Picking the best crypto to hold in 2025 comes down to more than just hype, it’s about real progress, solid fundamentals, and clear plans for growth. With several coins pushing technical upgrades or expanding their utility, the landscape is filled with opportunities that actually deliver. While many networks are making bold claims, a few are showing real-world follow-through.

This article breaks down four standout cryptos that have built serious momentum going into mid-2025. From a major presale rally to a growing DeFi footprint, these coins are backed by utility and smart expansion strategies. Whether you're tracking real-world asset tokenization or L1 performance milestones, these names have something going for them right now. BlockDAG takes the top spot with its fast-moving presale and scaling roadmap, followed by Stellar (XLM), Hyperliquid (HYPE), and Ondo Finance (ONDO). Here's why each deserves attention as the best crypto to hold this year.

1. BlockDAG - Massive Testnet Milestone and $216M Raised

BlockDAG continues to break ahead of the curve with a hybrid infrastructure that’s setting new performance benchmarks. The beta testnet has now reached 800 transactions per second (TPS) in a 34-node live setup. What’s even more impressive is that BlockDAG is targeting over 2,000 TPS at mainnet, with scaling potential toward 15,000 TPS long-term. Backed by a unique mix of DAG technology and Proof-of-Work security, the platform offers fast block validation while keeping decentralization intact. Alongside these technical moves, the network also offers EVM support, a no-code dApp builder, and a developer grants ecosystem, all of which help grow real adoption.

The presale is already in its 27th batch with a price of $0.0248 per BDAG coin, up 2,380% from the starting price. With over $216 million raised and more than 19.3 billion coins sold, it’s one of the largest retail-driven token sales in 2025. More than 1 million users have downloaded the X1 Miner app, and 16,934 miners have been shipped to build decentralized infrastructure pre-launch. These numbers and consistent updates make BlockDAG not just a trending name, but a frontrunner when it comes to the best crypto to hold this year.

2. Stellar (XLM) - Chart Setup Signals Possible Rally

Stellar’s XLM is seeing renewed attention after showing signs of a breakout from a long-forming descending wedge. Analysts now believe it’s approaching a possible uptrend as the RSI climbs past 63, suggesting growing strength without hitting overbought zones. Its Average Directional Index is also holding above 30, which confirms momentum is shifting. If XLM breaks above the $0.30 resistance level, the path toward $0.40 is in play, especially if demand holds across major exchanges.

That being said, the network is still working through mixed signals, including a recent “death cross” where the 50-day moving average dipped below the 200-day. While that would typically suggest bearish outlooks, many believe it could be a fakeout, especially with rising volume and technical indicators looking positive. XLM’s core strength lies in its payment systems and partnerships, making it a long-term contender among the best crypto to hold. For those looking for something stable but still with growth potential, Stellar is one to keep on the radar this quarter.

3. Hyperliquid (HYPE) - Market Share Dominance and Recovery Momentum

Hyperliquid has made a strong case for being one of the best crypto to hold after securing 70% of the entire on-chain perpetuals market. That kind of dominance in a high-volume niche speaks volumes about the demand for its platform. The HYPE token took a hit earlier in April, dropping to $9.29, but has since bounced back by more than 80%, currently pushing toward the $20 resistance zone. The token had previously hit an all-time high of $35.73 in December 2024, and analysts believe it could reclaim that level in coming months.

Technically, HYPE has formed a descending wedge, a setup many traders associate with bullish reversals. A clean breakout above $20 could spark a run back to $30 or higher. While the platform has had to address risk controls after previous exploits, it has made strong strides in restoring user confidence with new governance policies. With both high on-chain usage and token recovery signs, Hyperliquid offers a good mix of growth potential and sector dominance, making it a solid pick on the list of best crypto to hold in 2025.

4. Ondo Finance (ONDO) - Visa Deal and RWA Momentum

Ondo Finance has carved out a strong identity in the tokenized real-world asset (RWA) space, and its recent moves only strengthen that position. On April 20, 2025, Visa officially joined the USDG Consortium, a massive credibility boost for Ondo’s stablecoin ecosystem. Their USDY token offers a 5.1% yield and is backed by short-term U.S. Treasuries, making it one of the most attractive yield-bearing assets in the crypto sector. As of this week, ONDO is trading around $0.878, bouncing back roughly 10% from its April low.

Looking ahead, the launch of Ondo Chain is expected to bring faster settlement and institutional-grade compliance features to the RWA space. This new L1 blockchain is optimized for financial applications and will act as a dedicated hub for tokenized assets. With major names like BlackRock already exploring similar areas, Ondo’s head start and infrastructure could make a big difference. For anyone looking at regulated, yield-generating tokens as part of their strategy, ONDO easily qualifies as one of the best crypto to hold right now.

Summing Up

If you’re searching for the best crypto to hold in 2025, it’s worth focusing on platforms that are already delivering progress, not just promising it. BlockDAG is leading with its testnet scaling success and a presale that’s hit $216 million. Stellar’s setup suggests a possible breakout, Hyperliquid is reclaiming its chart with real volume strength, and Ondo is gaining ground in the RWA sector with Visa now onboard.

These four cryptos offer different types of value, tech, payments, DeFi dominance, and real-world asset access. Whether you’re building a long-term portfolio or looking for tokens with breakout potential, these names give you solid ground to work with. Keep your eyes on updates, testnet launches, and exchange listings, because 2025 might still have a lot of upside left for the best crypto to hold this year.