As blockchain adoption accelerates and new protocols emerge across Ethereum, Solana, and beyond, airdrops have become a major opportunity for crypto users to earn free tokens. In this deep-dive, we explore the top airdrops to watch in 2025—including projects that are likely to reward early adopters, active users, and ecosystem contributors.

If you missed Uniswap, Arbitrum, or Celestia airdrops in past cycles, 2025 gives you another chance to get in early—before the crowd arrives.

Why You Should Pay Attention to Airdrops in 2025

Before diving into the top airdrops to watch in 2025, let’s examine why airdrops remain so impactful.

Airdrops as a User Incentive Model

In the post-ICO era, protocols reward real users—not just investors. Whether you’re providing liquidity, voting in governance, or testing dApps on testnet, your participation can translate into financial upside.

Airdrops Outperform in Early Phases

Many tokens distributed via airdrops—such as ARB, OP, and TIA—saw major price appreciation shortly after launch. Getting in early can lead to 5x, 10x, or even larger gains depending on vesting and market sentiment.

Airdrops Support Decentralization

By distributing ownership across users, protocols gain community governance and decentralization—key ingredients in long-term network resilience. Projects looking to decentralize fast in 2025 will likely use airdrops as a launch tool.

Top Airdrops to Watch in 2025: Curated and Analyzed

Below are the top airdrops to watch in 2025, based on community buzz, testnet activity, funding rounds, and on-chain metrics.

zkSync ($ZKS)

Category: Ethereum Layer 2 (ZK Rollup)
Why Watch: Massive ecosystem, confirmed airdrop

zkSync has been among the most anticipated airdrops since 2023. With a confirmed token launch and snapshot strategy, this is arguably the biggest among the top airdrops to watch in 2025. Users bridging assets, swapping tokens, and interacting with dApps on zkSync Era are likely eligible.

LayerZero ($ZRO)

Category: Omnichain interoperability protocol
Why Watch: Backed by a16z, deep cross-chain presence

LayerZero connects dozens of chains through its messaging protocol. The airdrop is confirmed, and eligibility is likely tied to bridging volume, Stargate usage, and ecosystem dApps. Its high-profile funding and strategic positioning make $ZRO a serious candidate in the top airdrops to watch in 2025.

Eigenlayer (Restaking)

Category: Ethereum restaking protocol
Why Watch: Narrative leader in 2025, confirmed token

Eigenlayer allows users to “restake” ETH to secure multiple protocols. The airdrop criteria may reward restakers, operators, and stakers. As restaking becomes the hottest trend of 2025, Eigenlayer’s token will be pivotal—and is essential on any top airdrops to watch in 2025 list.

Blast

Category: Ethereum Layer 2 (L2)
Why Watch: High-yield DeFi, strong user incentives

Blast offered native yield on ETH and stablecoins even before launch. Though controversial, its viral growth and user gamification have set the stage for a major token airdrop in 2025. Watch their point system and bridge usage for eligibility.

Scroll

Category: ZK Rollup
Why Watch: Decentralization path aligned with ZKSync

Scroll is another zkEVM-based L2 building in stealth. While the token isn’t confirmed, insider dev comments and testnet activity suggest a drop is imminent. Interacting with the Scroll mainnet today could lead to eligibility in what might be one of the top airdrops to watch in 2025.

Celestia Ecosystem Projects

Category: Modular blockchain projects
Why Watch: Sub-projects may offer airdrops to $TIA stakers

Celestia’s modular approach means many dApps will rely on its DA layer. If you’re staking $TIA or participating in projects like Manta Pacific and Dymension, you may receive ecosystem airdrops. This makes Celestia’s orbit a productive airdrop hunting ground.

StarkNet ($STRK)

Category: ZK Rollup (STARK-based)
Why Watch: Token launched in 2024, but retroactive rewards continue

While the initial StarkNet airdrop already occurred, there are strong hints of Phase 2 or community-focused distribution. Developers, node operators, and early dApp users may qualify.

Berachain

Category: Cosmos-based EVM Layer 1
Why Watch: Innovative proof-of-liquidity consensus

Berachain’s testnet has seen high traction, and their governance-first culture signals an airdrop to active testers, validators, and early dApp users. Expect gamified incentives, mission tasks, and NFT integrations leading up to token launch.

Lens Protocol

Category: Web3 Social Graph
Why Watch: SocialFi hype + high-profile backers

Lens is reinventing social networking on-chain. Interactions such as following, posting, and minting content NFTs may lead to a massive airdrop. With VC funding and user-centric philosophy, Lens deserves a top spot among the top airdrops to watch in 2025.

Mode Network

Category: L2 with native incentives
Why Watch: Aligns user yield and airdrop points

Mode Network is building a DeFi-focused L2 with built-in yield layers. They’ve gamified interaction through “points” and staking tiers. Active users will likely receive their token in 2025, rewarding both DeFi volume and loyalty.

Bonus Airdrop Watchlist for 2025

Besides the top airdrops to watch in 2025 above, here are a few bonus names gaining momentum:

• Karak – Restaking for Eigenlayer forks
• Zircuit – DeFi and AI focused L2
• Tabi – NFT-centric chain on Binance
• Redacted Cartel (DINERO) – veToken model overhaul
• Linea (by ConsenSys) – MetaMask native L2, likely delayed drop

How to Qualify for Airdrops in 2025: Pro Tips

Following the top airdrops to watch in 2025 is not enough—you need action. Here’s how:

Use Testnets

Projects like Berachain, StarkNet, and LayerZero often run testnets where actions like swaps, mints, and governance proposals can build eligibility.

Stake and Bridge

Many projects reward users who provide liquidity, stake assets, or bridge to specific ecosystems. Use wallets like MetaMask, Rabby, and Taho to interact natively.

Join Discords and Follow Announcements

Most projects announce airdrop plans via Discord or Twitter. Get early alpha by tracking announcements and participating in community roles.

Airdrops Are the New Early-Stage Investing

2025 will likely be one of the most lucrative years for airdrops. With over $5 billion expected to be distributed across top chains, being early and active matters more than ever.

By keeping your eyes on the top airdrops to watch in 2025, you position yourself ahead of the curve—earning tokens while contributing to decentralization, adoption, and protocol growth.