The Crypto space has been dominated by two major trends like the explosive growth of AI driven tokens and the unstoppable hyper around meme coins. Both have made waves but which actually delivered better returns this year?
We dig into the real ROI of the top AI tokens and meme coins which is breaking down the battle between utility and hype and backed by data and investor feedback where we uncover which side truly comes out on top.
Lets breakdown the actual price performance of the top three AI based crypto tokens vs three leading meme coins over the first half of 2025.
Token | Jan2025 Price | July 2025 Price | ROI% |
$FET | $0.45 | $1.98 | +340% |
$RNDR | $2.80 | $5.10 | +82% |
$HAiO | $0.09 | $0.72 | +700% |
$HAiO, a newer AI crypto IDO launched in March 2025, showed the highest gain among AI coins due to its adoption in cross-chain data models.
Token | Jan 2025 Price | July 2025 Price | ROI% |
$DOGS | Launched June | $0.00084 | +160% |
$PEPE2 | $0.0000011 | $0.0000038 | +245% |
$GPTROLL | $0.00021 | $0.00105 | +400% |
$DOGS had a strong debut after launching as a Telegram tap-to-earn game token. However, ROI is calculated post-listing, not from presale.
Category | Social Mentions July | Real World Use |
AI Tokens | 520k+ | Data models, ML infra, LLMs |
Meme Coins | 880k+ | Tap games, social memes, staking |
AI tokens have limited users but with higher VC interest rates, while on the other hand meme coins thrive on community virality.
“AI tokens are built on solid narratives and technology while meme coins tap into fast moving sentiment. Short term meme coins often win but AI tokens hold better for long term promises.”
Priya Sethi, Market Analyst, CoinGabbar
“$HAiO’s growth shows that AI tokens with their actual infrastructure use cases will always beat superficial narratives.”
Rakesh Nanda, Web3 VC, CapitalPlug Ventures
AI Tokens:
More stable, slower growth
Benefit from infrastructure deals & VC entry
Suitable for long-term holders
Meme Coins:
Highly volatile, driven by hype
Strong gains in early phases
Better for short-term traders with timing skills
As Q3 begins, users should watch:
$FET and $HAiO for cross-chain AI integrations
$DOGS airdrop utility and new meme coin forks like $CATZ
AI and Meme are hybrid tokens
This year both AI tokens and meme coins have delivered impressive results but they serve different goals. AI tokens are grounded in real utility and long term value which makes them ideal for future focused investors. Meme coins on the hand, thrive on trends and community buzz which often appeal to those chasing quick profits.
A balanced approach works best with keeping meme coins for short term opportunities and fun while letting AI tokens form the foundation of a more stable, long term crypto strategy.
Sourabh Agarwal is one of the co-founders of Coin Gabbar and a CA by profession. Besides being a crypto geek, Sourabh speaks the language called Finance. He contributes to #TeamGabbar by writing blogs on investment, finance, cryptocurrency, and the future of blockchain.
Sourabh is an explorer. When not writing, he can be found wandering through nature or journaling at a coffee shop. You can connect with Sourabh on Twitter and LinkedIn at (user name) or read out his blogs on (blog page link)