Should You Buy Ethereum in 2025?

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At HelloSafe, our expert has been monitoring the evolution of the Ethereum cryptocurrency for over three years. Every month, hundreds of thousands of users in Ireland trust us to analyse market trends and identify the best investment opportunities. Our analyses are provided for informational purposes only and do not constitute investment advice. In line with our ethical guidelines, HelloSafe has never purchased Ethereum nor received compensation from any entities associated with its ecosystem.

Ethereum at a glance

How much does 1 Ethereum cost?

The price of Ethereum is up this week. As of today, Ethereum trades at approximately €2,300.40, marking a 1.57% increase over the last 24 hours but a slight 1.56% pullback on the week. With a market capitalisation near €277.5 billion, Ethereum remains the second-largest crypto asset, with around 120.72 million ETH in circulation and an estimated market dominance of 17%. The average 3-month daily trading volume reaches €14.1 billion, reflecting robust activity. As price momentum continues to fluctuate, Ethereum offers both risk and opportunity in the evolving Irish and global digital asset landscape.

Our full review of the Ethereum cryptocurrency

Have we reached a pivotal moment for Ethereum as the ecosystem rapidly transforms? After a thorough analysis of Ethereum’s latest trends and performance over the last three years—by cross-referencing on-chain metrics, technical signals, market data, and competitive landscape using our proprietary algorithms—a convergence of bullish structural factors clearly emerges. So, why might Ethereum become a strategic entry point for investors in the next wave of decentralised finance and smart contract innovation as we head toward 2025?

Recent Performance and Market Context

Price Evolution

Despite a pronounced correction over the last year (ETH -34.6% YoY), Ethereum’s price recently stabilised at $2,491, supported by robust market liquidity and a significant 24-hour trading volume of $15.3 billion. While technically still below its 2021 all-time high ($4,891), the current period has been shaped by both sector-wide volatility and internal advances, setting the stage for Ethereum’s next growth phase.

After six months of retracement (-37.8%), bullish momentum is beginning to re-emerge, underlined by the network’s resilience through recent sector drawdowns. Importantly, long-term holders have increased accumulation, positioning themselves for a potential reversal as macro conditions improve and capital rotates back into leading crypto assets.

Recent Positive Events

May 2025 saw the successful deployment of the much-anticipated Pectra upgrade—enhancing scalability, reducing energy consumption, and integrating L2 solutions for lower transaction fees ($0.03 typical now). Simultaneously, major institutional flows have accelerated post-SEC approval of spot ETH ETFs, with inflows reaching a record $812 million over just 14 sessions. BlackRock’s recent $34.7 million ETH allocation exemplifies growing institutional conviction.

Sector & Macro Tailwinds

The wider digital asset sector is benefitting from ongoing policy clarity (notably MiCA in Europe), as well as diminishing inflationary pressures, which traditionally buoy risk assets. Ethereum stands out as the primary beneficiary of rising DeFi activity, Layer-2 deployments, and renewed capital movements into “blue-chip” protocols—particularly as institutions increasingly diversify beyond Bitcoin.

Technical Analysis

Key Crypto Indicators

• RSI (14D): Neutral at 51.1, signaling a potential accumulation zone rather than overbought conditions.
• MACD: Currently below its signal line but showing signs of flattening, often indicative of an underlying momentum shift.
• Moving Averages: The price is fractionally below the MA20 ($2,573), but still considerably above the longer-term MA50 and MA100—a potential sign of medium-term support.

Solid Support & Bullish Reversal Signals

• Primary Support: $2,450 remains a highly contested level, with strong on-chain volume and “smart money” accumulation evident around this band.
• Resistance: Key resistance to watch is at $2,656.50 and, once breached, $2,800 will be the next test. A close above these areas could catalyse renewed bullish flows.

Momentum Outlook

After a protracted downtrend, short- and medium-term structures are gradually aligning in favour of a reversal. With elevated ETF flows and long-term holder activity, Ethereum’s current pattern increasingly resembles past breakout setups—especially if macro volatility remains contained.

Fundamental Analysis

Adoption, Partnerships & Ecosystem

Ethereum remains the dominant Layer-1 protocol for decentralised apps, with the broadest active developer community and the largest footprint in DeFi/NFT/Real-World Asset tokenisation.

• DeFi TVL: Ethereum supports over $50B in Total Value Locked, and controls 76% of tokenised asset markets globally.
• Staking: Yields between 6-12% continue to attract capital—further compounded by L2 solutions improving user experience and cost-efficiency.
• Partnerships: Major partnerships, continued institutional integrations, and growing validator participation underpin lasting ecosystem strength.

Attractive Relative Valuation

• Market Cap: $300.8B, solidifying its spot at #2 globally.
• Fully Diluted Valuation: N/A (open supply), but sustainable via ETH burns and strong on-chain activity.
• On-Chain Activity: $11 trillion annual stablecoin volume—a sign of surging network utility versus competitors.

Structural Advantages

• Technological Roadmap: The Pectra upgrade, gas limit enhancements (+66%), and active roadmap from Vitalik Buterin denote technical leadership.
• Community Strength: Unmatched developer and user engagement, ensuring resilience and continuous innovation.
• Differentiation: Ethereum’s versatility as a decentralised “world computer” for dApps, DeFi, and NFTs—while Layer-2 scaling keeps network congestion at bay—sets it apart from would-be rivals.

Volume & Liquidity

• Trading Volume: At $15.3B/24h, Ethereum’s depth and order book thickness reflect ongoing trader/investor confidence.
• Dominance: Continues to rank second only to Bitcoin in global crypto market cap and liquidity, amplifying its role as the backbone of digital asset infrastructure.

Catalysts and Positive Outlook

Protocol Upgrades & Technical Milestones

Pectra’s deployment ushers in a new era of energy efficiency and transaction throughput. Validator-led approvals of gas limit increases illustrate network alignment and adaptability, enhancing throughput for the next DeFi/NFT boom.

Institutional & Regulatory Drivers

• ETF Flows: Spot ETF approvals and multi-week record inflows reflect a fundamental shift in institutional allocation patterns.
• Institutional Rotation: With a 425% YoY rise in institutional interest, investment mandates are actively pivoting from Bitcoin toward Ethereum, recognising its superior utility and scalability.
• Regulatory Clarity: The MiCA framework (Europe) and increasing SEC engagement in the US are gradually removing regulatory overhang, unlocking a broader spectrum of investors and innovative use cases.

Ecosystem Expansion

Ethereum’s capture of the vast majority of real-world asset tokenisation and ongoing developer migration to the platform point to compounding network effects. New Layer-2 integrations and rising DeFi/NFT project launches reinforce narrative dominance and transactional demand.

Macro Perspective

Should global macroeconomic headwinds abate, Ethereum’s correlation to equities and risk assets—combined with cyclical crypto bull market dynamics—could create outsized upside amid renewed capital inflows.

Investment Strategies (By Time Horizon)

Short-Term (Weeks to Months)

• Entry Logic: Ideal entry could be considered on technical pullbacks toward strong supports ($2,450) or during moments of macro-driven volatility, ahead of anticipated protocol or ETF-related announcements.
• Momentum Play: A confirmed breakout above key resistance ($2,656.50–$2,800) may signal the beginning of a more sustained upward phase, supported by recent ETF flows and a redeployment of institutional risk.

Medium-Term (6–18 Months)

• Staking Yield: Investors targeting staking may benefit from compounding APR while holding through further Layer-2 rollouts and ecosystem upgrades.
• Structural Tailwinds: With Ethereum’s roadmap advancing and DeFi activity surging, medium-term positioning offers exposure to both narrative and utility-driven growth as the macro climate improves.

Long-Term (2+ Years)

• Decentralised Infrastructure: Ethereum serves as the “base asset” for next-generation finance, decentralised apps, and tokenised economies.
• Cycle Leadership: History suggests Ethereum’s price tends to outrun competing projects during phases of broad crypto adoption, especially as major upgrades and institutional flows coincide.
• Network Effects: Strategic holding through multi-year cycles could allow investors to benefit from exponential compounding of network effects, technical innovation, and utility migration from legacy systems.

Ethereum Price Projections

Is Now the Right Time to Consider Ethereum?

Ethereum’s current market positioning is enhanced by its unmatched network effects, strong developer ecosystem, and the demonstrable success of the Pectra upgrade. Technical signals indicate a potentially attractive zone for accumulation, with major support holding and rising institutional inflows via spot ETF products. With on-chain utility, market depth, staking yields, and Layer-2 scaling all reinforcing Ethereum’s blue-chip status, its structural fundamentals more than justify renewed investor interest.

The convergence of technological innovation, regulatory progress, and concentration of DeFi/NFT activity means Ethereum could well be on the cusp of a sustained re-rating. For those with a conviction in digital assets and network-driven growth, Ethereum seems to embody a powerful combination of opportunity and resilience for the coming cycle.

Ethereum remains a high-volatility digital asset—offering excellent opportunities for dynamic investment, but always requiring disciplined risk management. Recent price acceleration showcases its capability for sharp, powerful advances, while upcoming macro and protocol developments invite selectivity and strategic positioning. Key levels to watch are $2,450 (support) and $2,800 (major resistance). The next major protocol update, expected in Q2 2026, may serve as a pivotal catalyst for Ethereum’s trajectory.

How to buy Ethereum?

Buying Ethereum (ETH) online is simple and secure when you use a regulated platform. For investors in Ireland, there are two main ways to gain exposure to ETH: the most common is spot purchase (where you actually own Ethereum in your wallet), and the alternative is trading via CFDs (Contracts for Difference), which lets you trade on ETH’s price movements without owning the coins. Both methods are accessible and each fits different investment profiles, as we explain below. To help you choose, you will find a platform comparison further down this page.

Spot Purchase

Buying Ethereum "on the spot" means you are acquiring real ETH coins, which are then held in a wallet (digital or on the exchange) that you control. This is an especially popular approach for long-term investors who want direct ownership and potentially to use their ETH in DeFi or staking. Spot platforms typically charge a fixed commission per transaction, often around 0.5%, plus a small flat fee in your local currency (EUR for investors in Ireland).

Example

Suppose the ETH price is $2,492 USD (around €2,300). With a €1,000 investment, and about €5 in transaction fees, you could purchase approximately 0.43 ETH coins:

• Calculation:
  €1,000 - €5 fees = €995 available
  €995 / €2,300 ≈ 0.43 ETH

• ✔️ Gain scenario:
  If Ethereum’s price rises by 10%, your ETH holding would be worth around €1,100.
  Result: That’s a gross profit of €100, or +10% on your investment.

Trading via CFD

When trading Ethereum through CFDs, you do not actually possess the cryptocurrency; instead, you speculate on ETH's price movement, either up or down. CFDs are a popular choice for active traders seeking flexibility, the possibility of leverage, and often lower initial capital. Fees usually include a "spread" (the difference between buying and selling price), and, if you keep positions open overnight, a daily financing charge.

Example

Let’s say you open a CFD position on ETH with €1,000 and a 5x leverage. This gives you an exposure to the equivalent of €5,000 on the market.

• Calculation:
  If Ethereum rises by 8%, your position increases by 8% x 5 = 40%.
  That’s a gain of €400 on your €1,000 margin (excluding fees).

• ✔️ Gain scenario:
  If ETH’s price climbs 8%, your leveraged position generates a €400 profit, before fees and charges.

Key Considerations Before Investing

Before buying Ethereum—whether via spot or CFD—it’s essential to compare platforms, particularly their fees, regulations, and security standards. The right choice depends on your experience, risk profile, and investment strategy. For a detailed breakdown of leading Ethereum platforms available in Ireland, see our comparison table below. Always remember: only invest what you can afford to lose, and take time to understand the risks involved.

Our 7 tips for buying Ethereum

The latest news about Ethereum

Ethereum ETFs have recorded 14 consecutive days of inflows, with increased institutional interest highlighted by BlackRock’s recent ETH purchase. Over the past week, Ethereum exchange-traded funds (ETFs) have consistently attracted capital, seeing a record $812 million in inflows across 14 straight sessions. This trend underscores sustained optimism and renewed trust among institutional investors, while BlackRock, a leading global asset manager, recently added $34.7 million worth of ETH to its portfolio. This surge in institutional engagement has been attributed in part to the official SEC approval of spot Ethereum ETFs, providing both legitimacy and a compliant access path for European and Irish investors considering US-listed crypto vehicles.

The May 2025 Pectra network upgrade has improved scalability and energy efficiency, bolstering Ethereum’s DeFi and staking appeal. On May 7th, Ethereum implemented the Pectra upgrade, which has notably enhanced the network’s capacity to process transactions, lowered its carbon footprint, and improved the reward structure for staking participants. These benefits have translated into increased activity on decentralised finance (DeFi) platforms and an elevated projected staking annual yield between 6–12%. With Layer-2 solutions now integrated more tightly, transaction fees for users across Europe, including Ireland, have dropped significantly, supporting broader adoption and retention.

European MiCA crypto regulation is advancing, securing legal clarity for Ethereum usage and fostering compliant adoption in Ireland. Throughout the region, the ongoing implementation of the EU’s Markets in Crypto-Assets (MiCA) regulation has set the stage for increased institutional and retail participation, as investors gain confidence in clear requirements for custody, trading, and reporting. Irish residents specifically benefit from a more defined taxation framework around digital assets, with Ethereum continuing to be recognised as a decentralised platform for smart contracts and tokenisation under these new standards. The maturing legal environment is widely seen as a constructive force for mainstream adoption and cross-border financial innovation.

Ethereum’s technical development has accelerated, with 80% validator support for a significant gas limit increase and new Layer-2 fee reductions. Developers and the broader Ethereum community have collaborated on scaling solutions, leading to a proposal—approved by 80% of validators—to boost the network’s gas limit by 66%. Combined with Layer-2 innovations, this has already reduced transaction costs to as low as $0.03. Such advancements directly address long-standing bottlenecks of speed and affordability, making Ethereum more attractive for mainstream usage by Irish fintech companies and DeFi builders targeting European markets.

Staking, tokenisation, and stablecoin volume on Ethereum remain robust, cementing its dominance in digital asset infrastructure across Europe. Ethereum now controls approximately 76% of the tokenised assets market and has processed an estimated $11 trillion in stablecoin transfers across its Layer-1 and emerging Layer-2 ecosystem in 2025. With predicted staking yields outpacing many legacy financial products, Irish users and institutions are leveraging Ethereum for both yield generation and as a platform for compliant asset digitalisation. This entrenched leadership is further reinforced by a technical roadmap aiming to increase scalability tenfold in the coming years, consolidating Ethereum’s relevance in Ireland’s evolving digital finance landscape.

FAQ

P. Laurore

Finance expert

Co-founder of HelloSafe and holder of a Master's degree in finance, Pauline has recognised expertise in personal finance, which she uses to help users better understand and optimise their financial choices. At HelloSafe, Pauline plays a key role in designing clear, educational content on savings, investments and personal finance. Passionate about financial education, Pauline strives, with every piece of content she oversees, to provide reliable, transparent and unbiased information for independent and informed financial management. To this end, she has tested over 100 trading platforms to help internet users make the right choices.