Best Long-Term Crypto Investments (2025)

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Best long-term crypto investments in 2025

Ethereum (ETH) - large developer community and efficient upgrades.
Bitcoin (BTC) - the safest store of value.
Solana (SOL) - thousands of transactions per second at extremely low costs.
Avalanche (AVAX) - customized blockchain subnets with tailored flexibility.
Binance Coin (BNB) - utility and decreasing supply.
Aptos (APT) - focus on performance and developer experience.
Cosmos (ATOM) - allows independent blockchains to interoperate and scale.

For many investors, the cryptocurrency market represents an opportunity to grow long-term wealth in innovative new technologies. While volatility remains high, patience and discipline have proven rewards for those able to navigate cycles. Choosing crypto for long-term investment requires careful analysis, balancing risk with the potential for sustained growth.

This guide examines promising cryptocurrencies that have practical applications and active development, making them strong contenders for the future. Instead of focusing on mere hype, we highlight networks that deliver tangible value through real-world uses, innovative services, and infrastructure improvements. Whether you're looking for cryptocurrencies to buy for long-term growth or seeking options to diversify your portfolio, these choices provide meaningful opportunities.

Best cryptocurrencies for long-term investment

When it comes to cryptocurrencies, there are plenty to choose from. Nevertheless, you should take the time to figure out which crypto to buy for the long-term and how to build the best long-term crypto portfolio. Below is a list of top investments worth paying attention to for those considering a long-term crypto investment.

Ethereum (ETH)

With its transition to Ethereum 2.0, it has moved from a proof-of-work (PoW) to a proof-of-stake (PoS) consensus mechanism, reducing its energy consumption by approximately 99.95%. Ethereum's extensive developer community fosters continuous innovation and support for numerous projects. Its technology is being explored for real-world applications like supply chain management and digital identities, making it one of the best crypto for long-term investment. High gas fees remain a concern, but layer 2 solutions like Optimism and Arbitrum are addressing this issue effectively.

Bitcoin (BTC)

Bitcoin, launched in 2009, is the first cryptocurrency and remains widely trusted for its decentralized nature and capped supply of 21 million coins. This finite supply creates scarcity, making Bitcoin a potential hedge against inflation and a reliable long-term investment option.

Scalability has been a challenge for Bitcoin, as its network can process only about seven transactions per second, which limits its practicality for everyday use. To address this, several solutions have been introduced. The Lightning Network enables off-chain transactions, significantly increasing transaction speed and reducing fees. Additionally, sidechains like the Liquid Network allow assets to move between blockchains, easing congestion on the main Bitcoin network.

These developments aim to improve Bitcoin’s functionality and make it more suitable for daily transactions. For investors, Bitcoin continues to be a stable choice, offering both long-term growth potential and increasing usability through ongoing technological advancements.

Solana (SOL)

Solana is a blockchain platform recognized for its speed and low transaction costs, making it highly efficient for supporting decentralized applications (dApps) and smart contracts. Its Proof of History (PoH) consensus mechanism enables the network to process thousands of transactions per second, making it one of the fastest blockchains available.

The Solana ecosystem has rapidly grown, particularly in decentralized finance (DeFi) and non-fungible tokens (NFTs), drawing numerous projects and developers. This growth has strengthened its position as a significant player in the blockchain space. While the network has faced challenges like outages, ongoing upgrades aim to improve its stability and reliability.

Avalanche (AVAX)

Avalanche offers users the flexibility to create custom blockchains (subnets) tailored to specific needs, making it attractive for developers and enterprises. Its unique multi-chain architecture enhances interoperability, making it one of the best long-term crypto investments. The platform's innovative consensus mechanism ensures high throughput and robust security, though its complexity may pose challenges for new users. For those evaluating which crypto to buy for the long term, Avalanche provides a balance of innovation and performance.

Binance coin (BNB)

Binance Coin, the native cryptocurrency of the Binance exchange, is a versatile asset used for trading fee discounts and access to exclusive token sales. Binance’s buy-back and burn strategy adds to its value proposition, making it one of the best crypto to buy for the long term. However, regulatory scrutiny could impact its performance. Despite this, its utility and demand continue to grow globally, solidifying its position in a best long-term crypto portfolio.

Aptos (APT)

Aptos, developed by former engineers from Meta's Diem project, focuses on scalability and usability in blockchain technology. With capabilities of processing over 100,000 transactions per second, it offers exceptional performance and reliability. Its developer-friendly environment and strong backing from major venture capital firms make it one of the best crypto for long-term investment for those seeking innovation and growth in newer platforms.

Cosmos (ATOM)

Cosmos stands out for its Inter-Blockchain Communication (IBC) protocol, enabling seamless exchange of data and tokens across different blockchains. Its modular SDK simplifies the creation of custom blockchains, making it a key player in addressing interoperability issues. For investors considering crypto for long-term investment, Cosmos offers scalability and a growing ecosystem that supports its long-term viability.

Best platforms to buy crypto

We have compiled a list of platforms for buying cryptocurrency, focusing on key factors such as minimum deposits, supported coins, and trading fees for spot and futures markets to help you choose wisely.

Best crypto exchanges
	Min. Deposit, $	Coins Supported	Spot Taker fee, %	Spot Maker Fee, %	Futures Taker Fee, %	Futures Maker Fee, %	Open an account
OKX	10	329	0,1	0,08	0,05	0,02	Open an account Your capital is at risk.
Kraken	10	278	0,4	0,25	0,05	0,02	Open an account Your capital is at risk.
Crypto.com	1	250	0,5	0,25	0,05	0	Open an account Your capital is at risk.
CoinMetro	1	72	0,2	0,1		0	Open an account Your capital is at risk.
Ledger Wallet		1817	0	0	0	0	Open an account Your capital is at risk.

What influences the long-term growth of cryptocurrencies?

There are a number of things to consider that influence the long-term growth of cryptocurrencies. Next, we take a look:

Widespread adoption

One of the top factors influencing the long-term crypto investment potential is the widespread adoption of these currencies. When mainstream companies start accepting and promoting the use of cryptocurrencies, it provides validation for their use and potentially increases their long-term value.

The global cryptocurrency market is projected to grow significantly, with a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 12.5% from 2023 to 2030, reaching approximately $11.71 billion. This expansion is driven by increased adoption among institutional investors, advancements in blockchain technology, and the growing integration of cryptocurrencies into retail, remittances, and trading. Bitcoin and Ethereum dominate the market, supported by their respective applications in payments, DeFi, and smart contracts.

Growth of popularity among private investors

Cryptocurrencies, as a relatively new asset class, have witnessed a surge in popularity among private investors. This is partly due to the growing awareness of the best crypto for long-term investment opportunities. As investors recognize the benefits of adding cryptocurrencies to their portfolios, such as diversification and potential enhanced returns, long-term crypto investment strategies are becoming more common.

Technology development

Technological advancement plays a pivotal role in the longevity of cryptocurrencies. As technology evolves, cryptocurrencies become increasingly integrated into various business models, enhancing customer convenience. This is why many consider them among the best long-term crypto opportunities.

The development of blockchain solutions and decentralized finance (DeFi) ecosystems adds to the utility of cryptocurrencies, making them more relevant in a modern economy. Evaluating which crypto to buy today for long-term often depends on assessing their technological edge and real-world applicability.

Limited supply

Although there is a wide variety of cryptocurrencies, many of the most popular options have a limited supply, creating scarcity. For example, Bitcoin has a supply cap of 21 million coins. Moreover, Bitcoin halves its rewards every four years to control emissions at the code level, further ensuring its scarcity.

For investors seeking crypto for long term investment, limited supply is a key factor that supports value appreciation over time. Understanding these dynamics can help determine the best crypto for long-term investment.

Fed monetary policy

Federal monetary policy also affects the long-term growth of cryptocurrencies. Discussions about central bank digital currencies (CBDCs) have fueled interest in private cryptocurrencies as alternatives. This trend highlights why some investors are focusing on the best crypto to invest long term as a hedge against traditional monetary systems.

The evolving policy landscape creates new opportunities for those aiming to identify the best crypto to buy for the long term.

Explore the fastest growing crypto and learn how to invest wisely with practical tips, risk management strategies, and expert recommendations

Pros and cons of long-term investment in cryptocurrencies

Both long-term crypto investment and short-term trading of cryptocurrencies offer potential benefits. However, each approach also carries certain risks. Let's examine some of the pros and cons of holding cryptocurrencies for long periods versus making frequent trades.

Lower volatility risk. Cryptocurrency prices often experience dramatic short-term fluctuations that can undermine frequent trading strategies. Taking a patient, long-view approach allows an investor to hold through periods of heightened volatility, making it easier to benefit from the best long-term crypto portfolio.
Reduced trading costs. Every time an asset is bought or sold, transaction fees apply. Long-term holders incur significantly lower trading fees than active short-term traders. For those deciding which crypto to buy for the long term, minimizing transaction costs can significantly boost overall returns over the years.
Market timing is difficult. Predicting cryptocurrency price movements from day to day or week to week is challenging. By holding for the long run, an investor avoids the need to time a very unpredictable market, which aligns well with strategies focused on crypto for long term investment.

Opportunity costs. If a coin appreciates rapidly, a long-term holder may miss out on short-term profits they could have captured through active trading. However, focusing on the best crypto to buy for the long term can mitigate this risk by ensuring a portfolio is designed for steady growth.
Coins and projects can fail over time. Not all cryptocurrency projects will survive the long haul. Coins held for many years run the risk of the underlying technology or team failing, resulting in losses. While evaluating which crypto to buy today for long-term, investors must thoroughly assess the project's fundamentals.
Portfolio lacks flexibility. Long-term investors may find it harder to rebalance holdings or move into new promising cryptocurrencies during their earlier, high-growth phases. In contrast, short-term traders have more flexibility. Building a diversified portfolio of the best crypto for long-term investment can help mitigate this limitation.

Pay attention to how the cryptocurrency is managed and how involved its community is

When choosing cryptocurrencies to invest in for the long haul, it's important to look past the buzz and consider whether the technology solves real-world issues and whether the team behind it is credible. Check if the cryptocurrency tackles actual problems or brings something new to the table that makes it stand out. Look into the team's history and experience to see if they can deliver on their promises. This way, you can spot projects that are likely to grow steadily.

Also, pay attention to how the cryptocurrency is managed and how involved its community is. A project that's run in a decentralized and open way tends to be more robust and flexible. When the community is active, it can lead to new ideas and help the project weather market ups and downs. Participating in forums and social media can give you a good feel for the project's current state and where it's headed.

Conclusion

Investing in cryptocurrencies for the long term offers both opportunities and risks. While many investors have achieved significant returns by carefully selecting the best cryptocurrencies to hold, the market's volatility requires a thoughtful and strategic approach. To maximize your chances of success, focus on cryptocurrencies with real-world applications, strong development teams, and robust technological foundations. Diversifying your portfolio with tokens featuring innovative consensus mechanisms and scalability solutions can add stability to your investments.

FAQs

What are the risks of long-term crypto investing?

The price of a cryptocurrency could decrease dramatically and never recover. Additionally, unexpected government regulations or scams could result in significant losses.

How do you protect yourself when investing in crypto?

Only invest what you can afford to lose and maintain a fund for emergencies.

How do you decide where to buy cryptocurrency from?

Use reputable platforms that align with your financial goals and conduct thorough research before committing to a purchase.

What is the most important factor in making money from crypto for the long term?

Timing is critical. Identifying the best crypto to buy for the long term and knowing when to buy and sell can maximize your potential returns.

Team that worked on the article

Mikhail Vnuchkov joined Traders Union as an author in 2020. He began his professional career as a journalist-observer at a small online financial publication, where he covered global economic events and discussed their impact on the segment of financial investment, including investor income. With five years of experience in finance, Mikhail joined Traders Union team, where he is in charge of forming the pool of latest news for traders, who trade stocks, cryptocurrencies, Forex instruments and fixed income.

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Chinmay Soni is a financial analyst with more than 5 years of experience in working with stocks, Forex, derivatives, and other assets. As a founder of a boutique research firm and an active researcher, he covers various industries and fields, providing insights backed by statistical data. He is also an educator in the field of finance and technology.

As an author for Traders Union, he contributes his deep analytical insights on various topics, taking into account various aspects.

Mirjan Hipolito is a journalist and news editor at Traders Union. She is an expert crypto writer with five years of experience in the financial markets. Her specialties are daily market news, price predictions, and Initial Coin Offerings (ICO).

Volatility

Volatility refers to the degree of variation or fluctuation in the price or value of a financial asset, such as stocks, bonds, or cryptocurrencies, over a period of time. Higher volatility indicates that an asset's price is experiencing more significant and rapid price swings, while lower volatility suggests relatively stable and gradual price movements.

Crypto trading

Crypto trading involves the buying and selling of cryptocurrencies, such as Bitcoin, Ethereum, or other digital assets, with the aim of making a profit from price fluctuations.

Cryptocurrency

Cryptocurrency is a type of digital or virtual currency that relies on cryptography for security. Unlike traditional currencies issued by governments (fiat currencies), cryptocurrencies operate on decentralized networks, typically based on blockchain technology.

Investor

An investor is an individual, who invests money in an asset with the expectation that its value would appreciate in the future. The asset can be anything, including a bond, debenture, mutual fund, equity, gold, silver, exchange-traded funds (ETFs), and real-estate property.

Leverage

Forex leverage is a tool enabling traders to control larger positions with a relatively small amount of capital, amplifying potential profits and losses based on the chosen leverage ratio.