The Crypto Focus in 2025 Has Shifted. Here Are the Most Popular Projects Delivering Real Speed, Fresh Upgrades and Active Development.

Bitcoin and Ethereum are still active, but the spotlight is now on projects delivering real speed, fresh upgrades, and active development.

The crypto narrative in 2025 has taken a decisive turn. While Bitcoin and Ethereum still hold their place as crypto giants, a new spotlight shines on projects delivering real speed, fresh upgrades, and sustained action.

As we move through May, testnet rollouts, presale milestones, and new partnerships are the benchmarks people are using to choose their favorite crypto. It’s no longer just about the name. Today, performance, speed, and what’s next are dictating the most popular crypto choices.

Here’s a look at some of the hottest projects making the biggest moves this year. From over $233.5 million in presale funds to a crypto merging with finance giants, each name here is rolling through 2025 strong. But leading the way, and scooping up the biggest headlines, is BlockDAG.

1. BlockDAG – $233.5M Raised & 2,531% ROI Target

BlockDAG is heating up crypto news today with its advanced PoW and DAG-based tech. It has already raised over $233.5 million and sold over 19.9 billion BDAG coins. The current special price offer, $0.0019 for each BDAG, is here until May 13, and the expected launch price is $0.05. This means there’s a 2,531% profit window for those who buy the coin now. Early buyers are already seeing the benefits, with the 2520% ROI kicking in.

With 17,353 miners sold and miner sales exceeding $7 million, it’s rapidly gaining traction. The mobile mining app X1 now boasts over 1 million users. Along with that, the beta testnet is live and pushing over 800 TPS. BlockDAG (BDAG) has also passed audits from both CertiK and Halborn, and over 10 centralised exchanges are preparing for its listing. The daily Buyer Battles promo is also awarding 25 million BDAG to the highest contributor.

A 25% referral and a 5% signup bonus keep new users joining. And with the mainnet launch still planned for later this year, BlockDAG isn’t just trending, it’s moving. Among the most popular crypto projects, BDAG stands out for its real-world use and unmatched momentum.

2. Sui – Pushes Past $3.50 Resistance

Sui (SUI) has seen a stellar run since April 1. It has gained over 112% in a month and is currently trading near $3.79. It recently tested the $3.50 resistance, and analysts suggest it could reach $5 if the bullish momentum continues.

What makes Sui unique is its object-based data model and capability for parallel processing. It’s not just theory; these features are already being implemented on live networks, enabling efficient and rapid transactions.

As one of the most talked-about crypto names this quarter, Sui is increasingly engaging developers and institutional interest. Its integration into real-world applications is advancing rapidly, and the blockchain’s performance is being recognized.

With more wallet activity, on-chain growth, and new DeFi features expected in Q2 2025, Sui appears poised for the next leg of its breakout journey.

3. Cardano – $9B in Whale Transfers

Cardano (ADA) is making a comeback, with over $9.12 billion in large transactions logged in April. It’s currently priced at $0.7201, recovering from a slow start to the year. Founder Charles Hoskinson is pushing AI-focused upgrades, and the Leios protocol aims to improve speed and scale, two areas Cardano has faced criticism for.

It continues to be one of the most popular crypto projects for long-term holders. Developers are also loyal to the platform, and new upgrades are arriving consistently. While it may not post the biggest short-term price jumps, the network’s depth and whale activity suggest it’s still a strong contender in 2025.

4. Chainlink – Merging DeFi and TradFi

Chainlink (LINK) is priced at $14.88 and has moved within the $13.34 to $14.05 range. What’s keeping it among the most popular crypto projects is its real-world finance link. Its new partnership with Global Custodian signals even bigger plans.

Chainlink’s widely used secure data feeds and cross-chain interoperability tools are already integrated into various DeFi and Web3 applications. Now, it’s working on crucial support for tokenized assets and providing efficient methods for institutions to verify data and documents on-chain.

These updates may not generate immediate headlines, but they highlight LINK’s role as a core component of the evolving crypto