Crypto continues to move fast, and in the current market cycle, the spotlight is firmly on projects delivering real-world use. The most popular crypto names this year share one thing in common: real utility. From AI and DeFi to private transactions and lightning-quick trading platforms, these projects are helping shape the next evolution of Web3.

This guide breaks down four major names: Unstaked, Ethereum, Hyperliquid, and Monero, which are showing strong growth and community backing. Each one brings a different edge, but all reflect a shift toward practical tech with strong user demand. Whether you’re exploring new platforms or tracking long-term narratives, these are the names to know in 2025.

Unstaked is gaining serious attention by blending AI with blockchain in a new way. Its standout feature is the “Proof of Intelligence” protocol, which tracks and verifies the actions of AI agents directly on-chain. This ensures full transparency and trust. These agents don’t just perform tasks, they’re accountable. Rewards are based on real engagement and verified output, not just code execution.

The project’s presale has already passed Stage 13 and is now in Stage 14, priced at $0.009545. So far, Unstaked has raised nearly $7 million and sold more than 860 million tokens. The launch price is set much higher at $0.1819, suggesting a strong upside. Though the AI agents are not yet live, they’re planned for rollout after the presale ends, showing that the project is building for long-term growth.

Unstaked is not just another tech project, it aims to make AI usable and reliable in Web3. That’s why it’s quickly becoming one of the most popular crypto projects of 2025. With real progress, measurable utility, and massive support from the community, Unstaked is leading a new wave of smart, verifiable automation. It brings something new to the market, and it’s doing so at the right time.

Ethereum’s long-standing role as a Web3 leader hasn’t changed in 2025. Its network continues to serve as the backbone for DeFi, NFT marketplaces, and DAOs. With the adoption of layer-2 networks and continuous protocol upgrades, Ethereum remains one of the most popular crypto platforms today.

The switch to proof-of-stake added an eco-friendly angle, drawing support from institutions and developers alike. Ethereum also dominates in smart contract activity and dApp integration. Its ability to evolve while retaining market relevance makes it a consistent choice for users focused on utility. As Web3 matures, Ethereum is still leading from the front.

Hyperliquid addresses a long-time issue in the crypto space, trading speed. Its protocol delivers near-instant transactions while keeping everything non-custodial. The platform offers fast order execution without leaning on Ethereum’s slower base layer, which sets it apart from most alternatives.

By building a custom network for high-performance trading, Hyperliquid has attracted a wave of interest. It supports both spot and derivatives trading with minimal lag. Its clean user interface and reliable speed make it a standout among the most popular crypto platforms focusing on performance. For those seeking speed without compromise, Hyperliquid makes a strong case.

In a world where transparency is growing, Monero offers the opposite, true privacy. It’s one of the few cryptos that hides sender, receiver, and amount details, helping protect user identity. This has made it the go-to option for people who want full control over their financial actions.

While others shift focus to trends like AI or meme coins, Monero stays consistent. Its recent protocol updates and solid development activity maintain its credibility. For anyone watching the most popular crypto choices rooted in anonymity and functionality, Monero proves that privacy still matters in 2025.

Crypto trends move fast, but real-world use decides who leads. Unstaked’s AI-backed system, Ethereum’s strong base, Hyperliquid’s trading edge, and Monero’s privacy focus all show different paths to adoption. 

They’re not just popular, they solve real problems. If you’re following the most popular crypto names that mix strong narratives with working tech, these four offer more than just short-term attention. They reflect the next wave of meaningful growth across the blockchain world.