Cardano’s price jumped this week after Grayscale filed for a spot ADA ETF, fueling speculation that regulatory approval could be fast-tracked under a potential Trump administration. Investors are already betting big on the odds, with Polymarket showing rising expectations for a green light later this year. While ADA’s momentum is undeniable, some of its biggest rivals could offer even larger gains in the months ahead.
Arbitrum (ARB): The Leading Layer-2 Contender
Arbitrum has carved out a dominant position in the crypto landscape, ranking as the second-largest layer-2 blockchain with a total value locked (TVL) exceeding $2.8 billion. The network’s bridge validation stands at an impressive $11.5 billion, reflecting its growing adoption.
From a technical standpoint, ARB is showing strong bullish signals. The token has recently formed a double-bottom pattern at $0.4495 on the daily chart, a formation often preceding a breakout. If momentum continues, the next key resistance level sits at $1.2485—representing a potential 170% surge from its current levels.
Arbitrum’s real-world utility also makes it a solid bet. Its network has become a preferred scaling solution for Ethereum, reducing congestion and lowering transaction costs. With increasing adoption, ARB could ride the broader crypto rally sparked by an ADA ETF approval.
Sui (SUI): Beating Cardano at Its Own Game
Sui is another ADA rival that has already outperformed its larger competitor in several key areas. The blockchain’s DeFi and gaming ecosystems have grown at a faster pace than Cardano’s, attracting developers and users alike.
Technical indicators are also pointing to a bullish move. SUI has retraced to the 61.8% Fibonacci level, a zone where price reversals commonly occur. Additionally, it recently broke out of a falling wedge pattern—a widely recognized bullish formation.
With this setup in place, SUI could be poised for a strong rally. A move back to its all-time high at $5.35 would represent a gain of over 53% from current levels. If sentiment around altcoins improves further, the upside could be even greater.
Hyperliquid (HYPE): The Perpetual Futures King
Hyperliquid is rapidly establishing itself as the leader in the perpetual futures market, an industry that has been expanding at an unprecedented rate. The platform’s trading volume speaks for itself—over $38 billion in perpetual contracts exchanged in the past week alone. For comparison, its closest competitor, Jupiter, handled just $5.9 billion over the same period.
This level of activity signals strong user demand and a growing foothold in the crypto derivatives market. As Hyperliquid expands its product offerings, its native token, HYPE, could see significant upside.
At current levels, the next major resistance for HYPE sits near its record high of $35. A return to that level would mark a 35% jump, but if market conditions remain favorable, the rally could extend much further.
Other Cardano Rivals Worth Watching
Beyond ARB, SUI, and HYPE, several other tokens stand out as potential high-reward plays ahead of a possible ADA ETF approval:
- BNB: Binance’s native token has maintained a dominant position in multiple sectors, including DeFi, gaming, and stablecoin transactions. Its established presence makes it a strong contender for future gains.
- Polkadot (DOT): After years of consolidation near its all-time lows, Polkadot appears primed for a breakout. The multi-chain network’s fundamentals remain solid, and a return to bullish sentiment could trigger a big move.
- Tron (TRX): Tron continues to be a major force in the crypto market, benefiting from its aggressive token burn strategy and consistently high transaction volumes. The network handles over $100 billion in stablecoin transactions daily, reinforcing its relevance.
Which Crypto Will Benefit the Most from an ADA ETF?
While Cardano itself is set to benefit if its ETF secures approval, the broader crypto market could see a surge in interest. Historically, ETF approvals have acted as catalysts for entire sectors, bringing increased institutional investment and retail participation.
If history repeats itself, the biggest winners may not be ADA holders alone. Layer-2 scaling solutions, high-performance chains, and top-tier DeFi projects could all experience substantial price appreciation. And as the ETF decision approaches, speculation will only continue to grow.
