When discussing cryptocurrencies, Bitcoin often steals the spotlight, yet there are countless alternative options available within this realm of digital money. Actually, altcoins—cryptocurrencies other than Bitcoin—are typically seen as secondary choices, known colloquially as "altcoins" or "also-rans." altcoins ", or options like Bitcoin.
Although Bitcoin could be considered the first significant cryptocurrency Upon hitting the market in 2009, numerous competitors have since gained significant popularity, though none have matched the size of the original.
Below are the biggest cryptocurrencies ranked according to their total dollar worth based on the number of circulating coins, which is also referred to as their market capitalization or simply 'market cap'. (The information provided comes from CoinMarketCap.com and was accurate as of March 6, 2025.)
Biggest digital currencies ranked by market capitalization
1. Bitcoin (BTC)
- Price: $88,212.87
- Market cap: $1.75 trillion
As the pioneer of the cryptocurrency age, Bitcoin remains the go-to example when discussing digital currencies. Created by an enigmatic figure known as Satoshi Nakamoto around 2009, this currency has experienced quite a turbulent journey ever since. Nevertheless, it didn't capture widespread public attention until 2017. By 2024, the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) had authorized the trading of Exchange-traded funds that invest directly in Bitcoin , offering investors a simple method to wager on Bitcoin.
2. Ethereum (ETH)
- Price: $2,193.56
- Market cap: $264.67 billion
Ethereum -- the title of the cryptocurrency platform -- is probably the second name you're most likely to be familiar with in the crypto world. This system enables you to utilize ether (as its currency) for various operations, yet the the smart contract feature of Ethereum contributes to making it a favored currency.
3. XRP (XRP)
- Price: $2.56
- Market cap: $148.87 billion
Previously called Ripple and launched in 2012, XRP provides a method for making payments using various real-world currencies. It serves well for international transactions and employs a decentralized system to process these payments efficiently.
4. Tether (USDT)
- Price: $0.9997
- Market cap: $142.69 billion
Tether's price remains fixed at $1 per token. This stability is due to its classification as a stablecoin Stablecoins maintain their value relative to a particular asset—in Tether’s instance, this is the U.S. dollar. These coins frequently serve as an intermediary for traders transitioning between different cryptocurrencies without converting back into traditional currency; instead, they utilize Tether. Nevertheless, concerns have been raised about whether Tether is truly fully supported by reserved dollars. Some argue that it relies more on unsecured short-term debts.
5. BNB (BNB)
- Price: $591.87
- Market cap: $84.33 billion
BNB is the digital currency created by Binance. Binance One of the biggest cryptocurrency exchanges globally, Binance Coin was initially designed as a token to facilitate discounted trade fees. However, it has since evolved to allow for payments and the acquisition of an array of products and services.
6. Solana (SOL)
- Price: $143.20
- Market cap: $72.82 billion
Launched in March 2020, Solana It’s a more recent cryptocurrency. Solana emphasizes its rapid transaction processing and the comprehensive strength of its "web-scale" infrastructure. The supply of the currency, known as SOL, is limited to 480 million tokens.
7. USDC (USDC)
- Price: $0.9999
- Market cap: $57.23 billion
Similar to Tether, USDC is a stablecoin tied to the dollar, ensuring its value remains steady. According to its creators, this stability comes from full asset reserves or assets of equivalent fair value, which are kept in custody at regulated financial institutions within the U.S.
8. Cardano (ADA)
- Price: $0.8950
- Market cap: $31.53 billion
Cardano The blockchain platform responsible for ADA, which serves as its native currency, was founded by one of the co-founders of Ethereum. Cardano similarly employs smart contracts and facilitates identity management.
9. Dogecoin (DOGE)
- Price: $0.2011
- Market cap: $29.84 billion
Initially developed as a humorous response following the surge in Bitcoin, Dogecoin It derives its name from an internet meme showcasing a Shiba Inu dog. Contrary to numerous cryptocurrencies that cap the total coin supply, Dogecoin does not have such limitations on issuance. This currency can be utilized for transactions or transferring funds.
10. TRON (TRX)
- Price: $0.2399
- Market cap: $20.65 billion
TRON is a blockchain platform designed for developing apps that launched in 2017. The platform’s primary cryptocurrency is called TRX. In 2018, the Tron Foundation took over the popular peer-to-peer file-sharing system BitTorrent.
11. Pi (PI)
- Price: $1.80
- Market cap: $12.73 billion
Pi is a cryptocurrency initiative that enables individuals to mine tokens using just their smartphones through a straightforward tap. This venture has faced certain criticisms and doubts surrounding its legitimacy and questioning whether it might be more of a promotional tactic than an authentic endeavor.
12. Chainlink (LINK)
- Price: $16.68
- Market cap: $10.65 billion
Chainlink serves as a cryptocurrency that fuels the Chainlink network, utilized to compensate operators for linking smart contracts with actual world information, thereby rendering it crucial. DeFi apps .
Bottom line
The cryptocurrency market resembles the Wild West, hence individuals investing in these digital currencies ought not to allocate funds they cannot bear to lose. Additionally, it's crucial to recognize that retail traders frequently compete with extremely experienced adversaries, which can make the journey particularly challenging for beginners.
Editorial Disclaimer: It is recommended that all investors perform their own thorough research into investment approaches prior to deciding on an investment. Additionally, it should be noted that previous performance of investment products does not ensure future growth in value.
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