2024 was a year of contrasts for the cryptocurrency market. Industry veterans such as Bitcoin, Ethereum and Tether continued to hold their positions, demonstrating stability and adaptability. And newcomers such as Sei and Kaspa burst onto the scene, impressing the community with innovative approaches and rapid growth.


 

In this article, we'll tell you who stayed on top and who made a big statement by joining the ranks of the up-and-comers. As the year draws to a close, it's time to take stock: what drove the industry forward in 2024?
 

Leaders of the year: who stayed on top?

The world of cryptocurrency is changing rapidly, but some projects remain at the forefront. Their success is based on a combination of proven strategies, cutting-edge technology and high levels of community trust.
 

1. Bitcoin (BTC)

Market capitalisation: $1.8 trillion

Annualised return: +144.3%
 

The world's first cryptocurrency, BTC remains the undisputed leader. Its price continues to break records, surpassing $91,600 in November 2024. This growth — more than 17 100% since 2016 — confirms bitcoin's status as "digital gold".
 

2. Ethereum (ETH)

Market capitalisation: $375.5 billion

Annualised return: +54.2%
 

Ethereum is not only a cryptocurrency, but also a blockchain platform for smart contracts, NFTs and DApps. Its price has risen 29,520% since 2016, reaching $3,258 by November 2024.
 

3. Tether (USDT)

Market capitalisation: $124 billion

Annualised return: 0%
 

Tether is the first stablecoin on the market. Its peg to the US dollar makes USDT an indispensable tool for investors seeking stability in a volatile market.
 

4. Solana (SOL)

Market capitalisation: $116 billion

Annualised return: +335.2%
 

Solana is impressively fast: its network supports thousands of transactions per second thanks to its unique hybrid verification mechanism. Since its launch in 2020, SOL has gained 26,978% and currently stands at $246.5.
 

5. Binance Coin (BNB)

Market capitalisation: $90 billion

Annualised return: +143.3%

BNB was originally created to pay commissions on the Binance exchange, but is now used for everything from trading to paying for services and even booking travel. In 2017, BNB was worth just $0.10, but by November 2024 its price had reached $617, an increase of 621,759%.
 

6. XRP (XRP)

Market capitalisation: $62.6 billion

Annualised return: +79.2%
 

XRP is a key element of the Ripple platform, which is used for international payments. By November 2024, its price had risen to $1.1, an increase of 10,693% since 2017.
 

7. Dogecoin (DOGE)

Market capitalisation: $56.1 billion

Annualised return: +392.7%
 

Originally created as a joke, memcoin continues to surprise. Dogecoin is growing in popularity thanks to its dedicated community and lack of an issuance limit. In 2017, DOGE was worth $0.0002 and in November 2024, its price will exceed $0.36, an increase of 179,416%.
 

8. USD Coin (USDC)

Market capitalisation: $36 billion

Annualised return: 0%
 

Another popular stablecoin that is used for global transactions and is often chosen by large corporations.
 

9. Cardano (ADA)

Market capitalisation: $26.3 billion

Annualised return: +93.4%
 

ADA emerged later than other cryptocurrencies, but has become known for its green approach, high transaction speeds and low energy costs. The price of ADA has risen from $0.02 in 2017 to $0.57 in November 2024, an increase of 2,760%.
 

10. TRON (TRX).

Market capitalisation: $17.6 billion

Annualised return: +101.3%
 

TRON is one of the leaders in the world of DeFi and smart contracts, which was worth $0.0019 when it was launched in 2017. In November 2024, the token will be worth $0.205.
 

Newcomers 2024: who surprised the crypto market this year?

This year was a good one for new crypto projects that caught investors' attention with their originality and potential.
 

- 888tron (888) — the most promising new memcoin.

888 is a memcoin with a unique concept. Its owners hold tokens en masse until the price reaches $888. It is currently worth $0.02918 and has a market capitalisation of $2.56 million, but the potential for growth is huge.
 

- SPX6900 (SPX) — the outstanding memcoin of 2024.

An ambitious memcoin that aims to 'outperform the stock market'. Launching in 2023, SPX has already reached a capitalisation of $860 million and a price of $0.989.
 

- Pepe Unchained (PEPU) — the best Layer-2 project.

An Ethereum-based Layer-2 token that combines meme culture (Pepe the Frog) and advanced technology. High APY on stakes (87%) allows to generate passive income, which makes PEPU attractive for investors.
 

- Kaspa (KAS) — a unique model and rapid growth.

Kaspa impresses not only with its transaction speed (just a few seconds), but also with its rapid growth: since its launch in July 2022, the coin has increased in value by more than 7,000%. In the last 12 months alone, the price of the token has increased by 1,800%.
 

- Sei (SEI) — high performance and impressive launch.

Layer 1 blockchain with high throughput — up to 20,000 transactions per second. SEI's price has increased by 3,400% since its launch in 2023.
 

The cryptocurrency market in 2024 showed an amazing combination of stability from leaders and rapid growth from newcomers. These projects and their successes not only drive the industry forward, but also open up new horizons for investors and developers. The year 2025 is just around the corner, and it promises to bring even more colourful achievements, innovations and opportunities.