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10 Most Promising Cryptocurrencies to Start Your Investment Journey in 2021
The current cryptocurrency market has become complex, with over 7,000 different cryptocurrencies. For new investors, finding potential coins to include in their portfolio is a significant challenge. This article will analyze in detail 10 prominent projects based on criteria such as market capitalization, liquidity, underlying technology, and development prospects.
List of 10 Notable Cryptocurrencies
Bitcoin (BTC) - The Foundation of Everything
Bitcoin is the pioneering cryptocurrency launched in 2009 and still holds the leading position in the digital currency space. BTC is not only a type of digital currency but also a benchmark for assessing the value of the entire market.
During 2020-2021, Bitcoin experienced rapid growth. Global investors began to view Bitcoin as a safe-haven asset, similar to gold during economic instability. BTC’s price reached record highs, reflecting increasing confidence in cryptocurrencies.
Statistical Data:
Large-scale government economic stimulus packages worldwide continue to pressure traditional investment channels. Bank savings interest rates hardly generate real returns, prompting many investors to turn to Bitcoin. BTC’s outstanding performance in 2020 (approximately 235%) demonstrates significant profit potential.
Ethereum (ETH) - The Decentralized Application Platform
Ethereum, built by Vitalik Buterin in 2015, pioneered smart contracts (Smart Contract) technology. If Bitcoin is a currency, Ethereum is a global computing platform that enables the development of decentralized applications.
ETH has proven its value beyond initial expectations. Software developers can create tokens and applications on this platform. The DeFi (Decentralized Finance) ecosystem built on Ethereum has created a new market worth billions of USD.
Current Data:
Many experts believe Ethereum’s price appreciation potential is even stronger than Bitcoin due to its broader practical applications. Smart Contract technology is forecasted to have a more lasting impact than pure blockchain.
Litecoin (LTC) - The “Silver” of the Digital Currency World
Litecoin was created as an improved version of Bitcoin, aiming to address some limitations of BTC. LTC processes transactions four times faster than Bitcoin and uses a different mining algorithm.
Technical Specifications:
A significant breakthrough was Litecoin becoming the first cryptocurrency to implement the Lightning Network in May 2017. This technology allows near-instant transfers with minimal fees. Widespread adoption of Lightning Network is expected to significantly increase demand for Litecoin in the coming years.
Ripple (XRP) - The Global Financial Bridge
Ripple positions itself as a banking infrastructure solution enabling fast and inexpensive international money transfers. Unlike Bitcoin, XRP is designed to operate within the traditional financial system.
Market Data:
Ripple’s backing company has partnered with major banks such as American Express and JPMorgan. Recently, Ripple has also negotiated with central banks including the Saudi Central Bank and major financial institutions in China. This expanding network of partners is a key factor supporting XRP’s value.
Bitcoin Cash (BCH) - Daily Payment Currency
Bitcoin Cash was created from Bitcoin in 2017 to address scalability issues. BCH uses larger block sizes to facilitate daily payment transactions.
Current Data:
While Bitcoin is viewed as a long-term store of value, Bitcoin Cash aims to position itself as a true currency for daily transactions. BCH’s development still depends on Bitcoin’s success, but it has established its own community.
EOS - The Free Transaction Platform
EOS is a decentralized operating system developed on a platform similar to Smart Contracts, but with a key difference—transactions on EOS are completely free.
Although launched after Ethereum, EOS quickly attracted users due to this unique economic model. The growth of decentralized applications on EOS indicates that this platform is gradually establishing its position.
Market Information:
In a competitive landscape with other platforms, EOS’s free transaction model could be a decisive strategy to attract developers and users in the near future.
Tezos (XTZ) - Blockchain with Self-Amendment Capability
Tezos, launched in 2018, focuses on strong security and Proof-of-Stake consensus.
Instead of mining like Bitcoin, Tezos uses a Proof-of-Stake mechanism—holders of XTZ can earn periodic rewards simply by participating in the network. This is similar to receiving dividends from stock ownership.
Current Data:
Tezos’ (self-amending blockchain) allows system upgrades without contentious hard forks, providing a competitive advantage over other blockchains.
MakerDAO (MKR) - Stablecoin System
MakerDAO is a protocol built on Ethereum that creates DAI, a stablecoin pegged to 1 USD.
The MKR token is used for governance. When DAI’s price exceeds $1, the system creates new MKR. When DAI drops below $1, MKR is burned. This mechanism maintains DAI’s stability.
Statistics:
MakerDAO has demonstrated effective operation for over two years, even during high market volatility. It has become one of the most important DeFi protocols.
TRON (TRX) - Content Sharing Platform
TRON is designed as a decentralized application platform focused on rewarding content creators.
The core idea of TRON is to create an ecosystem where content creators can receive direct rewards from their audience without intermediaries.
Market Data:
TRON’s market capitalization has exceeded $1.8 billion, and this economic model is expected to continue growing as content ownership rights become increasingly valued worldwide.
Cardano (ADA) - Blockchain Developed by Academics
Cardano was developed by Charles Hoskinson, one of Ethereum’s co-founders. The project applies rigorous academic research methods.
Cardano focuses on three main features: scalability, interoperability, and sustainability. Its carefully constructed technological architecture supports complex applications.
Current Data:
Cardano has shown potential exceeding expectations with nearly 4.4x price increase in 2020. Its infrastructure is highly regarded by experts, promising sustainable long-term development.
Why Invest in Cryptocurrencies?
Cryptocurrency Development Context
Cryptocurrencies started as a concept, existing only on digital platforms and gaming systems. However, with technological advancements and growing online communities, digital currencies have gradually become mainstream.
Bitcoin, the first cryptocurrency, launched in 2009 and gained major attention from 2013. The crypto boom followed, with thousands of new projects issued. Currently, over 7,100 different cryptocurrencies are traded.
5 Reasons to Invest in Cryptocurrencies
► Divisibility of Units
Cryptocurrencies can be divided into very small units (down to decimal places). This means investors do not need large capital to start.
► High Liquidity
Crypto exchanges operate 24/7, allowing trading anytime and anywhere with an internet connection.
► Blockchain Transparency
All transactions are recorded on the Blockchain and can be verified by anyone participating in the network. This creates an unprecedented level of transparency.
► Portfolio Diversification
With over 5,000 different cryptocurrencies built on various technological platforms, investors have numerous options for diversification.
► Low Transaction Costs
Transfer fees on Blockchain are significantly lower than traditional banking methods, especially for international transfers.
Ways to Profit from Cryptocurrencies
Long-Term Investment (HODL)
This approach assumes that cryptocurrencies will become the future of money. As more people use digital currencies, their value will increase. This strategy suits investors who trust the technology.
Advantages: Easy to implement, no need for frequent monitoring, suitable for those who buy and forget.
Disadvantages: Long wait to realize profits, risk of losing money if the project fails.
Mining (Mining)
Cryptocurrencies are created through mining, where computers solve complex cryptographic problems. This method requires technical expertise.
Advantages: Potentially high profits without buying at high prices.
Disadvantages: Requires advanced programming knowledge, high electricity costs, expensive equipment.
Participate in DeFi Communities
Decentralized applications allow users to earn money by contributing data, sharing content, or even gaming.
Advantages: Relatively accessible, can generate passive income.
Disadvantages: Earnings are often small, require significant time investment.
CFD Trading (Contract for Difference)
CFDs are contracts that allow traders to speculate on price movements without owning the underlying asset. Using margin accounts can amplify profits.
Advantages: Profit from both rising and falling markets, no large initial capital, T+0 trading for quick gains.
Disadvantages: Interest fees on margin loans, more suitable for short-term trading rather than long-term holding.
Conclusion
The cryptocurrency market is opening new investment opportunities with the coins analyzed above. To succeed, investors should:
For those who prefer not to hold cryptocurrencies directly but still want to participate in market movements, CFDs are a viable option. With CFDs, profits can be generated from any price movement—up or down.