4 Crypto Projects Holding Firm Despite Market Swings in The First Half of 2025

The first half of 2025 has brought sharp swings to crypto markets, but a few projects are holding firm with clear direction, strategic deals, and expanding use cases.

The first half of 2025 has seen some sharp swings in crypto markets, but a few projects are holding firm with clear direction, strategic deals, and expanding use cases.

As traders explore the best crypto to buy, attention is shifting to platforms offering real-world functionality and room for growth. Stellar (XLM) is strengthening its role in international payments through Mastercard and others. Ondo Finance (ONDO) gains from increasing demand in the tokenized real-world asset segment.

Hyperliquid (HYPE) is seeing fast traction in DeFi with growing user activity. But one project drawing consistent attention is BlockDAG (BDAG), thanks to its early adoption, presale tools, and strong price potential. Let’s look into what sets each project apart, and why they are in the spotlight for 2025.

1. BlockDAG (BDAG): $294.3M Raised as Presale Tools Go Live

BlockDAG is one of the rare early-stage projects already showing product delivery. Currently priced at just $0.0018 until June 13, BDAG has raised more than $294.3 million. Over 22.3 billion coins have been sold so far, and Batch 29 is now live at $0.0276. This means early participants from Batch 1 have seen up to 2,660% ROI already.

The BDAG roadmap includes a listing at $0.05, with some forecasts suggesting a long-term climb toward $1. That potential upside is one reason BlockDAG is now being discussed as the best crypto to buy this cycle. But its growth isn’t just about price.

BlockDAG supports Ethereum-compatible apps, making it easier for existing developers to migrate. Its low-code builder is designed for simplicity, giving non-technical users a way to launch apps on-chain. This practical approach to blockchain usability is rare at this stage.

The X1 mining app already has over 1 million active users. In total, BlockDAG has sold more than $7.1 million in mining devices, with over 17,811 units shipped. These numbers point to strong grassroots traction, not just hype.

As the June 13 reveal approaches, BlockDAG is proving it’s more than a presale concept. It’s already live in key ways and gaining attention as the best crypto to buy in 2025.

2. Stellar (XLM): Pushing Ahead in Cross-Border Solutions

Stellar continues to strengthen its role in international payments. Trading near $0.267, it shows relative stability despite recent volatility. Its consistent focus on real-world adoption helps it stand out.

The partnership with Mastercard, announced at Meridian 2024, brings clear utility to the Stellar network. This feature allows users to send digital assets using simple details like email addresses. It also adds a layer of compliance and improved identity checks.

Along with ongoing support from VISA and MoneyGram, Stellar is shaping itself into a key framework for licensed and reliable digital payments. In a market filled with speculation, Stellar’s long-term approach gives it a clear path forward.

It’s not the loudest project in the room, but its infrastructure and use case keep it on track. This balance of reliability and progress is why many are calling Stellar one of the best crypto to buy in 2025.

3. Ondo Finance (ONDO): Riding the Real World Asset Wave

Ondo Finance has become one of the key players in the Real World Asset (RWA) segment. Trading near $0.836, ONDO has shown steady growth and bullish patterns. Analysts note an ascending triangle formation, hinting at a push past $1.00 in the coming weeks.

No token unlocks are expected until 2026. This tightens supply and allows for a stronger market position in the short term. Daily trading volumes also reflect increased institutional interest, with one recent day seeing $140 million traded.

Some analysts see ONDO hitting anywhere between $0.80 and $3.31 in 2025. That wide range reflects both its early-stage strength and the evolving RWA market. As tokenized assets become more common, Ondo’s infrastructure will likely continue to lead.

Its use case and token design are making it one of the best crypto to buy in the DeFi–RWA crossover zone. For those looking at long-term shifts in finance, Ondo is worth noting.

4. Hyperliquid (HYPE): Technical Strength Meets Exchange Backing

Hyperliquid (HYPE) has been gaining momentum quickly in the DeFi sector. Its price recently touched $34.64, and RSI levels approaching 67 suggest more upside might be near. Analysts are also watching rising volatility via Bollinger Bands, which could lead