12 Best Crypto Presales to Invest In 2025 – Upcoming Token Sales

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Ines S. Tavares

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Ines is a Senior Web3 Writer at Cryptonews. She writes research-driven, value-packed guides and reviews covering cryptocurrencies, exchanges, and other Web3 topics. Ines is constantly on the lookout...

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April 24, 2025 05:18 EDT

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Finding the right presale crypto can be the difference between massive gains and a project that never takes off. With so many tokens launching daily, knowing where to invest isn’t easy. You want early access, discounted prices, and high-growth potential — but without falling for scams or hype-only projects that won’t last.

After analyzing dozens of presale campaigns, we selected the best crypto presales for April 2025, which include Solaxy, Mind of Pepe, and Best Wallet Token. We focused on projects with high early demand, strong tokenomics, clear utility, and viral social traction.

Crypto moves fast, and presales sell out quickly, so let’s dive in.

Best Crypto Presales April 2025

Solaxy (SOLX)

• Layer-2 scaling solution for Solana blockchain
• Faster, cheaper transactions with rollup technology
• Cross-chain compatibility with Ethereum network

Launch

December 2024

Meta

Meme, Infrastructure

Purchase Methods

• 
  Solana
• 
  ETH
• 
  Bank Card

Visit Site

BTC Bull Token (BTCBULL)

• Deflationary meme coin with Bitcoin rewards
• Token burns reduce supply as Bitcoin rises
• Bitcoin airdrops triggered by key price milestones

Launch

February 2025

Meta

Meme, Airdrops

Purchase Methods

• 
  ETH
• 
  usdt
• 
  bnb
• 
  Bank Card
• +1 more

Visit Site

Mind of Pepe (MIND)

• Autonomous AI launching new crypto projects
• AI-powered market insights for crypto traders
• Token-gated access to exclusive intelligence tools

Launch

January 2025

Meta

Meme, AI

Purchase Methods

• 
  ETH
• 
  usdt
• 
  bnb
• 
  Bank Card
• +1 more

Visit Site

Best Wallet Token (BEST)

• Multi-chain crypto wallet with DEX integration
• Seamless trading with low transaction fees
• Presale access and rewards for token holders

Launch

November 2024

Meta

Utility, DeFi

Purchase Methods

• 
  Bank Card
• 
  bnb
• 
  ETH
• 
  usdt
• +1 more

Visit Site

SUBBD (SUBBD)

• Next-gen platform merging live content, AI tools, staking, crypto payments and more
• SUBBD holders get access to AI-optimized content and experiences
• Loyalty is rewarded with staking bonuses, XP boosts, and daily creator drops

Launch

April 2025

Meta

AI, Payments, Content

Purchase Methods

• 
  Bank Card
• 
  ETH
• 
  bnb
• 
  usdt
• +1 more

Visit Site

Fantasy Pepe ($FEPE)

• An exciting on-chain fantasy football league made up of AI-Generated meme teams
• Predict the outcome of 60-second AI football matches for big prizes
• Earn exclusive NFT and $FEPE rewards for correct predictions

Launch

April 2025

Meta

Gaming, AI, Meme

Purchase Methods

• 
  ETH
• 
  USDC
• 
  Bank Card

Visit Site

Memereum ($MEME)

• First crypto-based lending platform, allowing loans up to 75% of the total Memereum assets
• Comprehensive insurance coverage for digital coins and precious metals, including gold and silver
• High-value holders get state-of-the-art NFTs, valued over $1,500 in the open market

Launch

March 2024

Meta

Insurance

Purchase Methods

• 
  bnb
• 
  usdt
• 
  ETH

Visit Site

SpacePay (SPY)

• Crypto payment system for everyday transactions
• Merchant-friendly integration with low transaction fees
• Supports 325+ wallets for seamless payments

Launch

May 2024

Meta

DeFi

Purchase Methods

• 
  bnb
• 
  usdt
• 
  Bank Card
• 
  ETH
• 
  AVAX
• 
  BASE
• 
  MATIC
• 
  USDC
• +5 more

Visit Site

Harry Hippo (HIPO)

• Play-to-earn opportunities with the Harry Hungry Hippo game
• A meme coin that combines AI with GameFi
• Lucrative staking rewards while in presale

Launch

January 2025

Meta

GameFi, Meme

Purchase Methods

• 
  ETH
• 
  usdt
• 
  bnb
• 
  Bank Card
• +1 more

Visit Site

InfluencerPepe (INPEPE)

• Utility-driven meme coin aiming to revolutionize $25 billion influencer industry
• $INPEPE facilitates instantaneous transactions between influencers, agencies and investors
• Earn 5462% APY staking income during the presale phase

Launch

April 2025

Meta

Meme

Purchase Methods

• 
  ETH
• 
  usdt
• 
  Bank Card

Visit Site

Pedro ($PEDRO)

• New meme coin project with tiered staking system.
• Buy and stake $PEDRO tokens for up to 200% APR & 6x multiplier.
• $PEDRO is set to see huge ROIs with a public listing price of $0.5 per token.

Launch

April 2025

Meta

Memecoin, Staking

Purchase Methods

• 
  usdt
• 
  ETH
• 
  USDC

Visit Site

UNOMEME (UNOM)

• The United Nation of Memes is bringing together the biggest meme communities in crypto
• UNOMEME takes advantage of AI-driven analytics to maximize meme coin staking income
• Multi-chain interoperability to make meme coins easier to trade than ever

Launch

April 2025

Meta

Meme, AI

Purchase Methods

• 
  ETH
• 
  bnb
• 
  Solana
• 
  TON
• 
  USDC
• +2 more

Visit Site

Best Crypto Presales Reviewed – A Detailed Analysis

It can be tempting to invest in crypto presales straight away upon discovering them, but it’s important to thoroughly research and read the full project details before making a decision. Below, we have included everything you need to know about the top presale crypto projects to invest in April 2025.

1. Solaxy (SOLX) – Best Blockchain Infrastructure Presale

Solaxy is Solana’s first Layer 2 (L2) solution, addressing congestion, scalability, and reliability issues. It leverages roll-up technology for faster, smoother, and cheaper transactions, even during peak traffic. $SOLX also supports developer customization, enhancing the Solana ecosystem for high-volume applications like meme coin trading.

It offers a staking APY of 131% and seamless integration with ETH, BNB, and USDT. However, this presale comes with risks, including the unproven nature of Layer 2 adoption and reliance on Solana’s network stability. Token oversupply and presale dynamics could also affect future valuations. Consider these factors when evaluating $SOLX.

Visit Solaxy

2. BTC Bull Token (BTCBULL) – Best for Crypto Airdrops

BTC Bull Token is an Ethereum meme coin designed to capitalize on Bitcoin’s price appreciation. It rewards holders with Bitcoin airdrops at key BTC price milestones, such as $150,000 and $200,000. The project also features a token burn mechanism, reducing supply as Bitcoin rises, and offers high APY staking.

The presale re-launched in February 2025, with tokens initially priced at $0.00235. While BTCBULL offers exposure to Bitcoin’s gains, its success depends on sustained BTC growth and community support. Meme coins remain highly speculative, and long-term adoption is uncertain. Always verify audits and liquidity before investing.

Visit BTC Bull Token

3. Mind of Pepe (MIND) – Best AI Agent Token Presale

Mind of Pepe is an AI meme cryptocurrency that automates market analysis, social media engagement, and token launches. Its AI agent processes data, identifies trends, and interacts with the market, offering a strategic edge.

The presale raised over $8.11M, showing strong demand. However, its success depends on AI accuracy and sustained hype. AI-driven cryptos often struggle with adoption, and meme coins remain volatile. If hype fades, $MIND could lose value quickly.

Visit Mind of Pepe

4. Best Wallet Token (BEST) – Best Utility Token Presale

$BEST is the utility token for Best Wallet, a rapidly growing non-custodial wallet supporting several blockchain networks. It offers users reduced transaction fees, early presale access, and higher staking rewards. Best Wallet aims to capture 40% of the $11 billion wallet market by 2026 and integrates with Best DEX, Best Card, and presale aggregator tools.

The current presale price of $0.0248 is an attractive entry point. One potential downside is its dependence on Best Wallet’s success in sustaining demand and value. Additionally, intense competition in the wallet space could impact long-term growth prospects. Evaluate the platform’s adoption metrics before committing.

Visit Best Wallet Token

5. SUBBD (SUBBD) – Most Innovative Presale Project

SUBBD is an AI-powered content subscription platform built on Ethereum. It offers a 20% APY for staking, token-gated content, and creator tools like AI assistants and automated livestreams.

With over 250M in combined social reach and a full-stack Web3 ecosystem, SUBBD has positioned itself as one of 2025’s top utility token presales, bridging crypto, creator monetization, and real user engagement. Still, the platform is pre-launch, and adoption depends on successful creator onboarding and execution of roadmap features like the Creators App and advanced AI integrations.

Visit SUBBD

6. Fantasy Pepe ($FEPE) – Best Gaming Token

Fantasy Pepe merges meme culture, fantasy football, and blockchain tech into a high-yield, prediction-based crypto game. Designed for Polygon, where low fees power real-time AI matches, allowing users to predict AI match outcomes. Down the line, the game plans to secure backing from football clubs and players, while catering to a growing degen fanbase.

With 9,500+ presale spots already reserved and no seed/private sale dilution, early adopters get priority staking and rising token value across 30 presale rounds. That said, FEPE is still highly speculative. The concept is bold, but unproven. Success hinges on sustained user engagement and future exchange liquidity.

Visit Fantasy Pepe

7. Memereum (MEME) – Best Deflationary Utility Token

Memereum is the world’s first blockchain-based insurance platform covering tokens from popular blockchains such as Ethereum, BNB Chain, and Solana. It provides coverage for token investors by using a community-driven risk-sharing model, which will empower Memereum users to hedge against extreme market crashes.

Memereum is powered by a full ecosystem that uses MEME across various services, including insurance, a specialized DEX, and a DeFi debit card for real-world spending. It will also provide high staking rewards for presale buyers with auto-staking and no lock period. However, users should bear in mind some of the risks, such as the unregulated community insurance model.

Visit Memereum

8. SpacePay (SPY) – Best for DeFi Exposure

SpacePay integrates cryptocurrency payments into existing point-of-sale (POS) systems, supporting 325+ wallets and offering instant crypto-to-fiat conversion. Its low 0.5% transaction fee and advanced security measures make it a practical solution for merchants in 2025.

However, adoption challenges persist as businesses and customers adapt to crypto payments. Market competition and regulatory uncertainties could also impact growth. Evaluate its utility to make an informed decision.

Visit SpacePay

9. Harry Hippo (HIPO) – Best for AI Exposure

Harry Hippo merges AI, GameFi, and meme coins, creating a high-reward staking and play-to-earn ecosystem. With an APY of 601% on staked tokens and integration into a blockchain-based Harry Hungry Hipo game, $HIPO delivers passive income and gaming incentives.

Future milestones include NFT utility, AI gameplay insights, and CEX listings. Its tokenomics allocate 20% to liquidity and 35% to marketing, ensuring growth potential. However, as a meme coin project, long-term adoption depends on sustained community engagement. While its roadmap is ambitious, execution remains a key risk factor.

Visit Harry Hippo

10. InfluencerPepe (INPEPE) – Best for Staking and Passive Income

InfluencerPepe is the first meme coin to power the $25B influencer economy using Web3 tech. Unlike DOGE or PEPE, it offers real utility — smart contracts for instant payments, global accessibility, and a 5,352% staking APY for passive income. It’s built for adoption by brands, influencers, and serious crypto investors.

Still, INPEPE’s success hinges on adoption and sustained hype, both notoriously unpredictable in meme cryptos. The ultra-high APY is temporary and may be unsustainable. Still, with SolidProof auditing, a detailed roadmap, and discounted presale pricing, it stands out as a high-risk, high-reward opportunity this year.

Visit InfluencerPepe

11. Pedro (PEDRO) – Best Meme Coin for Staking and Referral Rewards

Pedro is one of the most exciting crypto presales of the year, raising $1 million in just seven days. Built on Ethereum as an ERC-20 token, with open-source code and fully transparent on-chain transactions, $PEDRO combines technology and viral branding in a way few meme coins can match.

What sets $PEDRO apart from other meme coins is the infrastructure behind it. The project features zero transaction taxes, a referral program that pays 15% instantly, and an audited smart contract system by SolidProof. Additionally, presale buyers can earn staking rewards of up to 200% APR, depending on the amount of tokens they stake. For investors looking for high potential in 2025, $PEDRO deserves serious attention.

Visit Pedro

12. UNOMEME (UNOM) – Best DAO Token Fundraiser

UNOMEME is the first AI-governed DAO to unify top meme coin communities like DOGE, SHIB, and PEPE under a single decentralized governance model. With dynamic smart contracts, cross-chain liquidity via the Universal Bridge, and intelligent, event-triggered staking, it’s 2025’s most advanced DAO presale.

While its satirical branding and complex governance may deter some, it offers true on-chain voting, AI-augmented policy shifts, and a GameFi-style diplomacy layer. Adoption will require coordinated meme faction engagement, but for DAO-focused investors seeking innovation, UNOMEME is a bold, first-mover bet on the future of governance.

Visit UNOMEME

What Is a Crypto Presale?

Here are the main features of a crypto presale:

• Early investors get discounted prices: Projects sell tokens below future market value to incentivize early participation.
• Presales can be public or private: Private rounds are invite-only, while public presales may involve whitelisting or task-based entry.
• Smart contracts manage token distribution: These often include vesting schedules to prevent early investors from dumping tokens post-launch.
• Funds raised support project development: Money typically goes toward development, marketing, team expansion, and liquidity provisioning.
• The risk of failure is real: Projects can flop due to weak tokenomics, no real utility, or poor timing.

In the sections ahead, we’ll explore the topics listed here in more detail and explain how investors can evaluate and buy presale cryptocurrencies while spotting scams and managing risks.

How Do Crypto Presales Work?

Crypto presales follow a structured process where tokens are sold before public exchange listings. These early sales use smart contracts, tiered pricing, and token allocation models to raise capital, bootstrap adoption, and distribute ownership.

Let’s break down how the process works from setup to launch.

Whitepaper, Tokenomics, and Roadmap Disclosure

Before launching, teams release a whitepaper detailing the project’s use case, architecture, and economic model. Tokenomics should outline total supply, presale allocation, vesting, and emission schedules. A clear roadmap with dated milestones helps assess execution feasibility.

Investors should also verify the audit status and whether the team is doxxed or anonymous. Red flags include missing token utility, centralized ownership, or ambiguous funding goals.

Presale Structure: Phases, Caps, and How Pricing Works

Presales are often divided into stages, with each phase offering different pricing and allocation rules. Early-stage buyers benefit from lower entry points. Most projects define a soft cap and hard cap, which set the minimum funding goal and maximum raise limit, respectively. Both are critical for assessing financial viability.

The most common models are tiered pricing, fixed pricing, and whitelisting. Some projects may also experiment with dynamic pricing, where token costs adjust based on demand. Regardless of model, most presales include vesting schedules and lockups to manage post-launch sell pressure and protect long-term value.

Tiered Pricing

This model increases token prices across stages, rewarding early investors with lower entry points. It builds urgency and early momentum, helping projects raise funds quickly.

In this example, Stage 1 tokens are priced at $0.01, Stage 2 at $0.013, and so on, while Stage 50 reaches $0.20. If an investor buys at Stage 1 and sells upon listing, they’d see a +1,900% gain — assuming immediate liquidity at the TGE price.

Wallet Connection and On-Chain Participation

Investors join presales by connecting a Web3 wallet, such as Best Wallet or MetaMask, to the project’s website. Supported chains vary; Ethereum, BSC, and Solana are common. Purchases are made using accepted tokens like ETH, USDT, or BNB. Always verify contract addresses and gas fee estimates before confirming.

After buying presale tokens, investors typically wait for the Token Generation Event (TGE); during this time, they can verify vesting terms, monitor project updates, join community channels, and assess liquidity plans ahead of the token’s public listing or unlock schedule. In a section ahead, we’ll go over how this unfolds.

Types of Crypto Presales

Crypto projects often raise capital in multiple rounds, each with its own structure, pricing, and investor profile. From seed and private sales to public launches and exchange offerings, every stage serves a different strategic purpose.

The timing, access, risk, and potential upside can vary widely. Before diving into the details, here’s a quick comparison of how these token sale types differ:

Seed Sale

A seed sale is the earliest funding round in a crypto project, often occurring before there’s a working product or even a testnet. Tokens are typically sold at the lowest price point, with high allocation limits and long vesting schedules.

These rounds are usually reserved for insiders, early believers, or institutional backers who are comfortable taking on significant technical and execution risks.

That said, seed funding is foundational: It sets the cap table and token allocation structure and sometimes even influences the protocol’s long-term governance dynamics.

Private Sale

A private token sale is an early fundraising round where tokens are sold to a select group of investors, typically VCs, crypto funds, or strategic partners, before the public presale or exchange offering. These investors often get tokens at a steep discount, but with longer lock-up or vesting periods to ensure long-term alignment.

Unlike seed sales, which usually occur before a prototype is even created, private sales occur once a working demo, user metrics, or finalized tokenomics has gained traction.

Compared to public presales, private sales are less accessible but tend to set the tone for token economics and valuation expectations across future rounds. SpacePay, for example, secured $750,000 in private investment before launching its presale.

Strategic Sale

A strategic sale targets investors who bring more than just capital. They offer value through partnerships, infrastructure, marketing reach, or deep industry expertise.

These rounds usually follow the seed sale and precede the public presale or exchange offering. Token prices are higher than seed prices but still discounted, and they often have tailored vesting schedules.

Compared to broader presales, strategic rounds are more curated and less inclusive, but they can play a critical role in shaping project momentum and credibility ahead of the public launch. When done right, they create long-term synergies that go far beyond short-term price action.

Whitelist Sale

A whitelist sale is a limited-access presale where only pre-approved participants, often community members or early supporters, can buy tokens.

To qualify, users usually complete tasks like KYC, joining social channels, or contributing to the project’s ecosystem. Allocations are often capped per wallet to promote fairness and decentralization.

Compared to private or strategic sales, whitelist rounds feel more grassroots and inclusive, but they also carry higher coordination costs and require careful planning to avoid backlash or technical issues at launch. When executed well, they help seed a strong, engaged user base.

Public Presale, Fair Launch, or Community Sale

Public sales, including fair launches and community sales, are the most accessible form of token distribution. Anyone can participate, often with minimal barriers.

These rounds typically happen after private and strategic sales and may occur via DEXs, launchpads, or direct platform sales. Fair launches go a step further: there are no private allocations or insider discounts; everyone buys in at the same price.

Still, these launches set a strong precedent for teams prioritizing decentralization and transparency. Projects like Bitcoin and Chia (XCH) are prime examples of successful fair-launch models with zero pre-mined supply.

What Happens After a Crypto Presale?

Post presale, tokens are either distributed immediately or made claimable at the Token Generation Event (TGE) via a secure frontend or token claim contract.

Here’s how it typically unfolds:

1. Presale Completion: Once the hard cap is reached, the presale closes. Some projects allow selling immediately in decentralized or P2P exchanges, but this is rare.
2. Token Claim: After the presale ends, you can claim tokens during the TGE. The project announces this date, often weeks after the presale.
3. Listing Date: Tokens become tradable when listed on centralized or decentralized exchanges. Listing dates are typically announced post-TGE.

For example, if a presale raises a $1 million hard cap on June 1, the TGE might occur on June 15, with listings on cryptocurrency exchanges on June 20.

DEX listings are quicker and cheaper, while CEX listings offer greater liquidity and user trust. Projects usually pre-announce listing dates.

Price action depends on demand, circulating supply, and investor behavior. If unlocks are poorly timed, some tokens experience immediate dumps. Projects may use staking, liquidity mining, or vesting to stabilize prices. Let’s delve deeper into what happens after a crypto presale ends.

Token Claim and Vesting

In fact, many presales impose vesting schedules, releasing tokens over time to prevent mass sell-offs. Tokens may be locked or released in tranches, affecting when and how much you can sell.

Vesting terms often follow a cliff + linear model — for example, 10% at TGE and 90% over 6–18 months. This structure reduces volatility but limits liquidity. Always verify contract details and vesting terms to avoid surprises and plan accordingly.

Listings on Decentralized Exchanges (IDOs)

After a crypto presale ends, the next big milestone is usually the token listing. For most projects, that starts on a decentralized exchange (DEX). This is where things get real. A DEX listing means the token becomes tradable in a live market, often through a liquidity pool like the ones you see on Uniswap, Raydium, or PancakeSwap.

When this is the first-ever listing, it’s known as an Initial DEX Offering (IDO). Think of an IDO as the moment a token officially enters the market. Anyone with a connected wallet can trade it. There’s no centralized gatekeeper, no KYC, and no middlemen — just on-chain liquidity and smart contracts doing all the work.

IDOs are almost always the first step before a centralized exchange listing. DEX listings offer early market access and set the price through real-time supply and demand. It’s also how most price discovery happens before the token gets more mainstream exposure on platforms like Binance or Coinbase.

Listings on Centralized Exchanges (IEO)

The next major step after listing on DEXs is securing a listing on a centralized exchange (CEX) like Binance or Coinbase. This is where the big liquidity and mainstream visibility come into play.

When a token gets listed on a CEX for the first time, it’s known as an Initial Exchange Offering (IEO). Unlike IDOs, which are permissionless and run on smart contracts, IEOs are curated by the exchange itself. The platform handles everything: KYC/AML compliance, investor access, and even parts of the marketing.

But here’s the catch: only successful and well-funded projects make it this far. CEXs charge significant listing fees, often ranging from $100,000 to over $1 million, depending on the platform and market cap potential. They also require smart contract audits, team verification, and detailed compliance checks.

An IEO is a powerful credibility signal. It means the project passed the due diligence of a major platform and has a solid enough user base, tech stack, and funding to support wide-scale trading. For early investors, a CEX listing usually brings higher liquidity, better price discovery, and a chance for significant upside if the fundamentals hold.

Advantages of Crypto Presales

Presale projects can offer numerous advantages compared to buying listed coins. While they are typically harder to find and interact with, there are a considerable number of benefits if you get it right:

Drawbacks and Risks of Crypto Presales

On the other hand, it has to be acknowledged that investing in crypto presales carries substantial risk due to the unproven track record of the projects. Here are some of the main cons to consider:

Who Are Crypto Presales Best Suited For?

Crypto presales are ideal for high-risk investors who can handle volatility and potential losses. These investors understand that most presales fail, but a few can deliver 10x–100x returns.

Ideal candidates include:

• Experienced crypto traders who are comfortable with price swings and market cycles.
• Angel investors who spot early-stage tech with low Fully Diluted Valuation (FDV) — under $50M — and strong fundamentals.
• DeFi users seeking high staking APYs (150%+) and passive income.
• Risk-tolerant speculators who invest in multiple presales, knowing some will fail.

For example, Ethereum’s 2014 presale offered ETH at $0.30, leading to 16,000x returns at its $4,800 peak, but countless others crashed to zero — portfolio diversification is key.

Essentially, if you can afford to lose 100% of your presale investment but want exposure to high-upside projects, crypto presales may be a fit.

Are Crypto Presales a Good Investment?

As with any investment, crypto presales come with benefits and risks. Whether they’re a good investment depends on your goals, risk tolerance, and how thoroughly you evaluate each project.

For experienced investors who do their homework, presales offer early access to tokens at discounted prices, plus the potential for massive upside if the project succeeds.

Take the examples of some prominent blockchains:

• Ethereum: Launched in 2014, Ethereum’s presale offered Ether at an exchange rate of 2,000 ETH for 1 BTC, meaning each ETH token cost roughly $0.30. It hit an all-time high (ATH) of $4,878 in November 2021.
• BNB: Started in 2017 with an exchange rate of 2,700 BNB for 1 ETH, about $0.15 per BNB at the time. By December 2024, BNB hit an ATH of $793.35, marking it one of the most successful early crypto investments.
• SOL: Solana’s fundraiser had multiple funding rounds beginning in 2018 with a presale price of $0.20 for SOL. It reached an ATH of $294.33 in January 2025. There are now countless Solana presales taking place.
• SEI: Made its debut in 2023, targeting high-performance DeFi as a Layer 1 blockchain. Presale investors paid $0.08 per SEI. It hit an ATH of $1.14 in March 2024, turning early contributions into gains exceeding +1,300%.
• SUI: Launched in 2023 as a smart contract-enabled Layer 1, Sui held a presale with tokens priced at just $0.03 each. By January 2025, SUI reached an ATH of $5.35, delivering over +17,800% gains to early backers.

While these success stories are the exception, not the rule, they fuel demand for presales and help explain what draws investors to these high-risk, high-reward projects.

Dozens of presales quietly fizzle out or never deliver a working product. Some raise only a few thousand dollars and vanish; others, like Conor McGregor’s REAL token, flop publicly.

How to Pick Legit Presales and Avoid Scams

With new coins constantly launching, it’s easy to fall for a scam if you don’t thoroughly vet a presale. Scammers often exploit hype to trick investors, like in early 2024, when fake Solana presales used wallet-draining contracts to steal 655,000 SOL (worth $122.5M) without delivering tokens.

To avoid becoming a victim, it’s essential to investigate team credentials, assess project viability, and gauge community sentiment. These steps help you separate genuine opportunities from malicious schemes. Below, we outline the critical steps to evaluate whether a crypto presale is legitimate or a scam so you can invest with greater confidence and reduce risk.

Here’s a quick overview of our top tips for selecting the right presale cryptos:

Let’s discuss each way to find the best token presales in detail.

1. Research the Project

After creating a shortlist of the best crypto presales to invest in, analyze the crypto project. Start by reading the whitepaper, which includes information such as the platform’s objectives, strategies, and future plans.

Then, take a look at the roadmap to see the project’s different milestones. Consider the unique value proposition of the project and whether it’s a compelling investment opportunity.

2. Look Into the Development Team

The best projects have experienced team members who are knowledgeable about the respective industry. For instance, play-to-earn game projects should be led by team members who are familiar with blockchain technology and GameFi.

If the project was founded by an anonymous team, look into other aspects, such as the smart contract audit, utility, and tokenomics, to ensure its legitimacy.

3. Review the Tokenomics and Pricing Model

A project’s tokenomics informs investors about the total token supply and how much of it is distributed for exchange listings, the presale, and the project team, among other things.

While many crypto presales start with a hard cap of billions of tokens, the majority of projects burn coins after they launch. This ‘deflationary’ system can reduce the supply, thus driving up the token’s value — in theory, at least.

Poorly designed or opaque tokenomics can raise red flags. For instance, Conor McGregor’s REAL token presale allocated 60 million tokens out of a 2 billion total supply. Yet, on-chain data showed that 97% of the supply was controlled by a single wallet.

This created serious concerns about centralization, liquidity manipulation, and rug-pull potential. Combined with a lack of detailed vesting schedules or utility incentives, the setup undermined investor trust and contributed to its failed launch.

Ultimately, investors should try to learn everything they can about a new cryptocurrency project, including the pricing model, before risking any money.

Many presales have progressive price increases, meaning the earlier you buy, the cheaper the tokens. Buying early can provide significant advantages, as you can secure tokens at the lowest possible price before their value potentially increases.

4. Look for Proof of an Audit

Audits check for vulnerabilities in the code, ensuring the project’s security. Look for audit reports on the project’s website or social media. Examples of trusted auditors include:

• CertiK
• SolidProof
• ConsenSys Diligence

Verified audits add credibility, reducing the risk of scams. Always verify the audit’s legitimacy by cross-checking with the auditor’s official site.

5. Focus on Social Media

When vetting a crypto presale, social media and community engagement offer critical information about a project’s legitimacy and growth potential. Platforms like X, Reddit, Telegram, and Discord can reveal real user sentiment, team transparency, and market interest.

Why I support privacy:https://t.co/4Um4QdnTqG

— vitalik.eth (@VitalikButerin) April 14, 2025

Look for an engaged community with regular team updates, meaningful discussions, and balanced reviews that mention both pros and cons. Search phrases like “ProjectName review” or “ProjectName scam” to uncover red flags or recurring concerns.

Be cautious of aggressive promotions, bot-driven hype, or echo chambers filled only with praise. A real community isn’t just loud — it’s interactive, thoughtful, and transparent. Join crypto Discord channels or Telegram groups and observe how questions are answered and whether the dialogue feels authentic.

Strong social presence combined with genuine engagement often signals sustained interest, which is far more valuable than short-lived buzz.

6. Check the Website URL

Scammers often create fake websites with similar URLs to steal your information and funds. For example, if the official URL is “project.io,” a scam site might be “project-crypto.io” or something even more similar like “projects.io.”

Always check the URL carefully to avoid phishing attacks. Ensure the URL matches the one on the project’s official social media accounts.

7. Be Warry of Big ROI Promises

Exaggerated ROI promises often indicate a scam. Be cautious of projects claiming guaranteed high returns in short periods.

Compare the promised ROI with industry standards and other projects. Conduct thorough research and seek independent reviews. Always prioritize due diligence over enticing promises.

Where to Find Upcoming Crypto Presales

Tracking down upcoming crypto presales can feel like a challenge — many involve smaller projects that aren’t widely advertised. But don’t worry; there are several go-to places where you can discover new opportunities before they blow up.

1. Crypto Forums and Communities

One of the best ways to stay ahead of the curve is by joining online crypto communities. Platforms like Reddit, crypto Telegram channels, or Discord servers have active groups dedicated to presales and early-stage projects.

These communities let you connect with other investors, get insider insights, and spot trends before they go mainstream. Many have dedicated sections for upcoming presales, so it’s a great way to catch projects that are starting to gain momentum.

For example, in January 2025, LayerZero (LZ) saw a 150% jump in presale participation after LunarCrush reported a surge in forum mentions. Keeping an eye on social engagement metrics can give you a serious edge.

2. X and Other Social Media Channels

Crypto moves fast, and social media is often where news breaks first. Follow key players like project founders, developers, and crypto influencers on X, YouTube, and TikTok — they often share presale announcements and insider updates.

Many projects also host Ask Me Anything sessions (AMAs) where you can ask questions directly and get a feel for the team behind a presale. These are great for separating hyped-up projects from genuinely strong investments.

3. Launchpad Platforms

If you’re looking for presales with a bit more vetting, launchpad platforms are worth checking out. These sites specialize in hosting new token sales and early-stage crypto investments. Some of the top crypto launchpads for finding the best ICOs include:

• Binance Launchpad
• Polkastarter
• DuckStarter
• Best Wallet

Since launchpads screen projects before featuring them, they tend to be a safer route than random presales you might find elsewhere. Plus, members of these platforms often get perks like exclusive access and guaranteed allocations. Of course, no platform is foolproof, so always DYOR before investing.

4. Cryptocurrency News Websites

Keeping up with crypto news sites is another smart way to spot promising presales. Sites like Cryptonews, Cointelegraph, and CoinDesk frequently cover new projects and even have calendars listing upcoming presales, token launches, and key project milestones.

Some news outlets also produce YouTube videos analyzing presales and breaking down potential risks and rewards. Subscribing to these sources helps you stay updated without constantly hunting for information.

5. Token Launch Aggregator Platforms

If you want to track multiple presales in one place, check out token aggregator sites like TokenSniffer. These platforms compile essential details like sale dates, token types, and project legitimacy — helping you avoid scams and shady projects.

Aggregators also let you filter by categories, such as gaming tokens, DeFi projects, or meme coins, so you can focus on presales that match your investment strategy.

6. Whitelist Registrations

Some projects require investors to join a whitelist before they can participate in the presale. These whitelists usually open up before the public sale and often come with perks like:

• Early access
• Bonus tokens
• Discounted prices
• Guaranteed allocations

You’ll typically find whitelist announcements on social media, forums, and project websites. Just be careful — since whitelist registration involves sharing wallet details and personal info, make sure the project is legit before signing up.

How to Buy Presale Tokens

Most crypto projects launch presales directly on their own websites before listing on major exchanges, where visibility and liquidity increase significantly. To participate, you typically connect using a supported crypto wallet.

However, Best Wallet is the only option that allows you to track your presale token holdings through the exclusive ‘Upcoming Tokens’ tab — something other wallets don’t offer. It also makes purchasing seamless, whether directly through the project’s website or in-app, giving you a streamlined, all-in-one experience no other wallet provides.

Here’s how to do it step by step:

1️⃣ Download and Set Up Best Wallet

Get the app from the official website, App Store, or Google Play. Follow the on-screen prompts to create your wallet, set a passphrase, and enable biometric and 2FA protection.

Visit Best Wallet

2️⃣ Fund Your Wallet

Depending on the presale, you’ll need ETH, USDT, USDC, BNB, or fiat currency. You can buy directly in-app or connect your wallet to a presale website.

Tip: Add a little extra ETH to cover gas fees.

3️⃣ Find the Presale

Visit the official website or Best Wallet listing of the token you want to buy. Tap the “Buy” button and select Best Wallet when prompted to connect.

4️⃣ Buy the Token

Choose your payment method (e.g., ETH or USDT), enter the amount, and confirm the transaction in Best Wallet. Your presale tokens will be locked until the launch.

5️⃣ Track in “Upcoming Tokens”

To monitor your allocation, go to the “Upcoming Tokens” tab in Best Wallet. This section shows all your presale purchases in one place — no need to use Etherscan.

What to Do After Purchasing Presale Tokens?

After purchasing presale coins, you have several options for managing them:

1. Sell for a profit: If market conditions are favorable, sell your tokens immediately or hold them to sell at a higher price later.
2. Hold for long-term: Store your tokens in a cold-storage hardware wallet for enhanced security.
3. Provide liquidity: Contribute your tokens to a liquidity pool on a decentralized exchange to facilitate trading and potentially earn transaction fees.
4. Staking or lending: New crypto projects tend to offer some of the highest APY crypto staking rewards available. Tokens can often be staked after launch and sometimes even during the presale.

Are Cryptocurrency Presales Safe and Legal?

Cryptocurrency presales can be profitable, but they’re not inherently safe or universally legal. Safety depends on how well a project is vetted. Many presales are legitimate, backed by audited smart contracts, public teams, and transparent tokenomics.

But the space is also flooded with scams — rug pulls, fake websites, and phishing attempts are common. Always verify contract addresses, audit reports, and team credentials. Look for signs of legitimacy, like multi-sig wallets, KYC-compliant teams, and partnerships with reputable crypto launchpads.

Legality is trickier and varies by jurisdiction. In the U.S., for instance, many presale tokens could be considered securities under SEC guidelines, which means offering them without proper registration could be illegal. Some countries have outright bans or strict licensing rules for token sales. Projects often restrict access to investors from certain regions to remain compliant.

To stay on the safe side, participate only in presales hosted on credible platforms, check for region-specific restrictions, and consult a legal professional if you’re investing large amounts. Ultimately, while presales can offer high upside, they come with real legal and security risks that shouldn’t be taken lightly. Always do your due diligence before committing any funds.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

References

• US Securities and Exchange Commission: Cryptocurrency/ICOs
• Journal of International Financial Markets, Institutions and Money: Which Digital Tokens Pose a Greater Contagion Risk?
• CoinDesk: Sale of the Century: The Inside Story of Ethereum’s 2014 Premine
• CNBC: A blockchain start-up just raised $4 billion without a live product
• Cointelegraph: Ethereum ICO participant dumps 3,000 ETH for $7.6M cash out
• Cointelegraph: Conor McGregor’s token creators to refund bidders after failed launch
• Coin Edition: Investigation Shows 655,000 Solana Valued $122.5M Sent to Scam Presales