They say cryptocurrencies are the future of money, but we can already see certain signs of this through decentralized finance (DeFi). DeFi comprises financial services using blockchain technology, giving users complete control over their money.
As fintech rules the conventional world, DeFi uses its decentralized platforms and features to create financial technology built on the blockchain. As a result, DeFi tokens are sought after by investors looking to access financial opportunities on the blockchain. This article highlights the top DeFi coins to consider in 2025.
What is Decentralized Finance (DeFi)?
Decentralized finance is the arm of blockchain that creates financial opportunities that people can invest in. Most crypto investors make money from the active trading of digital assets like Bitcoin, Tether (USDT), and Ethereum. However, DeFi creates an avenue for them to find other investment opportunities.
These include staking, yield farming, DeFi lending and borrowing, and decentralized insurance. Many investors use these features as passive income channels since they don’t require them to buy and sell cryptocurrencies.
What Are DeFi Tokens?
DeFi tokens power decentralized finance ecosystems. They are cryptocurrencies associated with decentralized applications (dApps), and they run on blockchains using smart contracts.
The goal of DeFi tokens is to give users access to blockchain financial products without middlemen or third parties. In other words, they want to eliminate banks, exchanges, and other financial systems associated with centralized finance (CeFi).
Besides making DeFi platforms accessible to holders, these coins can also be traded on exchanges. So, active traders can buy and sell them for potential profits, and investors can hold them for potential price increases.
The Best 7 DeFi Tokens to Consider Right Now
Here are the top 7 DeFi coins with impressive and promising performances in 2025:
Avalanche (AVAX)
Avalanche is arguably the largest DeFi project right now. The Avalanche platform allows developers to build and launch dApps, financial products, and digital assets. The Avalanche blockchain also allows users to trade and invest in crypto.
AVAX is the network’s utility token. It powers Avalanche’s smart contracts and is known for being fast and scalable. Besides its robust project, AVAX has had an impressive run in 2024. As of the time of writing, the DeFi cryptocurrency is valued at around $39, with a price increase of approximately 30% compared to this time last year.
Chainlink (LINK)
Chainlink is another project that supports DeFi protocols to help them connect with and support diverse cryptocurrencies. That way, protocols across different chains can communicate and execute transactions through smart contracts.
You can also describe Chainlink as an Oracle solution that eliminates manual communication and secures its ecosystem through off-chain data exchange.
LINK is the platform’s native cryptocurrency. The DeFi coin has also recorded decent price uptrends compared to last year. The bullish trends in the broader crypto market saw it rally in 2024 to over a 40% increase compared to its 2023 price.
Zypto (ZYPTO TOKEN)
The Zypto Token is the native token of the Zypto ecosystem, governed by the Zypto Foundation and its community. It enjoys a synergistic relationship with the independent Zypto company, which provides a suite of services including Zypto Pay Crypto Payment Gateway, virtual and physical crypto cards, “Pay Bills With Crypto,” USDC-to-Cash and Cash-to-USDC via MoneyGram, crypto-powered gift card purchases and the Vault Key Card hardware wallet.
Built on the Ethereum blockchain, Zypto Token distinguishes itself with a unique rewards model that returns part of the Zypto company’s earnings to the Zypto Foundation, and then to token holders as incentives for community-driven marketing. Holders can hold their tokens in a Zypto App wallet, or connect an external wallet to earn daily rewards in the Zyptopia section.
Currently trading at approximately $0.009, the Zypto Token is well-positioned for growth as the ecosystem expands.
Uniswap (UNI)
Uniswap needs no introduction among experienced traders. It was one of the earliest DeFi applications that allowed users to trade various assets on its platform. These include non-fungible tokens (NFTs) and cryptocurrencies on the Uniswap decentralized exchange (DEX).
Besides having the largest DEX with various DeFi opportunities, the UNI token also provides holders with passive income through staking. Besides, UNI has had a decent spell in 2024. The DeFi token is currently trading at around $13, with a 1-year growth of over 180%.
Stacks (STX)
Stacks is another blockchain platform that supports DeFi smart contracts, NFTs, and dApps. However, it sets itself apart as a Bitcoin layer 2 solution for everything DeFi. As such, it leverages Bitcoin’s security and popularity. It also boasts of fast speed, like the Bitcoin Lightning Network.
The STX token is the Stacks’ ecosystem coin. The DeFi crypto powers its smart contracts and rewards network miners since it operates using proof-of-work. The coin ranks among the top DeFi coins by market cap. Currently in consolidation, it increased 180%+ last year.
Aave (AAVE)
Aave is the penultimate cryptocurrency on our list of the best DeFi tokens to watch in 2025. First, it boasts massive DeFi protocols across Ethereum and over 12 other blockchains. The decentralized finance protocol allows people to borrow and lend crypto. Lenders get rewarded for maintaining liquidity and securing the platform with smart contracts.
Like other projects in this article, Aave also has its native token, AAVE. The DeFi token can be used as collateral for discounted loans and transaction fees.
Moreover, it is available for trading on exchanges for about $300 per token. It has also had a good run this year, with a price increase of around 280% compared to the previous year.
Fantom (FTM)
Now to the final DeFi coin on our list, Fantom, a smart contract platform providing DeFi services to investors. Besides DeFi, the protocol supports dApps, NFTs, GameFi decentralized apps, and other applications, including the Fantom Wallet.
The FTM price at the time of writing makes it a decent DeFi coin to watch. It’s valued at just around $0.73, which is a low price. It has also surged by over 300% in the past year.
Conclusion
DeFi coins and tokens create a different investment niche for crypto enthusiasts. They help users harness the blockchain financial world to access DeFi staking, loans, and applications. With the DeFi space still at the infancy stage, we’ve highlighted top DeFi cryptocurrencies that have experienced decent success in 2025.
Store and Manage Your DeFi Coins With the Zypto DeFi Wallet
While investing in DeFi tokens is great, it’s imperative to secure your assets with the secure Zypto DeFi Wallet. With support for the best DeFi assets and integration into DEXs, you can easily secure, trade, send, and receive tokens in one place.
Which DeFi tokens are going to experience massive price uptrends this year? Let’s have your top picks in the comment section below.
FAQs
Which DeFi Coin is the best to invest in right now?
We’ve reviewed the top DeFi coins by market cap in this article. They are also among the best-performing DeFi tokens to invest in.
Are DeFi tokens safe?
The DeFi space can be unsafe due to the presence of scammers who leverage its decentralization. As such, you should do due diligence and invest in only proven projects.
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