12 most popular types of cryptocurrencies

Bitcoin gets all the headlines when people talk about cryptocurrencies, but there are literally thousands of other options when it comes to these digital currencies. In fact, non-Bitcoin cryptos are usually considered an “also-run” – called “altcoins” or alternatives to Bitcoin.

While Bitcoin may have been the first major cryptocurrency to hit the market – it started in 2009 – many others have become very popular, even if not quite as big as the original.

Here are the largest cryptocurrencies by the total dollar value of the coins in existence, i.e. the market capitalization, or market capitalization. (Data is from CoinMarketCap.com as of August 29, 2025.)

Largest cryptocurrencies by market capitalization

1. Bitcoin (BTC)

Price: $110,568.18 Market cap: $2.2 trillion

As the harbinger of the cryptocurrency era, Bitcoin is still the coin that people generally refer to when talking about digital currency. Its mysterious creator – said to be Satoshi Nakamoto – launched the currency in 2009 and it has been on a roller coaster ride ever since. However, it wasn’t until 2017 that the cryptocurrency broke into wider popular consciousness. In 2024, the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) approved the trading of ETFs that invest directly in Bitcoin, giving investors an easy way to bet on Bitcoin.

2. Ethereum (ETH)

Price: $4,390.28 Market Cap: $529.94 billion

Ethereum – the name for the cryptocurrency platform – is the second name you’re most likely to recognize in the crypto space. The system allows you to use ether (the currency) to perform a number of functions, but the smart contract aspect of Ethereum helps make it a popular currency.

3. XRP (XRP)

Price: $2.87 Market Cap: $170.96 billion

Created by Ripple in 2012, XRP provides a way to pay in many different real-world currencies. XRP can be useful in cross-border transactions and uses a trustless mechanism to facilitate payments.

4. Tether (USDT)

Price: $1.00 Market Cap: $167.41 billion

Tether’s price is anchored at $1 per coin. This is because it is called a stablecoin. Stablecoins are tied to the value of a specific asset – in Tether’s case, the US dollar. Tether often serves as a medium when traders move from one cryptocurrency to another. Rather than move back to dollars, they use Tether. However, some people are concerned that Tether is not securely backed by dollars held in reserve, but instead uses a short-term form of unsecured debt.

5. GNB (GNB)

Price: $862.14 Market Cap: $120 billion

BNB is the cryptocurrency issued by Binance, one of the largest crypto exchanges in the world. Although it was originally created as a token to pay for discount transactions, Binance Coin can now be used for payments, as well as the purchase of various goods and services.

6. Solana (SON)

Price: $210.44 Market Cap: $113.8 billion

Launched in March 2020, Solana is a newer cryptocurrency and it showcases its speed in completing transactions and the overall robustness of its “web-scale” platform. The issuance of the currency, called SOL, is limited to 480 million coins.

7. USD Coin (USDC)

Price: $1.00 Market Cap: $70.65 billion

Like Tether, USD Coin is a stable coin pegged to the dollar, meaning its value should not fluctuate. The currency’s founders say it is backed by fully reserved assets or those with “equivalent fair value” and those assets are held in accounts with regulated US institutions.

8. Dogecoin (DOGE)

Price: $0.2175 Market Cap: $32.79 billion

Originally created as a joke after the run-up to Bitcoin, Dogecoin takes its name from an internet meme featuring a Shiba Inu dog. Unlike many digital currencies that limit the number of coins in existence, Dogecoin has unlimited issuance. It can be used for payments or sending money.

9. TRON (TRX)

Price: $0.3398 Market Cap: $32.17 billion

TRON is a decentralized application creation blockchain founded in 2017. Its native token is known as TRX. In 2018, the Tron Foundation acquired the well-known peer-to-peer network BitTorrent.

10. Cardano (ADA)

Price: $0.8365 Market Cap: $29.89 billion

Cardano is the cryptocurrency platform behind ada, the name of the currency. Created by the co-founder of Ethereum, Cardano also uses smart contracts, which enable identity management.

11. Chain link (LINK)

Price: $23.50 Market Cap: $15.94 billion

Chainlink is a cryptocurrency that powers the Chainlink network, which is used to pay operators for connecting smart contracts to real-world data, making it essential for DeFi applications.

12. Hyperfluid (HYPE)

Price: $45.26 Market Cap: $15.10 billion

Hyperliquid is a decentralized exchange built on its own blockchain. It is known for advanced capabilities such as perpetual futures trading and margin trading. HYPE is the native coin on the platform.

Bottom line

The cryptocurrency market is a Wild West, so those speculating in these digital assets should not invest more money than they can afford to lose. It is also important to note that individual investors often trade against highly sophisticated players, making it a fraught experience for beginners.

Editorial disclaimer: All investors are advised to conduct their own independent research on investment strategies before making an investment decision. In addition, investors are advised that past investment product performance is no guarantee of future price appreciation.