Back to blog
Research

What Is Ether? A Complete Guide to Ethereum’s Native Token in 2025

Learn what Ether (ETH) is, how it works, its role in the Ethereum ecosystem, and why it’s a must‑have crypto asset for investors in 2025.
Token Metrics Team
6 min
Want Smarter Crypto Picks—Free?
See unbiased Token Metrics Ratings for BTC, ETH, and top alts.
Thank you! Your submission has been received!
Oops! Something went wrong while submitting the form.
 No credit card | 1-click unsubscribe

Introduction: Understanding Ether (ETH)

Ether (ETH) is the native cryptocurrency of the Ethereum blockchain, powering one of the most influential ecosystems in the crypto world. Since its launch in 2015, Ethereum has evolved from a simple smart contract platform into a global hub for decentralized finance (DeFi), NFTs, real‑world asset tokenization (RWA), and blockchain‑based applications.

In 2025, Ether remains a cornerstone of crypto portfolios, offering not only investment potential but also utility within Ethereum’s constantly expanding network. This article breaks down what Ether is, how it works, why it’s valuable, and how platforms like Token Metrics help investors analyze ETH effectively.

What Is Ether?

Ether (ETH) is the cryptocurrency used to pay for transactions, smart contract execution, and services on the Ethereum network. While Bitcoin is often referred to as “digital gold,” Ether functions as both a digital asset and a fuel (commonly called “gas”) for running decentralized applications (dApps).

Key roles of Ether:

  • Transaction Fees (Gas): Users pay ETH to interact with the blockchain.
  • Smart Contract Execution: Developers use ETH to deploy and run decentralized applications.
  • Staking & Security: ETH powers Ethereum’s Proof of Stake (PoS) consensus, rewarding validators who secure the network.
  • Store of Value: Like Bitcoin, ETH is also held as a long‑term investment by institutions and retail investors.

How Ethereum Works

Ethereum is a decentralized, programmable blockchain that allows developers to create and deploy dApps. It introduced smart contracts—self‑executing agreements that operate without intermediaries.

In 2022, Ethereum completed The Merge, transitioning from Proof of Work (PoW) to Proof of Stake (PoS). This shift reduced energy consumption by over 99% and enabled ETH holders to stake their tokens to earn passive rewards.

Why Ether Matters in 2025

Ether remains one of the most versatile and valuable cryptocurrencies in the market:

  1. DeFi Dominance:
    Ethereum powers most decentralized finance protocols, with billions of dollars locked in apps for lending, borrowing, and yield farming.

  2. NFT Ecosystem:
    Ethereum remains the leading blockchain for non‑fungible tokens (NFTs), supporting major marketplaces and artists.

  3. Enterprise Adoption:
    Businesses use Ethereum for tokenizing real‑world assets, executing private smart contracts, and building blockchain‑based supply chains.

  4. Investment Potential:
    ETH continues to be a top‑performing asset, appealing to long‑term HODLers and institutional investors.

The Role of Ether in DeFi

In 2025, Ethereum continues to dominate the decentralized finance (DeFi) space. DeFi protocols like Uniswap, Aave, and MakerDAO run on Ethereum, using Ether as collateral or for gas fees.

Why this matters for investors:

  • ETH demand grows as DeFi expands.
  • Holding ETH grants access to liquidity pools, lending platforms, and yield farming opportunities.

How to Buy and Store Ether

1. Buying ETH:
Ether is available on major crypto exchanges such as Coinbase, Binance, and decentralized platforms like Uniswap.

2. Storing ETH:
Use:

  • Hot Wallets: Convenient for frequent transactions (e.g., MetaMask).
  • Cold Wallets: Hardware wallets like Ledger or Trezor for secure long‑term storage.

3. Staking ETH:
Stake ETH directly through Ethereum validators or staking platforms to earn rewards while supporting the network.

Ether vs. Bitcoin

While Bitcoin and Ether are both top cryptocurrencies, they serve different purposes:

  • Bitcoin: Primarily a store of value and payment network.
  • Ether: A multi‑purpose token for smart contracts, dApps, and staking.

In 2025, ETH has positioned itself as a growth‑driven crypto asset, while Bitcoin remains the ultimate store of value.

Price Outlook and Market Potential

With Ethereum’s upgrades and institutional adoption, many analysts expect ETH to outperform in the coming cycle. Key growth drivers include:

  • Layer 2 Scaling Solutions: Projects like Polygon (MATIC) reduce gas fees and improve transaction speed.
  • Real‑World Asset Tokenization: Expanding Ethereum’s use in traditional finance.
  • AI‑Driven Analytics: Platforms like Token Metrics help investors identify optimal entry and exit points for ETH.

Using Token Metrics for ETH Analysis

Token Metrics offers AI‑powered tools that make investing in ETH smarter:

  • AI‑Generated Ratings: Evaluating ETH based on over 80 data points.
  • On‑Chain Analytics: Tracking active wallets, staking trends, and developer activity.
  • Portfolio Optimization: Helping investors balance ETH exposure with other assets.
  • Market Timing Alerts: AI‑driven signals for buying or taking profits at the right time.

This gives ETH investors a competitive edge in volatile markets.

Risks of Investing in Ether

While ETH has strong fundamentals, risks remain:

  • Network Congestion: Despite Layer 2 solutions, high demand can still lead to expensive gas fees.
  • Regulatory Uncertainty: Ongoing debates about whether ETH could be classified as a security.
  • Competition: Emerging smart contract platforms like Solana and Avalanche challenge Ethereum’s dominance.

Using Token Metrics helps mitigate these risks by providing real‑time analytics and portfolio insights.

Practical Tips for ETH Investors

  1. Stake Your ETH: Earn passive income while contributing to network security.
  2. Diversify Holdings: Balance ETH with other high‑potential altcoins and stablecoins.
  3. Monitor Upgrades: Follow Ethereum roadmap updates (e.g., sharding, scalability improvements).
  4. Use Analytics Tools: Leverage Token Metrics to stay ahead of market trends.

Conclusion

Ether is more than just another cryptocurrency—it’s the lifeblood of the Ethereum ecosystem, powering decentralized applications, DeFi, NFTs, and enterprise solutions.

In 2025, holding ETH offers exposure to one of the most innovative and widely used blockchain platforms, making it a must‑have for serious crypto investors.

By combining long‑term holding strategies with AI‑powered insights from Token Metrics, investors can confidently navigate Ethereum’s growth trajectory and maximize returns in the years ahead.

Build Smarter Crypto Apps &
AI Agents in Minutes, Not Months
Real-time prices, trading signals, and on-chain insights all from one powerful API.
Grab a Free API Key
About Token Metrics
Token Metrics: AI-powered crypto research and ratings platform. We help investors make smarter decisions with unbiased Token Metrics Ratings, on-chain analytics, and editor-curated “Top 10” guides. Our platform distills thousands of data points into clear scores, trends, and alerts you can act on.
30 Employees
analysts, data scientists, and crypto engineers
Daily Briefings
concise market insights and “Top Picks”
Transparent & Compliant
Sponsored ≠ Ratings; research remains independent
Want Smarter Crypto Picks—Free?
See unbiased Token Metrics Ratings for BTC, ETH, and top alts.
Thank you! Your submission has been received!
Oops! Something went wrong while submitting the form.
 No credit card | 1-click unsubscribe
Token Metrics Team
Token Metrics Team

Recent Posts

Research

How to Find Hidden Crypto Gems with 100x Potential (Step-by-Step Guide) | Token Metrics Moonshots

Token Metrics Team
8 min

In the fast-paced world of cryptocurrency, discovering hidden gems—often called moonshots—can lead to life-changing returns. But the real challenge lies in separating hype from actual potential. In this guide, we’ll break down what crypto moonshots are, how they work, and how you can use Token Metrics to reliably find tokens with 100x upside.

What Are Moonshot Tokens?

The term moonshot comes from the idea of a crypto token “going to the moon,” or rapidly increasing in price. These are usually low-cap tokens with a compelling narrative, innovative technology, or early-stage market presence that give them high upside potential.

Key Characteristics of Moonshot Tokens:

  • Market Cap Below $50M – Smaller market caps have more room to grow.
  • High Risk / High Reward – Volatility is expected, but the upside can be enormous.
  • Early Entry – Timing matters. Getting in early before mainstream awareness is key.
  • Backed by Fundamentals – Even moonshots need solid technology, use cases, or backing.

How Do Crypto Moonshots Work?

Moonshots rely on the combination of innovation, market timing, and community adoption. They often start unnoticed, then experience exponential growth once crypto traders and influencers catch on.

The Lifecycle of a Typical Moonshot:

  1. Discovery Phase – A few savvy investors or analysts spot the token.
  2. Accumulation Phase – Early adopters buy in quietly, keeping prices low.
  3. Breakout Phase – News spreads, and trading volume spikes.
  4. Parabolic Run – FOMO (Fear of Missing Out) kicks in, driving price up rapidly.
  5. Profit-Taking or Collapse – Smart traders exit with gains; latecomers may be left holding the bag.

To avoid the trap of hype-driven tokens, it's essential to use data and analytics, not emotions. That’s where Token Metrics becomes your secret weapon.

How to Use Token Metrics to Find Monshots?

Token Metrics is an AI-powered crypto analytics platform that helps you discover high-potential tokens with real-time data, grades, and backtested indicators. Here’s a step-by-step guide to using Token Metrics to uncover 100x opportunities:

Step 1: Go to the Ratings Page

Start from the main dashboard of the Token Metrics app.

  • Navigate to the “Ratings” tab.
  • This page ranks thousands of tokens using AI-based Trader Grade and Investor Grade, factoring in technical indicators, on-chain metrics, sentiment, and more.

Pro Tip: Look for tokens with rising Trader Grades and strong historical performance.

Step 2: Click on the “Moonshots” Tab

Once you’re in the Ratings section:

  • Click the “Moonshots” tab at the top of the page.
  • This will filter the list down to tokens the AI model flags as having moonshot potential—i.e., tokens likely to perform exceptionally well in the short term.

These are automatically generated by Token Metrics AI models using over 80+ data points, including:

  • Price momentum
  • On-chain activity
  • Sentiment analysis
  • Volume spikes
  • Market structure

Step 3: Review Key Moonshot Metrics

Each Moonshot token is presented with a rich dataset to help you make informed decisions:

  • Trader Grade (with % change in past 24h or 7d)
  • 24H Trading Volume – Gauge market interest
  • Market Cap – Lower caps typically offer more upside
  • Date of Entry – See when the token was first flagged
  • Live ROI Since Moonshot – Know exactly how past picks performed

Bonus Feature: Toggle to “Past Moonshots” to review previous winners and assess the track record of the platform.

Step 4: Choose a Token to Explore

Click on any token in the Moonshots list to open its Token Details Page.

Here, you can:

  • Analyze real-time charts
  • Review fundamentals, like project utility, tokenomics, roadmap, and team
  • See top holders and whale activity
  • Examine price volatility and volume patterns

This is where research and intuition meet. Use the available data to decide if this token fits your risk tolerance and investment thesis.

Step 5: Buy in Seconds

Token Metrics makes the process seamless:

  • Just click the “Buy” button on the Moonshots page.
  • This opens a swap widget powered by integrated DEX aggregators.
  • Choose your wallet, approve the transaction, and you're done—no need to leave the platform.

This integration eliminates the hassle of going to third-party platforms to execute trades, saving time and reducing risk.

Why Use Token Metrics for Finding Moonshots?

Token Metrics isn’t just about flashy picks—it’s about using data science and AI to gain an edge.

Key Benefits:

  • AI-Driven Insights – No emotional bias; just pure data analysis.
  • Transparency – View past moonshot performance, live ROI, and update dates.
  • Speed to Trade – Instant buy options right from the dashboard.
  • Performance Tracking – Evaluate your results based on entry/exit signals.

Real Examples: Token Metrics in Action

  • Euler Finance was flagged as a Moonshot before its 30% rally—validated by a bullish AI signal.
  • Morpho gained traction after appearing in the Moonshots list, later becoming a top TVL gainer.
  • Hyperliquid made the list before capturing major perp trading market share.

By combining early AI alerts with your own due diligence, you can position yourself ahead of the crowd.

Final Thoughts

Finding the next 100x crypto gem doesn’t have to be a guessing game. While the crypto space remains volatile, tools like Token Metrics help stack the odds in your favor. From real-time ratings to instant buy options and performance metrics, you have everything you need to make smart, data-driven bets on the future of crypto.

So if you're serious about turning small investments into big wins, start using Token Metrics to uncover moonshots before they go mainstream.

Try Token Metrics today and unlock the power of AI-driven crypto investing.

Research

DeFi 3.0 and the Rise of Permissionless Lending – What's Changing in 2025?

Token Metrics Team
8 min

Introduction:
The DeFi landscape is evolving rapidly, and 2025 is shaping up to be a pivotal year. With innovations like permissionless lending, the ecosystem is transitioning into what many are calling DeFi 3.0. This blog explores what’s driving the shift, the platforms leading the charge, and what investors and developers need to know about this new wave.

What Is DeFi 3.0?

Decentralized finance (DeFi) has experienced two major innovation cycles:

  • DeFi 1.0 was defined by protocols like Uniswap, which revolutionized decentralized trading through automated market makers (AMMs).
  • DeFi 2.0 introduced concepts like protocol-owned liquidity, led by projects like OlympusDAO.

Now in DeFi 3.0, the focus has shifted to permissionless lending, advanced tokenomics, and integrated liquidity solutions.

The Core Drivers of DeFi 3.0

  1. Decentralization of Lending Access:
    Traditional DeFi lending platforms like AAVE require users to hold governance tokens or pass internal gatekeeping to create new markets. DeFi 3.0 protocols remove those barriers, allowing anyone to participate more freely.

  2. Integrated Liquidity and Lending:
    New platforms are enabling liquidity provision and borrowing from the same pool—merging the utility of DEXs with money markets.

  3. Improved Capital Efficiency:
    DeFi 3.0 focuses on optimizing the use of locked capital. Through smart contract automation, platforms allow users to earn on idle funds, reduce slippage, and optimize collateral.

Leading Platforms in the DeFi 3.0 Movement

1. Euler Finance
Euler has grown to over $1B in total value locked (TVL) and is rolling out a key innovation: EulerSwap. This module lets protocols provide liquidity for both swaps and borrowing in a single pool.
Key features:

  • Dual-purpose liquidity (swap + lending)
  • “Just-in-time” borrowing mechanisms
  • Smart contract automation for optimized usage

2. Morpho
Morpho is another high-growth player. With support from Coinbase and over $4B in TVL, it's becoming a serious challenger to AAVE. Its permissionless lending architecture and novel liquidity provisioning model stand out.

3. Hyperliquid
While not a lender per se, Hyperliquid’s approach to perpetuals (perps) trading is noteworthy. It has captured 11% of Binance’s perp market share, signaling DeFi’s growing ability to challenge centralized platforms.

Why Permissionless Lending Matters

The benefits of removing centralized control over lending markets include:

  • Faster innovation and product launches
  • Greater financial inclusion for emerging projects
  • Risk-based pricing by the market, not centralized governance
  • Enhanced decentralization and resilience

However, challenges remain. The risk of undercollateralized positions and protocol exploits still exist. That’s why security—such as smart contract audits and on-chain firewalls—is critical.

The Role of Token Metrics in Tracking DeFi 3.0

During the webinar, the Token Metrics team highlighted how their platform tracks the performance of DeFi 3.0 projects using metrics like:

  • TVL growth rate
  • Trader grade and investor grade
  • Bullish or bearish signals based on 80+ data points

For example, Euler’s bullish signal flipped just before a 30% price rise, demonstrating the value of data-driven insight in volatile markets.

What's Next for DeFi?

As the cycle evolves, we expect:

  • A proliferation of permissionless lending protocols across L1s and L2s
  • Better capital efficiency tools
  • Greater interoperability across EVM chains and Solana
  • On-chain integrations with tokenized real-world assets

Final Thoughts

DeFi 3.0 is not just hype—it represents a fundamental shift in how decentralized finance operates. Permissionless lending, composable liquidity, and institutional-grade risk controls are turning DeFi into a more mature, scalable ecosystem.

As always, perform your own due diligence and keep an eye on platform fundamentals, smart contract risk, and ecosystem adoption.

Research

Top 5 AI Tokens in 2025: Revolutionizing Crypto with Artificial Intelligence

Token Metrics Team
8 min

Artificial intelligence has transformed every corner of the crypto industry—from trading and analytics to sentiment tracking and smart contract automation. In 2025, AI-powered crypto platforms have surged in popularity, delivering real-time insights, automation, and efficiency that were previously unimaginable.

In this article, we highlight the top 5 AI tokens in 2025: Token Metrics ($TMAI), Kaito AI ($KAITO), Cookie.fun ($COOKIE), Arkham Intelligence ($ARKM), and ChainGPT ($CGPT)—and show why Token Metrics stands out as the gold standard.

1. Token Metrics ($TMAI): The Smartest AI Trading Platform in Crypto

Token Metrics is leading the AI revolution in crypto investing. Known for its AI-powered analytics, signals, and portfolio tools, the platform is a go-to resource for retail and institutional traders alike.

Key Features:

  • AI Buy/Sell Signals: Trained on historical price, sentiment, and on-chain data, Token Metrics generates bullish and bearish calls across thousands of crypto assets.
  • Trader & Investor Grades: Each token receives real-time AI-based scores (0–100), offering a clear snapshot of short-term momentum and long-term strength.
  • AI Chatbot: A conversational interface that lets users ask natural-language queries about market trends, token grades, and price forecasts.
  • Trading Bot: Users can automate execution based on Token Metrics’ signals, either on centralized exchanges or via self-custody strategies.
  • MCP Server Integration: Connects with ChatGPT, Claude, Cursor IDE, and more—enabling developers and analysts to pull Token Metrics data across multiple tools.

$TMAI Token Utility:

  • Unlock premium analytics and signal tiers
  • Staking rewards and fee discounts
  • Governance and roadmap input
  • Developer API access and automation credits

Why $TMAI Is the Best AI Crypto Token:

Unlike other platforms focused on niche utilities, Token Metrics delivers a full-stack AI solution. Its analytics engine is transparent, quantifiable, and tested—used by hedge funds, crypto pros, and AI researchers. The $TMAI token ties everything together with utility, access, and community incentives. In a market full of hype, Token Metrics offers data-driven, AI-validated decisions—a must-have edge for serious traders.

2. Kaito AI ($KAITO): Web3’s Information Aggregator

Kaito AI is a specialized platform tackling one of crypto’s biggest problems: information overload. It uses a custom Large Language Model (LLM) to aggregate and analyze content from X (Twitter), news sites, blogs, and community forums.

Core Features:

  • Mindshare Tracking: Monitors which tokens dominate conversation and sentiment across platforms
  • Sentiment Analysis: Real-time mood scores derived from influencers, headlines, and user engagement
  • Yaps Program: Users earn points for sharing useful content, which may convert into $KAITO tokens

$KAITO Token Utility:

  • Platform access and insights
  • Governance voting
  • Community curation rewards

Strengths:

  • Early identification of narrative shifts
  • Deep focus on information flow and crowd psychology

Limitations:

While Kaito is excellent at detecting narrative momentum, it lacks predictive analytics or execution tools, making it more of a research layer than an active trading solution. Still, it’s an important piece for sentiment-aware investors.

3. Cookie.fun ($COOKIE): Gamified Trading Meets AI

Cookie.fun is a Gen-Z-targeted platform that fuses AI-powered trading insights with gamified investing experiences.

Notable Features:

  • Telegram AI Assistant: Provides user-specific trading signals and alerts
  • Gamified Leaderboards: Trade to climb ranks and win $COOKIE tokens
  • Social Trading Features: Users can mimic top traders or form groups to pool strategies

$COOKIE Token Utility:

  • In-app rewards and incentives
  • Staking for power-ups
  • Marketplace for NFT avatars and in-game tools

Who It’s For:

Cookie.fun’s lighthearted UX and AI-enhanced suggestions appeal to newer, casual investors. It doesn’t match Token Metrics’ analytical depth but makes crypto accessible and fun—an important factor for onboarding the next wave of retail users.

4. Arkham Intelligence ($ARKM): AI for On-Chain Forensics

Arkham Intelligence offers one of the most advanced AI-powered blockchain intelligence platforms, designed to uncover hidden relationships and wallet identities.

Core Capabilities:

  • ULTRA AI Engine: Links pseudonymous wallets to real-world identities
  • Intel Exchange: A decentralized data marketplace for buying/selling wallet intelligence
  • Dashboards & Alerts: Monitor whale wallets, smart money flows, and suspicious activity

$ARKM Token Utility:

  • Access to the Intel Exchange
  • Bounty rewards
  • Platform governance

Ideal Use Cases:

  • Whales tracking and forensic analysis
  • Scam detection and compliance reporting
  • Portfolio flow transparency

Trade-Offs:

Arkham is laser-focused on on-chain visibility, not market timing or trade execution. For users who want to know who’s moving money—and why—Arkham is unmatched. But it doesn’t replace a complete AI trading platform like Token Metrics.

5. ChainGPT ($CGPT): AI Tools for Smart Contract Automation

ChainGPT offers a suite of AI-powered tools for developers, traders, and researchers in the crypto space.

Highlight Features:

  • AI Chat Assistant: Similar to ChatGPT but trained on blockchain topics
  • Smart Contract Generator: Auto-generates and audits Solidity code
  • Trading Assistant: Analyzes charts and on-chain data to produce trade suggestions
  • News Aggregator: AI-summarized crypto headlines

$CGPT Token Utility:

  • Access to tools and premium models
  • Developer credits
  • Ecosystem governance

Audience:

ChainGPT is ideal for technical users, developers, and power traders looking for coding help, risk management support, and project analysis. While useful, its trading tools aren’t as focused or optimized for performance as Token Metrics’ core offerings.

Why Token Metrics Dominates the AI Crypto Landscape

Token Metrics combines AI-grade analytics, execution, automation, and alerts, all under one unified system. It supports custom index building, signals, dashboards, rebalancing agents, and integrations with every major AI tool in the developer ecosystem.

🏁 Final Thoughts

The AI crypto boom is well underway in 2025. Each of the platforms covered—Kaito AI, Cookie.fun, Arkham, ChainGPT—offers specialized tools and insights. But for investors and traders seeking a complete, AI-first trading stack, Token Metrics ($TMAI) is the undisputed leader.

Whether you're a seasoned investor or a crypto newcomer, $TMAI gives you the intelligence, precision, and automation needed to thrive in today’s volatile markets.

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