Best Meme Coins to Buy in 2025

2024 has been a remarkable year for meme coins, with Popcat, Turbo, Mog Coin, and SPX6900 producing gains in the thousands of percent. Many other success stories exist from multiple blockchain ecosystems, including Ethereum, Solana, and Base. 

This guide explores the best meme coins to buy right now. We focus exclusively on undervalued tokens with the highest potential, aiming for minimum gains of 25x. We also explain how investors can find quality meme coins and what best practices to follow before starting. 

List of the Top Meme Coins to Buy

According to our research, these are the best meme coins to buy today:

1. Pepe Unchained (PEPU) – Our Overall Top Pick for Meme Coin Investors 
2. Wall Street Pepe (WEPE) – Brand New Meme Coin Presale That Raised $130,000 in Less Than a Week
3. Catslap (SLAP) – Newly Launched Cat Meme Coin With 4,000% Gains 
4. Dogecoin (DOGE) – Elon Musk’s Favorite Meme Coin Heading for $1
5. Crypto All-Stars (STARS) – All-In-One Meme Coin Vault With Competitive APYs
6. Pepe (PEPE) – Top-Performing Meme Coin With 12-Month Gains of 1,600%
7. Flockerz (FLOCK) – Invest in a New Meme Community With Vote-to-Earn Tools   
8. Sponge V2 (SPONGE V2) – Stake-to-Bridge Protocol for the Next Sponge Phase
9. FreeDum Fighters (DUM) – Recently Launched Presale Event From the PolitiFi Niche 
10. POKE (POKE) – TON-Based Play-to-Earn Game for the Telegram Community 
11. DOGE² (DOGE²) – A Layer-2 Solution Helping to Build the Dogecoin Ecosystem

Best Meme Coins to Invest in: A Closer Look

Finding the next big meme coin is no easy feat. Millions of tokens exist today, making the research process even more challenging. 

This section takes a closer look at the top 10 meme coins listed above. We explain everything prospective investors need to know, ensuring informed decisions can be made.

1. Pepe Unchained (PEPU) – Our Overall Top Pick for Meme Coin Investors

• Meme coin features with a native layer-2 network
• The ongoing presale has raised over $66 million
• Tier-one exchange listings have been scheduled 

Let’s start with Pepe Unchained, which is our overall top meme coin pick for 2025. While Pepe Unchained carries meme coin features, it’s more of a real utility ecosystem. This is because Pepe Unchained has built a layer-2 network for the original Pepe, which currently operates on the Ethereum blockchain. 

The network offers many benefits to Pepe holders via a decentralized bridge. This includes faster, more scalable, and cheaper transactions. Pepe Unchained will also enable other projects to develop on its network. This could create an entirely new ecosystem, and create unprecedented demand for PEPU tokens. 

Demand is already strong, with Pepe Unchained’s presale campaign raising over $66 million. 10 days are left until the presale ends and PEPU is listed on exchanges. Making a presale purchase takes minutes. Just swap ETH, USDT, or BNB on the Pepe Unchained website. The current and final presale price is $0.01295 per PEPU. 

2. Wall Street Pepe (WEPE) – Brand New Meme Coin Presale That Raised $130,000 in Less Than a Week

• Brand new Pepe-themed meme coin
• Strong utility in the form of trading calls, community groups, and competitions
• Early-stage presale that raised over $130,000 in the first week

Wall Street Pepe (WEPE) is a brand new Pepe-themed project. However, this one merges our meme avatar with the cunning approach to investing that only Wall Street traders have. The project has managed to raise over $130,000 in less than a week since its presale started.

The Wall Street Pepe project revolves around providing small traders with all the information needed to beat the crypto whales, including market insights, signals, and trading calls, private insider groups accessible only to the Wepe Army (WEPE token holders), as well as trading competitions where winners get rewarded in WEPE. 

The project also enables its holders to stake WEPE tokens and earn a dynamic APY that currently sits at 2,861%. However, this APY is to decrease as more people stake their tokens. 

The Wall Street Pepe is in its 3rd presale stage, with each of the following stages increasing the WEPE token price by 2%. The presale will have a total of 50 stages, after which the token will get an exchange listing.

3. Catslap (SLAP) – Newly Launched Cat Meme Coin With 4,000% Gains  

• Brand-new meme coin from the cat-themed niche
• 5,500% gains since launching on November 25th, 2025
• Currently valued at just $21 million 

Catslap is one of the newest meme coins to launch, with gains of over 5,500% since November 25th, 2024. This meme coin is based on the cat theme, which is one of the hottest crypto marketplaces right now. Catslap, as the name suggests, claims to be the “most slappable” meme coin around. 

Its website has a “slapping” button that has been clicked over 83 million times. Although substantial growth has already been realized, Catslap’s current market capitalization is just $21 million. This makes Catslap ideal for small-cap investors who aren’t afraid of volatility. Catslap is currently just 9% below its all-time high price of $0.005238. 

Once breached, Catslap could be one of the next meme coins to explode. Another benefit is that Catslap was immediately listed on Uniswap as a fair launch project. No presale was initiated, meaning crypto whales weren’t offered a preferential price. However, just 50% of the total supply is currently in circulation, which could be a drawback for some meme coin investors. 

4. Dogecoin (DOGE) – Elon Musk’s Favorite Meme Coin Heading for $1  

• The industry’s most popular and valuable meme coin
• Holders include Elon Musk, the world’s richest person
• 12-month gains of almost 400% 

Next on this list of meme coins is Dogecoin, the largest in this industry by market capitalization and crypto community. Dogecoin is the most popular meme coin, with millions of unique holders. This includes the world’s richest person and now one of the most influential, Elon Musk. In a nutshell, Musk has been a strong proponent of Dogecoin since at least 2019. 

His interest sparked the 2021 bull rally, where Dogecoin peaked at $0.74. Musk’s recent appointment in the Department of Government Efficiency, or “DOGE,” has resulted in Dogecoin producing solid gains. In the past 12 months, Dogecoin is up almost 400%, with 52-week highs of $0.4775. 

Today, Dogecoin trades over 42% below its all-time high, so there’s still a chance to enter the market at a discount. Crucially, Musk’s position at the top government table could be highly favorable for Dogecoin’s price performance. This is in addition to rumors of Dogecoin being accepted as a payment method on X, which boasts several hundred million users. 

5. Crypto All-Stars (STARS) – All-In-One Meme Coin Vault With Competitive APYs  

• New staking protocol supporting the best meme coins
• Investors can stake DOGE, FLOKI, BONK, MOG and more
• The ongoing presale has raised almost $8 million

Crypto All-Stars is another meme coin on this list with identifiable use cases. At its core, the project allows investors to stake the top meme coins in one safe place. Known as the “MemeVault,” meme coins are supported by multiple blockchains, ensuring a smooth and secure staking experience. 

This includes Base meme coins like Toshi and Brett. Not to mention Ethereum-based projects like Shiba Inu, FLOKI, and Mog Coin. The leading Solana meme coins, such as Bonk, are also supported. While not mandatory, those holding STARS tokens will earn additional rewards. For example, consider a STARS holder who wants to stake FLOKI. 

They’d earn passive income in both FLOKI and STARS. Importantly, Crypto All-Stars is currently in presale, with almost $8 million raised so far. Those investing today can secure a discounted price of $0.0016648. Just 17 days are left until the presale is over. According to the tokenomics, 10% of the supply has been reserved for upcoming exchange listings.

6. Pepe (PEPE) – Top-Performing Meme Coin With 12-Month Gains of 1,600%  

• Rapid gains of almost 1,600% in the past 12 months 
• Has increased by over 35,000% since launching in April 2023
• Recently listed on retail-friendly platforms like Coinbase and Robinhood

Pepe is one of the best-performing meme crypto coins of all time. It launched in April 2023 and is based on “Pepe the Frog,” a popular internet meme inspired by the Boy’s Club comic series. Pepe now trades over 35,000% higher than its original listing price. It has also produced growth of almost 1,600% in the past 12 months alone. 

This makes Pepe the third-largest meme coin in the market, behind Shiba Inu and Dogecoin. Another benefit is that Pepe recently achieved two major listings, Coinbase and Robinhood. These retail-friendly platforms make it seamless for everyday investors to buy Pepe. This means Pepe’s current momentum might not be stopping any time soon. 

However, a drawback to consider is Pepe’s massive valuation. It has a market cap of $8.6 billion right now, so the upside will be lower when compared to small-cap projects. That said, Pepe currently trades almost 19% below its all-time high, so a solid discount is available. Crucially, 100% of the token supply is already in circulation. 

7. Flockerz (FLOCK) – Invest in a New Meme Community With Vote-to-Earn Tools     

• One of the few meme coins to operate as a DAO
• Token holders earn rewards when voting on project proposals 
• The ongoing presale has just surpassed $4.2 million 

Flockerz is a truly decentralized meme coin project that’s currently in presale. Its community, known as the “The Flock,” has a direct voice in how the project is run. This is because of the “Flocktopia,” a decentralized autonomous organization (DAO) with a vote-to-earn protocol. In simple terms, this means all FLOCK holders can vote on key proposals. 

This is how meme coin communities should be run. Unfortunately, most are operated by single founders without accountability or democratization. Flockerz has created an incentive-based ethos, where voters receive additional FLOCK tokens. This will motivate the broader community to always use their vote. 

Going back to the presale, about $ 4.2 million has been raised so far. The current price per FLOCK is $0.0062245, but this will increase in about two days. FLOCK can be staked immediately by presale buyers, with APYs currently at 572%. Exchange listings will be lined up once the presale ends, with 10% of the supply reserved for liquidity. 

8. Sponge V2 (SPONGEV2) – Stake-to-Bridge Protocol for the Next Sponge Phase

• The next phase for the original Sponge, which did 100x in 2023
• Currently available at a pre-listing discount
• The stake-to-bridge protocol is offering 18% APYs

Sponge V2 is a new meme coin project run by the original Sponge team. Sponge V1 produced explosive returns of over 100x in 2023, making it one of the top-performing tokens during the bear market. Today, those who missed out have a second chance to invest. This is because Sponge V2 is a continuation of Sponge V1. 

Now, anyone currently holding Sponge V1 can bridge their tokens to V2. This can be done on the Sponge V2 website. The bridging process also attracts staking rewards of 18%. Alternatively, first-time investors can use the presale dashboard to buy Sponge V1, which is automatically converted to V2. 

After the conversion phase is over, Sponge V2 will be listed on exchanges. Importantly, Sponge V1 was listed on over 10 large exchanges, so the team already has relationships with key decision-makers. Moreover, the project has over 33,000 X followers, meaning a ready-made army of Sponge V2 “Shillers.”

9. FreeDum Fighters (DUM) – Recently Launched Presale Event From the PolitiFi Niche

• One of the best PolitiFi projects for meme coin investors
• Rewards-based system when voting on political candidates
• The ongoing DUM presale will end in just four days

FreeDum Fighters is our top meme coin pick from the Political Finance, or “PolitiFi” niche. This is a relatively new crypto narrative that exploded in the lead-up to the 2024 US election. It takes a lighthearted and satirical approach to politics, which has proven to be popular with crypto degens.

FreeDum Fighters, which recently launched its presale, offers a rewards-based voting system. Those investing pick their preferred political candidate, from MAGATRON (Trump) and Kamacop 9000 (Harris). Participants must first stake DUM tokens before voting, which generates passive rewards. 

The current staking APY is 231%. After the presale, the winning candidate will be announced, based on the number of votes received. DUM tokens will be airdropped to those picking the winner. The current presale price is $0.000115, but this will increase in about 14 hours. The presale will end in just four days, making it a fast-paced event.  

10. POKE (POKE) – TON-Based Play-to-Earn Game for the Telegram Community

• New play-to-earn game with tokenized rewards
• Built on TON and will run exclusively on Telegram
• Currently in presale with a solid discount for early buyers

POKE is one of the best meme coins with play-to-earn features. The project, which operates on the fast-growing TON blockchain, is building a new game for the Telegram community. Once launched, this means POKE will have access to almost 1 billion active users. The game’s main character is based on a meme-like turtle. 

That said, iconic memes like DOGE and SHIB will also make an appearance. Players must complete tasks and objectives to earn POKE tokens, meaning participation is incentivized. Players can also earn in-game assets, known as “Gacha” items. They’re backed by NFTs on the TON blockchain. 

Unlike traditional games, this means players own their virtual assets. Those NFTs can be sold on online marketplaces, with prices depending on the rarity. POKE will also launch a Telegram-based casino, ensuring additional use cases for token holders. The POKE presale recently launched, so you can get a discounted price of $0.006198. 

11. DOGE² (DOGE²) – A Layer-2 Solution Helping to Build the Dogecoin Ecosystem

• A new layer-2 solution for the Dogecoin community
• Will eventually support decentralized applications 
• The ongoing presale has raised about $500,000

Last on this list of meme coins is DOGE², or Dogesquared. It’s building a new layer-2 solution for the Dogecoin ecosystem. This will enable faster and cheaper Dogecoin transactions, facilitated via a secure bridging protocol. The benefits don’t stop there. The DOGE² network will also support new and innovative applications. 

This means the Dogecoin community can access decentralized finance (DeFi) products, whether that’s staking or loans. Not to mention gaming, payments, and decentralized swaps. Initially, Dogesquared will operate on the Ethereum blockchain. Then, once the project is established, it will transition to Dogecoin. 

There will also be cross-chain functionalities, allowing instant Dogecoin and Ethereum transfers.  DOGE² is another presale project on this list, so you can enter the market at a favorable valuation. About $500,000 has been raised so far, and the current presale rate is $0.0084261. This will increase in about six hours. 

Our Research Methods When Analyzing Meme Coins

We selected the 10 best meme coins from millions of options. Our research methodology assessed a wide range of variables to ensure only legitimate projects were selected. Initially, we focused on meme coins from the leading blockchain ecosystems, such as Ethereum, Solana, and TON. We then evaluated the contract addresses to ensure credibility. 

This meant checking whether token addresses had been audited, if the contract had been renounced, and if the liquidity pool had been locked. Failing to meet all three of the criteria meant the meme coin wasn’t considered. We then explored the market capitalization, token supply, and if applicable, the recent price performance.

Our methodology also took into account current and future crypto trends. For example, meme coins with use cases are hot right now. This is also the case with layer-2 solutions, play-to-earn games, and the PolitiFi niche. Ultimately, our meme coin picks are purely subjective, even with a proven methodology. Therefore, independent research is a must. 

What Are Meme Coins?

Meme coins are digital assets, often created as a joke, based on a character, animal, trend, or internet culture. While most meme coins have no intrinsic value, many boast market capitalizations of over a billion dollars. Dogecoin is credited as being the first meme coin, which launched in 2013. 

Dogecoin is based on a Shiba Inu dog, and it’s comfortably the largest meme coin by valuation. After that, there’s Shiba Inu, which is also based on the same dog breed. Pepe is another popular meme coin, and it’s inspired by “Pepe the Frog,” a character from Matt Furie’s Boy’s Club comic.

Millions of other meme coins have been created, many in the past year. They operate on major blockchains like Ethereum and Solana. The sole aim when buying meme coins is to make money. They’re super-speculative, with only a small percentage producing notable returns. Nonetheless, meme coins remain the top-performing crypto niche in 2024. 

History of Meme Coins

These are some of the key events that have shaped the meme coin industry:

• 2013: Dogecoin launches, making it the first meme coin project. It was created via a Litecoin fork and used on Reddit as a tipping currency. 
• 2019: Elon Musk, the world’s richest person and now heading the Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE), declares that Dogecoin is his favorite crypto. 
• 2020: Shiba Inu, now the crypto world’s second-largest meme coin, was launched. It briefly surpassed Dogecoin to become the 10th most valuable crypto. 
• 2021: One of the best periods for crypto in general, meme coins led the way during the 2021 bull cycle. Many meme coins produced life-changing returns before peaking in November. 
• 2023: The Solana meme coin season began in December 2023, with Bonk, dogwifhat, and many others providing explosive gains. 
• 2024: After a major market correction, meme coin valuations began rising again in Q3 2024. Notable meme coin trends include the Base network and cat-themed tokens.

✨ Which Blockchains Do Meme Coins Operate On?

With the exception of Dogecoin, almost all meme coins operate on an existing blockchain network. The largest is still Ethereum, with leading meme coins including Shiba Inu, Pepe, FLOKI, and Neiro. 

Next is the Solana blockchain. The biggest meme coins on Solana include Bonk, dogwifhat, Peanut the Squirrel, and Popcat. While Ethereum and Solana dominate meme coin valuations, other ecosystems are seeing increased capital flows. 

This includes Base, which is now the fastest-growing network. Base is backed by Coinbase, so it is expected to have substantial success during the next meme coin rally. Other blockchains with meme coins include TON, BNB Chain, and TRON.  

Should I Buy Meme Coins?

Meme coins should be viewed similarly to penny stocks.

The similarities include:

• Most meme coins and penny stocks have small market capitalizations, meaning high-growth potential. 
• Both spaces are highly volatile and speculative, so most investors lose money.
• Only a small percentage of investments will generate life-changing returns.

Ultimately, meme coins are suitable for high-risk, high-return investors. 

Let’s take a closer look at the investment thesis. 

✳️ Opportunity to Make Substantial Gains

The main appeal of meme coins is the chance to make substantial gains. 

Here are some examples of many, taken from CoinMarketCap data:

• Shiba Inu has increased by over 2 million percent since launching in April 2020. This means an initial investment of $100 would be worth $2 million today. 
• Pepe launched as recently as April 2023. Today, Pepe trades over 35,000% higher than its initial price. This turns a $100 investment into $35,000. 
• Bonk, which initially distributed tokens as a free airdrop, has increased by over 39,000% since December 2022. Those investing $100 would now have $39,000.  

✳️ Short-Term Time Frame

Another benefit is that successful meme coins can explode in a very short time frame. This is because prices often go parabolic once the hype and FOMO (fear of missing out) kicks in. 

For example, Pepe increased by 7,000% in just 17 days when launching last year. So, had you bought $1,000 worth of Pepe at launch, it would have increased to $70,000 in less than three weeks. Achieving these returns from the S&P 500 would take more than a century. 

Another example is the Department Of Government Efficiency token, which operates on the Ethereum blockchain. While having no official affiliation with Elon Musk, this meme coin has increased by almost 88,000% since launching in August 2024.

✳️ Ample Choice Makes It Seamless to Diversify

Having millions of meme coins to choose from is both a benefit and a drawback. After all, knowing which meme coin will explode is a daunting task. However, this makes it seamless to build a diversified portfolio, especially considering the many different niches and ecosystems.

For example, a good starting point could be to buy meme coins from several blockchains, including Ethereum, Solana, Base, and TRON. Next, you could explore different market capitalizations and popular niches like cats, dogs, and frogs. 

Importantly, most crypto exchanges have small trading minimums, often around $1. This means even investors on a budget can diversify with ease. Only one meme coin needs to blow up to realize significant returns. 

What Are the Risks of Investing in Meme Coins?

Now, let’s move on to the risks of buying meme coins. They should all be considered before proceeding.

✴️ Most Meme Coins Fail

According to a recent Chainplay study, 97% of meme coins fail. This means that the majority of meme coin investors lose money. Importantly, losses can be substantial, with many meme coin valuations dropping by over 90%. 

This is why meme coins won’t be suitable for risk-averse investors. Only risk amounts you can realistically afford to lose. 

✴️ Liquidity Issues

Another issue with many meme coins is a lack of liquidity. Especially new coins with small market capitalizations. Most new projects launch on decentralized exchanges, which requires an initial liquidity injection from the developer.

Due to limited resources, the liquidity pool is often low. This can cause issues when cashing out. For instance, you might need to accept a highly unfavorable price, which is much lower than the current market value. 

✴️ Many Meme Coins are Scams

An even bigger risk is that many meme coins are scams. Most are created and run by anonymous founders, so there’s no accountability when things go wrong. A popular method is the honeypot scam, where the meme coin’s smart contract purposefully contains vulnerabilities. 

For example, those who bought Squid Game Tokens saw unprecedented gains in a short time frame. This is because the smart contract prevented anyone but the developer from selling, meaning its price continuously rose. 

The developer eventually cashed out their proceeds of crime, meaning Squid Game Token dropped to zero. This left investors with worthless tokens and crippling losses. 

Meme Coins: Pros & Cons

These are the pros and cons of investing in meme coins:

✅ Pros:

• The potential to make substantial investment gains
• Massive returns can be made in days or weeks
• The chance to be part of a broader meme community engagement
• Highly accessible, anyone can buy and sell meme coins 
• Low minimum trading requirements, ensuring affordability
• Meme coins can be held privately in a self-custody wallet

❎ Cons:

• Meme coin profits will be taxed in most countries
• Most meme coin projects fail
• You could lose some or even all of your investment
• Many launches are complete scams
• A lack of liquidity can cause issues when selling
• The meme coin market is now highly oversaturated

How to Choose Meme Coins With Explosive Potential?

Consider these methods when searching for meme coins that will explode:

• Contract Safety: The first step is to ensure you only invest in meme coins with audited smart contracts. The contract should be “renounced”, which means further changes can’t be made. 
• Locked Liquidity: Another safety check is that the liquidity pool has been locked. This is only a requirement if the meme coin trades solely on decentralized exchanges. You can use DexTools for this purpose, which shows the “Lock” icon next to locked pools. 
• Market Capitalization: You should also consider the market cap when selecting the best meme coins to buy. This will determine the potential risks and rewards. Large-caps like Dogecoin, Shiba Inu, and Pepe will suit those with a lower-risk appetite. Small-caps are geared toward investors seeking the biggest gains. 
• Presale Events: Some of the most popular meme coins started life as a presale project. They enable investors to buy tokens before they’re listed on exchanges. Presales are high-risk, but they have the potential to produce massive returns when trading begins. 
• Blockchain Trends: Another strategy is to focus on meme coins from specific blockchains, depending on market trends. For example, Base meme coins are one of the hottest narratives right now. 
• Performance vs the Market: You should compare a meme coin’s performance against the wider market. For example, suppose altcoins have collectively increased by 15% in the past day. You’re holding a meme coin that has risen by 30%. This is a good sign, as it has outperformed the market average. 

What Influences Meme Coin Valuations?

In simple terms, meme coin prices are determined by demand and supply. This is no different from Bitcoin and other crypto categories. The more people buying a particular meme coin, the faster its price will increase. And vice versa when a meme coin witnesses increased selling pressure.

That said, meme coin valuations are also driven by hype and FOMO. This can be fueled in many ways, such as social media exposure or real-world events. 

• For example, when Trump was announced as the election winner on November 5th, the Department of Government Efficiency was trading at $0.037.  
• Just nine days later, the meme coin hit an all-time high of $0.5154.
• This represents gains of almost 1,300%

Specific narratives can also drive meme coin prices. For example, we mentioned that Solana meme cryptocurrencies enjoyed rapid growth between December 2023 and March 2024. Catching these narratives early can yield the biggest gains. 

The Verdict?

We’ve revealed the best meme coins to invest in, covering a blend of small and large-cap projects. This high-risk marketplace can produce substantial returns. However, it’s important to remember that the vast majority of meme coins fail. 

Nevertheless, our top pick for the current bull market is Pepe Unchained. It’s not only a meme coin, as Pepe Unchained has created a native layer-2 network. Its ongoing presale, which has raised over  $66 million, will end in 10 days. 

FAQs

What is the best meme coin to buy?

Small-cap investors will like Pepe Unchained, a presale project that will launch in 10 days. Those preferring established meme coins might prefer Dogecoin or Shiba Inu. 

Which meme coin will reach $1?

Dogecoin is the most likely meme coin to reach $1. It’s currently witnessing strong price momentum, with Dogecoin recently hitting $0.47. 

What is the fastest-growing meme coin?

One of the fastest-growing meme coins of all time is Shiba Inu. CoinMarketCap data shows that Shiba Inu has increased by over 2 million percent since April 2020. 

What is the most talked about meme coin?

According to CoinMarketCap’s trending page, the most talked about meme coins are Moo Deng, Dogecoin, Pepe, and Shiba Inu. 

Which meme coin has the most holders?

Dogecoin has the most holders, with over 3.5 million wallet addresses holding at least $1. 

What are the top 5 meme coins?

The top five meme coins by market capitalization are Dogecoin, Shiba Inu, Pepe, dogwifhat, and Bonk. 

How to get free meme coin?

One of the only ways to get free meme coins is by joining an airdrop event. For example, Bonk, which airdropped tokens to early participants, is now the fourth-largest meme coin.