Best Crypto to Buy Now (December 18, 2024) Top Crypto to Invest In
Now is an opportune moment to invest in crypto, with major developments reshaping the market. U.S. President Donald Trump’s return to office could pave the way for new regulatory support, and policies favoring crypto adoption are gaining traction worldwide. But out of all the crypto on the market, what are the best cryptocurrencies to buy now?
According to our research, the best cryptos to buy on December 18, 2024 are Bitcoin, Ethereum, XRP, Solana, Pepe, Cardano, Dogecoin, BNB, and Notcoin.
Our rankings of the best crypto to buy now are grounded in a scientific, data-driven approach. We analyze each project by applying a proprietary methodology — we normalize evaluations with Z-scores to remove biases and ensure a fair comparison across varied market cap sizes, liquidity, and development stages.
Best Crypto to Buy Right Now List
Crypto | 24-Hour Price Change | Year-to-Date Return | Current Price | Risk Level | Investment Type |
---|---|---|---|---|---|
Bitcoin |
BTC -2.58% |
+141.95% | $104,291.00 | Low to Moderate | Long-term |
Ethereum |
ETH -3.58% |
+71.66% | $3,868.04 | Moderate | Long-term |
XRP |
XRP -4.78% |
+313.07% | $2.53 | Moderate | Medium-term |
Solana |
SOL -2.97% |
+185.43% | $216.30 | High | Long-term |
Pepe |
PEPE -7.86% |
+1534.67% | $0.000021 | High | Speculative, short-term |
Cardano |
ADA -6.40% |
+70.18% | $1.03 | Moderate to High | Medium-term |
Dogecoin |
DOGE -4.18% |
+315.03% | $0.38 | High | Speculative, short-term |
BNB |
BNB -0.90% |
+191.55% | $714.67 | Moderate | Long-term |
Notcoin |
NOT -6.68% |
-24.70% | $0.0073 | High | Speculative, short-term |
💡 All information in the table above is updated daily to ensure the most accurate and current data is provided. The table was updated on December 18, 2024.
Best Cryptocurrencies to Invest in Today
Below are in-depth reviews of the best cryptocurrencies to buy now, with large-cap crypto coins that could provide the most reliable returns in the short to long term. We update our list according to market trends and performance, as well as evolving utility and adoption.
Each factor in our ranking methodology is weighted, reflecting its importance in predicting success and reliability. This ensures that the crypto assets with the strongest performance across all metrics make the top of the list.
To cater to investors of all risk levels, we have included alternatives to the established cryptos reviewed below. Many prefer presales for higher growth potential compared to established coins like Bitcoin or Ethereum.
Presales like Wall Street Pepe often offer early-stage discounts, while established coins provide more stability. Choose presales if you’re seeking high-risk, high-reward opportunities, or stick with established cryptos for safer, long-term growth.
For interested investors, here’s a summary of the alternatives to established cryptocurrencies we will go over in this guide:
Coin | Price | Raised Amount | Price Increase | Why We Chose It |
Wall Street Pepe (WEPE) | $0.000364 | N/A | Staking rewards and broader utility than PEPE | |
Solaxy (SOLX) | $0.001562 | N/A | High growth potential as Solana’s first layer-2 | |
Best Wallet Token (BEST) | $0.023175 | N/A | Multi-chain compatibility and lower fees than BNB | |
Crypto All-Stars (STARS) | $0.0016782 | N/A | Higher staking rewards and coin range than ETH | |
Dogesquared (DOGE2) | $0.0084261 | N/A | Faster transactions and more scalable than DOGE | |
Pepe Unchained (PEPU) | $0.022 | $182.67M | +43.73% | Staking utility; bridges PEPE and ETH functionalities |
1. Bitcoin (BTC) — Overall Best Crypto to Buy Now
Bitcoin is the world’s oldest cryptocurrency and the largest by market cap. It’s the only cryptocurrency officially recognized by many major governments, including the US. It’s even used as legal tender in countries like El Salvador.
The first Bitcoin ETFs began trading on US stock exchanges on January 11, 2024, leading to massive capital inflows. Other major events, such as cuts in US Federal Reserve interest rates and Bitcoin crossing $100,000, have also had a positive impact on its price.
Key Highlights:
- Bitcoin price as of December 18, 2024: $104,291.00
- Market cap: $2.06T
- All-time high: $108,282.00
- Last 24 hours change in price:
BTC -2.58%
- Bitcoin’s price has increased in the last week with a change of +6.52%
- Year-over-year (YoY) return: +141.95%
24h7d30d1yAll timeWhy Bitcoin made it onto our list
Bitcoin has been driving the crypto bull market, growing significantly over the past year and outperforming major altcoins like Ethereum. Its robust market capitalization, liquidity, and institutional adoption set it apart.
Its market capitalization exceeds $2.06T, accounting for over 57% of the total cryptocurrency market. This ensures high liquidity and facilitates seamless entry and exit positions. The approval of Bitcoin ETFs has attracted significant capital inflows, enhancing stability. Major institutions are increasingly integrating Bitcoin into their portfolios.
Additionally, the 2024 US presidential election has ushered in a pro-crypto administration, signaling favorable regulatory developments. Proposed policies include establishing a national Bitcoin reserve and appointing crypto-friendly officials, which could further legitimize and support Bitcoin’s growth.
Bitcoin’s price has surged, surpassing the $100,000 mark. Analysts project more increases, with some Bitcoin price predictions suggesting it could reach $180,000, driven by institutional interest and supportive policies.
Interested in investing in Bitcoin? Learn how to buy Bitcoin with our comprehensive guide that walks you through the process step-by-step.
Pros and cons of investing in Bitcoin
Pros
- Significant growth potential in volatile markets
- A highly liquid asset with global market access
- Robust security through cryptographic protocols
- 21 million supply cap ensures scarcity and value retention
- Uncorrelated with traditional assets; reduces overall risk
Cons
- Inconsistent regulations across jurisdictions
- Slow transaction processing times and high fees at times
2. Ethereum (ETH) — Best for Staking
Ethereum is the world’s second-largest crypto by market capitalization and the most widely used blockchain network for dApp development. The project was the first to introduce smart contracts when it launched in 2015.
Ethereum transitioned from a PoW to a PoS consensus mechanism in 2022. The first spot Ether ETFs were approved earlier this year and started trading on July 23. Despite initial net outflows, Ethereum ETFs have registered solid inflows since the US Federal Reserve started cutting interest rates in late September 2024.
Key Highlights:
- Ethereum price as of December 18, 2024: $3,868.04
- Market cap: $465.88B
- All-time high: $4,867.17
- Last 24 hours change in price:
ETH -3.58%
- Ethereum price has increased in the last week with a change of +5.07%
- Year-over-year (YoY) return: +71.66%
24h7d30d1yAll timeWhy Ethereum made it onto our list
Ethereum remains the most popular blockchain network for developers. It’s where most of the action in the crypto world is happening, including new cryptocurrency launches, play-to-earn blockchain games, and advances in DeFi.
There’s a flywheel effect at play here. As Ethereum gets bigger, more developers build on it and encourage even more users to join. In return, demand for ETH keeps growing. This means its value continuously rises, making it one of the top altcoins.
Recently, Ethereum strengthened its position as a top crypto to buy now. The Pectra upgrade focused on scalability and reduced congestion and transaction costs. Devcon 2024 showcased key advancements, including zkEVM development, promising faster and cheaper dApps.
Spot Ether ETFs continued to attract institutional capital, boosting market confidence. Compared to competitors, Ethereum’s consistent innovation and broad utility in DeFi, NFTs, and gaming solidify its status as a must-buy crypto in December 2024.
Currently valued at $3,868.04, the most optimistic Ethereum price prediction points to a valuation of over $5,000 by 2025. Considering investing in Ethereum? Learn how to buy Ethereum with our detailed guide.
Pros and cons of investing in Ethereum
Pros
- The most popular platform for DeFi and NFTs
- Ethereum 2.0 upgrade enhanced transaction speed and reduced fees
- Ethereum ETFs boost accessibility and institutional adoption
- Large, active community driving innovation
- Ethereum’s PoS consensus offers staking rewards
Cons
- High usage leads to slow transactions and high gas fees
- Vulnerable to bugs and exploits in poorly written contracts
Staking Ethereum for Passive Income and Emerging Alternatives
Ethereum’s staking feature boosts its appeal for long-term investors. Staking lets you lock your ETH to earn rewards, providing predictable passive income over time. For this reason, Ethereum is a top choice for stability and growth.
For higher-risk, high-reward opportunities, Crypto All-Stars offers an alternative. Its upcoming MemeVault allows you to stake popular meme coins, such as DOGE and PEPE, alongside its $STARS token. The project is currently offering a staking APY of 281%.
Comparatively, you can get an APY of 2.18% on your ETH on Coinbase, 2.5 to 7% on Kraken, and 2.79 to 4.63% on Rocket Pool. While Ethereum appeals to conservative, long-term strategies, Crypto All-Stars suits bold investors aiming to capitalize on emerging platforms. Learn more about $STARS.
3. XRP (XRP) — Best Medium-Term Crypto Investment
XRP is the official token of the Ripple payment network, which was built to make international payments faster and cheaper. The project is coming off a win against the SEC, which alleged that XRP was an unregistered security and is now being sued for overreach. XRP is now the fourth-largest crypto by market cap.
Key Highlights:
- XRP price as of December 18, 2024: $2.53
- Market cap: $144.48B
- All-time high: $3.92
- Last 24 hours change in price:
XRP -4.78%
- XRP price has increased in the last week with a change of +9.25%
- Year-over-year (YoY) return: +313.07%
24h7d30d1yAll timeWhy XRP made it onto our list
XRP has been held back for years by uncertainty over whether it would be classified as a security in the US. Now, thanks to its court victory over the SEC, that uncertainty is gone. So, the answer to “Is XRP Dead?” is now a resounding “No, it’s not.” In fact, it has rallied +117.51% in the last month, surpassing the $2 mark.
This recent surge stems from several key catalysts, with the main ones being:
- Regulatory Developments: The partial resolution of Ripple’s legal battle with the SEC has reduced uncertainty, boosting investor confidence.
- Institutional Adoption: Asset managers like Bitwise have filed for XRP exchange-traded products, signaling growing institutional interest. Additionally, the project has brought on major partners like Bank of America, PNC Bank, Santander Bank, and more.
- Improved Market Sentiment: The broader crypto market’s bullish trend, influenced by recent political developments, has positively impacted XRP.
More interest in using XRP for international payments could send its price skyrocketing — even the most conservative XRP price prediction points to a value surge of more than 100% in 2025.
Looking to utilize XRP for currency exchanges? Learn how to buy XRP through our easy-to-follow buying guide.
Pros and cons of investing in XRP
Pros
- Settlement times within seconds
- Handles 1,500 transactions per second
- Minimal transaction costs compared to other cryptocurrencies
- Strong ties with financial institutions and payment providers ensure longevity
- Uses a unique consensus protocol, not energy-intensive like PoW
- Potential for XRP ETF approval
Cons
- Reliant on adoption by traditional banks
- Mixed reputation within the crypto community
Latest XRP Developments That Make It a Top Medium-Term Pick
XRP is ideal for medium-term investment due to strong recent developments. Ripple’s RLUSD stablecoin launch and regulatory approval from NYDFS signal trust and expansion potential.
XRP surged +313.07% in the last year, overtaking Tether as the third-largest crypto. This growth reflects optimism about a crypto-friendly US administration.
Moreover, anticipated XRP ETFs could drive more adoption, similar to Bitcoin ETFs boosting BTC. Unlike speculative coins, XRP benefits from real-world utility in cross-border payments and growing institutional interest. Few options compare for medium-term gains.
4. Solana (SOL) — Best for High-Speed, Low-Cost Transactions
Solana is a fast and cost-effective blockchain created as a challenger to Ethereum. It’s been one of the most successful crypto tokens of the resurgent crypto bull market, having increased +185.43% in value in the last 12 months. Solana is now the fifth-largest crypto by market cap and still has significant growth potential.
Key Highlights:
- Solana price as of December 18, 2024: $216.30
- Market cap: $102.96B
- All-time high: $264.00
- Last 24 hours change in price:
SOL -2.97%
- Solana price has decreased in the last week with a change of -2.16%
- Year-over-year (YoY) return: +185.43%
24h7d30d1yAll timeWhy Solana made it onto our list
Solana increasing +185.43% in value in the last year. The rally coincided with gains in Solana meme coins like dogwifhat, Bonk, and Popcat.
Solana’s appeal lies in its high transaction speeds and low fees, making it a strong competitor to Ethereum. Its unique Proof-of-History (PoH) consensus mechanism enables processing thousands of transactions per second, enhancing scalability.
The network’s ecosystem is expanding, with increased activity in dApps and NFTs. Meanwhile, institutional interest continues to grow. For instance, Securitize announced native support for Solana and Franklin Templeton is set to launch a money market fund on Solana, further expanding its use in institutional finance.
While we don’t think Solana will challenge Ethereum for dominance, it’s still a top crypto to invest in today, with potential gains of over 97% by 2026, according to our Solana price prediction. Find out how to buy Solana with our step-by-step guide.
Pros and cons of investing in Solana
Pros
- Processes up to 100,000 transactions per second
- Transaction costs are fractions of a cent
- Uses PoH for faster validation
- Growing support for DeFi, NFTs, and Web3 applications
- Designed to scale without layer-2 solutions, ensuring demand for SOL
- Potential for SOL ETF approval
- Growing institutional adoption
Cons
- History of multiple downtime incidents
- Less mature than Ethereum’s ecosystem
- Rapid growth may lead to undiscovered vulnerabilities
Solana’s Success and the Case for Solaxy’s Potential
Solana initially sold for $0.22 during its presale in March 2020. As of December 18, 2024, SOL trades at approximately $216.30. Achieving similar growth from its current price is unlikely due to Solana’s now large market cap.
Enter Solaxy (SOLX), Solana’s first-ever layer-2 solution. It aims to enhance scalability and reduce network congestion by processing transactions off-chain and finalizing them on Solana’s mainnet. Currently priced at $0.001562 per token, Solaxy could offer an opportunity for potential gains, similar to early SOL investors.
5. Pepe (PEPE) – Best for Speculative, Short-Term Gains
Pepe is a unique coin based on the iconic “Pepe the Frog” meme, which remains a core part of internet culture in 2024. This has helped Pepe amass one of the strongest communities in crypto. Pepe is also one of the only meme coins with a deflationary supply, meaning that the total number of tokens decreases over time.
Key Highlights:
- Pepe price as of December 18, 2024: $0.000021
- Market cap: $9.12B
- All-time high: $0.000028
- Last 24 hours change in price:
PEPE -7.86%
- Pepe price has increased in the last week with a change of -5.47%
- Year-over-year (YoY) return: +1534.67%
24h7d30d1yAll timeWhy Pepe made it onto our list
The Pepe meme coin leveraged viral internet culture for rapid adoption, thriving on community-driven hype. Additionally, with a market capitalization of $9.12B, it offers high liquidity.
Like Dogecoin and Shiba Inu, Pepe’s simplicity and low entry price have fueled speculative trading. Volatility is high, but its strong presence in the meme coin space offers short-term opportunities.
For example, after new exchange listings on Coinbase and Robinhood, Pepe rallied 85% within a 24-hour period, reaching a new all-time high of $0.000028. Similar events could produce explosive gains again, making it ideal for speculative, short-term investments.
Pros and cons of investing in Pepe
Pros
- Enjoys complete dominance over the frog meme coin ecosystem, so there is less competition
- Has deflationary tokenomics, decreasing the total token supply over time
- Can continue to fuel growth with one of the largest and most dedicated communities in crypto
- Pepe should benefit from the growing ecosystem of coins dedicated to it
- Makes a strong case for being the most ‘culturally-relevant’ meme coin in 2024
Cons
- High downside potential if the “Pepe the Frog” meme declines in popularity
- Lacks any significant utility
- Trades primarily on the Ethereum network with high gas fees
Frog-Themed Meme Coins That May Outperform Pepe in the Short-Term
As mentioned above, investing in presales can offer higher returns than established tokens like Pepe. For example, Pepe Unchained (PEPU) raised over $73 million in its presale and surged 200% on its Uniswap debut. It has maintained a market cap of $182.67M.
Similarly, Wall Street Pepe (WEPE) is in presale. It aims to empower small traders with exclusive market insights. Most importantly, it has a limited token supply. This creates scarcity, which can drive higher demand and value.
Early WEPE buyers can stake tokens for 1,449% annual rewards over three years. Most importantly, the presale has raised more than $19.7 million in two weeks, meaning crypto investors are bullish on WEPE. Learn more about WEPE.
6. Cardano (ADA) – Best for Balanced Risk/Growth Potential
Cardano is a third-generation blockchain platform known for its scientific approach to development and an emphasis on interoperability and sustainability. It utilizes a PoS consensus mechanism, which is far more energy-efficient than the traditional PoW model used by older cryptocurrencies like Bitcoin.
Key Highlights:
- Cardano price as of December 18, 2024: $1.03
- Market cap: $36.31B
- All-time high: $3.10
- Last 24 hours change in price:
ADA -6.40%
- Cardano price has increased in the last week with a change of +2.26%
- Year-over-year (YoY) return: +70.18%
24h7d30d1yAll timeWhy Cardano made it onto our list
Cardano has methodically built its infrastructure and community, emphasizing secure, scalable, and interoperable blockchain solutions. The Alonzo upgrade enabled smart contracts, driving dApp growth.
Despite criticism for its slow approach, Cardano’s method ensures robust and sustainable development. With upgrades like Hydra, Voltaire, and Chang improving the network.
The Chang upgrade went live on September 1, 2024, marking a pivotal shift as Cardano transitioned to full decentralization. This milestone enhanced network security and reinforced Cardano’s position as a leading decentralized blockchain.
Cardano surged +33.82% in the last month, driven by high-profile announcements at the 2024 Cardano Summit in Dubai, a 166.67% increase in daily network transactions, the broader cryptocurrency market’s bullish sentiment, and improved on-chain metrics that reflect increased investor interest.
With strong, bullish technical indicators in the medium term, Cardano is a top crypto to buy right now. ADA formed a double-bottom pattern and a cup and handle pattern, both bullish signals, suggesting potential for further gains.
Curious about sustainable solutions with Cardano? Our guide explains how to buy Cardano to help you invest responsibly.
Pros and cons of investing in Cardano
Pros
- Academic rigor ensures robust and secure blockchain development
- Designed for high throughput with Hydra layer-2 solutions
- Compatible with other blockchains and legacy systems
- Decentralized governance model with on-chain voting
- Supports complex dApps and DeFi projects
Cons
- Fewer dApps compared to Ethereum
- A high stake is controlled by a few entities
7. Dogecoin (DOGE) – Best for Meme Coin Enthusiasts
Dogecoin is the original meme coin, having launched in 2013. It was mostly unheard of until 2020-21, when it gained the attention of major celebrities, including Tesla founder Elon Musk. Since Dogecoin’s explosive gain during the 2021 bull market, it’s inspired thousands of copycat meme coins — including highly successful ones like Shiba Inu and Pepe.
Key Highlights:
- Dogecoin price as of December 18, 2024: $0.38
- Market cap: $56.91B
- All-time high: $0.73
- Last 24 hours change in price:
DOGE -4.18%
- DOGE price has decreased in the last week with a change of -1.50%
- Year-over-year (YoY) return: +315.03%
24h7d30d1yAll timeWhy Dogecoin made it onto our list
Dogecoin is more than just a meme coin. It’s widely accepted for payments in the digital world — and increasingly in the real world. That’s why it’s one of the cryptos with the highest returns this year, having appreciated +315.03%.
Dogecoin rallied +2.77% in the last 30 days due to various catalysts. Elon Musk’s appointment to the Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE) sparked excitement. Additionally, Trump’s pro-crypto policies, including plans for a Bitcoin reserve, boosted market confidence, lifting DOGE along with other cryptocurrencies.
Broader market momentum also played a role. A crypto rally fueled by speculation and bullish technical patterns like the cup and handle pushed DOGE higher. Musk’s ongoing support, including potential Dogecoin integration into X Payments, added credibility.
Moreover, Dogecoin has proven that it can fend off challengers like Shiba Inu and Pepe, giving us confidence that this is still one of the best meme coins to buy.
In fact, according to our analysts’ Dogecoin price prediction, it has the highest growth potential in this list, possibly reaching $0.42 by the end of 2024 and $9.66 by 2030, from its current price of $0.38.
Thinking about investing in DOGE? Check out our guide on how to buy Dogecoin to get started.
Pros and cons of investing in Dogecoin
Pros
- Widely traded with significant daily volume
- Active and supportive online community
- Increasingly accepted by merchants and services
- Public endorsements from Elon Musk boost visibility
Cons
- Unlimited coin supply leads to constant inflation
- Prone to sudden price swings based on social media trends
Higher-Risk, Higher-Reward Alternatives to Dogecoin
Dogecoin’s established status limits its potential for explosive gains. In contrast, presales like Dogesquared ($DOGE²) offer higher upside. For example, Pepe Unchained (PEPU), a Layer-2 solution for Pepe, raised $73 million in presale and surged 200% post-launch.
Similarly, Dogesquared aims to enhance Dogecoin’s scalability and efficiency by launching as a Layer-2 solution on Ethereum before transitioning to Dogecoin’s own Layer-2. Its presale offers early access to tokens and exclusive rewards, presenting an opportunity for gains similar to PEPU’s. Learn more about Dogesquared.
8. Binance Coin (BNB) — Best for Discounts on Trading Fees
BNB is the official cryptocurrency of Binance, the world’s largest crypto exchange. It offers discounts on trading fees and benefits like early access to crypto launches on Binance. It’s the sixth-largest crypto by market capitalization and has continued to perform strongly in 2024.
Key Highlights:
- BNB price as of December 18, 2024: $714.67
- Market cap: $105.47B
- All-time high: $792.61
- Last 24 hours change in price:
BNB -0.90%
- BNB price has increased in the last week with a change of +4.61%
- Year-over-year (YoY) return: +191.55%
24h7d30d1yAll timeWhy BNB made it onto our list
BNB’s performance in 2023 wasn’t impressive. For much of the year, it was down because of a US prosecution of Binance and its founder, Changpeng Zhao, for violating anti-money laundering and sanctions requirements. Binance settled that lawsuit in , and its business has hardly suffered.
As such, BNB has seen a remarkable price movement. It increased by +191.55% in the last year, with most of those gains taking place since March 2024.
In September 2024, BNB rolled out the Bohr Hard Fork, which introduced four new Binance Evolution Proposals (BEPs) aimed at improving the network’s efficiency and security. This upgrade has helped further boost user confidence and adoption of the BNB Chain.
Released in September, Changpeng Zhao is refocusing on Binance’s regulatory compliance to navigate market competition. Binance’s proactive stance on regulation showcases its aim to counter traditional banks entering the crypto space.
All in all, Binance is a great business at the center of the crypto world. As evidenced by most BNB price predictions, it’s likely to see continued long-term growth.
Interested in using Binance as a cryptocurrency exchange? Learn how to buy BNB by following the instructions in our detailed guide.
Pros and cons of investing in BNB
Pros
- Backed by the largest cryptocurrency exchange, Binance
- Extensive use within the Binance ecosystem
- Lower trading fees on Binance when using BNB
- Quarterly token burns reduce supply, potentially increasing value
- Wide adoption in decentralized finance and applications
Cons
- Binance controls a significant portion of BNB supply
- Heavily reliant on Binance’s performance and reputation
- Vulnerable to exchange hacks and exploits
BNB’s Success Story and Why Best Wallet Token Could Be Next
BNB’s presale in 2017 priced tokens at approximately $0.15 each. Today, BNB trades at $714.67, marking an exceptional return on investment. However, such growth is unlikely to recur due to BNB’s current market maturity.
Emerging tokens like Best Wallet Token ($BEST) offer similar potential. Best Wallet, a rapidly growing Web3 wallet, launched its public presale on November 11 following a successful $1 million private sale. The presale has gained significant momentum since then, raising over $4.18 million.
BEST tokens are currently priced at $0.023175 each. Holding $BEST unlocks benefits like discounted fees and access to a presale aggregator featuring high-potential crypto projects. Learn more about $BEST.
9. Notcoin (NOT) — Best for High-Risk Traders
Notcoin is an innovative platform designed to support decentralized content creation and distribution, empowering users to earn directly from their work.
Known for its low transaction fees and rapid confirmation times, Notcoin has gained traction among independent creators and influencers seeking an alternative to traditional media monetization platforms.
Key Highlights:
- Notcoin price as of December 18, 2024: $0.0073
- Market cap: $754.56M
- All-time high: $0.029
- Last 24 hours change in price: -6.68%
- Notcoin price has increased in the last week with a change of +6.52%
- Year-over-year (YoY) return: +141.95%
24h7d30d1yAll timeWhy Notcoin made it onto our list
Notcoin leverages blockchain to decentralize media, giving creators full ownership and monetization control. Its PoS consensus mechanism keeps transaction costs low and reduces environmental impact compared to PoW chains. Notcoin also uses staking rewards to incentivize ecosystem growth, allowing you to earn passively.
In the last month, NOT rallied -3.54% due to key developments. A technical breakout from a falling wedge pattern signaled a bullish trend, with analysts projecting a potential 70% price increase. This attracted buyers and pushed NOT close to $0.01.
Additionally, network activity surged, with active addresses rising 35% in a week, signaling increased user engagement. Positive sentiment on social media further fueled interest, driving trading volumes higher. If content decentralization trends continue, Notcoin could see significant demand from creators.
Pros and cons of investing in Notcoin
Pros
- Decentralized approach to content monetization
- Low transaction fees and fast confirmations
- Strong staking rewards for holders
- Partnerships with decentralized media platforms
- Environmentally friendly PoS consensus
Cons
- Highly volatile due to emerging market status
- Limited adoption outside media and content niche
- Regulatory uncertainty in decentralized media
Crypto Market: Key Trends and Forecast (December 18, 2024)
Bitcoin surged to a record $104,291.00 this week, buoyed by $2.17 billion in ETF inflows. Institutional interest is growing, with BlackRock advising a 1–2% allocation for diversified portfolios. MicroStrategy’s inclusion in the Nasdaq 100 opens doors to passive capital, while El Salvador’s anticipated IMF deal cements its commitment to Bitcoin.
Ethereum is experiencing strong growth, with spot ETH ETFs seeing $855 million in inflows last week. Despite this, Ethereum struggles to break Bitcoin dominance, with ETH/BTC hovering above 0.04. Key levels like $3,500–$4,100 indicate room for upside, though institutional adoption lags. In the long term, Ethereum remains attractive for its DeFi and smart contract applications.
Additionally, various developments have spurred interest in altcoins. For example:
- XRP benefits from regulatory clarity.
- Solana shows potential due to scalability and ecosystem growth.
- Cardano’s roadmap updates have drawn attention.
Still, altcoins remain riskier than Bitcoin. Monitor upcoming macroeconomic events that could shape crypto trends into the new year. These include the Federal Reserve’s rate decisions and China’s economic data.
Methodology: How We Rated the Best Cryptos to Buy Now
To curate this list of the best cryptos to buy now, our crypto analysts collectively dedicated over 300 hours to research. They evaluated factors like historical performance, long-term potential for growth, current price, utility, and security. Here’s how we researched and weighted each criterion.
Market Performance (25%)
- Recent Price Trend: We assessed the crypto’s price movement over the past week to 12 months, considering both short-term and long-term trends.
- Market Capitalization: We examined the cryptocurrency’s overall market value, which reflects its position and significance in the market.
Utility and Use Cases (20%)
- Practical Applications: We examined how the cryptocurrency is used in real-world scenarios, considering whether it has unique features or applications that set it apart.
- Technological Innovation: We evaluated the underlying technology and any recent innovations that contribute to the cryptocurrency’s utility.
Community and Adoption (15%)
- Community Engagement: We analyzed the level of activity on social media, forums, and community platforms as a colorful and engaged community often indicates strong support.
- Adoption Rate: Since higher adoption rates suggest a broader ecosystem, we looked at how widely the cryptocurrency is accepted by merchants, businesses, and other users.
Development Team (15%)
- Team Reputation: We investigated the development team’s track record and reputation. We don’t want to put down newcomers’ crypto projects, but experience and success in previous projects enhance credibility.
- Transparency: We assessed how transparent the team is in sharing project updates, development progress, and any challenges faced. The more the community knows about what’s going on, the more confident they can feel about their crypto purchase.
Security (15%)
- Network Security: We evaluated the security features of the underlying blockchain technology, considering factors like consensus mechanism and resistance to attacks.
- Past Security Incidents: We researched any historical security incidents or vulnerabilities and analyzed how well the team handled and mitigated them.
Regulatory Compliance (5%)
- Compliance with Regulations: We checked if the cryptocurrency complies with legal and regulatory frameworks in the regions where it operates — a crucial factor for long-term sustainability.
Roadmap and Future Plans (5%)
- Development Roadmap: A clear and well-defined roadmap can instill confidence in investors, so we also reviewed the crypto’s future plans, upcoming updates, and milestones outlined in its development roadmap.
The scores provided a comprehensive view of the cryptocurrency’s overall strength and potential. They allowed us to assign a percentage rating to each of the cryptos recommended on this page.
What Is Cryptocurrency?
Cryptocurrency is a type of digital or virtual money that uses cryptography for security, making it difficult to counterfeit. Unlike traditional currencies, crypto assets operate without a central authority, such as a government or bank. Transactions are recorded on a digital ledger called blockchain, which is maintained by a network of computers known as crypto nodes.
Bitcoin, launched in 2009, is the first and most well-known cryptocurrency. Other examples include Ethereum and XRP.
Cryptocurrencies can be used for online purchases, investments, and transferring money across borders without the need for traditional banking services. The value of cryptocurrencies can vary widely due to factors like investor interest, regulation, and technological advancements.
How to Find the Best Cryptos to Buy
In this section, we explain some of the factors that investors need to take into account when searching for good crypto to buy now for their portfolio. These include:
1. Assess Long-Term Potential
First, it’s wise to consider assets’ potential as long-term crypto holdings. For example, Bitcoin will likely remain a ‘store of value’ in the long run, while Ethereum operates as the de facto smart contract blockchain, making it incredibly useful.
The long-term potential of both Bitcoin and Ethereum looks strong. Analysts at VanEck, a leading asset management firm, project that Bitcoin could reach $180,000 by mid-2026, citing increased investor interest and a lack of bubble-like conditions. A strong Bitcoin typically signals health for the broader crypto industry as investment flows into alternative and riskier tokens.
For this reason, many other established crypto coins should have a bright future ahead of them. For instance, XRP has formed partnerships with over 200 banks in its quest to become the world’s bridge currency.
There are dozens of examples of major brands investing in Web3 and blockchain technology. It is expected to become a much larger part of mainstream life by the end of the decade. In fact, ARK Invest CEO Cathie Wood has predicted that the total cryptocurrency market — currently worth just over $3.3 trillion — will be worth as much as $25 trillion by the end of the decade.
2. Keep an Eye Out for New Cryptocurrencies
Cryptocurrency presales allow early investors to acquire coins at a discount before they’re listed on crypto exchanges and available for public trading.
Most investors missed out on the opportunity to buy BTC for less than $100 or Ethereum for less than $1. Fortunately, new high-potential crypto presales pop up weekly, giving investors opportunities to target similar gains.
For example, Wall Street Pepe is a newly launched presale that will offer token holders insider-only signals, a private group for sharing trading strategies and insights, annual staking rewards of 1,449%, and a DEX.
The project has garnered a lot of attention, raising over $19.7 million within 2 weeks of its presale. This reflects strong investor interest and confidence.
Still, you must be diligent in your research to ensure you only purchase tokens that have a legitimate chance of being a worthy investment. Research should include investigating the following:
- Read the whitepaper: A whitepaper is a document that outlines the whole project and should give readers a clear understanding of exactly what they are investing in. Poorly written or vague whitepapers should be considered a red flag.
- Read the roadmap: A roadmap is the plan for how a project will develop over the coming months and years. It is easy to promise a $1 billion market cap, but the best projects also outline plans of action and the steps they will take to achieve that point.
- Check the smart contract: Unfortunately, the crypto world is rife with scammers; some projects are intended to steal funds from the get-go. Top projects will provide a full audit from a reputable third-party blockchain security firm.
- Check the team: Again, due to the proliferation of scammers in the space, doxxed and public teams will relieve investors as they know exactly who is behind the project. An anonymous team is not necessarily a red flag if other parts of the project (whitepaper/roadmap/audit) are legitimate.
- Check social media sentiment: Social media sentiment and hype are crucial to a project’s success or failure. Interesting projects will fail if they do not catch the attention of the wider public. Similarly, be wary of projects that use bots or fake accounts to promote their tokens.
3. Prioritize Crypto Projects With Utility
Cryptocurrency projects offering high utility, i.e., utility tokens, are likely to be more sustainable in the long run since you can use the tokens within the ecosystem. This ensures long-term value and resilience and mitigates volatility.
For example, Ethereum supports smart contracts powering DeFi and NFTs, which drives network demand, while $BEST is linked to one of the fastest-growing crypto wallets.
To assess project utility:
- Evaluate adoption metrics, ecosystem growth, and developer activity.
- Ask yourself: Does the project solve a real problem or create efficiencies?
- Assess partnerships, integration potential, and tokenomics.
- Analyze the team’s expertise and transparency.
- Avoid projects with vague promises or speculative hype.
- Compare projects to understand trade-offs (e.g., Solana’s speed vs. Ethereum’s ecosystem dominance).
In essence, you should focus on projects solving real problems backed by strong fundamentals and adoption. This approach minimizes risk and increases the chances of long-term returns.
4. Look Into Market Capitalization
Market capitalization reflects a cryptocurrency’s value and helps you gauge risk and growth potential:
- Large-cap coins like Bitcoin offer stability and lower volatility but limited upside.
For example, let’s say Coin A has a market cap of $500 billion. For you to see a 2x return, the market cap must increase by another $500 billion, reaching $1 trillion. This level of growth requires massive institutional and retail investment, making it slow and less likely in a short timeframe.
- Small-cap coins present higher risk but potential for exponential returns.
Now, consider a new token, Coin B, with a $5 million market cap. A 2x return requires only an additional $5 million investment, far more achievable with a few venture capital firms or a spike in retail interest. This is why some new meme coins produce explosive returns.
Essentially, while Coin A offers more price stability due to its size, Coin B‘s smaller market cap allows for significant returns with minimal capital inflow. However, they also carry higher risks—it’s easier for investors to withdraw $5 million than $500 billion, making smaller caps more vulnerable to sudden price crashes.
You should also assess market cap in relation to utility, circulating supply, and adoption. High market caps without real-world use cases could signal speculative bubbles.
Lastly, compare fully diluted valuations (FDV) to understand token supply inflation risks. This way, you can use market cap to filter projects matching your risk tolerance and investment horizon.
5. Evaluate Competition From Other Coins
It is also a good idea to see how much competition the respective crypto asset has. After all, there are now more than 25,000 tokens listed on CoinMarketCap and even more than that lie in waiting. For instance, there are many so-called ‘Ethereum Killers,’ each claiming to offer a faster, cheaper, and more scalable alternative.
Investors need to decide whether it is better to invest in Ethereum or a direct competitor such as Solana. This blockchain network is capable of faster speeds and cheaper transactions but has yet to gain the same footing with users.
The same is true of ‘Doge Killer’ coins that promise to one day surpass the market cap of Dogecoin, the biggest and most popular meme coin. Crypto investors often cycle through tokens and trends, with copycat and unoriginal tokens popping up if one token shows it resonates with investors.
For example, DePIN is a hot crypto sector in 2024, with Render Network as a leading project. RenderX attempted to replicate Render’s success but failed due to its lack of innovation and clear value proposition. Unlike Render, which excelled in decentralized GPU rendering, RenderX offered nothing new, leading to its quick decline.
6. Use Trading Signals and Trading Bots
Some investors prefer to integrate the best crypto signals into their trading strategy. This allows them to eliminate emotions from the investing process when deciding the best crypto to invest in.
We have also reviewed the best AI crypto trading bots for traders who want to execute trades 24/7. Considering that the crypto market never sleeps using a crypto trading bot can help eliminate emotions and automate the process.
7. Stay on Top of Crypto Trends
Trends should not be discounted when deciding which crypto to buy today. Investing in trending cryptos or theme can prove to be both hugely beneficial if the timing is good — or disastrous if the trend is no longer popular.
During the 2021 bull run, play-to-earn gaming and the metaverse were expected to become major industries in the 2020s and revolutionize the way people play games and interact in a virtual world. Games like Axie Infinity, Sandbox, and Decentraland benefited the most, with their tokens trading at all-time highs.
In early 2024, meme coins and AI cryptocurrencies had the highest returns. For example, the meme coins Bonk and dogwifhat traded mostly flat in 2023, while in February 2024, both had huge growth.
AI tokens like Render traded at a market cap of $500 million before the AI frenzy propelled chip-maker stocks like Nvidia to all-time highs. Riding on the AI stock hype wave, RNDR currently has a market cap of $3.30B. Around the time the AI boom started, it took less than two months for the price of RNDR to move from $2 to over $11 — a 450% rise.
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Investing in a trending token can bring huge rewards, but investors should be diligent and cash out before the trend dies.
Conclusion: What’s the Best Cryptocurrency to Invest in Today?
Bitcoin and Ethereum remain the best cryptocurrencies to buy for long-term growth. Bitcoin offers unmatched security and global recognition, while Ethereum leads in smart contract innovation. Both have strong adoption and institutional interest, making them solid investments. Consider adding them to your portfolio.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
What is the best crypto to buy?
The best cryptocurrency to buy right now is Bitcoin. It offers unmatched security, global recognition, and significant growth potential, especially due to rising institutional interest. Ethereum is also a strong choice, leading in smart contract development and poised for growth as Web3 enters the mainstream.
Which cryptocurrency has the best future?
Ethereum has the brightest future of any crypto right now. The largest smart contract network is attracting heavy development and has successfully switched to proof-of-stake validation. Ethereum ETFs have started trading recently, which could lead to massive capital inflows.
Which crypto has the most potential in 2024?
Ethereum has the most potential in 2024 due to expected $4 billion ETF inflows. This demand is likely to drive up ETH prices, similar to Bitcoin’s post-ETF launch surge, with strong institutional interest further boosting Ethereum’s growth prospects.
References
- Reuters: Global crypto market tops $3 trillion on hopes of Trump-fuelled boom
- The Verge: The SEC is appealing a federal court’s ruling on Ripple
- Investopedia: Bitwise Files for First XRP Exchange-Traded Fund
- CincoDías: Speculation Propels XRP: It Has Risen 120% Since Trump’s Victory
- Cryptonews: Ripple’s New Stablecoin RLUSD Officially Launched
- Barron’s: XRP Issuer Ripple Just Got This Big Regulatory Boost
- FXEmpire: Solana Meme Coins Demand Spikes $985M Despite Bitcoin Dip
- Blockonomi: Pepe Coin (PEPE) Price Surges 85% to All-Time High Following Coinbase & Robinhood Listings
- Cointelegraph: Pepe Unchained meme coin sees 200% price rise on first day of exchange trading
- Cryptonews: Wall Street Pepe Breaks ICO Record With $14.2M Raised in 9 Days
- Cointelegraph: Cardano Summit 2024 Concludes successfully in Dubai with Major industry announcements
- TradingView: ADA/USDT Technical Analysis
- Business Insider: Binance founder Changpeng Zhao says prison inmates and guards asked him for crypto tips
- CincoDías: Crypto Giants Embrace Regulation to Withstand the Advance of Traditional Banking
- New York Post: How crypto became the biggest winner of Trump 2.0
- The Wall Street Journal: Investors Are Betting on a Market Melt-Up
- Investopedia: Dogecoin Price Levels to Watch After Post-Election Rally
- CoinGape: Notcoin’s Breakout Sparks Bullish Sentiment
- Cryptopolitan: VanEck predicts Bitcoin price at $180K
- Bitcoin.com: Ark Invest CEO Cathie Wood Sees Crypto Market Exploding to $25 Trillion in 2030
- CNBC: AI frenzy puts Nvidia briefly ahead of Amazon in market value
- TheBlock: USDT Supply by Blockchain
- DeFi Llama: Total Value Locked All Chains
- Statista: Bitcoin Market Dominance
- Cointelegraph: Michael Saylor’s MicroStrategy enters Nasdaq 100
- Bloomberg: BlackRock Says 2% Bitcoin Allocation Is ‘Reasonable Range’
- Yahoo! Finance: El Salvador will reportedly dial back its bitcoin ambitions to secure a loan from the IMF
Source: cryptonews.com