchain into the popular uTorrent application, helping bolster the blockchain’s success. Tron also hosts several hundred decentralized applications with a strong focus on gaming and entertainment.

Why do people think TRX has value?
TRX is used to pay for transactions on Tron and is used with many of the applications on the network. Nodes must hold large amounts to keep the network secure. These holdings can also be staked to earn yield.

8. Cardano (ADA)

Cardano (ADA) is a Layer-1 blockchain that, like Ethereum, supports smart contracts and operates under a proof-of-stake consensus. This means developers can build and deploy decentralized applications (dApps) on top of Cardano’s infrastructure.

Cardano was released in 2017 and rose to popularity almost instantly. Its instant trust and recognition by the crypto community can be partially attributed to its founder, Charles Hoskinson. Hoskinson is a notable figure in the crypto space and one of the core developers behind Ethereum.

While Cardano has a strong roadmap and team, it has fallen victim to development delays and is not considered as user-friendly as competitor networks like Ethereum or Polkadot.

Why do people think ADA has value?
ADA is the native coin of the network, which means it can be traded for other assets, used to pay for transaction fees or staked (locked up) in return for yield.

9. Hyperliquid (HYPE)

Hyperliquid (HYPE) is a decentralized Layer-1 blockchain designed to improve the efficiency and performance of DeFi apps.

It is a self-funded initiative with creators that include alumni from Harvard, Caltech and MIT. With a concentration on decentralized perpetual exchange services, it enables perpetual futures trading without transaction gas fees. It also features a fully on-chain order book for improved security with verifiable transactions. Its security protocol includes a custom consensus algorithm known as HyperBFT and uses its Ethereum Virtual Machine (EVM) bridge to secure deposits and withdrawals.

Only 33% of its one billion maximum supply is currently in circulation.

Why do people think HYPE has value?
HYPE has made a reputation for itself based on its speed and efficiency. It operates on its own custom chain for greater control, which enables it to manage high transaction volume without gas fees or the transaction delays seen on other crypto networks. Overall, it has the ability to handle up to 100,000 orders per second.

10. Stellar (XLM)

Stellar (XLM) is a decentralized blockchain launched in 2014 by Jed McCaleb and Joyce Kim, following a split from Ripple the previous year.

It is built on its unique Stellar Anchor Network infrastructure to unite blockchain technology with banking systems and payment rails, partnering with companies like MoneyGram International, Franklin Templeton and PayPal. In 2024, Stellar added protocol 20, which enabled full-featured smart contracts for faster and more secure payments. Transaction speeds remain impressive, with confirmation times under 6 seconds and transaction costs of only 0.00001 XLM. Its native digital currency, Lumens (XLM), is used to settle its transaction fees, keeping costs low.

However, circulation is limited — although 100 billion XLM were initially issued, half of that was burned by the Stellar Development Foundation, leaving a total supply of 50 billion XLM.

Why do people think XLM has value?
Stellar’s anchor network, low fees, fast processing times and strategic partnerships have all contributed to its growing adoption in the crypto space.

Top crypto exchanges to buy crypto right now

Go to site

Trade over 440 cryptocurrencies and 480+ pairs with deep liquidity and low maker–taker fees
Earn up to 13.74% APY through staking or 5% APY on idle cash insured up to $5 million
Access advanced products, including CFTC-regulated derivatives, zero-commission stock trading and prediction markets
Protect your assets with 1:1 reserves, self-custody wallet control and $120 million in crime insurance

Go to site

Trade over 80 cryptocurrencies and 50 fiat currencies, all through a user-friendly interface.
Access an impressive range of options to fund your account, including debit and credit cards, Revolut, SWIFT, Skrill and Neteller.
Corporations can sign up for Paybis Send to automatically convert client payments into crypto

Finder Award

Go to site

Trade leading cryptocurrencies including BTC and ETH
Copy top crypto investors with eToro's innovative CopyTrader
Access ready-made portfolios built by eToro experts for instant investment direction

How are the cryptocurrency markets performing today?

The crypto market is down — the average price of the top 200 coins dropped 1.49% over the last 24 hours.

Trading volume was, however, up and was 12% higher than the previous 7 days’ average.
Volatility was above average at 0.95%, compared with the 30-day average of 0.88%. Higher volatility can make your profits or your losses larger if you decide to sell. (Data from Finder’s cryptocurrency tracking.)

How to find the best cryptocurrency to invest in today

Finding the best cryptocurrencies to invest in requires staying up-to-date on market developments each day. The tools in this guide are a good starting point but should be just one part of your decision-making process.

These tips can help you find the best cryptocurrencies to buy today.

News. Keeping up to date with the latest news is a cornerstone of any investing strategy and helps make sense of market movements. You can follow dedicated outlets like CoinDesk and Cointelegraph for daily cryptocurrency reporting. You can also sign up for top crypto newsletters, such as Bankless or The Defiant, for a more curated experience.
Research reports. While none of us can see the future, you can get ahead of the curve by reading industry reports, such as Messari’s annual review and forecast, Kraken’s monthly analysis of on-chain data and Finder’s price prediction surveys.
Sentiment analysis. Analyzing investor sentiment about specific coins or market events can help you identify trends and determine when to take action. Social media sentiment analysis can be an effective way of tracking what others are saying about a given topic. You can use the tools provided in this guide to perform your own analysis, or you can opt for a paid service.
Technical analysis. Technical analysis refers to the tools and techniques used by traders to analyze price charts. Most of the tools necessary for technical analysis are available on the best cryptocurrency exchanges, or you can use a popular service like TradingView. Technical analysis has a steep learning curve and takes years to master, so consider enrolling in a professional trading course.

12:05

Where to buy cryptocurrency now

Use our table to compare cryptocurrency exchanges on features like the number of coins available, payment methods and fees. Click Go to site if you’re ready to create an account.

10 of 16 results

Finder Score	Fiat currencies	Cryptocurrencies	Deposit methods	Disclaimer	bullet point infobox
8.4Great Paybis Cryptocurrency Exchange	8.4Great	42	55	Bank transfer, Credit card, Debit card, Neteller, Fedwire, ACH online banking	US residents: Restricted in the following states - NY, CT, NM, WA, HI, AL, VT, FL, AK, NV.	Go to site Capital at risk More info Compare product selectionCompare	loading
8.2Great Uphold - Digital Asset Platform	8.2Great	27	253	Bank transfer (ACH), Bank transfer, Credit card, Debit card, Wire, Apple Pay, Google Pay	Terms apply. Cryptoassets are highly volatile. Your capital is at risk. Available in the US, CA, UK and AU	Go to site Capital at risk More info Compare product selectionCompare	loading
9Excellent Robinhood Crypto	9Excellent	1	31	Bank transfer (ACH), Debit card, Instant transfer, Direct Bank Deposit	Go to site Capital at risk More info Compare product selectionCompare	loading
9.8Excellent Crypto.com App	9.8Excellent	31	442	Bank transfer, Credit card, Debit card, PayPal, Wire transfer, Fedwire, Apple Pay, Google Pay, SWIFT	Go to site Capital at risk More info Compare product selectionCompare	loading
9.4Excellent OKX Cryptocurrency Exchange	9.4Excellent	1	181	Bank transfer (ACH), Debit card, Wire transfer, Apple Pay, Google Pay, Plaid	Get up to $400 in BTC. 1. Complete KYC approval, Get $10 in BTC (no AUM requirement). 2. Deposit and Trade $200, Get $90 in BTC (30 day hold, withdrawable after 30 days) 3. Deposit $10,000, get an additional $300 in BTC (30 day hold, withdrawable after 30 days). T&Cs apply.	Go to site Capital at risk More info Compare product selectionCompare	loading
8.2Great eToro USA LLC Cryptocurrency Trading Finder Award	8.2Great	26	105	Bank transfer, Debit card, PayPal, Wire transfer	Crypto Trading is offered via eToro USA LLC (NMLS ID: 1769299). This entity is not a registered broker-dealer or FINRA member and your cryptocurrency holdings are not FDIC or SIPC insured. Investments are subject to market risk, including the possible loss of principal.	Go to site Capital at risk More info Compare product selectionCompare	loading
9Excellent Kraken Cryptocurrency Exchange Finder Award	9Excellent	7	466	Bank transfer, Credit card, Cryptocurrency, Debit card, PayPal, SEPA, Instant SEPA, Apple Pay, Google Pay, SWIFT, ACH online banking	Not available in Japan	Go to site Capital at risk More info Compare product selectionCompare	loading
7Great Figure Markets - Borrow and Earn Platform	7Great	1	7	Bank transfer (ACH), Wire transfer	Go to site Capital at risk More info Compare product selectionCompare	loading
Not scored yet Fold	Not scored yet	1	1	Bank transfer (ACH)	†Offer valid only to new Fold users who sign up through the website, with referral code FINDER. BitGo and Fortress Trust provide Bitcoin services. See BitGo Terms of Use here, and Fortress Terms of Use here.	Go to site Capital at risk More info Compare product selectionCompare	loading
8.6Great KuCoin Cryptocurrency Exchange	8.6Great	50	1086	Cryptocurrency, PayPal, P2P	Not available for US citizens	Go to site Capital at risk More info Compare product selectionCompare	loading

Showing 10 of 16 results

Bottom line

So, what is the best crypto to buy right now? No one can guarantee the best cryptocurrency to buy — it is up to you to research and monitor the markets, so you can form your own trading plan.

This guide combines key trends and strategies designed to give you a head start, but it is not investment advice. We highly recommend consulting a financial advisor to determine the best strategy based on your personal goals and risk tolerance.

To start trading, choose one of the best cryptocurrency exchanges, open an account and explore resources that will help you create your investment plan.

Frequently asked questions

Cryptocurrency markets are global. This means that market data like price and volume is a snapshot of trading activity across the world. The best cryptocurrency picks will generally stay the same, no matter which country you live in.
However, some countries have attempted to ban privacy coins from being traded on local exchanges. In the US, the SEC has opened investigations into individual coins, such as Tether and Ripple.

Sources

Disclaimer: Cryptocurrencies are speculative, complex and involve significant risks – they are highly volatile and sensitive to secondary activity. Performance is unpredictable and past performance is no guarantee of future performance. Consider your own circumstances, and obtain your own advice, before relying on this information. You should also verify the nature of any product or service (including its legal status and relevant regulatory requirements) and consult the relevant Regulators' websites before making any decision. Finder, or the author, may have holdings in the cryptocurrencies discussed.

Thank you for your feedback!

To make sure you get accurate and helpful information, this guide has been edited by Holly Jennings as part of our fact-checking process.

Written by

Lena Borrelli

Contributor

Lena Borrelli is an experienced finance writer with a deep understanding of personal finance, investing and consumer banking. Her work has been featured in top-tier publications such as Forbes, TIME, Bankrate, Moneywise and Annuity.org, where she provides expert insights on financial trends, smart money management and emerging fintech solutions. With a background in personal finance and content strategy, Lena specializes in breaking down complex financial topics into clear, actionable advice for readers. When she is not writing or scanning the news for the latest headlines, she is happiest spending time in the Florida sunshine with her husband and two pups. See full bio

More resources on Finder

Ask a question

Click here to cancel reply.

Finder.com provides guides and information on a range of products and services. Because our content is not financial advice, we suggest talking with a professional before you make any decision.

By submitting your comment or question, you agree to our Privacy and Cookies Policy and finder.com Terms of Use.

Questions and responses on finder.com are not provided, paid for or otherwise endorsed by any bank or brand. These banks and brands are not responsible for ensuring that comments are answered or accurate.

This site is protected by reCAPTCHA and the Google Privacy Policy and Terms of Service apply.

More guides on Finder

How to buy Sui (SUI)
Learn how to buy Sui in the US with our simple step-by-step guide and tips on what to know before you get started.
How to buy Pudgy Penguins (PENGU)
Learn how to buy Pudgy Penguins in the US with our simple step-by-step guide and tips on what to know before you get started.
How to buy Bittensor (TAO)
Learn how to buy Bittensor in the US with our simple step-by-step guide and tips on what to know before you get started.
How to buy TRON (TRX)
This guide provides step-by-step instructions on how to buy TRON, lists some exchanges where you can get it and provides daily price data on (TRX).
How to buy IOTA (IOTA)
This guide provides step-by-step instructions on how to buy IOTA, lists some exchanges where you can get it and provides daily price data on (MIOTA).
How to buy Stellar (XLM)
This guide provides step-by-step instructions on how to buy Stellar, lists some exchanges where you can get it and provides daily price data on (XLM).
How to sell Dogecoin in 4 steps
Learn how to sell Dogecoin in 3 simple steps.
How to buy Cardano (ADA)
Learn how to buy Cardano in the US with our simple step-by-step guide and tips on what to know before you get started.
How to buy Litecoin (LTC)
Learn how to buy Litecoin in the US with our simple step-by-step guide and tips on what to know before you get started.

Best Crypto to Buy Right Now

Here are the top market cap cryptocurrencies to help you make an informed decision about the best cryptos to buy.

What are the best cryptocurrencies to buy right now?

1. Bitcoin (BTC)

2. Ethereum (ETH)

3. XRP (XRP)

4. Binance Coin (BNB)

5. Solana (SOL)

6. Dogecoin (DOGE)

7. Tron (TRX)

8. Cardano (ADA)

9. Hyperliquid (HYPE)

10. Stellar (XLM)

Top crypto exchanges to buy crypto right now

How are the cryptocurrency markets performing today?

How to find the best cryptocurrency to invest in today

Where to buy cryptocurrency now

Bottom line

Frequently asked questions

Sources

Lena Borrelli

Ask a question

More guides on Finder