From bitcoin and Ethereum to Dogecoin and Tether, there are thousands of different cryptocurrencies, which can make it overwhelming when you’re first getting started in the world of crypto. To help you get your bearings, these are the top 10 cryptocurrencies to invest in based on their market capitalization or the total value of all the coins currently in circulation.
2. Ethereum (ETH)
Market cap: $392.4 billion
Year-over-year return: 81%
Both a cryptocurrency and a blockchain platform, Ethereum is a favorite of program developers because of its potential applications, like so-called smart contracts that automatically execute when conditions are met and non-fungible tokens (NFTs).
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Top 10 Cryptocurrencies Of April 2024
Michael Adams
Lead Editor, Investing
Lisa Dammeyer
Deputy Editor, Investing & Retirement
Reviewed
Updated: Apr 2, 2024, 11:04am
Editorial Note: We earn a commission from partner links on Forbes Advisor. Commissions do not affect our editors' opinions or evaluations.
Top 10 Cryptocurrencies Of April 2024
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From bitcoin and Ethereum to Dogecoin and Tether, there are thousands of different cryptocurrencies, which can make it overwhelming when you’re first getting started in the world of crypto. To help you get your bearings, these are the top 10 cryptocurrencies to invest in based on their market capitalization or the total value of all the coins currently in circulation.
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Best Crypto To Buy Now
1. Bitcoin (BTC)
Market cap: $1.3 trillion
Year-over-year return: 130%
Created in 2009 by Satoshi Nakamoto, bitcoin (BTC) is the original cryptocurrency. As with most cryptocurrencies, BTC runs on a blockchain, or a ledger logging transactions distributed across a network of thousands of computers. Because additions to the distributed ledgers must be verified by solving a cryptographic puzzle, a process called proof of work, bitcoin is kept secure and safe from fraudsters.
Bitcoin’s price has skyrocketed as it’s become a household name. In May 2016, you could buy one bitcoin for about $500. As of Apr. 2, 2024, a single bitcoin’s price was around $64,861. That’s a growth of 12,872%.
Related: How To Buy Bitcoin
2. Ethereum (ETH)
Market cap: $392.4 billion
Year-over-year return: 81%
Both a cryptocurrency and a blockchain platform, Ethereum is a favorite of program developers because of its potential applications, like so-called smart contracts that automatically execute when conditions are met and non-fungible tokens (NFTs).
Ethereum has also experienced tremendous growth. From April 2016 to the end of April 2024, its price went from about $11 to around $3,268, increasing 29,612%.
Related: How To Buy Ethereum
3. Tether (USDT)
Market cap: $104.7 billion
Year-over-year return: 0%
Unlike some other forms of cryptocurrency, Tether (USDT) is a stablecoin, meaning it’s backed by fiat currencies like U.S. dollars and the Euro and hypothetically keeps a value equal to one of those denominations. In theory, this means Tether’s value is supposed to be more consistent than other cryptocurrencies, and it’s favored by investors who are wary of the extreme volatility of other coins.
4. Binance Coin (BNB)
Market cap: $82.1 billion
Year-over-year return: 76%
Binance Coin (BNB) is a form of cryptocurrency that you can use to trade and pay fees on Binance, one of the largest crypto exchanges in the world. Since its launch in 2017, Binance Coin has expanded past merely facilitating trades on Binance’s exchange platform. Now, it can be used for trading, payment processing or even booking travel arrangements. It can also be traded or exchanged for other forms of cryptocurrency, such as Ethereum or bitcoin.
BNB’s price in 2017 was just $0.10. By late April 2024, its price had risen to around $549, a gain of 549,220
5. Solana (SOL)
Market cap: $78.8 billion
Year-over-year return: 768%
Developed to help power decentralized finance (DeFi) uses, decentralized apps (DApps) and smart contracts, Solana runs on a unique hybrid proof-of-stake and proof-of-history mechanisms to process transactions quickly and securely. SOL, Solana’s native token, powers the platform.
