Should You Buy Ethereum Classic in 2025?

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At HelloSafe, our expert has been closely monitoring the evolution of the Ethereum Classic cryptocurrency for over three years. Each 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 policy, HelloSafe has never purchased Ethereum Classic nor received any compensation from entities associated with its ecosystem.

Ethereum Classic in brief

How much does 1 Ethereum Classic cost?

The price of Ethereum Classic is up this week. Currently trading at approximately €15.86, ETC has gained 3.8% in the past 24 hours and is up 1.41% over the last week. Its market capitalisation stands near €2.40 billion, with an average 3-month daily trading volume of around €76.56 million. Ranked 30th among cryptocurrencies, Ethereum Classic has 152.22 million coins in circulation and represents about 0.14% of the total crypto market. Volatility remains a key trait of ETC, offering both risk and opportunity for investors attentive to Ireland’s dynamic crypto landscape.

Our complete review of the cryptocurrency Ethereum Classic

Have the latest trends, on-chain data, and three-year performance cycles truly positioned Ethereum Classic (ETC) for a new chapter in 2025? By leveraging a multifactor approach—blending on-chain analytics, technical signals, market flows, and the evolving competitive landscape through proprietary algorithms—we’ve captured the underlying momentum and risk framework shaping ETC. So, why might Ethereum Classic re-emerge in 2025 as a strategic entry point in the high-conviction segment of the smart contract blockchain ecosystem?

Recent Performance and Market Context

Price Action Overview

The price of Ethereum Classic (ETC) currently stands at $17.18, having experienced notable volatility over the past year—down 53.65% over six months, and 40.70% over a year, yet consolidating within a defined support band since late Q1 2025. Despite broader market corrections witnessed across digital assets, ETC has demonstrated relative resilience, maintaining regular trading volume averaging $83.41M per day and clustering around key technical supports ($16-$17 range).

Notably, while current sentiment oscillates between neutral and slightly pessimistic (Fear & Greed Index: 45), recent price action has failed to break below multi-month support bands, highlighting a level of embedded market confidence and ongoing accumulation during periods of macro-uncertainty.

Recent Positive Events

• Implementation of EIP-1559 introduced a long-awaited transaction fee burn, adding a sustainable deflationary mechanic to ETC’s tokenomics.
• Introduction of DAO-driven governance (Olympia DAO) sharply improves on-chain community participation, treasury transparency, and allocative efficiency for core protocol development.
• The activation of the Olympia Treasury—targeted capital for ecosystem growth—has already begun to incentivise new developer initiatives and dApps.

These technical and governance milestones materially strengthen Ethereum Classic’s value proposition at a crucial inflection point for Proof-of-Work smart contract chains.

Macro and Sector Catalysts

The broader macro context for digital assets in 2025 offers tailwinds, with investors seeking uncompromised decentralisation and censorship resistance. Regulatory clarity around Proof-of-Work chains has improved in key jurisdictions, and the search for “true” decentralised alternatives to Proof-of-Stake ecosystems—especially following Ethereum’s post-merge trajectory—has fuelled renewed institutional and community interest in ETC. The sector’s move to reward time-tested security and immutability aligns with ETC’s core branding.

Technical Analysis

Relevant Crypto Indicators

• RSI (14d): 38.43 — The current Relative Strength Index signals a neutral-to-oversold condition, often a prelude to buy-side reversals after extended downtrends.
• MACD: A bearish signal remains (momentum negative), but volatility compression and convergence with key averages suggest downside pressure is fading.
• Moving Averages: Spot price ($17.18) sits just below the 20, 50, and 100-day moving averages, but price activity has respected the strong long-term 200d MA at $19.40, confirming mean reversion potential.

Support Levels & Bullish Reversal Signals

Solid technical support persists between $15.68 and $16.36, while resistance at $17.72 and $19.40 present near-term upside targets in the event of a reversal. The continued defence of these supports over multi-week periods, combined with a stabilizing RSI, typically sets the stage for technical recoveries—especially when coupled with a shift in macro sentiment or protocol catalyst.

The technical picture thus constructs a moderate-risk/high-reward scenario: short-term bearish consensus amid a backdrop of improving on-chain fundamentals, efficiently resetting valuation and opening up an asymmetric opportunity profile.

Momentum and Structure

The price structure since April has been characterized by tight consolidation—a pattern that historically precedes decisive breakouts, particularly when catalysed by on-chain or protocol shifts. If momentum shifts in the broader crypto market in favour of value smart contract chains, ETC’s technical setup appears primed to benefit disproportionately.

Fundamental Analysis

Adoption, Strategic Partnerships, and Ecosystem Growth

• Adoption: While ETC lags Ethereum in total value locked (TVL) and user adoption, the network has seen an uptick in decentralised app (dApp) launches and a resurgent developer community, emboldened by Olympia’s treasury grants.
• Strategic Partnerships: Formation of new alliances with DeFi projects (post-Olympia) and increased integration by multichain interoperability protocols signal ETC’s intent to close the dApp gap with Ethereum proper.
• Ecosystem Dynamics: ETC has reinforced its differentiated position by staying with Proof-of-Work, granting developers and users an alternative to Proof-of-Stake security and consensus models.

Attractive Valuation

• Market Cap: At $2.61B, ETC is among the top 30 largest crypto assets, yet trades at a fraction of Ethereum’s valuation and below the average for smart contract chains with similar feature sets.
• Fully Diluted Valuation (FDV): Supply inflation is controlled (current: 152.22M ETC issued; cap: 210.7M), and EIP-1559’s deflationary burn will gradually decrease circulating supply pressure.
• TVL: While not among DeFi’s giants, initial inflows post-Olympia have shown promising momentum.

Structural Advantages

• Technological Stability: As the major survivor of the Ethereum split, ETC has proven its immutability—once the defining attribute of blockchain technology. Its codebase and consensus have demonstrated battle-tested resistance to protocol meddling and centralisation.
• Active Community: The global, decentralised developer community collaborates under DAO structures, accelerating decision-making and responsiveness to technological trends.
• Unique Positioning: ETC remains the sole significant Proof-of-Work platform for smart contracts—making it the default choice for users and creators who prioritise censorship resistance and protocol neutrality.

Volume, Liquidity, and Market Positioning

Robust daily trading volume ($83.41M) and deep order books across major exchanges signal enduring liquidity premium and market confidence. ETC’s inclusion on every global top-tier exchange ensures participation from both retail and institutional actors. It also consistently ranks in the upper echelon of global crypto assets by market cap.

Catalysts and Positive Outlook

Protocol Upgrades and Integration

• Olympia Update (2025): Immediate impact from EIP-1559 burn and DAO-led governance.
• Planned Upgrades: Forthcoming enhancements to cross-chain compatibility and scaling solutions may further boost DeFi/NFT adoption and network utilisation.
• DeFi and NFT Prospects: As security-conscious users seek alternatives to PoS chains, ETC’s robust PoW base appeals to value-motivated DeFi and NFT developers.

Regulatory, Institutional, and Use Case Catalysts

• Positive shifts in US/EU regulatory clarity for PoW blockchains further support ETC’s legitimacy with risk-averse capital.
• The presence of capped supply and deflationary dynamics (burn mechanism) provide macro-inflation hedges, an attractive narrative amid uncertain fiat environments.
• Growing recognition of ETC among asset managers and treasury strategists looking to diversify blockchain exposure beyond PoS networks.

Investment Strategies by Horizon

Short-Term Opportunistic Entry

• Technical positioning near entrenched support zones ($15-$16) and an oversold RSI offer compelling asymmetric entry risk.
• Anticipation of protocol update momentum, or upticks in risk-on appetite for value smart contract plays, could rapidly shift sentiment.

Medium-Term Accumulation

• As ETC’s on-chain activity, ecosystem partnerships, and treasury-funded innovation scale further, the medium-term appreciation thesis strengthens.
• Investors targeting protocol-level DeFi and NFT growth could benefit from positioning during periods of market underappreciation, prior to the next wave of capital rotation.

Long-Term Core Holding

• For allocators seeking exposure to “original Ethereum” characteristics—immutability, decentralisation, neutrality—ETC remains the only large-cap Proof-of-Work smart contract network.
• With a fixed supply, newly introduced deflationary mechanics, and proven technological backbone, ETC offers a fundamental case for long-term digital asset allocation, particularly as PoS fatigue and regulatory risk mount across the industry.
• Strategic accumulation during broad market resets or just ahead of major protocol milestones (such as further DAO or interoperability enhancements) is a classically effective approach.

Ethereum Classic Price Projections

Is This the Right Time to Consider Ethereum Classic?

Ethereum Classic presents a robust, asymmetric investment thesis at the current market juncture. The convergence of deeply oversold conditions, substantial technical support, and a series of protocol-level innovations—particularly the transition to deflationary economics and enhanced DAO governance—underscore ETC’s renewed strategic relevance. Its unique positioning as the leading Proof-of-Work smart contract chain, combined with attractive relative valuation and growing institutional recognition, reinforces ETC’s credibility as a high-potential blockchain alternative.

While volatility remains an intrinsic feature, the improved regulatory landscape and recurring validation of Ethereum Classic’s technological and economic model justify renewed interest. For investors seeking true decentralisation, uncapped censorship resistance, and enhanced monetary discipline, Ethereum Classic could well be on the cusp of a multi-year upward trajectory. The technical setup, recent governance reforms, and clear ecosystem differentiation collectively suggest that ETC is poised for a substantial mean-reversion cycle—potentially entrenching its position as a prime beneficiary of the next digital asset rotation.

Ethereum Classic remains a high-volatility asset, offering excellent opportunities for dynamic capital allocation, but requiring disciplined risk management. Recent price action demonstrates ETC’s capacity for swift, powerful upside moves—yet ongoing macro shifts urge a selective approach. Key technical levels to monitor are the $16 area as immediate support, and $19-$22 as the first significant resistance zone. The post-Olympia update cycle could catalyse exceptional value realisation for ETC over the coming quarters.

How to buy Ethereum Classic?

It is simple and secure to purchase Ethereum Classic (ETC) online through a regulated cryptocurrency platform. There are two main methods available: buying Ethereum Classic at spot (owning the coin directly in your wallet), or trading Ethereum Classic through crypto CFDs (without actually owning the asset, but speculating on its price movements instead). Each method offers different advantages and considerations for private investors. To help you make the best choice, you’ll find a detailed platform comparison further down the page.

Spot Purchase

Buying Ethereum Classic at spot means you directly acquire real ETC coins, which are then deposited into your personal wallet on the exchange. This method gives you full ownership of your digital asset, allowing you to hold, transfer, or sell your coins at any time. Spot trading platforms typically charge a fixed commission per transaction, usually between €2–€10, depending on the platform and order size.

Example

Let’s say the current price of Ethereum Classic is $17.18 (about €15.80 using recent EUR/USD rates). With a budget of €1,000, you could buy approximately 63.3 ETC coins (€1,000 / €15.80), after accounting for an estimated €5 transaction fee.

Gain Scenario:
If Ethereum Classic rises by 10%, your coins would be worth €1,100.
Result: +€100 gross gain, or +10% on your investment.

Trading via CFD

CFD (Contract for Difference) trading lets you speculate on the price of Ethereum Classic without actually owning the coins. Here, you open a position that tracks ETC’s price movements. CFD platforms generally charge a spread (the difference between buy and sell price), and may add overnight financing fees if you keep your position open over several days. CFDs also allow you to use leverage, which multiplies your market exposure.

Example

You decide to trade Ethereum Classic CFDs with €1,000 and leverage of 5x, giving you market exposure equivalent to €5,000.

Gain Scenario:
If Ethereum Classic goes up by 8%, your position gains 8% × 5 = 40%.
Result: +€400 gain on your €1,000 deposit (excluding spreads and overnight fees).

Final Advice

Before committing to a platform, carefully compare transaction fees, spreads, and other terms shown in the comparison table below. The best approach depends on your goals and experience: spot purchases may suit those wanting long-term ownership, while CFDs could fit more active, risk-tolerant investors. Take the time to review and choose the method best aligned with your investor profile.

Our 7 tips for buying Ethereum Classic

The latest news about Ethereum Classic

Ethereum Classic achieves a positive weekly performance and strong daily uptick on global markets. Over the past seven days, ETC recorded a price gain of +1.41%, outperforming most similar Proof-of-Work assets, with a notable intraday surge of +3.80% on June 7th. Trading volumes averaged over $83 million daily, indicating sustained interest and liquidity, which benefits institutional and retail participants in Ireland able to access leading exchanges such as Binance, Coinbase, and OKX. This short-term stability strengthens ETC’s profile against broader market volatility, especially relevant for Irish investors seeking alternative crypto exposure.

The Olympus upgrade delivers EIP-1559, DAO governance, and a deflationary fee burn to Ethereum Classic. Implemented in May 2025, the Olympia update introduced EIP-1559—a fee-burning mechanism that permanently removes a portion of transaction fees from circulation—creating systemic deflationary pressure and enhancing ETC's long-term scarcity appeal. The upgrade also activated decentralized autonomous organization (DAO) governance and the Olympia Treasury, fostering ongoing network development and funding. These technical and structural advancements improve ETC’s value proposition, with Ireland-based analysts noting stronger decentralization and community-led stewardship compared to most global blockchain networks.

ETC’s unique Proof-of-Work and immutability position it as an alternative to dominant Proof-of-Stake chains. Ethereum Classic remains the only major smart-contract platform operating on Proof-of-Work, offering robust security, proven censorship resistance, and guaranteed protocol immutability. This position is increasingly valuable to Irish institutional stakeholders and technologists seeking a resilient, neutral blockchain for compliance-oriented or legacy-critical applications. The integrity of ETC’s entire transaction history is preserved across all network nodes, ensuring maximum transparency and auditability in line with evolving EU digital asset requirements.

Market forecasts predict a potential price range between $16.82 and $30.64 for ETC by year-end 2025. Despite historic price contraction over six and twelve months, forward-looking consensus projects room for significant appreciation, with targets up to $30.64—approximately 78% upside from current levels. While short-term market sentiment remains neutral to slightly negative, these projections reflect confidence in ETC’s technical upgrades and differentiated functionality. Leading Irish investors and analysts are tracking this range as part of their diversified crypto allocation and medium-term digital asset strategies.

Taxation and exchange access remain favorable for Ireland-based investors engaging with Ethereum Classic. ETC is treated as a digital asset subject to capital gains tax upon disposal under Irish law, with no taxable dividend component as the protocol distributes no yield. The asset is easily accessible through regulated global exchanges, including those with Irish operations or EUR fiat rails, offering streamlined acquisition and compliance opportunities for individual and institutional investors. The clarity and accessibility of ETC in the Irish regulatory environment further support its adoption and portfolio inclusion.

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.