The cryptocurrency market started off with mixed signals, with Bitcoin leading altcoins following the launch of BTC spot ETFs. However, the rest of the year turned out to be quite bleak until the fourth quarter.
As Bitcoin reached a new all-time high, many altcoins also reached their new highs. The question that remains now is what should investors expect from them in 2025?
Thus, BeInCrypto has analyzed the top 5 coins that everyone has their eye on and what direction they could take in the next 12 months.
Bitcoin (BTC)
Bitcoin has had a dream run this year as it formed multiple new all-time highs and made history after crossing the $100,000 mark. By doing so, BTC recorded a 123% increase in 2024.
2025 is also expected to be similarly bullish, as the regulatory outlook is apparently turning favorable, with pro-cryptocurrency President Donald Trump taking office in January. In an exclusive interview with BeInCrypto, Juan Pellicer, Senior Research Analyst at IntoTheBlock, spoke about the potential of Bitcoin.
“Bitcoin’s prospects for 2025 appear remarkably strong, supported by its recent advance above $100,000. Consolidation at these levels, combined with growing institutional adoption and its proven track record as an inflation hedge, suggests continued bullish momentum. If macroeconomic conditions remain favorable, we could see Bitcoin establish new price levels as it becomes increasingly integrated into traditional financial portfolios,” Pellicer told BeInCrypto.
Bitcoin price analysis. Source: TradingView
The short-term target for Bitcoin stands at $120,000, which is only possible if BTC manages to retain $100,000 as support. Otherwise, it could continue falling to the current support at $89,800.
Ethereum (ETH)
Unlike Bitcoin, Ethereum has failed to impress investors, rising only 40% since the beginning of the year. ETH has been struggling around the $4,000 mark for some time now and this price is its biggest barrier.
This week also marked the biggest drop for the altcoin leader, falling 19% to trade at $3,203. However, the launch of the ETH spot ETF has been a turning point for Ethereum and could take the altcoin even further in 2025.
“Although institutional adoption of Ethereum has been slower than anticipated, there has been a notable increase in the total amount of ETH held in ETF addresses since November. Looking ahead, the potential for increased institutional commitment through spot ETFs, coupled with the growing adoption of Ethereum-based enterprise solutions, points to significant growth potential for ETH,” Pellicer noted.
Ethereum price analysis. Source: TradingView
For now, Ethereum’s biggest goal is to turn the $4,000 level into support moving forward. This would justify first securing $3,419 as a support floor. Otherwise, a drop below $3,000 is not too far away.
Solana (SUN)
Solana had a relatively better year than Ethereum. However, it was not exceptional. The altcoin has been an institutional favorite and is expected to do better than simply posting a 79% rally for the entire year.
Breaking out of the consolidation of $202 and $128 was a big challenge for SOL, and staying above it is the key to a continued uptrend. However, at the time of writing, Solana has fallen again and is trading at $182.
However, Solana has potential due to its strong fundamentals and emerging use cases.
“Institutional appetite appears to be expanding beyond Bitcoin. Major blockchains are likely to see increased institutional interest, driven by the potential approval of new ETFs and clearer regulatory frameworks… This infrastructural and application-focused development could create a more balanced market where multiple assets thrive alongside Bitcoin,” Pellicer told BeInCrypto.
Solana price analysis. Source: TradingView
Solana’s goal for now is to secure $202 as support, as only then will it be able to form a new ATH beyond $265. But if the “Ethereum killer” consolidates again, 2025 could end up being bleak for SOL holders.
XRP
While XRP didn’t have a great year, it did have an impressive fourth quarter. In the last quarter, XRP rose from $0.49 to reach year-to-date highs of $2.90, before falling to $2.07 at this time. This strong rebound brought year-to-date growth to 237%.
Like Bitcoin, XRP is also likely to see strong growth in 2025 due to the recent launch of its RLUSD stablecoin.
“XRP’s trajectory is particularly interesting given recent events. While the SEC victory was a major catalyst, the launch of the RLUSD stablecoin and ongoing developments of the XRPL chain present new vectors for growth. The possible appointment of a pro-crypto SEC chair could actually strengthen XRP’s position by providing clearer regulatory guidelines for its use in cross-border payments and institutional adoption. “This regulatory clarity, combined with technical advances, could drive sustained price appreciation,” Pellicer noted.
XRP price analysis. Source: TradingView
This positive momentum could push XRP beyond the $3.00 barrier, supported by strong demand from new buyers. Institutions will also play a key role in fueling this demand, helping to keep the altcoin above $2.
Cardano (ADA)
Cardano recorded one of the most disappointing runs of all the major altcoins, rising just 35% in 12 months. The 27% drop this week erased a portion of the gains seen in the fourth quarter, taking the altcoin to $0.80.
The lack of growth has raised concerns about Cardano remaining in the top 10 cryptoasset list. ADA, already in ninth place, faces the threat from chains like Tron (TRX) and Avalanche (AVAX), which have proven themselves. However, Pellicer has a more positive outlook towards the third-generation crypto asset.
“While its performance has been disappointing in the current bull cycle, its potential should not be underestimated. The key to maintaining its top 10 position lies in successful ecosystem expansion and increased utility. The platform must demonstrate concrete use cases and accelerate the implementation of dApps.
The focus should be on attracting developers and projects that can take advantage of Cardano’s technical advantages. If successful in this effort, ADA could see renewed interest and price appreciation in 2025, although this will require significant execution of development milestones and user adoption metrics,” Pellicer told BeInCrypto.
Cardano price analysis. Source: TradingView
This positive outlook would only be valid if ADA manages to reclaim $1.00 as support and return to $1.19. However, further growth would ensure strong demand from investors and further development from the team.
