The next crypto cycle is shaping up fast, and several networks are starting to lead the way. It’s not just about hype this time. Many of these platforms have active user bases, working tech, and big plans for the months ahead. While meme coins still get attention, the real moves may come from projects with more structure and long-term potential.
This list highlights some of the best performing crypto projects gaining attention right now. If you’re deciding where to focus next, this roundup brings together key updates and forecasts that are starting to turn heads.
1. Unstaked: Building a New AI Economy in Crypto
Unstaked is starting to stand out as one of the best performing crypto projects, with a new take on AI and ownership. It’s designed so users can manage AI agents from their wallets. These agents will support tasks on platforms like Telegram and Discord, with the ability to help grow communities and manage online spaces.
The presale for Unstaked ($UNSD) is currently in Stage 7, priced at $0.007761, with a projected launch price of $0.1819, offering up to 2,700% potential gains. The presale has raised over $3.1 million to date, $1 million of which was raised within a single 24-hour period.
These AI agents will become available to users after launch. The project uses a Proof of Intelligence model that tracks how helpful and engaged each agent is.
Unstaked’s choice to avoid private sales shows it wants to keep things fair for early users. The combination of its AI focus and community-first model is helping it get recognized as one of the best performing crypto names to follow in 2025.
2. Toncoin: Fresh Leadership and a Bigger Vision
Toncoin is getting serious updates that are changing how people view its role in crypto. This month, the TON Foundation named Maximilian Crown, formerly of MoonPay, as CEO. It also secured $400 million in new backing. Part of the plan includes using Telegram as a way to expand, with a goal of bringing 30% of Telegram users into the blockchain by 2028.
Toncoin is trading around $3.24. Forecasts for late April show a possible rise to $4.21. Medium-term projections range from $10.00 to $15.28 by May. Toncoin is adding a Layer 2 payment system for Jettons and Atomic Swaps and continues to build its DeFi network through tools like Factorial and FIVA.
With both leadership changes and technical improvements moving forward, Toncoin is shaping up to be one of the best performing crypto picks going into the rest of 2025.
3. Celestia Pushes Scaling Boundaries With New Testnet
Celestia has kept up steady momentum this month with a series of big updates. The launch of its MAMO-1 public testnet introduced 128MB block sizes, a major move toward solving blockchain scaling. If testing stays on track, Celestia could eventually support 1 GB/s throughput, putting it at the core of modular blockchain infrastructure. The team is also working with Noble to roll out AppLayer, a new Ethereum-compatible rollup built for stablecoins and financial applications.
Celestia’s price has dipped recently, but it is still trading close to $2.81. Analysts are looking at a possible short-term push to $5.63, and longer-term targets suggest it could climb to $21.22 by 2025. With growing rollup activity and new partnerships coming together, Celestia is being watched as a best performing crypto for developers and builders who want a scalable future.
4. Aptos Shows Real-World Use With Expo 2025 Integration
Aptos has made headlines recently after becoming the official wallet provider for Expo 2025 Osaka. That role has helped the network reach new user levels quickly. In just the first week of the event’s rollout, Aptos added over 133,000 users and handled more than 558,000 transactions. The platform is powering NFT passports and linking visitors to on-chain experiences, showing how blockchain can serve public events in real time.
APT is trading around $5.35 after bouncing back from a recent dip to $4.31. Analysts see potential for a move to $7.20 by early May. Right now, Aptos supports over 18 million monthly users and has processed 2.6 billion transactions overall. With new governance proposals targeting more DeFi and MEV activity, Aptos is placing itself among the best performing crypto names this year.
What to Watch Next
The best performing crypto projects this month all show clear progress. Unstaked is offering a new model where users will control AI agents from their wallets after launch, with engagement linked to on-chain rewards. Toncoin is aiming for rapid growth by tapping into Telegram’s user base and introducing new payment features. Celestia is preparing for large-scale data processing with its upgraded testnet. Aptos is proving how blockchain tools can support real-world public engagement through major events.
For anyone building a portfolio heading into the next cycle, these networks are showing the kind of activity and planning that often leads to strong returns. They combine real development, user growth, and roadmaps that suggest more is coming soon. That is what puts them at the top of the best performing crypto list for 2025.
