Zcash and ENA Make Moves, But BlockDAG Leads 2025’s Layer 1 Race with Live Testnet & $210M Raised

As the crypto market enters a phase of renewed attention and shifting momentum, different projects are vying to define the next cycle. Zcash is slowly reemerging, driven by a growing interest in privacy. Ethena’s ENA token is capturing short-term attention due to a major unlock event and its unique approach to digital savings. Yet, both face limitations—Zcash is waiting on sentiment shifts, and ENA is navigating high volatility.

BlockDAG, however, is moving differently. It’s executing on infrastructure, growing an active user base, and rolling out real tools—long before its mainnet launch. With Keynote 3 unveiling a live testnet processing over 1.2 million transactions and support from more than 100 community nodes, BDAG isn’t betting on future narratives. It’s already delivering on its core vision. With $210 million raised and 19 billion coins sold, BlockDAG is positioning itself as 2025’s most prepared and promising Layer 1.

Zcash (ZEC) Shows Signs of Recovery—But Will Privacy Alone Drive Growth?

Zcash is gaining renewed traction as privacy resurfaces in crypto discussions. Recently trading near $33, ZEC has bounced from its lows, with projections suggesting a rise to $39.66 by April. Longer-term forecasts show potential highs of $183 by 2030, although outcomes vary.

Zcash stands out for its use of zero-knowledge proofs, allowing full transaction anonymity. Unlike most networks, it hides addresses and amounts by default. This core feature positions it uniquely in an increasingly transparent blockchain space.

However, ZEC’s future remains tied to broader market demand for privacy and its ability to innovate. Without major partnerships or feature rollouts, recovery may be gradual. While Zcash offers a distinct use case, its long-term success depends on shifting user needs and sustained ecosystem development.

ENA Faces Crucial Moment as $3.29B Unlock Sparks Volatility

Ethena’s ENA token is under the spotlight as a major unlock approaches. Nearly 7.93 million ENA, worth $3.29 billion, is scheduled for release, pushing ENA up 5% to $0.417 and boosting trading volume by over 17%.

While this specific release is moderate, the concern lies in over 7.7 billion tokens—over 51% of the total supply—still locked. Of that, 25% is controlled by private entities, and 30% is allocated to the team and advisors. Such concentration introduces supply risk in a sensitive market.

Ethena promotes its “Internet Bond” to merge crypto and traditional savings, but this next phase will test more than branding. The coming unlock could either reinforce confidence or trigger sell-offs. For short-term traders, it may represent a key opportunity—but also a period of increased unpredictability.

BlockDAG Keynote 3 & Testnet Go Live: Delivering Infrastructure

In a market saturated with speculative tokens and delayed roadmaps, BlockDAG is setting itself apart through visible, verifiable progress. Keynote 3 marked a significant turning point by announcing the launch of its Beta Testnet V1, which is already live and processing over 1.2 million transactions across a network of 100+ community nodes worldwide. This testnet is more than a technical milestone—it’s concrete evidence of a project executing ahead of schedule.

Unlike many Layer 1 projects that remain stuck in the planning phase, BlockDAG has introduced real tools to its ecosystem. Users can now interact with a functioning block explorer, build and deploy custom tokens and NFTs, and test early dApps in a live environment. These capabilities aren’t speculative—they are available and in use. The infrastructure is being built in real time, supported by a growing user base and a clear product strategy.

This progress isn’t limited to technology. Financial momentum is equally impressive. BlockDAG has raised $210 million during its presale, with over 19 billion BDAG coins sold and strong participation across 27 funding batches. The current coin price stands at $0.0248, and exchange listings across 10+ platforms are already being prepared ahead of the mainnet launch.

What makes BlockDAG stand out is its ability to execute across multiple fronts—technology, community growth, and market readiness—all before entering the public trading arena. While other projects are still building hype, BlockDAG is building infrastructure. This combination of early usability, measurable traction, and strong funding signals a project not just ready for 2025, but actively shaping it.

Final Thoughts

Zcash and ENA both offer angles for specific types of participants—privacy and short-term market action, respectively. However, both come with inherent uncertainties. BlockDAG, by contrast, is offering clarity: a working system, a clear roadmap, and growing user adoption. It isn’t chasing relevance—it’s establishing it.

As the market looks toward 2025, BDAG may represent one of the few Layer 1 coins where upside potential is grounded not in speculation, but in progress. For those evaluating the next big player, BlockDAG isn’t just in the conversation—it’s leading it.

Website: https://blockdag.network

Presale: https://purchase.blockdag.network

Telegram: https://t.me/blockDAGnetworkOfficial

Discord: https://discord.gg/Q7BxghMVyu