The top eight cryptocurrencies by market capitalization are:
1. Bitcoin (BTC): The pioneering cryptocurrency, maintaining its position as the largest by market cap.
2. Ethereum (ETH): Known for its smart contract functionality and decentralized applications.
3. Tether (USDT): A stablecoin pegged to the U.S. dollar, widely used for trading and as a store of value.
4. BNB (BNB): The native token of the Binance exchange, used for transaction fees and other utilities within the Binance ecosystem.
5. Solana (SOL): Recognized for its high-speed transactions and scalability, making it a competitor to Ethereum.
6. XRP (XRP): Developed by Ripple Labs, designed for fast and low-cost cross-border payments.
7. USD Coin (USDC): Another stablecoin pegged to the U.S. dollar, known for its transparency and full backing by dollar reserves.
8. Cardano (ADA): A blockchain platform focused on security and sustainability, offering smart contract capabilities.