While Ethereum and BNB remain household names, several next-gen projects are gaining serious traction. One of the most talked-about among analysts is Web3 ai, currently in presale and offering a window of opportunity that may never come again.

1. Web3 ai ($WAI): The Most Undervalued AI Crypto Heading Toward 1747% Gains

At the top of the list of the best 5 long-term cryptos to hold through 2025 is Web3 ai, a project that blends artificial intelligence with crypto investing tools in a way few others can match. Currently in stage 4 of its presale at just $0.000347, the $WAI token has already raised over $4 million, pointing to early confidence in its model. Once the presale ends, the coin will launch at $0.005242, translating to a potential 1747% returns for early adopters.

What sets Web3 ai apart isn’t just its price entry; it’s the scale of its ecosystem. With 12 AI-powered tools ranging from a portfolio optimizer and trading assistant to a scam detector and lending advisor, Web3 ai eliminates the need for multiple subscriptions. Its deep integration of AI includes machine learning, NLP, and neural networks that scan on-chain data, market trends, and social sentiment in real time. Unlike competitors offering single-use apps, Web3 ai delivers a unified experience with staking, governance rights, and seamless cross-chain operations.

Credits: Supplied Image; Author: Client;

Analysts comparing Web3 ai to Ethereum and BNB note that while those projects offer protocol-level infrastructure, Web3 ai captures a distinct use case: equipping investors with the AI tools needed to act smarter in every trade, every portfolio shift, and every token launch.

2. Ethereum (ETH): The Undisputed L1 Backbone of DeFi and Beyond

No long-term crypto list is complete without Ethereum. It remains the most trusted Layer 1 blockchain thanks to its developer density, strong brand recognition, and leadership in smart contract deployment. With Ethereum's recent upgrades focusing on scalability and reduced gas fees, the network is preparing for broader mainstream adoption without sacrificing decentralization.

DeFi, NFTs, and the majority of Web3 DApps still rely on Ethereum as their base layer. Despite price volatility, long-term holders continue to accumulate ETH, confident in its utility and expanding layer-2 ecosystem. As rollups and side chains continue to scale Ethereum, its dominance is expected to remain intact through 2025 and beyond.

3. Polkadot (DOT): Multichain Growth and the Upcoming JAM Chain Shift

Polkadot continues to attract long-term attention with its unique multichain architecture and interoperability focus. The anticipated rollout of the JAM Chain upgrade, Polkadot’s shift to a more modular, app-centric structure, is expected to increase both flexibility and developer engagement. DOT’s use case isn’t based on hype; it’s about solving real issues in how blockchains communicate and share data.

Credits: Supplied Image; Author: Client;

This modular approach will allow parachains to evolve into appchains with tailored governance and execution environments. With its scalable vision and community-driven roadmap, DOT is being closely watched as one of the best 5 long-term cryptos to hold through 2025 for infrastructure-level exposure.

4. Avalanche (AVAX): Smart Contracts at Speed With Subnet Scaling

Avalanche has carved out a clear role in the smart contract race. Its subnet architecture offers an elegant solution to blockchain scaling by allowing customized chains to operate in parallel with minimal congestion. Institutions, gaming studios, and enterprise developers are taking advantage of these scalable, high-speed environments.

AVAX has also gained traction in real-world asset tokenization and on-chain finance, adding a layer of use case diversity that goes beyond traditional crypto narratives. With strong DeFi and gaming traction, low finality times, and gas optimization, AVAX is one of the few Layer 1s positioned to compete with Ethereum over the long term.

5. Near Protocol (NEAR): AI-Focused Blockchain With Seamless UX

NEAR Protocol has quietly positioned itself at the intersection of AI and blockchain, a niche that’s becoming more relevant as developers explore new ways to run decentralized AI models. With its emphasis on high throughput, low latency, and a user-friendly onboarding experience, NEAR lowers the technical barrier for Web3 adoption.

Credits: Supplied Image; Author: Client;

From account abstraction to Web2-style login experiences, NEAR's UX-forward approach is resonating with developers and users alike. As AI integration becomes a bigger theme in blockchain development, NEAR’s alignment with these trends makes it one of the best long-term cryptos to keep an eye on through 2025.

Final Say

The best 5 long-term cryptos to hold through 2025 aren’t just about brand recognition, they’re about fundamentals, scalability, and future relevance. Web3 ai leads this list not only due to its aggressive ROI potential from presale pricing, but also because it addresses a real user need: smarter, AI-enhanced crypto investing.

Alongside stalwarts like Ethereum and Layer 1s like Polkadot, Avalanche, and Near, it offers a unique play in the next phase of market evolution. Investors willing to position early may find that these five tokens offer not just growth, but staying power.

Credits: Supplied Image; Author: Client;