4 MultiversX (EGLD) Alternatives to Watch in 2025

Hey there, let’s talk shop about MultiversX (EGLD) and some compelling alternatives in the crypto space. I’ve been digging into Layer-1 blockchains for years, and back in 2021, I watched EGLD catch fire with its promise of lightning-fast transactions and sharding tech—honestly, it felt like a game-changer. But here’s the wild bit: while MultiversX sits at around $26.50 as of early May 2025, with a market cap hovering near $720 million (per CoinGecko data), the blockchain race is fiercer than ever. Could other projects outpace it? I’ve sifted through white papers and market trends to bring you four MultiversX alternatives that might just steal the spotlight. Stick with me as we dive into why these picks could be worth a closer look.

Why Look Beyond MultiversX (EGLD)? Exploring Alternatives in a Crowded Market

MultiversX, formerly known as Elrond, carved out a name for itself with its adaptive state sharding and a throughput claim of 100,000 transactions per second—numbers that still turn heads. I’ve tracked its growth since its rebrand in 2022, and while its tech is solid, the Layer-1 space is a battlefield. Ethereum’s upgrades, Solana’s speed, and newer players are all vying for dominance. So, why consider MultiversX (EGLD) alternatives? Well, diversification is key, and some of these competitors offer unique twists—be it lower fees, niche ecosystems, or untapped potential. Let’s unpack four projects that could rival or complement EGLD for investors itching to spread their bets in 2025.

1. Solana (SOL): A High-Speed MultiversX (EGLD) Alternative with Massive Adoption

Let’s kick things off with Solana, often dubbed the “Ethereum killer” for its blistering speed and low costs. Solana operates as a Layer-1 blockchain, much like MultiversX, focusing on scalability with its Proof-of-History consensus mechanism. What makes it stand out? Its ability to handle over 65,000 transactions per second at a fraction of a cent per transaction is a big deal—I’ve seen developers flock to it for dApps and NFT projects firsthand. As a MultiversX (EGLD) alternative, Solana appeals to those who prioritize ecosystem growth and real-world usage over sharding-specific tech.

Looking at recent data, SOL is priced around $146 as of May 2025, with a market cap of roughly $68 billion (CoinGecko). That’s a 25% jump in the last 30 days, fueled by renewed interest in DeFi projects and institutional backing—think of firms like Andreessen Horowitz doubling down on Solana-based startups. Why the surge? A wave of new dApps launched this spring, plus recovering trust after 2022’s network outages. What can we expect long-term? Solana’s roadmap, including upgrades like Firedancer for even better performance, ties into the industry’s push for scalable infrastructure. If you’re mulling over MultiversX alternatives, SOL’s vibrant ecosystem might be your next play—but can it sustain this momentum with past reliability hiccups lingering?

2. Avalanche (AVAX): A Scalable MultiversX (EGLD) Competitor with Subnet Power

Next up is Avalanche, another Layer-1 contender that’s caught my eye as a MultiversX (EGLD) alternative. What’s its hook? Avalanche uses custom subnets—think of them as tailored mini-blockchains—that let developers build apps with specific rules, all while boasting transaction finality under two seconds. I’ve chatted with devs at conferences who rave about this flexibility compared to EGLD’s more uniform sharding approach. Avalanche targets the same high-throughput crowd as MultiversX, but its focus on DeFi and enterprise use cases gives it a slightly different flavor.

Checking the numbers, AVAX trades at about $27 as of early May 2025, with a market cap near $11 billion (CoinGecko). It’s seen a modest 12% uptick over the past month, thanks to partnerships with financial giants exploring tokenized assets—news broke in April 2025 about a major bank testing Avalanche for securities settlement. Why consider it among MultiversX (EGLD) alternatives? Its tech complements EGLD’s vision but leans harder into institutional adoption. Peering into the future, Avalanche’s growth could hinge on DeFi’s boom and cross-chain trends. But here’s the catch—can it shake off concerns about centralization with its validator setup?

3. Near Protocol (NEAR): A Developer-Friendly MultiversX (EGLD) Alternative

I’ve got a soft spot for Near Protocol, having followed its journey since its mainnet launch in 2020. As a Layer-1 blockchain, NEAR rivals MultiversX with its sharding tech—called Nightshade—that splits the network into chunks for better scalability. What sets it apart, though? Its user-friendly design for developers, with tools to onboard Web2 coders into Web3, feels like a bridge to mass adoption. I’ve personally tinkered with its Aurora layer for Ethereum compatibility, and it’s slick. As a MultiversX (EGLD) alternative, NEAR offers a similar scalability promise but with a heavier nod to accessibility.

Price-wise, NEAR sits at around $4.80 in May 2025, with a market cap of about $5.2 billion (CoinGecko). It’s up 18% in the past 30 days, driven by a flurry of dApp launches and a $100 million funding round for ecosystem growth announced in late April 2025. Why the bump? The market’s rewarding NEAR’s focus on user experience amid a broader Web3 adoption push. Looking ahead, NEAR’s potential ties into trends like AI integration on-chain—think smart contracts with machine learning. Could this be the dark horse among MultiversX alternatives? I’m curious if its community can keep pace with bigger names.

4. Algorand (ALGO): A Green MultiversX (EGLD) Alternative with Pure Proof-of-Stake

Rounding out our list is Algorand, a Layer-1 blockchain I’ve tracked since its founder, Silvio Micali, pitched it as a sustainable solution back in 2019. Algorand’s Pure Proof-of-Stake mechanism delivers fast, secure transactions with a carbon-negative footprint—a stark contrast to energy-hungry chains. Why slot it as a MultiversX (EGLD) alternative? Both aim for high throughput (Algorand hits 6,000 TPS post-upgrades), but ALGO’s emphasis on eco-friendliness and institutional partnerships, like with FIFA for NFTs in 2022, carves a unique niche. I’ve seen smaller investors gravitate to it for its “green crypto” rep.

As of May 2025, ALGO trades at roughly $0.12, with a market cap of about $1 billion (CoinGecko). It’s nudged up 10% in the last month, spurred by news of central bank digital currency pilots using Algorand’s tech—rumors hit mainstream outlets in early May. Why this shift? Sustainability is a growing concern, and ALGO’s positioned to ride that wave. For the future, its role in tokenized real-world assets could skyrocket if regulatory clarity emerges. Is this MultiversX alternative a sleeper hit? Only if adoption outside niche circles picks up—but I’m keeping an eye on it.

Should You Bet on These MultiversX (EGLD) Alternatives in 2025?

Now, the million-dollar question—should you pivot to these MultiversX (EGLD) alternatives? I’ve wrestled with this myself while managing my portfolio. Solana’s ecosystem is buzzing, but its past downtime stings. Avalanche offers subnet innovation, yet centralization whispers persist. Near Protocol’s developer focus feels like a long-term win, though it’s still under the radar. Algorand’s green angle is compelling, especially with sustainability trending, but its price lags. Here’s my take: each has a shot at explosive growth tied to broader market shifts like DeFi expansion or regulatory nods—but risks loom large. I’d weigh tech against traction. And platforms like WEEX can be handy for tracking these tokens with low-fee trades and real-time data, making your research smoother.

A controversial prediction by crypto analyst Ben Armstrong, aka BitBoy Crypto, adds fuel to this fire. He recently argued on X (May 3, 2025) that “Layer-1s like EGLD are doomed to fade as Ethereum’s rollups dominate by 2027.” While I don’t fully buy the doom talk—MultiversX’s tech is too robust for a quick exit—his point on competition stings. Could these alternatives outshine EGLD if Ethereum’s shadow grows? It’s a debate worth chewing over. What’s your take—will sharding kings like EGLD hold, or will Solana-style speedsters take over?

Wrapping Up the Hunt for MultiversX (EGLD) Alternatives

Stepping back, these four MultiversX (EGLD) alternatives—Solana, Avalanche, Near Protocol, and Algorand—each bring something fresh to the table, from raw speed to green credentials. I believe their utility, tech, and growth potential make them worth a serious look for anyone building a diversified crypto portfolio in 2025. While MultiversX still holds its ground, the Layer-1 race is wide open. So, dive into their roadmaps, watch the market, and consider sustainable wealth over quick flips. Got thoughts on these picks? I’m all ears.

Disclaimer: This article is for informational purposes only and does not constitute financial advice. Always conduct your own research and consult with a licensed financial advisor before making investment decisions.