Is Ethereum dead? That’s the question some crypto analysts have been asking as ETH struggles to recover from its significant 2024 correction. After dropping more than 56% from its November highs, the Ethereum price level has become a major focus point for investors trying to determine what comes next.
Ethereum Trails Behind Bitcoin and Solana
So far in 2025, Ethereum’s (CRYPTO:ETH) performance has lagged behind that of other major cryptocurrencies. While Bitcoin (CRYPTO:BTC) and Solana (CRYPTO:SOL) have made notable rebounds, Ethereum has struggled to gain traction. ETH has even dropped to its lowest levels against SOL and BTC since 2020.
Cardano (CRYPTO:ADA) founder Charles Hoskinson recently added fuel to the bearish fire. In a YouTube video, he claimed Ethereum wouldn’t last another 15 years, pointing to the rise of faster and cheaper Layer-2 networks like Base, Arbitrum, Optimism, and Polygon. These platforms have eaten into Ethereum’s user base by offering more efficient and affordable transactions.
Key Network Metrics Tell a Different Story
Despite the skepticism, the Ethereum price level alone doesn’t tell the full story. Blockchain data suggests Ethereum still has a solid foundation. Its decentralized exchanges (DEXs) processed over $57 billion in trading volume over the past 30 days, trailing only behind Solana’s $61.3 billion.
Ethereum also leads in Total Value Locked (TVL), with a staggering $107 billion, giving it a 57% market share in decentralized finance (DeFi). Furthermore, Ethereum has the largest stablecoin market cap, totaling $124 billion—about 51% of the market.
Non-fungible token (NFT) activity also remains strong on Ethereum, and its long-term holders seem unfazed by recent price drops. Data from Santiment shows ETH now has over 144.8 million holders, up from 130 million just a few months ago. The Mean Dollar Invested Age (MDIA), now at 658 days, reflects strong conviction among older holders who aren’t rushing to sell.
Ethereum Technical Analysis: What to Watch Now
From a charting perspective, ETH has shown signs of recovery. After bottoming near $1,383 earlier this month, the Ethereum price level has climbed to $1,787—its highest since early April.
Importantly, ETH has broken above the upper trendline of a falling channel that began in November. It’s also crossed the 25-day moving average and appears to be forming a bullish flag pattern—a signal that often precedes further gains.
The Awesome Oscillator, a technical momentum indicator, is approaching the zero line. A break above this threshold has historically signaled bullish momentum. The last time this happened, Ethereum surged over 40%.
The most critical Ethereum price level to monitor right now is $2,150. This was a major support zone in August and September 2024, and it now represents a crucial resistance level. A clean break above $2,150 could set the stage for a rally toward $3,000.
Risks of Rejection at Key Resistance
However, if Ethereum fails to break above $2,150, it could trigger a bearish pattern known as a break-and-retest. This would indicate that the recent rally is losing steam and could lead to further downside—possibly back to the $1,600 level or lower.
The market is at a crossroads, and upcoming developments in the broader crypto sector—particularly Bitcoin’s (CRYPTO:BTC) trajectory and macroeconomic factors—could influence Ethereum’s next move.
Final Thoughts: Is Ethereum Really Dead?
Despite concerns, the data suggests Ethereum is very much alive. Network usage remains strong, investor confidence is intact, and technicals show potential for a breakout. Whether ETH will retest its highs or sink lower depends heavily on whether it can hold above or break through that $2,150 Ethereum price level.
For now, Ethereum is holding its ground—and possibly setting up for its next big move in 2025.
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