Cold Wallet, HYPE, SOL, & ETH Lead 2025’s Best Crypto Projects With Record Presales & DeFi Strength!

The crypto market is entering a new phase of acceleration, and a fresh wave of contenders is setting the pace for 2025. Presales, DeFi powerhouses, and high-performance networks are showing that fundamentals and adoption remain the driving forces of growth.

On one hand, Cold Wallet ($CWT) is standing out with a presale already surpassing $6.21 million, while Hyperliquid cements its dominance by capturing massive blockchain fee revenue. Solana’s surge beyond $200 has reignited confidence, and Ethereum’s rally is fueling bold predictions from analysts raising long-term targets.

In a climate where momentum can shift quickly, these four represent the best crypto projects to track. Their combination of scale, utility, and market presence shows why they are not only thriving but shaping the direction of the current cycle.

1. Cold Wallet ($CWT): Presale Strengthens Its Case as a Market Challenger

Cold Wallet is reshaping how wallets function in crypto, and its progress is backed by strong numbers. Now in Stage 17 of its presale, each CWT is priced at just $0.00998, with more than $6.21 million already raised and 737 million tokens sold. Instead of draining user balances through fees on swaps, bridges, or transfers, Cold Wallet introduces a cashback system that rewards users in CWT for every action. This creates an immediate value loop that is active from the first day.

Its rapid trajectory has been reinforced by the $270 million acquisition of Plus Wallet, which added over 2 million connected accounts to its ecosystem before launch. Achieving this kind of scale usually takes years, but Cold Wallet has secured it ahead of time. With established competitors like MetaMask and Trust Wallet facing criticism for complexity, Cold Wallet is emerging as a clean, user-friendly alternative.

The presale’s tiered structure increases entry costs at every stage, compressing the projected 3,423% ROI as it moves toward listing. While many tokens rush to prove their utility after launch, Cold Wallet arrives market-ready. Its combination of adoption, liquidity, and rewards is why it is already being discussed among the best crypto projects to watch in 2025.

2. Hyperliquid (HYPE): Derivatives Growth Marks It as a Market Leader

Hyperliquid has emerged as one of the best crypto projects in DeFi, recently securing about 35% of all blockchain fee revenue, totaling $97.7 million in July. This achievement placed it ahead of Ethereum and Solana in fee generation, a remarkable milestone that underlines its rapid rise. The platform’s derivatives protocol is also seeing extraordinary growth, with open interest climbing to $15.3 billion, representing a 369% increase this year. Much of this expansion is linked to its integration with Phantom Wallet, which has improved access and liquidity for traders.

The tokenomics further strengthen its position, with daily buybacks of $4 million creating consistent demand. Currently trading in the $46.72 to $47.46 range, Hyperliquid is targeting the $54 to $55 level as the next major milestone. A record deposit into the network has sparked expectations that a new all-time high could be approaching. 

3. Solana (SOL): Builds Momentum With Institutional Backing

Solana continues to affirm its place among the best crypto projects, recently crossing the $200 price level and generating significant excitement in the market. Analysts are now suggesting that, if current momentum holds, price levels between $250 and $350 could be achievable. The surge is not only technical but also supported by on-chain activity, with total value locked climbing to multi-year highs. This growth demonstrates the strong participation and liquidity that are driving Solana’s performance forward.

Institutional inflows are also boosting Solana’s profile, with $8.9 million directed into Solana-based funds last week while other crypto funds collectively experienced outflows of $415 million. Despite some user activity shifting toward newer platforms such as Hyperliquid, Solana’s ecosystem continues to expand. 

4. Ethereum (ETH): Rally Extends as Analysts Raise Targets

Ethereum is once again proving why it ranks among the best crypto projects, surging 41% in the last month while the broader market gained just 9%. Now trading near $4,690, the rally has been fueled by optimism surrounding potential Federal Reserve rate cuts, the introduction of the U.S. “Genius Act” stablecoin framework, and renewed ETF inflows from institutional players. These catalysts have created the foundation for Ethereum’s strong upward momentum.

The network is also benefiting from technical improvements through upgrades like Pectra, which are enhancing transaction efficiency. Analysts have responded with bullish forecasts, with Standard Chartered setting a $7,500 year-end target and even projecting $25,000 by 2028. However, short-term risks remain, as recent whale selling of $88 million in ETH could temporarily pause the rally.

Quick Breakdown

From disruptive presales to established networks driving billions in activity, these names represent some of the best crypto presales to follow in 2025. Cold Wallet is redefining how wallets deliver value, Hyperliquid is pushing DeFi into new revenue territory, Solana is reinforcing its strength above key levels, and Ethereum continues to anchor the market with upgrades and institutional backing.

Momentum can always shift in a volatile space, yet the combination of adoption, liquidity, and sentiment makes these projects stand out. Their progress will not only reflect market direction but also play a role in shaping how the year ahead unfolds.