Bitcoin may be the most well-known cryptocurrency, but it’s just one of thousands of digital assets in the ever-evolving crypto market. Cryptocurrencies that aren’t Bitcoin are commonly referred to as “altcoins” (alternative coins). While Bitcoin paved the way in 2009, several other cryptos have gained significant traction.
Here are the top cryptocurrencies by market capitalization as of March 6, 2025, according to CoinMarketCap.com.
1. Bitcoin (BTC)
- Price: $88,212.87
- Market Cap: $1.75 trillion
As the pioneer of digital currency, Bitcoin remains the most recognized cryptocurrency. Introduced by the mysterious Satoshi Nakamoto in 2009, Bitcoin has seen massive growth over the years. Its popularity surged in 2017, and in 2024, the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) approved Bitcoin ETFs, making it easier for investors to gain exposure to the cryptocurrency.
2. Ethereum (ETH)
- Price: $2,193.56
- Market Cap: $264.67 billion
Ethereum is the second most well-known cryptocurrency and is widely used for its smart contract functionality. The Ethereum blockchain allows decentralized applications (dApps) to run on its network, making it a crucial part of the crypto ecosystem.
3. XRP (XRP)
- Price: $2.56
- Market Cap: $148.87 billion
Originally called Ripple, XRP facilitates cross-border payments and transactions between different fiat currencies. It provides a trustless, efficient method for moving money worldwide.
4. Tether (USDT)
- Price: $0.9997
- Market Cap: $142.69 billion
Tether is a stablecoin pegged to the U.S. dollar, meaning its value remains stable. Traders often use Tether to move between different cryptocurrencies without returning to fiat currency. However, concerns remain over whether Tether is fully backed by U.S. dollars.
5. BNB (BNB)
- Price: $591.87
- Market Cap: $84.33 billion
Originally launched by Binance as a discount token for trading fees, BNB has evolved into a multi-purpose cryptocurrency. It can be used for payments, investments, and various blockchain applications.
6. Solana (SOL)
- Price: $143.20
- Market Cap: $72.82 billion
Solana is a high-performance blockchain known for its speed and low transaction fees. Its ecosystem supports dApps and decentralized finance (DeFi) projects.
7. USD Coin (USDC)
- Price: $0.9999
- Market Cap: $57.23 billion
Like Tether, USDC is a stablecoin pegged to the U.S. dollar. It is backed by fully reserved assets and held in U.S.-regulated financial institutions.
8. Cardano (ADA)
- Price: $0.8950
- Market Cap: $31.53 billion
Founded by one of Ethereum’s co-creators, Cardano is a blockchain that supports smart contracts and decentralized applications. It aims to provide a more sustainable and scalable blockchain solution.
9. Dogecoin (DOGE)
- Price: $0.2011
- Market Cap: $29.84 billion
Originally created as a joke, Dogecoin gained popularity due to its active community and widespread acceptance. Unlike Bitcoin, Dogecoin has no supply cap, meaning an unlimited number of coins can be mined.
10. TRON (TRX)
- Price: $0.2399
- Market Cap: $20.65 billion
TRON is a decentralized blockchain that enables content creators to monetize their work directly through its native token, TRX. The platform also owns BitTorrent, a well-known peer-to-peer file-sharing service.
11. Pi (PI)
- Price: $1.80
- Market Cap: $12.73 billion
Pi Network allows users to mine cryptocurrency from their mobile devices. However, its legitimacy remains a topic of debate, with some skeptics questioning its long-term viability.
12. Chainlink (LINK)
- Price: $16.68
- Market Cap: $10.65 billion
Chainlink powers smart contracts by providing real-world data to blockchain applications. It plays a vital role in the DeFi sector, allowing smart contracts to interact with external data sources.
Bottom Line
The cryptocurrency market is highly volatile and unpredictable. Investors should be aware of the risks and avoid investing more than they can afford to lose. Additionally, new traders often compete against highly sophisticated investors, making it crucial to conduct thorough research before entering the crypto space.
