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What Is the Best Crypto Index in 2025? Top Performers and How to Choose the Right One

What is the best crypto index in 2025? Discover the top-performing indices, including AI-managed and passive strategies, and learn how to choose the right one for your crypto portfolio.
Token Metrics Team
8 min
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With the explosion of cryptocurrencies, narratives, and sectors in 2025, the question for many investors is no longer should I invest in crypto—but how. For those looking for diversified, smart exposure, crypto indices have become the go-to option.

But what is the best crypto index in 2025?

In this guide, we’ll explore the top-performing crypto indices of the year, what makes them effective, and how to choose the best index for your goals—whether you want passive exposure, thematic investing, or AI-powered optimization.

What Makes a “Best” Crypto Index?

Before naming names, it’s important to understand the criteria that define a top crypto index:

âś… 1. Performance

Returns compared to BTC, ETH, and market benchmarks

âś… 2. Risk Management

Ability to avoid deep drawdowns and protect capital

âś… 3. Narrative Alignment

Exposure to emerging trends like AI, Memecoins, RWA, or DeFi

âś… 4. Rebalancing Strategy

How frequently and intelligently the index adjusts

âś… 5. User Access

Ease of investing, transparency, and platform reliability

🏆 Top Crypto Indices in 2025

Here are the top crypto indices dominating investor attention in 2025:

1. Token Metrics AI Memecoin Index

Type: AI-Powered
Strategy: Weekly dynamic rebalancing
Constituents: DOGE, SHIB, PEPE, WIF, BONK, FLOKI

Why It’s a Top Pick:
Memecoins dominated the first half of 2025. This AI-managed index captured upside by reallocating into trending tokens and exiting early during corrections. While risky, its weekly AI signals helped outperform most passive strategies.

Ideal For:
High-risk, high-reward investors looking to ride viral trends with smart protection.

2. Token Metrics AI DeFi Index

Type: AI-Powered
Strategy: Bullish/bearish signals per token
Constituents: AAVE, UNI, LDO, RUNE, GMX, DYDX

Why It’s a Top Pick:
DeFi remains a foundational sector. The AI DeFi Index adapts to fast-changing liquidity trends and trading volumes. It reduces exposure to underperformers and increases weight in strong, breakout tokens.

Ideal For:
Long-term crypto believers who want smarter DeFi exposure with reduced risk.

3. Bitwise 10 Crypto Index Fund (BITW)

Type: Market Cap Passive
Strategy: Holds top 10 coins by market cap
Constituents: BTC, ETH, SOL, BNB, ADA, etc.

Why It’s a Top Pick:
For conservative investors or institutions, Bitwise offers a simple, regulated way to get exposure to the largest digital assets. While it doesn’t capture emerging trends, it offers long-term stability.

Ideal For:
Traditional investors and institutions entering crypto via regulated vehicles.

4. Token Metrics RWA Index (Real World Assets)

Type: AI-Powered
Strategy: Thematic with dynamic risk adjustment
Constituents: MKR, ONDO, XDC, POLYX, CFG

Why It’s a Top Pick:
The Real World Asset narrative surged in 2025, driven by tokenized treasuries and institutional adoption. This index captured the upside while avoiding the fluff.

Ideal For:
Investors looking for exposure to crypto’s real-world utility and stable growth themes.

5. Index Coop – DeFi Pulse Index (DPI)

Type: Passive
Strategy: Weighted DeFi exposure
Constituents: AAVE, UNI, COMP, SNX, LRC

Why It’s a Top Pick:
One of the earliest thematic indices, DPI remains a favorite among DeFi-focused users who prefer full on-chain transparency and DAO governance.

Ideal For:
DeFi-native investors who want decentralized, trustless exposure.

How to Choose the Best Crypto Index for You

The best crypto index isn’t universal—it depends on your risk tolerance, time horizon, and investment goals.

Here’s a breakdown:

‍

AI vs. Passive: What’s Better in 2025?

Passive indices work well for long-term exposure to top tokens, but AI indices have outperformed in 2025 thanks to their ability to:

  • Exit before crashes
  • Rebalance more frequently
  • Shift capital to outperforming sectors

Platforms like Token Metrics offer weekly rebalanced AI indices that are tuned to market momentum, sentiment, and volatility.

Performance Snapshot (Q1–Q2 2025)

Note: Returns are hypothetical and reflect aggregated performance snapshots.

Final Thoughts: What’s the Best Crypto Index in 2025?

The best crypto index in 2025 is the one that aligns with your goals and risk profile.

  • If you want high growth and can handle volatility, explore AI-powered sector indices like Memecoins or DeFi.
  • If you want safer long-term exposure, the Bitwise 10 or Token Metrics HODL Series are smart.
  • If you believe in AI-driven investing, Token Metrics indices lead the market with real-time rebalancing and superior data analysis.

Crypto indices take the guesswork out of investing, allowing you to benefit from market trends without managing dozens of individual tokens.

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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
30 Employees
analysts, data scientists, and crypto engineers
30 Employees
analysts, data scientists, and crypto engineers
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

The Case for Rules-Based Crypto Indexing After a Volatile Cycle (2025)

Token Metrics Team
5

After a whipsaw year, many investors are asking how to stay exposed to crypto’s upside without riding every drawdown. Rules-based crypto indexing is a simple, disciplined answer: follow a transparent set of rules rather than gut feelings. The Token Metrics Global 100 puts this into practice—own the top-100 in bullish regimes, rotate to stablecoins in bearish regimes, and rebalance weekly. On top of that, you can see what you own in real time with a Holdings Treemap, Table, and Transactions Log. Less second-guessing, more process.

→ Join the waitlist to be first to trade TM Global 100.

Why Rules-Based Crypto Indexing Matters in October 2025

In a volatile cycle, emotion creeps in: chasing winners late, cutting losers early, or missing re-entry after fear. Rules-based crypto indexing applies consistent criteria—constituent selection, weighting, and rebalancing—so you don’t have to improvise in stress.

For readers comparing crypto index options, think of it as a codified playbook. A rules-based crypto index is a methodology-driven basket that follows predefined signals (e.g., market regime) and maintenance schedules (e.g., weekly rebalancing), aiming for repeatable behavior across cycles.

Rules-based crypto indexing is a systematic approach that tracks a defined universe (e.g., top-100 by market cap) and maintains it on a fixed cadence, with explicit rules for when to hold tokens and when to de-risk into stablecoins.

How the TM Global 100 Index Works

  • Regime switching: When the market signal is bullish, the index holds the top 100 assets by market cap; when bearish, it moves to stablecoins until conditions improve.
  • Weekly rebalancing: Constituents and weights update weekly to reflect the latest market-cap rankings—capturing leadership changes without manual effort.
  • Transparency: A Strategy modal and Gauge → Treemap → Transactions Log show the signal, current mix, and every change recorded.

What you’ll see on launch: Price tile, “tokens: 100,” “rebalances weekly,” and a fast ~90-second Buy flow with fee/slippage previews.

See the strategy and rules. (TM Global 100 strategy)

Benefits at a Glance (Why This Beats DIY)

  • Time & operational drag: Skip juggling 20–100 tickers, wallets, and venues.
  • Execution quality: A single indexed flow can help reduce piecemeal slippage and duplicated fees.
  • No missed rotations: Weekly rebalancing and regime switching reduce the cost of being late to trends—or late to de-risk.
  • Always-on visibility: Holdings treemap + table + transactions log remove the black box.
  • Behavioral edge: Clear rules can limit panic sells and FOMO buys during turbulence.
  • Portfolio role: A disciplined core that you can complement with selective satellites.

Step-by-Step: How to Get Early Access (Waitlist)

  1. Open the Token Metrics Indices hub and select TM Global 100.
  2. Click Join Waitlist and enter your email for launch-day access.
  3. (Optional) Connect your wallet so you’re ready to fund.
  4. On launch, review the Gauge → Treemap → Transactions to confirm the current mix.
  5. Tap Buy Index, review fees/slippage, and confirm (about 90 seconds end-to-end).
  6. Track your position and every weekly rebalance in My Indices and the Transactions Log.

→ Join the waitlist to be first to trade TM Global 100.

Decision Guide: Is This Right for You?

  • Hands-Off Allocator: Want broad market beta with an explicit de-risking rule. Consider if you resist micromanaging.
  • Active Trader: Prefer a disciplined core that moves to stablecoins in bears while you express edge with satellites.
  • Long-Term Believer: Seek systematic participation in leadership changes via weekly rebalancing.
  • Transparency-First User: Require auditable holdings and a transactions log—no black boxes.
  • Tax/Compliance Conscious: Prefer consolidated rebalances over many ad hoc trades.
  • TM Research Follower: Want to pair Token Metrics insights with a rules-based execution layer.
  • New to Crypto Baskets: Want to avoid building and maintaining a DIY index.

FAQs

What is a rules-based crypto index?

A methodology-driven basket that follows predefined rules for asset selection, weighting, and maintenance. In TM Global 100, that means top-100 exposure in bullish regimes and stablecoins in bearish regimes, with weekly rebalancing and full transparency.

How often does the index rebalance?

Weekly. This cadence refreshes constituents and weights to align with current market-cap rankings; separate regime switches can move between tokens and stablecoins.

What triggers the move to stablecoins?

A documented market signal. When it turns bearish, the index exits to stablecoins; when bullish resumes, it re-enters the top-100 basket.

Can I fund with USDC or fiat?

Funding options will surface based on your connected wallet and supported rails. USDC settlement on sells is supported; fiat on-ramps may be added over time.

Is the wallet custodial?

No. The embedded wallet is self-custodial—you control your keys and assets.

How are fees shown?

Before confirming a trade, you’ll see estimated gas, platform fee, max slippage, and min expected value—so you can proceed with clarity.

How do I join the waitlist?

Go to the Indices hub, open TM Global 100, and enter your email. You’ll receive a launch-day link to buy.

Security, Risk & Transparency

  • Self-custody by default: You control your wallet.
  • Defense-in-depth: 2FA/account security features and explicit transaction prompts.
  • Clear economics: Fee and slippage previews before you confirm.
  • Auditability: Holdings treemap + table + transactions log document every change.
  • Methodology limits: Regime logic may not capture every market nuance; weekly cadence can differ from intraday moves.
  • Regional availability: On-ramps and features can vary by jurisdiction.

Crypto is volatile and can lose value. Past performance is not indicative of future results. This article is for research/education, not financial advice.

Research

The Case for Rules-Based Crypto Indexing After a Volatile Cycle (2025)

Token Metrics Team
5

After a whipsaw year, many investors are asking how to stay exposed to crypto’s upside without riding every drawdown. Rules-based crypto indexing is a simple, disciplined answer: follow a transparent set of rules rather than gut feelings. The Token Metrics Global 100 puts this into practice—own the top-100 in bullish regimes, rotate to stablecoins in bearish regimes, and rebalance weekly. On top of that, you can see what you own in real time with a Holdings Treemap, Table, and Transactions Log. Less second-guessing, more process.→ Join the waitlist to be first to trade TM Global 100.

Why Rules-Based Crypto Indexing Matters in October 2025

In a volatile cycle, emotion creeps in: chasing winners late, cutting losers early, or missing re-entry after fear. Rules-based crypto indexing applies consistent criteria—constituent selection, weighting, and rebalancing—so you don’t have to improvise in stress.

For readers comparing crypto index options, think of it as a codified playbook. A rules-based crypto index is a methodology-driven basket that follows predefined signals (e.g., market regime) and maintenance schedules (e.g., weekly rebalancing), aiming for repeatable behavior across cycles.

Rules-based crypto indexing is a systematic approach that tracks a defined universe (e.g., top-100 by market cap) and maintains it on a fixed cadence, with explicit rules for when to hold tokens and when to de-risk into stablecoins.

How the TM Global 100 Index Works (Plain English)

  • Regime switching: When the market signal is bullish, the index holds the top 100 assets by market cap; when bearish, it moves to stablecoins until conditions improve.
  • Weekly rebalancing: Constituents and weights update weekly to reflect the latest market-cap rankings—capturing leadership changes without manual effort.
  • Transparency: A Strategy modal and Gauge → Treemap → Transactions Log show the signal, current mix, and every change recorded.

What you’ll see on launch: Price tile, “tokens: 100,” “rebalances weekly,” and a fast ~90-second Buy flow with fee/slippage previews.

See the strategy and rules. (TM Global 100 strategy)

Benefits at a Glance (Why This Beats DIY)

  • Time & operational drag: Skip juggling 20–100 tickers, wallets, and venues.
  • Execution quality: A single indexed flow can help reduce piecemeal slippage and duplicated fees.
  • No missed rotations: Weekly rebalancing and regime switching reduce the cost of being late to trends—or late to de-risk.
  • Always-on visibility: Holdings treemap + table + transactions log remove the black box.
  • Behavioral edge: Clear rules can limit panic sells and FOMO buys during turbulence.
  • Portfolio role: A disciplined core that you can complement with selective satellites.

Step-by-Step: How to Get Early Access (Waitlist)

  1. Open the Token Metrics Indices hub and select TM Global 100.
  2. Click Join Waitlist and enter your email for launch-day access.
  3. (Optional) Connect your wallet so you’re ready to fund.
  4. On launch, review the Gauge → Treemap → Transactions to confirm the current mix.
  5. Tap Buy Index, review fees/slippage, and confirm (about 90 seconds end-to-end).
  6. Track your position and every weekly rebalance in My Indices and the Transactions Log.

→ Join the waitlist to be first to trade TM Global 100.

Decision Guide: Is This Right for You?

  • Hands-Off Allocator: Want broad market beta with an explicit de-risking rule. Consider if you resist micromanaging.
  • Active Trader: Prefer a disciplined core that moves to stablecoins in bears while you express edge with satellites.
  • Long-Term Believer: Seek systematic participation in leadership changes via weekly rebalancing.
  • Transparency-First User: Require auditable holdings and a transactions log—no black boxes.
  • Tax/Compliance Conscious: Prefer consolidated rebalances over many ad hoc trades.
  • TM Research Follower: Want to pair TM insights with a rules-based execution layer.
  • New to Crypto Baskets: Want to avoid building and maintaining a DIY index.

FAQs

What is a rules-based crypto index?

A methodology-driven basket that follows predefined rules for asset selection, weighting, and maintenance. In TM Global 100, that means top-100 exposure in bullish regimes and stablecoins in bearish regimes, with weekly rebalancing and full transparency.

How often does the index rebalance?

Weekly. This cadence refreshes constituents and weights to align with current market-cap rankings; separate regime switches can move between tokens and stablecoins.

What triggers the move to stablecoins?

A documented market signal. When it turns bearish, the index exits to stablecoins; when bullish resumes, it re-enters the top-100 basket.

Can I fund with USDC or fiat?

Funding options will surface based on your connected wallet and supported rails. USDC settlement on sells is supported; fiat on-ramps may be added over time.

Is the wallet custodial?

No. The embedded wallet is self-custodial—you control your keys and assets.

How are fees shown?

Before confirming a trade, you’ll see estimated gas, platform fee, max slippage, and min expected value—so you can proceed with clarity.

How do I join the waitlist?

Go to the Indices hub, open TM Global 100, and enter your email. You’ll receive a launch-day link to buy.

Security, Risk & Transparency

  • Self-custody by default: You control your wallet.
  • Defense-in-depth: 2FA/account security features and explicit transaction prompts.
  • Clear economics: Fee and slippage previews before you confirm.
  • Auditability: Holdings treemap + table + transactions log document every change.
  • Methodology limits: Regime logic may not capture every market nuance; weekly cadence can differ from intraday moves.
  • Regional availability: On-ramps and features can vary by jurisdiction.

Crypto is volatile and can lose value. Past performance is not indicative of future results. This article is for research/education, not financial advice.

After a volatile cycle, the edge is process. Token Metrics Global 100 combines rules-based crypto indexing, weekly rebalancing, and full transparency so you can participate in upside and step aside during bears—without running your own spreadsheets. If that’s the core you’ve been missing, join the waitlist now.

Research

Crypto Indices - See What You Own: Holdings Treemap, Table, and Transactions Log (2025)

Token Metrics Team
5

If you’ve ever bought a “basket” of coins and then wondered what you actually hold, you’re not alone. The Token Metrics Global 100 solves that by pairing a rules-based strategy with radical visibility: an interactive holdings treemap, sortable table, and a real-time transactions log—so you can see what you own at all times. This transparency sits on top of a simple idea: a top-100 crypto index when markets are bullish and stablecoins when they’re not, with weekly rebalancing and one-click buy at launch. The result is clarity for hands-off allocators and discipline for active traders—without spreadsheets or manual rebalances.

→ Join the waitlist to be first to trade TM Global 100.

Why Transparency Matters in October 2025

Today’s crypto investor expects more than a chart and a headline weight. You want to audit your index: which coins, what size, and what changed after each rebalance. That’s exactly why we ship three visibility layers on day one: Gauge → Treemap → Transactions Log—plus a classic holdings table for power users.

In practical terms, a holdings treemap shows proportional weights at a glance, a table lets you sort and export details, and a transactions log chronicles every add/trim/exit during rebalances and regime switches. Together, they answer the search intent behind “crypto index holdings” and “weekly rebalancing” with an immediately scannable source of truth.

How the TM Global 100 Index Works (Plain English)

  • Regime switching: When our market signal is bullish, the index holds the top 100 assets by market cap. When bearish, it exits to stablecoins and waits for a re-entry signal.
  • Weekly rebalancing: We adjust constituents and weights weekly to reflect updated rankings—so the index stays aligned with the market.
  • Transparency: You’ll see a Strategy modal (rules at a glance), a market signal gauge, an interactive Holdings treemap & table, and a Transactions log that records rebalances and regime shifts.

What you’ll see on launch: A price tile, “tokens: 100,” “rebalances weekly,” and a Buy Index flow that can complete in about 90 seconds, end-to-end.

See the strategy and rules. (TM Global 100 strategy)

Benefits at a Glance (Why This Beats DIY)

  • Time saved: Skip ranking lists, manual screeners, and cross-exchange rebalances.
  • Lower execution drag: A single indexed flow helps reduce the slippage and fees you’d pay hopping between many tokens.
  • No missed cycles: Weekly rebalances help capture changes in the top-100 while the regime switch avoids guesswork when markets turn.
  • Full visibility: Treemap + table + transactions let you see exactly what changed and why—no black boxes.
  • Rules over vibes: A consistent methodology can reduce emotional decisions during drawdowns and market euphoria.

Step-by-Step: How to Get Early Access (Waitlist)

  1. Open the Indices hub and select TM Global 100. (Token Metrics Indices hub)
  2. Join the waitlist with your email to get launch-day access and updates.
  3. (Optional) Connect your wallet so you’re ready to buy at launch.
  4. On launch: Open TM Global 100, review the Gauge → Treemap → Transactions, and tap Buy Index.
  5. Confirm the buy: You’ll see estimates for fees/slippage and the current token mix.
  6. Track your position: Your holdings and every rebalance appear in My Indices and the Transactions Log.

→ Join the waitlist to be first to trade TM Global 100.

Decision Guide: Is This Right for You?

  • Hands-Off Allocator: Want “own the market” exposure and automatic upkeep. Consider if you dislike micromanaging.
  • Active Trader: Want a disciplined core that moves to stablecoins in bears while you take satellite bets elsewhere.
  • TM Member/Prospect: Already trust Token Metrics research and want rules-based execution with full visibility.
  • Starter Portfolio Builder: Prefer a single decision over 20+ token buys and periodic DIY reweights.
  • Transparency Seeker: You won’t tolerate black-box products; you want a real transactions log and holdings you can audit.
  • Tax-Aware Rebalancer: You’d rather not run frequent piecemeal trades yourself.
  • Mobile-First User: Want a fast, on-page buy flow instead of tab-hopping across venues.
  • Analytics Fan: Enjoy comparing weights and changes in the treemap after each weekly rebalance.

FAQs

What is a crypto index with a holdings treemap?

It’s a rules-based basket of cryptocurrencies where you can visually inspect weights via an interactive treemap, alongside a sortable table and a transactions log that records every rebalance and regime switch.

It’s a rules-based basket of cryptocurrencies where you can visually inspect weights via an interactive treemap, alongside a sortable table and a transactions log that records every rebalance and regime switch.

Weekly. Rebalances update constituents/weights to reflect current top-100 rankings; separate regime switches can also move the portfolio between tokens and stablecoins when the market signal changes.

What triggers the move to stablecoins?

A proprietary market signal. When bearish, the index exits tokens to stablecoins; when bullish resumes, it re-enters the top-100 basket.

Can I fund with USDC or fiat?

At launch, funding/settlement options surface based on your connected wallet and supported chains. USDC payout is supported on selling; fiat on-ramps may be added later.

Is the wallet custodial?

No. The embedded wallet is self-custodial—you control your funds.

How are fees shown?

Before you confirm, the buy flow surfaces estimated gas, platform fee, max slippage, and min expected value.

How do I join the waitlist?

Open the Indices hub, navigate to TM Global 100, and add your email. You’ll be notified on launch with a direct link to buy.

Security, Risk & Transparency

  • Self-custody: Embedded smart wallet with user control.
  • Operational clarity: Weekly rebalances; regime logic documented in the Strategy modal.
  • Fee & slippage preview: All surfaced before you confirm a trade.
  • Data integrity: Holdings treemap + table and transactions log reflect each executed change.

Regional notes: Availability and on-ramps can vary by jurisdiction. Crypto is volatile and can lose value. Past performance is not indicative of future results. This article is for research/education, not financial advice.

Conclusion

Token Metrics Global 100 is built for investors who want broad market exposure and the receipts to prove what they hold—treemap, table, and transactions on every rebalance. If you value rules, discipline, and transparency, join the waitlist and be ready on launch day.

Click here to get early access to Token Metrics indices.

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