Research

Crypto APIs: Free Access vs Paid Options Explained

Curious if crypto APIs are free or require payment? Explore free vs paid options, how pricing works, and what to consider when integrating blockchain data into your apps.
Token Metrics Team
6
MIN

As the cryptocurrency landscape grows more complex, developers and businesses increasingly rely on crypto APIs to access data, power apps, and build innovative blockchain solutions. But a common question arises: are crypto APIs free, or will you need to pay to unlock full functionality?

What Are Crypto APIs and Why Do They Matter?

Crypto APIs (Application Programming Interfaces) act as critical gateways to blockchain data, facilitating seamless integration with cryptocurrency exchanges, wallets, smart contracts, and on-chain analytics. Whether you're building a trading bot, a portfolio dashboard, or financial analytics tools, APIs provide the technical means to fetch real-time prices, historical data, market signals, and transaction details.

For developers and enterprises, leveraging APIs saves hundreds of hours that would otherwise be spent running full blockchain nodes or parsing raw blockchain data. This access underpins everything from decentralized finance (DeFi) apps to AI-powered trading agents. Given their importance, understanding the pricing and business models behind crypto APIs is essential for making informed development decisions.

Overview of Free Crypto API Offerings

Many crypto API providers offer free tiers to enable experimentation, small-scale projects, or basic research. Free plans typically allow users to:

  • Fetch current cryptocurrency prices and simple price charts.
  • Access limited historical data (last 24 hours or 1–7 days).
  • Make a restricted number of daily or monthly requests (e.g., 1,000–100,000).
  • Use basic endpoints, such as wallet balance queries or publicly available blockchain metrics.

Popular platforms like CoinGecko, CoinMarketCap, and CryptoCompare all offer some form of a free API key. For open-source or non-commercial projects, these resources can be invaluable. However, free APIs are generally subject to tighter rate limits, API call quotas, occasional delays, and less robust customer support. For mission-critical apps or commercial ventures, these constraints may hinder scalability and reliability.

When and Why Should You Pay for a Crypto API?

Paid crypto APIs are designed to meet the needs of high-volume traders, institutions, and enterprises that require advanced capabilities, higher reliability, and comprehensive datasets. Features usually unlocked in paid plans include:

  • Significantly higher or unlimited API call limits—crucial for real-time trading bots or analytics platforms.
  • Access to premium data sets, such as full historical price data, order book snapshots, and on-chain analytics.
  • Advanced market intelligence, trading signals, or real-time alerts.
  • Dedicated support, service-level agreements (SLAs), and enhanced data integrity guarantees.
  • Batch data downloads and advanced querying capabilities (for AI/ML models or large-scale backtesting).

The pricing models for these APIs vary widely—ranging from monthly subscriptions to pay-as-you-go plans, and sometimes custom enterprise contracts. Providers like Token Metrics, Messari, and Chainalysis are examples offering sophisticated data-access APIs, each with tiered plans depending on user requirements.

Factors to Consider When Selecting an API

Deciding between free and paid APIs goes beyond just budget; it requires analyzing technical and operational needs. Key considerations should include:

  1. Data Coverage: Does the API support all the cryptocurrencies, exchanges, and blockchains you need?
  2. Rate Limits: Will the request quotas of free tiers suffice for your application's users or analytics workload?
  3. Data Accuracy & Latency: Check if the provider offers low-latency updates and real-time feeds required for responsive/trading use-cases.
  4. Advanced Features: Are you seeking advanced analytics (e.g., AI-powered signals, on-chain metrics) or just basic price data?
  5. Reliability and Uptime: Is there a service agreement, monitoring, or 24/7 support in higher tiers?
  6. Legal & Compliance: Especially for enterprise cases, make sure the data provider complies with relevant regulations and offers data usage rights.

For many developers, the path starts with free APIs for exploratory work and transitions to paid plans as scalability, security, and feature demands grow. While free tiers lower the barrier to entry, production-grade platforms often require investing in robust, premium APIs—especially when building for third-party users or integrating AI systems reliant on accurate data streams.

Crypto API Pricing Structures in Practice

The crypto API market features a variety of pricing models to suit diverse needs:

  • Freemium: A basic level of service is free; premium plans unlock critical extras (higher limits, priority support, additional data sets).
  • Tiered Subscription: Multiple levels (Starter, Pro, Enterprise) with clearly defined features and limits.
  • Pay-As-You-Go: Charges based on actual usage (e.g., per API call or per MB of data).
  • Open-Source APIs: Some projects provide source code and APIs for anyone to self-host and use, though these may require significant technical overhead.

Each model impacts not just the cost but also integration choices. For example, a developer building an AI-driven trading assistant may need not only current price feeds but also deep market signals and on-chain data—necessitating advanced tier plans.

Build Smarter Crypto Apps & AI Agents with Token Metrics

Token Metrics provides real-time prices, trading signals, and on-chain insights all from one powerful API. Grab a Free API Key

FAQs for Crypto API Access

Are all crypto APIs free?

No, not all crypto APIs are free. While many providers offer limited free tiers, advanced features such as higher rate limits, in-depth analytics, and premium support typically require a paid plan or subscription.

What kind of data can I access with a free API key?

Free API keys generally provide access to basic price information, limited historical data, and publicly visible blockchain metrics within specified rate limits. Advanced or bulk data, in-depth analytics, and commercial licensing often require paid access.

When should I consider upgrading to a paid API?

Consider upgrading to a paid API when your app or project requires higher reliability, faster updates, greater request quotas, access to premium data sets (such as order books, advanced analytics, or on-chain signals), or enterprise-grade support.

How do crypto API providers typically price their services?

Crypto API providers use a mix of freemium, tiered subscription, and pay-as-you-go models. Pricing varies based on usage, features required, support level, and data depth. Most providers publish clear rate sheets or offer custom enterprise solutions for large-scale needs.

Are there open-source or self-hosted crypto API alternatives?

Yes, open-source crypto APIs and data crawlers exist, enabling developers to self-host and customize their data infrastructure. However, this typically requires significant technical resources for deployment, scaling, and data quality assurance.

Disclaimer

This article is for educational and informational purposes only. It is not intended as investment advice or an endorsement of any specific service or platform. Please conduct your own research and consult qualified professionals for business or technical guidance.

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Token Metrics Team
Token Metrics Team

Recent Posts

Crypto Basics

What Is an ETF Fund? A Beginner’s Guide to Exchange-Traded Funds in 2025

Token Metrics Team
6 min
MIN

ETF funds, or Exchange-Traded Funds, have revolutionized investing for both retail and institutional investors. In 2025, ETF funds are more popular than ever—offering a simple, low-cost, and diversified way to invest in everything from tech stocks to cryptocurrencies. But what exactly is an ETF fund, and why is it such a powerful investment tool?

In this article, we’ll explain:

  • What is an ETF fund?
  • How ETF funds work
  • Types of ETFs (including crypto ETFs)
  • Key benefits and risks
  • How Token Metrics, an AI-powered platform, helps you make better ETF investment decisions

Let’s dive in.

📌 What Is an ETF Fund?

An ETF fund (Exchange-Traded Fund) is a type of investment fund that holds a basket of securities—such as stocks, bonds, commodities, or cryptocurrencies—and is traded on a stock exchange, just like individual stocks.

When you buy a share of an ETF fund, you are buying partial ownership of that entire portfolio of assets. This gives you instant diversification without having to purchase each asset individually.

For example, an ETF fund that tracks the S&P 500 allows you to invest in 500 of the largest U.S. companies with just one purchase.

🔍 How Does an ETF Fund Work?

ETF funds are created by financial institutions called fund sponsors (like BlackRock, Fidelity, or Vanguard). These sponsors select and manage a portfolio of underlying assets and list the ETF shares on stock exchanges.

Here's how it works:

  1. Creation – The sponsor assembles a portfolio and forms an ETF.
  2. Listing – Shares of the ETF are listed and traded on exchanges like NYSE or Nasdaq.
  3. Buying/Selling – Investors buy and sell ETF shares throughout the day at market prices.
  4. Price Movement – The price of an ETF share fluctuates based on the value of its underlying assets and market demand.

ETF prices are influenced by a combination of Net Asset Value (NAV) and real-time market supply/demand.

🧩 Types of ETF Funds

In 2025, investors have access to a wide variety of ETF funds based on asset classes, strategies, and markets.

1. Stock ETFs

Track specific sectors (e.g., tech, healthcare), regions (e.g., U.S., Europe), or indices (e.g., S&P 500, NASDAQ-100).

2. Bond ETFs

Provide exposure to government, municipal, or corporate bonds with varying durations and yields.

3. Commodity ETFs

Track physical commodities like gold, silver, oil, or agricultural products.

4. Thematic ETFs

Focus on emerging trends or industries like artificial intelligence, clean energy, space exploration, or blockchain.

5. Crypto ETFs (New in 2025)

Give exposure to digital assets such as Bitcoin, Ethereum, and DeFi tokens—without requiring direct crypto ownership.

💥 What Are Crypto ETF Funds?

In 2025, crypto ETF funds are among the fastest-growing segments in the market. They offer secure, regulated access to cryptocurrencies via traditional brokerages.

Crypto ETFs include:

  • Spot ETFs: Hold actual crypto assets like Bitcoin or Ethereum.
  • Futures ETFs: Track prices of crypto futures contracts.
  • Basket ETFs: Combine multiple crypto assets or themes, like DeFi or Web3.

These ETFs have made it easier for both institutions and retail investors to gain exposure to crypto without managing wallets, keys, or exchanges.

✅ Benefits of Investing in ETF Funds

ETF funds offer several advantages for investors in 2025:

1. Diversification

With just one purchase, you gain exposure to a broad portfolio of assets—reducing risk.

2. Liquidity

ETFs trade on exchanges all day, allowing you to buy or sell quickly at market prices.

3. Low Cost

Most ETFs have expense ratios under 0.20%, much lower than actively managed mutual funds.

4. Transparency

Most ETF funds disclose their holdings daily, so you always know what you’re investing in.

5. Tax Efficiency

Due to their structure, ETFs are generally more tax-efficient than mutual funds.

⚠️ Risks of ETF Funds

Like all investments, ETF funds come with risks:

1. Market Risk

If the market or sector an ETF tracks declines, your investment will also lose value.

2. Liquidity Risk

Some ETFs, especially niche or low-volume ones, can have wider spreads and lower liquidity.

3. Tracking Error

An ETF may not perfectly track the performance of its underlying index due to fees, slippage, or poor replication.

4. Over-Concentration

Some thematic ETFs may be overly concentrated in a few assets, increasing volatility.

🤖 How Token Metrics Enhances ETF Investing with AI

Token Metrics is an AI-powered crypto analytics and trading platform that helps investors research, evaluate, and make smarter decisions—including with crypto ETFs.

Here’s how Token Metrics helps you get ahead:

🔎 1. AI-Powered Ratings

Token Metrics uses advanced AI models to assign Investor Grades and Trader Grades to crypto assets, helping you identify the strongest performers—often held by top ETFs.

📊 2. Predictive Price Forecasts

Get forward-looking price predictions on Bitcoin, Ethereum, and other assets held in ETFs—so you can assess whether an ETF is likely to appreciate.

📈 3. On-Chain + ETF Inflow Analysis

Token Metrics tracks real-time ETF inflows, exchange reserves, and on-chain data, giving you insight into supply-demand dynamics that move prices.

🔔 4. Smart Alerts

Set alerts for key changes in asset ratings, prices, or bullish/bearish signals to stay informed on ETF-related opportunities.

By combining ETF investing with Token Metrics insights, you position yourself ahead of market trends and optimize your portfolio performance.

📈 Popular ETF Funds in 2025

Here are some high-performing ETF funds in traditional and crypto markets:

🧠 Final Thoughts

ETF funds are one of the most efficient and flexible ways to build a diversified investment portfolio in 2025. Whether you're targeting long-term growth, passive income, or exposure to emerging markets like crypto—ETF funds offer a secure, low-cost, and easy-to-use investment solution.

And with the rise of crypto ETF funds, platforms like Token Metrics are critical in helping investors evaluate opportunities, manage risk, and time the market using AI.

Whether you're a seasoned investor or just getting started, combining ETF investing with AI-powered insights gives you the edge in today's rapidly evolving financial landscape.

Crypto Basics

Best Crypto Software Wallets for July 2025

Token Metrics Team
6 min
MIN

And How Token Metrics Lets You Trade Securely With Any Wallet

Cryptocurrency adoption continues to rise in 2025, and with it, the demand for secure, user-friendly, and feature-rich crypto software wallets. Whether you're storing Bitcoin, trading Ethereum, or experimenting with altcoins, having a reliable wallet is the foundation of safe crypto ownership.

This guide ranks the top crypto software wallets of July 2025 across different categories, from best security to best for mobile use. We also explore how Token Metrics, the leading AI crypto trading platform, allows users to connect any of these wallets via an encrypted channel—giving you access to powerful AI-driven tools while retaining full custody of your assets.

🔐 What Is a Crypto Software Wallet?

A crypto software wallet is a digital application that stores your private keys and enables you to send, receive, and manage cryptocurrencies. These wallets can be hot (internet-connected) or cold (offline) and often come with trading, staking, and asset management tools. The best wallets balance security, usability, and functionality—and increasingly, they integrate with platforms like Token Metrics to enable AI-powered trading without giving up control of your assets.

🏆 Top Crypto Software Wallets – July 2025

1. Zengo – Best for Security

  • Supported Cryptos: 380
  • Hot or Cold: Hot Wallet
  • Cost: $129.99/year or $19.99/month
  • Hardware Wallet Support:

Zengo tops the list for users prioritizing wallet security. With no reported wallet hacks and weekly software updates, Zengo protects over 1.5 million users globally. It also supports buying, selling, and staking, making it ideal for long-term holders.

Pros:
✔️ Industry-leading security measures
✔️ Staking and fiat funding options
✔️ Encrypted backup and biometric authentication

Cons:
❌ Premium pricing
❌ No hardware wallet compatibility

2. Coinbase Wallet – Best for Beginners & Low Costs

  • Support Cryptos: 5,500
  • Hot or Cold: Hot Wallet
  • Cost: Free
  • Hardware Wallet Support: Partial (via Ledger transfer)

Coinbase Wallet is perfect for newcomers. It’s intuitive, completely free to use, and connects seamlessly to the larger Coinbase ecosystem. Users can access over 5,500 tokens and learn the ropes through its built-in educational resources.

Pros:
✔️ Beginner-friendly UI
✔️ Massive token support
✔️ Customizable network fees

Cons:
❌ Code not open source
❌ No address rotation
❌ Doesn’t fully support hardware wallets

3. Exodus – Best for Mobile

  • Supported Cryptos: 281
  • Hot or Cold: Hot Wallet
  • Cost: Free
  • Hardware Wallet Support: ✅ (Trezor)

Exodus excels on mobile with sleek design and robust functionality. It allows users to buy, sell, stake, and swap directly on their mobile device and integrates with Trezor hardware wallets for additional security.

Pros:
✔️ Cross-platform (desktop, browser, mobile)
✔️ Built-in portfolio tracking
✔️ Trezor integration

Cons:
❌ No in-house exchange
❌ Email-only support
❌ Not open source

4. Electrum – Best for Bitcoin

  • Supported Cryptos: Bitcoin Only
  • Hot or Cold: Both
  • Cost: Free
  • Hardware Wallet Support:

A trusted wallet since Bitcoin’s early days, Electrum is ideal for Bitcoin maximalists. It’s lightweight, fast, and secure, with deep customization options for advanced users.

Pros:
✔️ High performance for BTC
✔️ Cold storage compatible
✔️ Open-source and auditable

Cons:
❌ No support for altcoins
❌ Not user-friendly for beginners
❌ No staking or DeFi features

5. MetaMask – Best for Ethereum

  • Supported Cryptos: 300+ (ETH & ERC-20)
  • Hot or Cold: Both
  • Cost: Free
  • Hardware Wallet Support:

For Ethereum users, MetaMask is the go-to wallet. It enables DeFi, NFTs, and Web3 access with ease. It supports both hot and cold storage and integrates with platforms like OpenSea, Uniswap, and now, Token Metrics.

Pros:
✔️ Built for Ethereum ecosystem
✔️ DeFi-ready
✔️ Cold wallet compatible

Cons:
❌ No Bitcoin support
❌ Limited customer support
❌ Doesn’t rotate addresses automatically

🔍 How Token Metrics Works with Your Crypto Wallet

Token Metrics is not a wallet, exchange, or custodian—it’s an AI-driven crypto research and trading platform. But it seamlessly integrates with your preferred wallet using secure, encrypted wallet connections.

🔐 Secure Wallet Integration

Token Metrics allows users to connect wallets like MetaMask, Coinbase Wallet, Trust Wallet, or any Web3-compatible wallet using industry-standard encryption. You never deposit funds on the platform—instead, you retain full control over your crypto while accessing:

  • AI-generated trading signals
  • Real-time price predictions
  • Altcoin Moonshot picks
  • Portfolio rebalancing tools
  • Custom alerts and automation

🛡️ Why It Matters:

With so many platforms requiring you to deposit crypto into centralized accounts, Token Metrics stands apart by offering non-custodial AI-powered trading. You keep your assets in your chosen wallet while using advanced tools that would normally be reserved for hedge funds or trading desks.

💡 Why Token Metrics + Top Wallets = The Perfect Pair

🚨 A Word of Caution

Crypto is a volatile and speculative market. Even with the best wallet and the most advanced AI platform, there are risks. Always use two-factor authentication, avoid phishing attempts, and never share your seed phrase.

🏁 Final Thoughts

Choosing the best crypto software wallet in July 2025 depends on your priorities: security, mobility, beginner-friendliness, or asset specialization. But if you want to take things further, pairing your wallet with Token Metrics’ AI research and trading tools is the smartest way to stay ahead.

Whether you’re holding Bitcoin in Electrum or swapping altcoins via MetaMask, Token Metrics helps you trade smarter, not harder, without compromising the safety of your assets.

Crypto Basics

Best Crypto Exchanges for July 2025

Token Metrics Team
6 min
MIN

Cryptocurrency adoption has surged in 2025, with Bitcoin reaching over $118,000 and Ethereum climbing above $3,000. Whether you’re a beginner or an advanced trader, choosing the right exchange or trading app is critical. But while exchanges handle your transactions, it’s tools like Token Metrics that give you the edge—using AI to deliver real-time analytics, trading signals, moonshot altcoin picks, and price predictions.

In this guide, we’ll cover the top exchanges and apps for July 2025, along with Token Metrics, the best platform for AI-powered crypto research and trading.

🔝 Top Crypto Platforms for July 2025

🧠 Token Metrics: Best AI Crypto Trading Platform

Token Metrics stands out not as an exchange, but as an AI-powered research, analytics, and trading platform. It gives retail and institutional investors data-driven insights to make smarter trades across any exchange.

Why Token Metrics is #1 for AI Crypto Trading:

  • AI-Generated Buy/Sell Signals
    Token Metrics’ signals dashboard uses over 80 data points to issue bullish or bearish calls on top tokens. For example, the AI turned bullish on Bitcoin on June 28, just before it surged past $118,000.



  • Moonshots for Early-Stage Altcoins
    The Moonshots tab identifies low-cap altcoins with 10x–100x potential based on momentum, AI scores, and liquidity—long before they hit mainstream exchanges.


  • Price Forecasting Models
    Token Metrics predicts short-, medium-, and long-term prices for major tokens. Bitcoin’s 2026 forecast, for example, ranges between $150,000–$230,000, based on ETF flows, supply on exchanges, and macroeconomic signals.


  • Custom Alerts
    Users can set alerts based on price, trader grade, or AI signals, delivered instantly via Email, Telegram, SMS, or Slack.


  • Integrated Swap Widget
    You can research, analyze, and buy tokens directly via Token Metrics’ swap widget—all in one dashboard.

Whether you’re trading on Kraken, Coinbase, or Binance, Token Metrics plugs into your strategy and helps you trade with confidence, using real-time AI insights.

⚙️ Top 5 Crypto Exchanges for July 2025

🥇 Kraken – Best for Low Fees

  • Maker Fees: 0.00%–0.25%
  • Taker Fees: 0.10%–0.40%
  • Minimum Deposit: $10
  • Crypto Offered: 300+

Kraken is ideal for fee-sensitive traders. It’s available on web, mobile, desktop, and Kraken Pro. However, it's not available in all U.S. states and lacks FDIC or SIPC insurance.

🥈 Gemini – Best for Security & Experienced Traders

  • Maker Fees: 0.00%–0.20%
  • Taker Fees: 0.03%–0.40%
  • Minimum Deposit: $0
  • Crypto Offered: 70

Gemini is the most secure exchange in 2025, with FDIC insurance, crypto insurance, and advanced features through its ActiveTrader terminal. But it has a complex fee structure and limited assets.

🥉 Coinbase – Best for Beginners

  • Maker Fees: 0.00%–0.40%
  • Taker Fees: 0.05%–0.60%
  • Minimum Deposit: $0
  • Crypto Offered: 240

Coinbase is ideal for newcomers with its clean UI, beginner-friendly tools, and educational content. It’s available in 172 countries, though advanced traders might want more features.

📱 Crypto.com – Best Mobile App & Bitcoin Trading

  • Maker Fees: 0.00%–0.25%
  • Taker Fees: 0.05%–0.50%
  • Minimum Deposit: $20
  • Crypto Offered: 417

With a sleek mobile app and support for Bitcoin options and futures, Crypto.com is perfect for on-the-go traders. However, it only supports a hot wallet and has limited global access.

🪙 BitMart – Best for Altcoins

  • Fees: Varies by tier (0.04%–0.60%)
  • Minimum Deposit: Not disclosed
  • Crypto Offered: 1,700+

BitMart is the best place to find rare altcoins. With copy trading and BitMart Academy, it’s useful for altcoin hunters. But its lack of transparency on security is a concern.

✅ Why Token Metrics Complements These Exchanges

⚠️ Reminder: Crypto Is Risky

Crypto markets are volatile and speculative. While these exchanges and tools can improve your strategy, always do your own research (DYOR) and consult professionals when investing.

Final Thoughts

If you want to trade crypto in July 2025, pair a high-quality exchange like Kraken or Coinbase with a research powerhouse like Token Metrics. Exchanges execute trades—but Token Metrics tells you what to trade, when to trade, and why.

Choose from Platinum, Gold, and Silver packages
Reach with 25–30% open rates and 0.5–1% CTR
Craft your own custom ad—from banners to tailored copy
Perfect for Crypto Exchanges, SaaS Tools, DeFi, and AI Products