In the dynamic world of cryptocurrencies, everyone is on the lookout for the next big crypto coin that could offer a 1000x return.
As we dig deeper into 2026, the quest for the most promising crypto intensifies, with investors keenly analyzing market trends and potential breakthroughs. This article aims to shed light on the best altcoins to invest in, those that have the potential to be the next big cryptocurrency, and could possibly give you a 1000x return.
From the top 8 altcoins to the new cryptocurrencies worth investing in, we delve into the details, exploring the unique features and potential of each.
So, if you’re ready to discover the next big crypto and the best crypto to buy, read on. This could be your guide to making a significant investment decision in 2025 and beyond.
Read our updated guide on the most profitable coins to mine.
| 💰 Cryptocurrency | 💡 Description |
|---|---|
| Ethereum (ETH) | The leading smart contract platform powering DeFi, NFTs, and Web3. Recent upgrades like Dencun and Pectra improved scalability and lowered Layer-2 fees, while over 35M ETH is staked to secure the network. |
| Solana (SOL) | A high-performance blockchain known for ultra-fast, low-cost transactions. Its ecosystem includes DeFi, NFTs, and Solana Pay, with strong adoption and growing institutional interest. |
| Chainlink (LINK) | The most widely used oracle network, securing $90B+ in DeFi by delivering reliable real-world data to blockchains. Its CCIP protocol connects multiple chains for cross-chain dApps. |
| Avalanche (AVAX) | A scalable Layer-1 with subnet technology that allows custom blockchains. Popular for DeFi, gaming, and real-world assets like tokenized hedge funds and stablecoins. |
| Arbitrum (ARB) | Ethereum’s largest Layer-2 rollup, offering faster and cheaper transactions. Hosts billions in DeFi liquidity and supports advanced developer tools for growing adoption. |
| Uniswap (UNI) | The world’s biggest decentralized exchange, powering permissionless crypto trading. Its v4 upgrade added custom features, limit orders, and gas optimizations. |
| Render (RNDR) | A decentralized GPU computing network used for AI, 3D rendering, and VR. Partners like Apple and Ubisoft are testing Render for creative and AI-driven industries. |
| Immutable X (IMX) | A Layer-2 blockchain for gaming and NFTs. Over 600 games are building on Immutable, with instant, gas-free transactions and user-friendly tools like Immutable Passport. |
What you'll learn 👉
Best cryptocurrency to invest
Since you have read up to this part, you are probably very eager to find out what could be the next bitcoin or next big cryptocurrency so you can go and buy these altcoins.
Here is a list of the most promising altcoins and cryptocurrencies to buy according to our research that was framed by CoinMarketCap, future scope, demand, and value investment asset.
1. Ethereum (ETH)
Ethereum is the number one smart contract platform and the home of DeFi, NFTs, and most of Web3. In 2024 it launched the “Dencun” upgrade, which made Layer-2 fees much cheaper. This year’s “Pectra” upgrade went even further, boosting capacity and adding new wallet features.
Over 35 million ETH is staked, which shows strong confidence from long-term holders. With billions of dollars in stablecoins and tokens built on Ethereum, it remains the safest bet outside of Bitcoin.
2. Solana (SOL)
Solana is known for speed and low fees. It can process tens of thousands of transactions per second, making it perfect for gaming, NFTs, and payments. In the past, Solana had some network stability issues, but those are largely solved now. The Firedancer validator client, built by Jump Crypto, adds extra reliability.
Its ecosystem is growing fast, with billions in DeFi locked on Solana and partnerships in e-commerce and payments. If you want exposure to a high-performance chain that’s gaining adoption, SOL is a strong choice.
3. Chainlink (LINK)
Chainlink is the data bridge of crypto. It provides oracles that connect blockchains with real-world information, such as price feeds and weather data. It already secures tens of billions of dollars in value across dozens of blockchains.
In 2025, Chainlink’s Cross-Chain Interoperability Protocol (CCIP) has become a key tool for connecting different blockchains. With huge partnerships in traditional finance and Web3, LINK is an essential part of the crypto ecosystem.
4. Avalanche (AVAX)
Avalanche is a Layer-1 blockchain that uses subnets. These are custom blockchains that companies and projects can design for their own needs. This makes Avalanche flexible for gaming, DeFi, and enterprise use.
Recent upgrades cut fees and boosted activity, while real-world asset projects are starting to launch on Avalanche. From tokenized hedge funds to stablecoins, AVAX is building a strong niche in real-world finance and scalable applications.
5. Arbitrum (ARB)
Ethereum can get expensive when it’s busy, and that’s where Arbitrum comes in. It’s a Layer-2 network that makes Ethereum transactions much faster and cheaper. Right now, Arbitrum is the leading L2, with billions in DeFi and the largest stablecoin supply among scaling solutions.
Developers love it because it supports advanced programming languages and has strong community support. If Ethereum grows, Arbitrum is likely to grow right alongside it.
6. Uniswap (UNI)
Uniswap is the largest decentralized exchange (DEX) in the world. It lets users swap tokens directly from their wallets, without using a centralized exchange. In 2025, Uniswap v4 launched, adding new features like custom fees and on-chain limit orders.
Uniswap dominates trading volume across DEXs and continues to expand into Layer-2 networks. As crypto adoption rises, demand for decentralized trading will only increase, and UNI is the token tied to that growth.
7. Render (RNDR)
Render is one of the most unique projects in crypto. It connects people who need GPU power (for AI, 3D rendering, VR, and more) with providers who have spare computing power. In other words, it’s a decentralized marketplace for graphics and AI computing.
Big names like Apple and Ubisoft are already experimenting with Render. With AI and immersive media growing every year, RNDR is well positioned as the backbone for creative and AI-driven industries.
8. Immutable X (IMX)
Gaming is one of the easiest ways for beginners to enter crypto, and Immutable is leading the way. It’s a Layer-2 blockchain focused on NFTs and Web3 gaming. Players can trade items instantly and without gas fees.
More than 600 games are building on Immutable, including some from major gaming studios. With tools like Immutable Passport, gamers don’t even need deep crypto knowledge to join. IMX is the token that powers this entire ecosystem.
The Investment Process
Buying the Bitcoin with real money on any exchange and then selling the BTC for any currency from the list is the simplest way of investing.
I’ve used Coinbase to purchase BTC and Kraken to purchase other virtual currencies. It is important to note that Kraken has all the pairs from the list.
It is recommended not to keep any significant amount of crypto asset on an exchange. After purchasing the digital currency of your choice, send it to a wallet without an internet connection, and remember to do some research and googling to ensure your storage is secure and solid.
Remember that the biggest points in an investment game are awarded for enduring discomfort, so prepare yourself to not short the investments with yet another market panic.
Also, beware of scam coins like Onecoin, Kashhcoin, etc., because they are here to loot people by showing lucrative returns.
Read our guide on best bitcoin trading bots.
Definition of ‘Altcoin’
The word “altcoin” is an abbreviation of “Bitcoin alternative.” This means that the word „altcoin“ describes every single cryptocurrency except for Bitcoin, and Altcoins are referred to as Bitcoin alternatives since most altcoins hope to either replace or improve upon at least one Bitcoin component.
There are hundreds of altcoins, and more appear every day. Most altcoins are little more than Bitcoin clones, and they do not survive for very long. They only change minor features, such as its hashing algorithm, distribution method, or transaction speed. One exception is Litecoin, which has branded itself as “silver to Bitcoin’s gold.” The reason for that is that, in addition to using a different hashing algorithm than Bitcoin, Litecoin has a much higher number of currency units.
Many Bitcoin enthusiasts argue that altcoins are totally unnecessary. Also, some say that because they cannot rival the infrastructure Bitcoin boasts, altcoins will not succeed. However, altcoins have a significant role. Altcoins allow developers to experiment with unique features, and while it is true that, if the developers or community desires, Bitcoin can copy these features, fully-functioning altcoins are much better “cryptocurrency laboratories” than Bitcoin’s testnet.
What Was the First Altcoin?
Namecoin was the first altcoin. Namecoin’s primary purpose is to decentralize domain-name registration, which makes internet censorship much more difficult. However, it also functions as a currency.
Bitcoin is still leading the virtual currency pack, even with many close competitors. Newer and more innovative versions are getting launched. They offer modifications in areas like Proof of Stake, privacy, transaction speed, DNS resolution, and more. A few altcoins have become popular, and the rest of them are lesser-known.
Summary – top altcoins
I have written this article with huge research. If you guys want to invest and get a huge profit in the near future, then do it fast. Get started now if you don’t want to be left behind. You have to become stable to get success in crypto trading. That’s why you should invest now, wait and earn. Thank you for reading my article, and I hope you all like my choices.
Thank you for this! And you were spot on if you look at the prices now. I am new to this so this is a big help! 🙂
hey Ben
Bitcoin has not peaked in my opinion. But I do think that one can yield better returns by investing in good altcoins rather than in a very expensive bitcoin. You will always turn those altcoin profits to BTC anyways (that is the whole point of buying small altcoins). Only a very small percentage of altcoins are a really long term holds – most of them are only means to accumulate more BTCs.
I think Bitcoin is best for earning in short time.
I’d love to see your updated list, thank you for your perspective and input to those of us just now getting into cryptocurrency! Do you have any insight into Verge/XVG ?
I love your list that you use to size up the altcoins! Hi, is it too late for IOTA?
Hi there,
Great article and very helpful. I’m new to this too so I would like to ask you for:
Top 3 long term picks you would suggest.
Top 3 early 2018 growth you would suggest.
Thanks again and liking your fb page!
What’s your opinion about elastos? Huge project but it seems almost ready. Price is really low atm so i’ve been planning to invest to it.
Thats right. I am like you too but I was in the thick of things and in spite of it lost about 5 to 6 btc’s in a coin that peaked in June and fell gradually over the next few months and for reasons unbeknownst, I was sitting on it without getting rid of it. Well, I must move on so for now my holdings for the future are ADA, Funfair and Vechain. Some coins mentioned in the article are great but very expensive though!
how about a review on Cloud Coins
Hello Captain. Could you maybe explain me why Tenx climbed to 70$ to drop back till 2 and stayed around there ever since?
Hi Bryan
That is mostly due to the problems with VISA. TenX is working on their own banking license for Europe (and US, but I am not sure about that) so they wouldn’t rely only on 1 card issuer. So, TenX will surge once they resolve that which can happen either by VISA changing their approach to all crypto-card services or TenX gets their own banking license. But TenX team is top 3 in whole crypto world if you ask me – big, solid, serious team is the main reason I believe in this coin.
What is your opinion on nano? Hold or convert to monero?
Nano is an enigma to me. By pure fundamentals, it is a great project, surely one of the best in the whole crypto world. However, it lacks adoption and and reputation. If they don’t make a breakthrough in these areas soon, I would write it off as a failed project. It does, however, have an ardent community which gives it some speculative potential (needed for hype creation and short term price jumps).
On the other side, Monero is the best privacy coin with also great fundamentals but almost none marketing effort (I am mentioning marketing as that is needed for the speculative power of a project to grow). For a long-term hold, Monero is better. Near-term, Nano is more attractive for speculators and short-term traders and I can see it doing bigger pumps (and dumps).
Would you care to provide few more altcoins to invest in? All of the above are good but we need new entrant like FunFair
Hey Krunal
We will do another article on the very cheap coins with good upside, underrated coins if you will. And this article also will be updated to include new coins we think deserve the mention.
Would putting money in SALT be a good investment at the moment?
Yes, SALT and all lending coins are very interesting. I think that lending and privacy coins will have big gains in 2018. We might add SALT in the article after we do some additional research on them.
Thanks for your interesting post. What i am a bit confused about is iota, you also didnt list it here. Are there any concerns or why you think it does not have the same potential as the listed ones here?
Hey MjTom
I am still undecided on IOTA – the concept is great but their team is bit of enigma to me. They come across as rude and arrogant very often and their alleged partnerships with big companies (Microsoft and similar) are all unconfirmed and perhaps made up.
Please tell me that you don’t follow the notion that IOTA forged all of those articles about their partnerships with big industry. It is your duty to the public to to sift through everything out there, and separate garbage from gold, in order to usefully inform. {READ: https://blog.iota.org/iotas-data-marketplace-setting-the-record-straight-576fbf0b4513 } If IOTA does not stand at the top of the mountain within 5 years, it is simply because the world was already too entrenched in their blockchain dream to change course, midstream, and get onboard with a far superior technology.
Ethereum, Litecoin, and IOTA will stand apart from the endless supply of un-original copies that call themselves cryptocurrency. Ethereum is big, decentralized industry in the making. It is here to stay. Litecoin is the first of its kind to adopt the Lightning Network, which will cripple BTC within a year, because of its zero transaction times. IOTA…this is the ugly duckling of the group; unlike all others. It is simply not comparable to any other crypto in existence. It will either soar as the new standard of innovative networking for the IoT, or it will go down in glorious flame.
However, can’t all cryptos be seen as having the possibility of spontaneous combustion? Who makes the tides of popularity rise and fall with each passing moment? It is writers and analysts alone who control much of the love/hate relationship in this market. The vast majority of crypto investors understand very little about the actual technology they are putting their hard earned money into. The slightest breeze of negative news or movement topples faith like the house of cards that it is. Let’s face it. To the average person out there, this is all a get rich quick scheme, and we both know it. For the rest of us who actually believe in the movement and potential of this all, do us a favor, and do ALL of your research.
Read the white papers. Gather the statistics. Stand tall, so that you will stand out. And for goodness sake, don’t be like all of the other headline grabbers out there that only pass on what they heard or read, and cause the stampedes of misinformation to trample underfoot.
Love you guys. Keep up the good work!
Hi Cade
You are right – we dug deeper into the issue and I listed IOTA on our list. Thank you for the value packed comment!
Thank you so much for sharing. I am a noob and started last week. Looking for long term gains. Can you help me with knowing whats the best wallet? I currently hold, BTC, ETC & LTC, only a couple hundred worth though and its on coinbase. Is coinbase a wallet? thank you sir…
BTW ripple is climbing fast. jumped up to $0.51 this morning. was trying to buy it for $0.27 yesterday ugh lol
Coinbase is best known cryptocurrency exchange in the US. The company make it easy to trade well known cryptocurrencies from bitcoin to dogecoin and has its own Visa-backed debit card that integrates with Apple pay and Google.
How about Universa?
Hi FELIX
Why isnt Litecoin in the list?It has the fifth largest Market Cap I guess.
There is a new ICO – CRPT or Crypterium Tokens. Looks like a top class management behind the launch and a wonderful concept to allow payments at cashless terminals. What makes me suspicious though is that they only accept BTCs and some other coins as deposits to buy their tokens. Also the visa/credit card charges to transfer money into their account is too steep and wire transfer has a high minimum limit. What is your opinion about CRPT?
Go for TRX!!
What do you think about the Raiden Network? Do you think some of the projects you mentioned will switch to off-chain and use Raiden Network in order to scale?
Hi Ted
Yes, I actually think that, if RDN proves its value and works like it is supposed (on bigger scale), I see most of the ERC-20 tokens utilizing it in some degree. Raiden is, among other coins, on our list of future adds right now.
Thank you for the updated list!
Thanks for the great insigth.
What is your opinion on Electroneum, do you think it has a future as well?
Where do you see Golem in the near future and further down the road? Thank you sir.
Have you looked at Power Ledger? This seems to have some very practical applications with a lot of large power companies around the world signing up.
What do you think about Cindicator, Request Network and ETHLend?
What are your thoughts on reddcoin?
Thanks, you have most of them listed. I wish u have added FUEL too. Do you have the Altcoin or cheap coin list FELIX KÜSTER?
Great to see Monero and ZCash on your list, I am very much an advocate for privacy and have a small stake in Monero already. Have you had a look at DeepOnion? It is another privacy focused coin that connects using the TOR network for improved anonymity.
DeepOnion seems like a promising project with some other cool features such as:
DeepVault which stores file hashes on the Blockchain so you can verify files you have been sent with confidence.
DeepSend which is still under development but aims to anonymise your transactions even further by sending them using escrow, mixers and guarantors rather than your coins going directly between wallets.
VoteCentral will allow the community to have input in the direction development will take which will be really interesting as the forums are pretty busy with dedicated member.
Payments are instant so no waiting like with Bitcoin and it uses PoS so you can earn coins just by having your wallet open and staking.
DeepOnion has had a great 6 months with the last few being exceptional, seeing the price per ONION go from around 60 cents and peaking around $8 USD. If we are to see DeepOnion follow the trajectory of Monero and ZCash then it’s still a great time to get involved, especially as there are still many weeks left of the airdrop giving ONIONs to those who positively participate in the forums.
Please let me know also a cheap coin list. thank you sir
What do you think about Modum?
Wow great article. I just paid a writer to write a blog post for me and was really happy with the result. Only to find out they copied your entire post. I definitely won’t be posting it on our blog. Thanks for the content thought!
Cardano (ADA) will indubitably go on to dominate the crypto market
Great article. Do you post regularly such researches? If so, is there a Newsletter for it? Are your advices (after the high increases in the last month) still valid?
What about tron……?
Plz sir send me details about this coin in my mail…. thx
I’m really new to the crypto world but have been reading about Tron. What are your thought?
Bread, Simple Token, Quantstamp and Kyber Network – these are a must!
what do you think about TRX and RDD in the near future?
Hi Felix
Great article, thanks. What wallet would you recommend for storing multiple coins? Having looked at several I cannot find one that has good reviews.
What are the cheap penny digital currrncies dat has great future in 2018
Good article!
I’ll be researching more about the coins you mentioned. They really seem to be worth it.
In my humble opinion, there is one that is not on the list, but it should be closely monitored, DeepOnion. I have invested and has given result, just look at the charts you will see a steadiness and its steady growth. I believe that with a structure with everyone involved, this currency continues to grow and surpass targets throughout the year.
If you can do research on it, I believe you will like what you see.
Cappasity
DeepOnion
Ellaism
Luxcoin
OysterPearl
Pirl
PakCoin
Thanks for listing some of the alts to invest in 2018 but a very good and promising project was left out. DeepOnion is a very promising PoW + PoS hybrid cryptocurrency, focused on privacy and anonymity. Since it has Tor natively integrated in the client, IP addresses of its nodes stay hidden at all times. Recently the DeepVault feature was added. It allows anybody to store a hash code of any file directly on the DeepOnion blockchain, which can be used to check / prove whether the file / document was modified or not, show when it was first recorded on the blockchain atc. The devs are currently working on the DeepSend feature, which should be implemented before the end of the year. It is basically an integrated coin mixer, which will (on top the hidden IP addresses) render all transactions within the DeepOnion network untraceable. The network will thus be completely private and anonymous (hidden IPs + untraceable payments).
Last but not least, I have to say that I’ve never before seen such big, active and supporting community as DeepOnion has, which gives the coin huge power. Owing to the released white paper, many features will be implemented in 2018.
Huge dedicated community, very active developers, unique features.
can you make a new one, for Q2/Q3 2018? This one was very helpful.
How the perspective of Strong hand and Dime coin?
What about Mint coin, Doge Coine and 808 con?
Are they good?
I think, Dogecoin is almost certainly not a good investment in any traditional sense of good investing.
How about BMX (the token on BitMart)? Do you think I should invest in that and it might become the next BNB in the future?
You guys are incompetent. You list ETH as second best pick, yet you write a bad review about OMG when Plasma is dependent on both parties? It’s easy to pick alt coins when everything 100x’d in the biggest bull run in the world. I suggest you guys do some research, maybe follow the Plasma tracker on GitHub.
what about quarkchain
Quark chain is a open source blockchain, its aimed to provide a secure decentralized and scalable blockchain to deliver more than 100,000 on chain TPS.