May 7, 2026
The 7 Best Cryptocurrency Exchanges in 2018 TheStreet

The Rise of Cryptocurrencies

In recent years, cryptocurrencies have taken the financial world by storm. Bitcoin, the pioneer of this digital currency revolution, has reached unprecedented heights, leaving many investors and enthusiasts wondering what the future holds. As we approach 2018, it is time to evaluate the top contenders for the title of the best cryptocurrency in the coming year.

Ethereum: The Smart Contract Powerhouse

Ethereum has been gaining significant traction in the cryptocurrency market due to its innovative approach to smart contracts. These contracts enable the execution of transparent and secure transactions without the need for intermediaries. With Ethereum’s platform gaining popularity among developers, it is expected to continue its upward trajectory in 2018.

Ripple: The Banking Partner

Ripple has positioned itself as a cryptocurrency that aims to revolutionize the banking industry. Its unique consensus algorithm and partnerships with major financial institutions have propelled it into the spotlight. As more banks adopt Ripple’s technology, its value is likely to increase significantly in the coming year.

Litecoin: The Silver to Bitcoin’s Gold

Often referred to as the silver to Bitcoin’s gold, Litecoin offers faster transaction confirmation times and a different hashing algorithm. This cryptocurrency has gained a loyal following and has been steadily rising in value. With its strong community and active development team, Litecoin is expected to continue its growth in 2018.

NEO: The Chinese Ethereum

NEO, also known as the Chinese Ethereum, has been making waves in the cryptocurrency world. With its focus on digitizing assets and implementing smart contracts, NEO has gained significant attention, especially in China. As China continues to embrace blockchain technology, NEO is well-positioned for success in 2018.

Monero: The Privacy Coin

Monero has gained popularity due to its focus on privacy and anonymity. Unlike Bitcoin, Monero offers untraceable transactions and ensures the privacy of its users. As concerns over privacy continue to grow, Monero is expected to see increased adoption and value in 2018.

Stellar: The Platform for Global Transactions

Stellar aims to provide a seamless platform for global financial transactions. With its focus on low-cost and fast transactions, Stellar has gained the attention of major organizations and investors. As the demand for cross-border transactions grows, Stellar is poised to become a top cryptocurrency in 2018.

Cardano: The Scientific Approach

Cardano takes a scientific approach to cryptocurrency and blockchain technology. With its focus on peer-reviewed research and rigorous development process, Cardano aims to provide a secure and scalable platform. As the cryptocurrency market matures, Cardano’s scientific approach may give it an edge in 2018.

IOTA: The Internet of Things Currency

IOTA aims to become the currency of the Internet of Things (IoT). With its unique Tangle technology, IOTA enables secure and feeless transactions between IoT devices. As the IoT market expands, IOTA’s value is expected to increase, making it an exciting cryptocurrency to watch in 2018.

Dash: The Digital Cash

Dash focuses on providing fast and private transactions, making it an attractive option for everyday use. With its strong community and active development team, Dash has gained popularity among merchants and consumers. In 2018, Dash is expected to continue its growth as a viable digital cash option.

Conclusion

While it is impossible to predict with certainty which cryptocurrency will be the best in 2018, these top contenders have shown great potential for growth and adoption. Ethereum, Ripple, Litecoin, NEO, Monero, Stellar, Cardano, IOTA, and Dash all bring unique features and technologies to the table, making them exciting options for investors and enthusiasts alike. As the cryptocurrency market continues to evolve, it is crucial to stay informed and keep an eye on these promising projects.