The ERC-20 token standard is the blueprint for thousands of Ethereum-based projects and applications. It’s the most widely used cryptocurrency on the blockchain and follows a standardized set of rules that make it easy for developers to build and deploy.
| # | Coin | Price | 24h % | Market Cap | Volume | 24h Range |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 |
Tether
USDT
|
$1.00 | 0.01% | $144,316,987,648 | $46,207,857,031 |
$1.00
―
$1.00
|
| 2 |
BNB
BNB
|
$588.56 | 0.16% | $85,922,029,727 | $510,016,983 |
$583.53
―
$592.35
|
| 3 |
Lido Staked Ether
STETH
|
$1,635.53 | 0.91% | $15,219,912,604 | $26,079,299 |
$1,615.81
―
$1,682.48
|
| 4 |
Wrapped Bitcoin
WBTC
|
$85,630.00 | 1.71% | $11,029,623,080 | $320,897,462 |
$83,934.00
―
$85,684.00
|
| 5 |
LEO Token
LEO
|
$9.43 | 0.50% | $8,712,211,588 | $3,307,044 |
$9.36
―
$9.44
|
| 6 |
Chainlink
LINK
|
$12.73 | 0.00% | $8,127,743,345 | $351,107,163 |
$12.58
―
$13.18
|
| 7 |
USDS
USDS
|
$1.00 | -0.02% | $7,280,456,227 | $10,128,657 |
$1.00
―
$1.00
|
| 8 |
Shiba Inu
SHIB
|
$0.0411 | -2.12% | $7,055,622,269 | $149,279,513 |
$0.0411
―
$0.0412
|
| 9 |
Polkadot
DOT
|
$3.68 | -0.65% | $5,598,020,617 | $143,723,041 |
$3.65
―
$3.78
|
| 10 |
Bitget Token
BGB
|
$4.32 | 0.67% | $5,187,738,150 | $120,064,758 |
$4.22
―
$4.33
|
| 11 |
MANTRA
OM
|
$0.61 | -21.31% | $588,380,330 | $1,211,030,269 |
$0.49
―
$0.78
|
| 12 |
Wrapped Ether (Mantle Bridge)
WETH
|
$1,638.96 | 1.31% | $124,533,376 | $4,066,955 |
$1,614.30
―
$1,685.75
|
| 13 |
Wrapped TON
WTON
|
$2.93 | 3.55% | - | $172,902 |
$2.79
―
$2.95
|
Tether
USDT
BNB
BNB
Lido Staked Ether
STETH
Wrapped Bitcoin
WBTC
LEO Token
LEO
Chainlink
LINK
USDS
USDS
Shiba Inu
SHIB
Polkadot
DOT
Bitget Token
BGB
MANTRA
OM
Wrapped Ether (Mantle Bridge)
WETH
Wrapped TON
WTONWithin the Ethereum ecosystem, ERC-20 tokens are crucial in smart contract functionality, tokenized rewards, and decentralized finance (DeFi). They add value to thousands of projects by facilitating decentralized governance, representing stablecoins, and adding staking utility. The ERC-20 token is also interoperable, which means it is compatible with Ethereum-based tools and services.
As of 2025, there are over 5,000 ERC-20 cryptocurrencies that anyone can purchase. In this article, we explore the best ERC-20 tokens, where to buy them, and their benefits and risks.
Top Gainers (24h)
Wrapped Bitcoin
WBTC
Wrapped Ether (Mantle Bridge)
WETH
Lido Staked Ether
STETH
Bitget Token
BGB
LEO Token
LEO
Top Losers (24h)
MANTRA
OM
Shiba Inu
SHIB
Polkadot
DOT
USDS
USDS
Chainlink
LINK
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What is the Best ERC-20 Crypto to Buy Now?
While no one particular ERC-20 token is considered the best investment, several options exist with varying use cases and features. Let’s break them down.
1. Tether (USDT)
Tether Price Chart
(USDT)Tether (USDT)
Tether (USDT) is one of the earliest stablecoins in the blockchain ecosystem and is currently the third-largest cryptocurrency by market capitalization. It launched in July 2014 as RealCoin and soon rebranded itself as Tether. The stablecoin was designed to provide a digital representation of the US dollar, giving crypto traders a way of holding value within the blockchain.
USDT is primarily used for its fiat stability, pegged 1-to-1 to the US dollar. This makes it a go-to liquidity tool for traders and is widely accepted on centralized and decentralized exchanges. Additionally, Tether’s stability makes it a popular ERC-20 token for lending and earning interest, so staking USDT often yields higher rewards than regular crypto assets.
Despite occasional investigations into its dollar reserves, Tether has maintained market dominance among stablecoins. On its official website, it typically publishes daily token circulation details and quarterly reserves reports.
While Tether isn’t a token for growth, holders can still earn relatively high passive income rewards by staking the stablecoin. USDT staking is available on several top exchanges, crypto wallets, and trading platforms. Used across 17 blockchain networks, Tether remains a crucial stablecoin that bridges the gap between fiat and crypto ecosystems.
Find out more about Tether
2. Binance Coin (BNB)
BNB Price Chart
(BNB)BNB (BNB)
Introduced in 2017, Binance Coin (BNB) is the native token of the Binance exchange and was initially launched as an ERC-20 token. BNB eventually migrated to Binance’s own blockchain in 2019, which is now known as the BNB Chain and follows the BEP-20 token standard. BEP-20 was directly modeled after ERC-20, sharing similar functions and DeFi compatibility.
One of BNB’s primary use cases is offering trading fee discounts on the Binance exchange. Users with BNB holdings on their Binance accounts get 25% off fees, and the more BNB tokens a user owns, the higher their additional VIP discount on the platform. As BNB Chain’s utility token, BNB is also used to pay on-chain transaction fees, similar to how Ethereum (ETH) is paid for its network’s gas fees.
Additionally, BNB features a deflationary token mechanism that initiates quarterly token burns that help support the token’s price. The project’s latest burn marked its 30th BNB burn, which removed 1.6 billion BNB tokens from circulation.
Based on its latest roadmap, BNB aims to reduce transaction latency across the blockchain while maintaining high throughput. It also plans to support more AI-driven applications across various industries, including social networks, gaming, and DeFi.
Find out more about Binance Coin
3. USDC Coin (USDC)
USDC Coin (USDC) is another ERC-20 token pegged to the US dollar and the second-largest stablecoin by market capitalization. It was launched in 2018 in collaboration with the international fintech company Circle and the leading crypto exchange Coinbase.
Many prefer holding USDC over USDT because of the latter’s higher transparency, simpler reserves structure, and greater regulatory compliance. USDC Coin is widely accepted in DeFi, payments, remittances, and other crypto services and is compatible across 19 blockchains, including Solana, Avalanche, Base, and Polygon.
Because of USDC’s strong market position, it’s available on many leading crypto exchanges and platforms and offers high rewards for those who stake and lend it. Moreover, the crypto has high stability and is backed by the Circle Reserve Fund, which has a publicly available portfolio on BlackRock.
According to the latest USDC economy outlook, the ERC-20 stablecoin experienced significant growth and impact in the global financial system. USDC is now accessible in over 500 million wallet products and is expanding towards more integrations in TradFi (traditional finance). USDC circulation increased by 78% year-over-year based on its November 2024 report.
Find out more about USDC Coin
4. Lido Staked Ether (stETH)
Lido Staked Ether Price Chart
(STETH)Lido Staked Ether (STETH)
Lido Staked Ether (stETH) is a tokenized representation of staked ETH on the Lido Staking Protocol. It is a set of open-source tools operating on Ethereum and Polygon blockchains, allowing users to stake ETH on Lido. stETH tokens are minted upon deposit and burned when claimed.
Furthermore, stETH democratizes access to Ethereum’s staking rewards. It allows individuals to break the 32 ETH staking barrier, which refers to the minimum amount of ETH required to run a validator node to participate in Ethereum’s PoS (Proof of Stake) network and earn rewards.
This ERC-20 token can be used like Ethereum—it can be bought, sold, and used in various DeFi platforms. However, Lido Staked Ether’s main benefit is allowing users to participate in Ethereum staking without locking up their crypto holdings.
While ETH earns passive staking rewards, stETH can be used as collateral on various DeFi apps like Curve, Aave, and Yearn for even more compounding yields. Staking rewards are reflected in stETH balances, which update once daily. Lido Staked Ether combines staking with liquidity and flexibility, improving capital efficiency within the DeFi ecosystem.
Find out more about Lido Staked Ether
5. Wrapped Bitcoin (WBTC)
Wrapped Bitcoin Price Chart
(WBTC)Wrapped Bitcoin (WBTC)
Wrapped Bitcoin (WBTC) is an ERC-20 token backed 1-to-1 with Bitcoin (BTC). It was launched in 2019 to represent Bitcoin’s value and liquidity on the Ethereum ecosystem. WBTC and other wrapped tokens have the same value as their original counterparts but are compatible with other networks through custodians.
WBTC’s primary function is to allow users to engage with Ethereum-based DeFi protocols and applications while maintaining exposure to Bitcoin. Wrapped Bitcoin holders can lend, borrow, and provide liquidity on Ethereum platforms without converting their BTC to ETH.
BitGo, one of the founders of WBTC, fully backs each WBTC token using real Bitcoin, and all transactions are publicly available on the blockchain. With over $10 billion in market capitalization, Wrapped Bitcoin is the biggest and most actively used Bitcoin representation in the Ethereum ecosystem.
Individuals with Bitcoin holdings can turn their BTC into WBTC by swapping them on centralized exchanges (CEXs) or a decentralized cross-chain bridge. For investors who believe in Bitcoin but want access to Ethereum’s DeFi infrastructure, WBTC provides the most practical and secure solution.
Find out more about Wrapped Bitcoin
How We Ranked the Best ERC-20 Crypto To Buy
We based our list of the top ERC-20 tokens on a balanced evaluation using five key criteria. Each factor was weighted equally at 20%, ensuring a fair assessment across various types of tokens.
Here’s a closer look at each criterion we considered for the best ERC-20 crypto:
- Utility (20%): We analyzed how well each token solves a real-world problem within the Ethereum ecosystem and beyond. Examples of powerful utility include staking, acting as a medium of exchange, and powering smart contracts.
- Market Cap & Liquidity (20%): Tokens with higher market valuations are associated with more substantial investor confidence, while liquidity ensures that users can seamlessly buy and sell the crypto without significant price swings.
- Team & Development Activity (20%): Besides the track record and experience of a token’s team, we looked for developers who have invested heavily in their projects. These are cryptocurrencies with active developer announcements and clear roadmaps.
- Security & Audits (20%): Smart contract security is necessary. We prioritized cryptocurrencies with independent audits while maintaining transparency around vulnerabilities, upgrades, and reserves.
- Adoption & Partnerships (20%): This includes the token’s listings on major cryptocurrency platforms, public approval from influential crypto investors, and other collaborations with trusted companies.
Other ERC-20 tokens can perform significantly well despite lacking one or more of these factors, but our framework takes a more holistic approach. The scoring model is grounded on a crypto’s fundamentals rather than short-term speculation.
Why Invest in ERC-20 Tokens?
The ERC-20 token is the most widely adopted smart contract cryptocurrency, so it serves as the foundation for many Ethereum-based applications and DeFi protocols. It powers some of the most active sectors in the crypto ecosystem, including decentralized exchanges (DEXs), blockchain-based games, and NFT marketplaces.
As part of the Ethereum network, ERC-20 tokens benefit from the blockchain’s decentralized market dominance and deep liquidity. These cryptocurrencies have some of the highest trading volumes across CEXs and DEXs, especially the top ERC-20 crypto. Most can be bought or sold quickly with minimal slippage, making them ideal for both short-term trades and long-term investing.
Beyond trading, many ERC-20 tokens offer real utility through features such as staking and governance. Staking allows holders to earn passive rewards, while governance rights let them vote on key protocol decisions. Many top DAO crypto projects use the ERC-20 standard in their governance tokens.
ERC-20 tokens will continue to be a cornerstone of the Ethereum network, evolving alongside the blockchain’s roadmap developments. This is why many investors continue to buy into ERC-20 crypto as tried and tested digital assets that will grow alongside the world’s second-largest blockchain.
What Are the Risks of Buying ERC-20 Tokens?
Now that we’ve gone through the exciting use cases and benefits of ERC-20 tokens, let’s discuss the risks of investing in them. Understanding these downsides and limitations will help investors make more informed decisions and avoid costly mistakes down the road.
Here’s a breakdown of the ERC-20 token buying risks:
- Market Volatility: ERC-20 tokens are still subject to the unpredictable price swings that sweep across the broader market. They could be more sensitive to Ethereum price movements and developments because it’s their native blockchain.
- Regulatory Risks: Despite a more accepting regulatory outlook with the newly appointed special US government employee, Elon Musk, cryptocurrencies are still subject to regulatory uncertainties. This is especially true for the ERC-20 token standard, as it is essential to the world’s largest DeFi platforms.
- Smart Contract Vulnerabilities: ERC-20 cryptocurrencies run on smart contracts, which can be exploited if they are not designed carefully. Even established projects have faced issues from bugs or security flaws, which was the case during the 2016 Ethereum DAO hack.
- Liquidity Concerns: Microcap crypto projects and other potential ERC-20 tokens with small market valuations tend to have lower liquidity. This can cause various trading risks, including slippage and price manipulation.
- Scams & Rug Pulls: Since ERC-20 tokens are relatively easy to launch and add to DEXs, bad actors can create fake projects and potential scams. Rug pulls are one of the most popular fraudulent schemes, and many investors have suffered significant losses as a result.
Investors can mitigate these risks by adhering to responsible trading practices. Setting stop-losses, diversifying across tokens, and avoiding overexposure to any single token can help with volatility. Individuals should also do their due diligence, keeping up with local regulations and investing only in ERC-20 tokens with third-party smart contract audits.
Where Can You Buy ERC-20 Tokens?
As widely accessible cryptocurrencies, ERC-20 tokens can be purchased and managed on both centralized and decentralized exchanges, as well as crypto wallets with integrated crypto swaps. Each platform has its pros and cons, with varying usability, security, and access to specific tokens.
Centralized Exchanges (CEXs)
Centralized exchanges are the most popular and beginner-friendly platforms for buying ERC-20 crypto. Comparable to modern online stock trading platforms, CEXs offer customer support, asset management, and seamless fiat-to-crypto services.
Let’s briefly mention some of the top centralized exchanges and their ERC-20 offerings:
- Binance: The largest global centralized exchange, Binance, offers a vast selection of ERC-20 cryptocurrencies with low trading fees and advanced trading tools. It’s ideal for users looking for high liquidity and additional features like staking and futures trading.
- Coinbase: This highly regulated exchange with user-friendly features is an excellent option for new users. Coinbase supports a wide selection of ERC-20 tokens and thousands of other crypto assets.
- Kraken: Another platform known for its security and compliance, Kraken supports many ERC-20 cryptocurrencies and offers both spot and margin trading. It’s a solid choice for individuals who value regulatory transparency and a simple interface.
- Bybit: Originally a crypto derivatives platform, Bybit has expanded into spot trading, which includes support for various ERC-20 tokens. It retains secure custody and advanced trading tools, which are best for experienced traders.
CEXs generally offer speed, convenience, and user-friendly features that make for a great trading experience for both new and advanced investors. However, users should still note the variety among different exchanges, with some platforms being more established than others.
Decentralized Exchanges (DEXs)
For those who prioritize self-custody of assets, want access to early-stage ERC-20 tokens, and value anonymous trading, decentralized exchanges are the way to go. DEXs let users trade directly from their wallets without intermediaries, offering greater control and privacy.
Here are the most popular ERC-20 compatible exchanges:
- Uniswap: As the leading Ethereum DEX, Uniswap has listed thousands of ERC-20 tokens, from established crypto to newly released projects. It’s often the first platform for new tokens to launch.
- Sushi Swap: This community-driven DEX shares the same functionality as Uniswap but has added features like yield farming and staking. Sushi Swap also supports other blockchains beyond Ethereum and has large liquidity pools (LPs) of ERC-20 crypto.
- Curve Finance: Optimized for stablecoin trading and similar assets, Curve is an excellent option for DeFi users who want to swap between ERC-20 tokens with minimal slippage and low fees.
Decentralized exchanges give users access to more ERC-20 tokens than CEXs, but require a non-custodial wallet that can connect to the platform. While this may seem like an extra step, once the wallet has been set up, it’s an easy and secure way to buy ERC-20 coins.
Before completing a transaction in a DEX, verify the token’s smart contract address. Avoid fake listings and stay cautious of liquidity pools with low-volume pairs and high slippage.
Wallets With Built-In Swaps
Decentralized wallets offer secure token storage, and some have built-in token swap features for a convenient way to exchange ERC-20 tokens without relying on a CEX. These wallets can connect directly to decentralized liquidity pools, allowing users to buy various cryptocurrencies straight from their private wallets.
Some of the top crypto wallets with integrated token swaps include:
- Best Wallet: The fastest-growing Web3 wallet, Best Wallet supports over 60 blockchains and has built-in onramping for seamless fiat-to-crypto transfers. The wallet’s swap feature is capable of cross-chain exchanges and uses an autorouter for the best rates.
- MetaMask: This is the most popular hot wallet with millions of global users. MetaMask has an intuitive token swap integration that supports 9 chains, including Ethereum, Base, and Avalanche.
- Trust Wallet: Another leading software wallet, Trust Wallet is a secure platform that supports over 110 fiat currencies for buying crypto. Its token swap service features over 1 million crypto pairs, including thousands of ERC-20 tokens.
These wallets provide flexibility and security as their token swap features support multiple networks and are processed on-chain. Like using a DEX, individuals swapping tokens directly on their wallets retain full custody of their crypto assets. Unlike DEXs, however, the best crypto wallets offer 24/7 customer support.
Review gas fees and slippage before swapping to avoid unexpected costs. Before allowing users to confirm the transaction, the top wallets typically show a token swap breakdown, including network fees and other rates.
Conclusion
Since its launch nearly a decade ago, the ERC-20 token standard powers much of what we use today in DeFi, Web3 platforms, crypto gaming, and decentralized governance. Its compatibility with Ethereum’s smart contracts has made it the most popular standard for the latest and most experimental projects. As a result, ERC-20 tokens are and will continue to be an integral part of the digital economy’s current and future innovations.
Choosing the right ERC-20 token to invest in requires thorough research into the project’s fundamentals. Examine the crypto’s real-world utility, token distribution, developer engagement, and security track record. Cryptocurrencies that check all these boxes are more likely to weather short-term volatility and continue growing over time.
Once you’ve decided which tokens to invest in, storing them securely is equally important. Hardware wallets like Ledger or Trezor offer offline protection against hacks for long-term holding. Even with hot wallets, enabling two-factor authentication and using trusted apps can go a long way in protecting your assets.
In the next five to ten years, Ethereum will continue to upgrade and adapt its protocol, enhancing the ERC-20 ecosystem. However, as with any investment, token investors should stay informed and cautious. While ERC-20 tokens can offer strong returns and opportunities, be aware of the risks and stay updated with the latest market trends to manage your portfolio best.
FAQs
What are ERC-20 tokens?
ERC-20 tokens are the most common cryptocurrencies on the Ethereum blockchain. They follow a common technical standard, making them easily compatible with Ethereum-based platforms and wallets.
How do I store ERC-20 tokens securely?
The safest way to hold ERC-20 tokens is through a decentralized or non-custodial wallet like MetaMask or a hardware wallet like Ledger. These wallets let you hold and secure the private keys.
What is the safest way to buy ERC-20 tokens?
To purchase ERC-20 tokens safely, use reputable centralized exchanges (CEXs) like Binance or Coinbase and top decentralized exchanges (DEXs) like Uniswap or Sushi Swap.
How can I check if an ERC-20 token is legitimate?
To know if an ERC-20 token project is legit, review its whitepaper and team, check token distribution and the smart contract on Etherscan, and look for third-party audits on the platform.
What is the best ERC-20 token for long-term investment?
There’s no one answer for the best ERC-20 token to invest in, but cryptocurrencies on our list like Tether (USDT), Binance Coin (BNB), USDC Coin (USDC), Lido Staked Ether (STETH), and Wrapped Bitcoin (WBTC) are considered top assets.
Can ERC-20 tokens be used for staking?
Many ERC-20 tokens offer staking, which can be performed directly on their native protocols or via DeFi platforms like Lido or Aave.
Are ERC-20 tokens supported by all crypto wallets?
Most crypto wallets support ERC-20 tokens, but it’s a good practice to check if a wallet is compatible with them before transferring.
What fees should I expect when buying ERC-20 tokens?
When buying and selling ERC-20 tokens, expect trading fees on centralized exchanges and Ethereum network fees on decentralized exchanges, which vary based on blockchain congestion.
References
- Tether (USDT): Meaning and Uses for Tethering Crypto (Investopedia)
- Tether – Official Home of Tether (Tether)
- 30th BNB Burn – BNB Chain Blog (BNB Chain)
- Circle Reserve Fund | USDXX | Institutional (BlackRock)
- Ethereum roadmap (Ethereum)
- A Hacking of More Than $50 Million Dashes Hopes in the World of Virtual Currency (The New York Times)
