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10 Best ERC20 Tokens to Buy in December 2024

Sam Atkins
Sam Atkins
Sam Atkins
Author:
Sam Atkins
Crypto Writer
Samuel is an experienced copywriter and editor, working as Head of Content at a UK-based digital marketing agency. Since completing his Creative Writing degree in 2021, Samuel has produced educational content and marketing copy for some of the world's largest centralized exchanges and Web3 projects. Outside of work, Samuel is heavily invested in the cryptocurrency space, including as an early investor in several DeFi companies.
December 16th, 2024
Editor:
Ruby Layram
Ruby Layram
Editor:
Ruby Layram
Crypto Content Editor
Ruby is a seasoned Editor with 5 years of experience working in the cryptocurrency space. She currently works as a Crypto Content Editor for BanklessTimes with a focus on creating informative content that helps our readers navigate cryptocurrency with confidence. Ruby discovered crypto whilst working as a freelance writer at University. She has been passionate about shedding light on crypto and DeFi through valuable content ever since. Before joining the team at BanklessTimes, Ruby worked on a number of established finance sites including The Motley Fool, TradingPlatforms.com, StockApps, ICOBench, and MoneyMagpie.com.
Fact Checker:
Ruby Layram
Ruby Layram
Fact Checker:
Ruby Layram
Crypto Content Editor
Ruby is a seasoned Editor with 5 years of experience working in the cryptocurrency space. She currently works as a Crypto Content Editor for BanklessTimes with a focus on creating informative content that helps our readers navigate cryptocurrency with confidence. Ruby discovered crypto whilst working as a freelance writer at University. She has been passionate about shedding light on crypto and DeFi through valuable content ever since. Before joining the team at BanklessTimes, Ruby worked on a number of established finance sites including The Motley Fool, TradingPlatforms.com, StockApps, ICOBench, and MoneyMagpie.com.

ERC-20 tokens are the technical standard for fungible tokens on the Ethereum blockchain. These tokens are arguably the most popular, most widespread token standard available in 2024. This is great, but can make it difficult to know which are the best ERC-20 tokens to buy. I’ve spent some time reviewing the best ERC-20 tokens – both new and old – to see which might be worth investing in.

A List of the Top ERC20 Coins to Buy Now

Here is an overview of the best ERC20 tokens to buy in December 2024. We picked tokens based on the project roadmap, tokenomics, token use cases and active online community.

1. Vantard (VTARD) – A portfolio of the world’s top-performing meme coins

2. Dogizen (DOGIZ) – A dog-themed, Telegram-focused Web3 gaming experience

3. Shiba Inu (SHIB) – A meme coin project with a vast ecosystem

4. Ethereum (ETH) – The world’s largest network for decentralized applications

5. Tether (USDT) – The world’s largest stablecoin

6. Chainlink (LINK) – A project enabling businesses to conduct financial business on-chain

7. Uniswap (UNI) – The world’s largest on-chain marketplace for trading ERC-20 tokens

8. Aave (AAVE) – The largest liquidity protocol in the world

9. Decentraland (MANA) – An expansive metaverse project powered by the MANA token

10. Enjin Coin (ENJ) – A project focused on NFTs and Web3 gaming

Top ERC20 Tokens to Buy in December 2024

The following ERC20 coins stood out as the best cryptos to buy for returns in 2025 due to their active online communities, growth potential and roadmap.

1. Vantard (VTARD)

Vantard is a meme-focused cryptocurrency project that has grown in popularity throughout 2024. Vantard, whose name and functionality closely replicates that of investment management firm Vanguard, allows investors to gain exposure to a range of the best meme coins within a single investment.

By purchasing $VTARD, one of the best new ERC-20 tokens, investors will get access to the Vantard Meme Portfolio (VMP). The VMP gives $VTARD holders the opportunity to benefit from the price movements of around 20 different meme coins, without needing to open individual positions in each of them.

The Vantard Meme Portfolio contains handpicked meme coins from three separate categories: Bluechip, Trench Gems and 1000x Vaporware. Investors can constantly see the holdings within the portfolio, as well as the overall return on investment (ROI).

$VTARD is an ERC-20 token with a total supply of 100 billion tokens. $VTARD can be exchanged for any of the underlying holdings within the VMP, whilst also acting as a standalone token. In terms of tokenomics, $VTARD is allocated as follows:

  • Treasury (77.27%) – 85 billion $VTARD tokens
  • Ecosystem (13.64%) – 15 billion $VTARD tokens
  • Liquidity (9.09%) – 10 billion $VTARD tokens

2. Dogizen (DOGIZ)

Dogizen is a cryptocurrency project focused on building upon Telegram’s strong community of almost 1 billion users. Dogizen helps Web2 users to access Web3 games, specifically within Telegram.

Dogizen was designed to connect the world through fun, interactive gameplay. Built on the TON blockchain, Dogizen offers an open-source Software Development Kit (SDK) that enables developers to easily build their own Telegram gaming experiences.

DOGIZ is an ERC-20 token that helps to power the Dogizen Universe. There is a total supply of 1 trillion DOGIZ tokens, split between the following:

  • Community (40%) – 400 billion DOGIZ tokens
  • Presale (10%) – 100 billion DOGIZ tokens
  • Marketing (15%) – 150 billion DOGIZ tokens
  • Product (20%) – 200 billion DOGIZ tokens
  • Liquidity (15%) – 150 billion DOGIZ tokens

DOGIZ is one of the best ERC-20 tokens to buy because it’s being launched as part of the world’s first Telegram ICO. Not only does this bring additional attention to the project, it also provides non-crypto users with an easy way of investing in the asset, therefore lowering the barrier-to-entry.

3. Shiba Inu (SHIB)

Shiba Inu is an Ethereum-based meme coin project that has experienced significant growth and adoption since its launch in 2020. Powered by SHIB, one of the best ERC-20 tokens, the Shiba Inu blockchain benefits from Ethereum’s security and has access to a number of top decentralized applications (dApps).

There are a number of other tokens used within the Shiba Inu ecosystem, including LEASH and BONE. 

  • SHIB – The network’s primary token, SHIB is decentralized and community-driven
  • BONE – BONE is the governance token of the Shiba Inu ecosystem
  • LEASH – LEASH is a rewards token designed for ecosystem loyalists

The Shiba Inu ecosystem is vast – and growing – which is why SHIB is one of the best ERC-20 tokens to buy. Despite being created as a meme coin, Shiba Inu is made up of a number of different projects:

  • Shibaswap – A decentralized exchange (DEX)
  • Shibarium – An Ethereum Layer 2 scaling solution
  • Shib.io – A metaverse built on Shiba Inu
  • Shiba Eternity – A Web3 play-to-earn (P2E) game

Other ERC20 Coins to Watch

Although the above coins stood out as the best ERC20 tokens, there are numerous projects that have potential. Here are a few more Ethereum-based cryptos to watch.

1. Ethereum (ETH)

Technically, Ether (ETH) isn’t an ERC-20 token, but if you’re looking for an Ethereum-based cryptocurrency, it’s one of the best options available.

Ethereum is the world’s most popular smart contract-compatible blockchain. This means that developers can create a range of decentralized applications on top of the Ethereum network – this has led to Ethereum becoming the frontrunner in the DeFi space. 

The network is decentralized and has no central authority. Transactions are validated using a Proof of Stake system, which means that ETH holders can dedicate some of their tokens as collateral in order to help keep the network secure. Ethereum is also open-source, which means that anybody can build on it.

Ethereum is home to a number of applications, including:

  • Decentralized Autonomous Organizations (DAOs)
  • Decentralized Finance Protocols
  • Non-Fungible Tokens (NFTs)
  • Identity Management Protocols

The Ethereum ecosystem is incredibly vast, and it’s powered by ETH. This makes ETH one of the best tokens to invest in – as the Ethereum network continues to grow, the Ethereum cryptocurrency will likely see a long-term increase in price.

2. Tether (USDT)

Tether (USDT) is the world’s largest stablecoin project. Tether tokens can be moved across blockchains easily, whilst remaining pegged to the US dollar on a 1:1 basis. All USDT tokens are backed 100% by Tether’s reserves. Tether offers users – including merchants and traders – a low-volatility solution for engaging with cryptocurrencies.

USDT is one of the best ERC-20 tokens to invest in, especially when you’re looking to exit positions. Because of their stable price, stablecoins such as Tether are particularly popular amongst investors during bear markets – USDT allows holders to continue storing their wealth on the blockchain, without being exposed to the significant price fluctuations associated with most ERC-20 tokens.

Tether claims to have three main use cases:

  • For individuals – Providing exceptional liquidity to traders
  • For merchants – As a payment method for purchasing products and services
  • For exchanges – Playing a pivotal role in the digital token ecosystem

Tether can be used across blockchains, including:

  • Ethereum
  • Algorand
  • TON
  • Polkadot
  • Solana

3. Chainlink (LINK)

Chainlink is a Web3 project trying to redefine how the world conducts its on-chain finance. Chainlink powers:

  • Banking and Capital Markets – Chainlink allows businesses to integrate their existing infrastructure with a private or public blockchain in a confidential, compliant manner
  • Tokenization – Chainlink enables the creation and implementation of cross-chain tokenized assets
  • DeFi – Chainlink allows businesses to scale their user-base with secure, DeFi infrastructure

Chainlink services are incredibly secure, powered by decentralized oracle networks with a proven track-record. It is a universally interoperable system, connecting public and private blockchains and facilitating secure cross-chain communication. It is also an incredibly developer-friendly network, providing developers with the necessary tools for success.

Chainlink is built on top of the Ethereum blockchain. It is powered by LINK, an ERC-20 token that acts as an infrastructure token. LINK powers Chainlink’s smart contracts and can be used on Chainlink’s decentralized finance protocols and across the Chainlink ecosystem. 

LINK can also be used for making payments, as well as for securing the network through staking. Holders can also participate in network governance. These factors, as well as Chainlink’s significant real-world adoption, make LINK one of the best ERC-20 tokens to buy in 2024.

4. Uniswap (UNI)

Uniswap is one of the world’s largest decentralized exchanges. Built on the Ethereum blockchain, Uniswap allows users to buy, sell and swap ERC-20 tokens quickly and easily. In total, Uniswap facilitates the trading of cryptocurrencies on more than 11 different blockchains through either its web app or via the Uniswap wallet.

Uniswap has an all-time trading volume of more than $2.2 trillion, making Uniswap the industry’s largest on-chain marketplace. It is a decentralized platform, with investors trading on a trustless, peer-to-peer basis. This means that it’s possible to trade ERC-20 tokens without requiring a third-party intermediary or needing to know the entity you’re transacting with. Uniswap uses smart contracts, meaning that trades are performed automatically, assuming the terms of the agreement are met.

Users can provide liquidity to Uniswap’s liquidity pools and earn UNI, the platform’s native utility token, as a result. UNI is also used as a governance token, allowing holders to vote on proposals regarding the future of the protocol.

5. Aave (AAVE)

Aave is the world’s largest liquidity protocol, designed to allow users to supply, borrow, swap and stake their favorite cryptocurrencies. Cryptocurrency investors can earn interest on assets that they lend on the platform, or borrow crypto assets loaned by other holders.

Aave is actually one of the most successful DeFi projects, with billions of dollars in weekly volume across Ethereum and more than 10 other blockchain networks.

Some of the key features of the Aave network are that it is:

  • Non-Custodial – Users always maintain control over their assets and funds
  • Transparent – Aave is open-source and transactions are always visible
  • Community Governed – AAVE token holders vote on protocol development decisions

The AAVE token is an ERC-20 token that is primarily used for Aave protocol governance, with AAVE holders voting on Aave Improvement Proposals (AIPs). It’s also possible to stake AAVE and earn rewards for your help in securing the network. As Aave continues to grow, it’s likely that AAVE will follow suit – this could make AAVE one of the best ERC-20 tokens to invest in.

6. Decentraland (MANA)

Decentraland is one of the most popular metaverse projects available in 2024. The protocol allows you to explore a virtual world that is entirely built and owned by the Decentraland community. Decentraland is home to a number of different creative projects, including shops, experiences and metaverse casinos.

According to the Decentraland website, users can:

  • Hang Out – Meet new friends and join events throughout Decentraland
  • Create – Create and sell Wearables and emotes, or set up a personal space
  • Influence – Participate in platform discussion and protocol governance

Within the Decentraland metaverse, players can choose from thousands of community-made Wearables (created as non-fungible tokens) or create their own.

Decentraland is powered by MANA, the network’s native ERC-20 token. MANA can be used to purchase LAND parcels for users to build on, as well as a range of other digital assets. MANA can also be traded for certain goods and services within the Decentraland ecosystem.

7. Enjin Coin (ENJ)

Enjin is described as the “world’s most advanced NFT & gaming product tech-stack”. Taking advantage of the ever-growing Web3 gaming ecosystem, Enjin is perfectly designed for mass adoption. 

Enjin allows developers to launch user-friendly Web3 games and decentralized applications using a purpose-built blockchain. The Enjin network is secure and scalable, with a six-second transaction time and an average transaction cost of $0.0008.

Some key features of the Enjin Blockchain include:

  • Marketplace – An intuitive marketplace for creating and trading NFTs
  • Mobile Wallet – A cryptocurrency wallet integrated into the Enjin Blockchain, Marketplace and Platform
  • Platform & API – A launchpad for creating NFT-enabled games and dApps
  • Beam – A simple, fun way of sending NFTs using QR codes

Enjin Coin (ENJ) is a governance and utility token , used to power the Enjin Blockchain and any products within the Enjin ecosystem. ENJ can be staked – allowing holders to secure the network and earn rewards for doing so – and used for voting on governance decisions. 

Enjin Coin is arguably one of the best ERC-20 tokens to invest in. Given the popularity of Web3 gaming, Enjin is in a good place to take advantage of this growing market.

Why Invest in ERC20 Coins?

ERC-20 tokens make up some of the most popular cryptocurrencies to invest in, but even the best ERC-20 tokens can have some risk attached to them. So, why invest in ERC-20 tokens?

Growth potential and innovation

ERC-20 tokens have significant growth potential. The best new ERC-20 tokens are created with the intention of solving real issues, especially within the decentralized finance sector, making it highly likely that they’ll experience mainstream adoption. If an ERC-20 token has real, genuine utility, there’s a good chance that it will also see price growth as more investors buy it.

The ERC-20 token standard also offers flexibility for developers, making them useful across industries. With a relatively low cost of implementation, we’re constantly seeing new implementations for ERC-20 tokens.

Integration with the Ethereum ecosystem

ERC-20 tokens are built on Ethereum, which means they have the same level of security as Ethereum does. They’re also compatible with other projects within the Ethereum ecosystem. Given Ethereum’s position as the number one blockchain for decentralized applications and decentralized finance services, ERC-20 tokens could be well-positioned to take advantage of Ethereum’s significant user-base.

ERC-20 tokens typically have excellent interoperability, following a specific set of rules. This allows them to easily communicate with Ethereum-based wallets, decentralized exchanges, dApps and other ERC-20 tokens.

The ongoing bull market

In the midst of an ongoing bull market, ERC-20 tokens have plenty of opportunities to see price growth. With Ethereum still the second largest cryptocurrency by market cap – as well as the largest smart contract-compatible platform – it has plenty of upside potential. 

If Ethereum continues to perform well, ERC-20 tokens (especially those with real utility and a solid user-base) will almost certainly follow.

How to Buy ERC20 Tokens

If you want to buy ERC-20 tokens, there are some fairly straightforward steps that you’ll need to follow.

Choosing a cryptocurrency exchange

Before you can buy the best ERC-20 tokens, you’ll need to choose a cryptocurrency exchange on which to buy them. The ERC-20 tokens with the largest market cap will usually – although not always – be available on centralized exchanges (CEXs), while newer ERC-20 tokens with a low market capitalization can normally only be bought on a decentralized exchange (DEX).

A centralized exchange is perhaps the best option for newer, less-experienced investors. These exchanges are operated by a central entity that facilitates all transactions. The exchange will hold the keys to your crypto wallet and will usually hold a 1:1 reserve for any crypto assets offered on the platform.

On the other hand, a decentralized exchange is arguably slightly more complex to use, but it will probably offer a greater number of newer, smaller ERC-20 tokens compared to a centralized exchange. A DEX operates using automated smart contracts on a peer-to-peer basis – when buying or selling an ERC-20 token, you’ll do it directly with another buyer or seller. Decentralized exchanges typically have lower liquidity than centralized exchanges, but they will also normally have lower fees and can be accessed anonymously.

Step 1: Sign up to an exchange

Once you’ve chosen an exchange, you’ll need to create an account. This process can be a little long-winded, but it’s relatively simple. First, find the “Registration” page and follow the necssary steps. This will include inputting:

  • An email address
  • Mobile number
  • Date of birth
  • Address
  • Password 

Once you’ve done this, you’ll need to verify your email address using the link sent to you, and you’ll also need to verify your identity by completing any KYC checks implemented by the exchange in question. This process usually involves sending a photo of your passport or driving license, as well as confirming your address using a recent utility bill or something similar.

Recently, centralized exchanges have started to include additional checks to make sure you understand the risks of investing in cryptocurrencies and have a solid strategy in place. These checks might involve checking the percentage of your capital that you’re looking to allocate to cryptocurrencies, as well as your understanding of the cryptocurrency industry in general.

Once you’ve completed all these checks, you should be able to start using your account – it may be subjected to an initial cool-off period, however!

Step 2: Fund your account

Now that you have a new account, you’ll need to fund it before you can buy the best new ERC-20 tokens! You can often just buy the cryptocurrency directly, but it’s probably easier to deposit funds to a USD or GBP wallet first.

To do this, visit the “Deposit” page. Here, you’ll need to select a payment method and decide how much of your chosen fiat currency you want to deposit. Then, follow the steps associated with your preferred payment method.

Remember, certain payment methods may lead to longer waiting times, and even the best centralized exchanges will probably charge you a fee for making a deposit!

Step 3: Search for the token

Search for the ERC-20 token you want to buy using the exchange’s search function. The best ERC-20 tokens will likely be listed on the exchange’s front page, but if not, you should be able to find them fairly easily.

Step 4: Place a buy order 

Once on the market page, you’ll want to place a “Buy” order. To do this, click “Trade”, “Buy”, or something similar. You’ll likely have two options for buying your chosen ERC-20 token: a market order and a limit order.

If you’re a new investor, you’ll probably want to place a market order, which involves buying the ERC-20 token at its current price. On the other hand, if you believe that the price of your ERC-20 token might fall in the near future, and you want to try and achieve a lower entry price, you could place a limit order which will purchase your cryptocurrency tokens at a certain point in the future (if they reach it!).

Regardless, confirm how many cryptocurrency tokens you want to purchase and make sure you double-check any details (including fees) before confirming the transaction. Once you’ve bought your ERC-20 tokens, remember to store them safely in an Ethereum-compatible wallet such as MetaMask!

How to buy ERC20 coins from a presale

Alternatively, you may be able to buy ERC-20 tokens during a cryptocurrency presale. The best new ERC-20 tokens will be those that you can invest in early, and a presale is one of the best ways to do this.

To buy ERC-20 during a presale, you’ll need to have an internet-based cryptocurrency wallet such as MetaMask. Once you have this, you’ll need to add the required cryptocurrency to your wallet by purchasing it on a centralized exchange. Typically, if you’re looking to buy ERC-20 tokens, this will involve having a wallet with enough Ether (ETH) in it to complete the trade.

Link your wallet to the presale platform and then decide how many ERC-20 tokens you’re interested in purchasing. Remember, there may be a limit to how many tokens you can buy during a presale or cryptocurrency Initial Coin Offering (ICO).

Complete the purchase by double-checking the details and confirming you’re happy with the transaction. Because you’re buying ERC-20 tokens directly through your cryptocurrency wallet, the new tokens should automatically appear in your wallet, although you may not receive them until after the presale has ended! 

Conclusion

Ethereum has always been one of the most influential blockchain networks, and ERC-20 tokens have continued to facilitate network growth and allow developers to create new and exciting cryptocurrencies and cryptocurrency projects. However, this doesn’t mean that your cryptocurrency investments are guaranteed to succeed – even the best ERC-20 tokens can be incredibly volatile! Always do your research and consider spreading your capital across a number of different projects to avoid putting all of your eggs in one basket.

FAQs

What is the best ERC20 token?

There is no single “best” ERC-20 token, but there are some that stand out more than others. For example, $VTARD is definitely one of the best ERC-20 tokens to invest in. Providing investors with access to the Vantard Meme Portfolio, $VTARD allows holders to gain exposure to the world’s biggest and best meme coins within a single investment.

What is the best ERC-20 wallet?

MetaMask is arguably the best ERC-20 wallet. It is a self-custodial wallet that can be installed as a browser extension or as a mobile application. MetaMask provides a secure way of connecting to blockchain-based applications and storing your digital assets. It is also free-to-use and very beginner-friendly.

What are the risks of ERC-20 tokens?

As with any cryptocurrency investment, there are risks associated with ERC-20 tokens. Firstly, cryptocurrencies are incredibly volatile, which means that your investment could lose significant value in a short space of time. Also, given their connection to the Ethereum blockchain, if the price of ETH falls heavily, it’s likely that ERC-20 will follow suit, at least partially.

Contributors

Sam Atkins
Crypto Writer
Samuel is an experienced copywriter and editor, working as Head of Content at a UK-based digital marketing agency. Since completing his Creative Writing degree in 2021, Samuel has produced educational content and marketing copy for some of the world's largest centralized exchanges and Web3 projects. Outside of work, Samuel is heavily invested in the cryptocurrency space, including as an early investor in several DeFi companies.