The Ethereum blockchain is navigating a challenging landscape in 2025, despite the ongoing bull market. Ether, its native token, continues to trade significantly below its historical peaks, and its value compared to Bitcoin has been consistently declining for over three years. As competition among layer-1 networks intensifies and market sentiment remains high, many are questioning whether Ethereum’s most successful days are behind it.
Historically, Ethereum has been the foundation for decentralized applications, smart contracts, and decentralized finance (DeFi). However, new blockchains are emerging as formidable competitors, in some cases surpassing Ethereum in critical areas. Concerns surrounding economic sustainability and usability have sparked doubts about the network’s long-term prospects.
To gain insights into Ethereum’s current challenges and potential for revival, Cointelegraph consulted leading experts and analysts. While Ethereum maintains its first-mover advantage, the mounting competition, along with internal issues, casts uncertainty on its future resilience. The key question is whether Ethereum can overcome these hurdles or if it’s being overtaken by newer, more agile networks.
