Hedera (HBAR) stands out for its unparalleled speed, energy efficiency, and security. Known for its enterprise-grade network, it supports fast transactions and sustainable growth. 

Last year, HBAR traded under $0.10, but consistent ecosystem development has helped it reach $0.3383 today. But can it hit $8 in the coming months?

At the same time, PlutoChain ($PLUTO) is coming up to potentially tackle Bitcoin’s limitations by offering faster transactions and community-driven innovation.

Here’s a closer look at both projects. 

Can Hedera (HBAR) Break Out and Hit $8? Here’s What the Technical Market Data Shows

Hedera (HBAR) is trading at roughly $0.3383, up 8.0% over the last 24 hours. Its market cap sits at around $12.58 billion, which ranks it as the 20th largest cryptocurrency. 

The Total Value Locked (TVL) in DeFi protocols is approximately $169.92 million, reflecting consistent growth in its ecosystem. About 38 billion HBAR tokens circulate in the market.

HBAR’s all-time high (ATH) was $0.5692, achieved on September 15, 2021. The RSI currently stands at 69, which means the token is getting closer to the overbought zone.

In early 2024, the Hedera Governing Council approved a major funding boost and allocated 4.86 billion HBAR tokens (worth about $408 million) to grow the network and improve decentralized governance. 

These funds are dedicated to projects like the HBAR Foundation, the Hashgraph Association, and the DLT Science Foundation.

In December 2024, Hedera launched Block Streams, a tool that simplifies data handling for developers by combining various data streams into one format.

They’ve also partnered with Chainlink to offer tamper-proof data feeds and proof-of-reserve features, which gives developers more tools to build secure DeFi apps and tokenize real-world assets.

Hedera’s leadership is evolving too. Charles Adkins, formerly President of the Governing Council, stepped into a new role as CEO of the rebranded Hedera Foundation (formerly the HBAR Foundation) in early 2025. 

Strategic partnerships are a big focus as well. Collaborations with major players like NVIDIA and Intel are helping Hedera integrate cutting-edge technologies like artificial intelligence and tokenization into its ecosystem. 

Coinlib predicts that Hedera (HBAR) could hit $8 to $12 by 2027, thanks to growing adoption and increasing recognition in the blockchain world.

Crypto analyst CW notes that HBAR has kicked off a rally after breaking a crucial resistance level. He expects the price to hit a short-term target of $0.51 soon.

Meanwhile, Wallstreet Queen, another analyst on X, highlights HBAR’s breakout from a symmetrical triangle pattern on the daily chart. She sets price targets at $0.35, $0.40, and an ambitious $0.44. 

According to her, a daily close above $0.32 with strong trading volume would confirm this breakout.

PlutoChain ($PLUTO) Could Bring Lightning-Fast Transactions, Smart Contracts, and Community-Driven Innovation for Bitcoin

Bitcoin users face constant challenges — network congestion, high fees, and slow transaction times. These issues make Bitcoin less practical compared to modern blockchains. 

PlutoChain ($PLUTO) offers a potential solution with its hybrid Layer-2 technology.

It creates a parallel network alongside Bitcoin’s main blockchain to potentially ease congestion, lower transaction fees, and improve scalability. 

Bitcoin’s 10-minute block time has always limited its utility, but PlutoChain offers block times of just 2 seconds through its Layer-2 technology. 

This change could unlock smart contracts and allow Bitcoin to compete with faster, developer-friendly platforms like Ethereum and Solana.

EVM compatibility is another game-changer. Developers could easily migrate Ethereum-based projects to Bitcoin, which could make it a viable option for DeFi, NFTs, and AI-driven applications. 

PlutoChain’s flexibility could transform Bitcoin into more than just a store of value—it could become a hub for blockchain innovation.

The testnet already processed 43,200 transactions in one day without delays, which proves the system can handle real-world demand. 

Security also stands out. PlutoChain has passed audits from SolidProof, QuillAudits, and Assure DeFi. Furthermore, it performs regular stress tests, and code reviews, and stays compliant with global standards.

What sets PlutoChain apart is its community-driven governance. Through a decentralized system, users vote on upgrades, partnerships, and features. Proposals are shared on Discord, reviewed collectively, and voted on.

Final Thoughts

Hedera shows potential with its fast, energy-efficient network and strong ecosystem growth. Its enterprise-grade features and strategic partnerships give it an edge, but there are still challenges like market volatility and competition. 

PlutoChain, on the other hand, combines speed, security, and collaboration to offer a solution that could redefine Bitcoin’s role in the space. 

With lightning-fast transactions, smart contracts, and community-driven governance, it offers a glimpse into Bitcoin’s untapped potential. 

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Please remember that this article is purely informational and not financial advice. Any and all cryptocurrencies are volatile, with prices prone to rapid changes. Always do your own research and consult an expert before joining any crypto venture. We are not liable for any outcomes based on the information in this article. Statements about the future entail risks and may not reflect updates.