11 promising cryptocurrencies to invest in 2026

Source: PortaldoBitcoin Original Title: 11 Promising Cryptocurrencies to Invest in 2026 Original Link: With a new year approaching, it’s time to craft new investment strategies and stay informed about the cryptocurrencies with the best chances of delivering good returns next year.

For 2026, analysts point to a combination of factors supporting the valuation thesis of at least 11 cryptocurrencies, ranging from institutional entry via ETFs to the growth of decentralized finance (DeFi), tokenization, and scalability solutions.

Below, check out the 11 mentioned cryptocurrencies and the main arguments used by experts to explain why these projects could gain traction in 2026.

Bitcoin (BTC)

Bitcoin remains “the safest and most recognized option in the market,” supported by two pillars: mining power that secures the network and decentralization guaranteed by thousands of users running the software on their machines.

The bullish thesis is linked to institutional interest, citing that Bitcoin spot ETFs in the US totaled US$ 121 billion in deposits as of November 2025, and highlighting the market capitalization of US$ 1.8 trillion as evidence of demand driven by “tight monetary policy” and resistance to censorship.

BTC’s performance at the start of the year may fluctuate between seasonal highs and post-December corrections, but ETF flows and liquidity conditions tend to be decisive in setting the tone for the month.

Ethereum (ETH)

Analysts agree on one point: Ethereum continues to be the main infrastructure of the crypto ecosystem. The network maintains leadership in deposited value and active developers, in addition to hosting more than 600 decentralized applications within the ecosystem.

Analysts also highlight the expansion of layer 2 solutions (layer 2) as a growth vector and note that about 30% of ETH is locked in staking, reducing the volume available for trading.

ETH benefits from the infrastructure narrative for DeFi, tokenization, and decentralized apps, with institutional prospects linked to ETF flows as part of a possible rise in 2026.

Solana (SOL)

Solana is described as a direct competitor to Ethereum, with advantages in processing capacity and lower costs.

The thesis includes “real” demand for the token in network fees and positioning for high-demand applications. The ecosystem’s growth and the total value deposited (TVL) of US$ 10 billion reinforce the bet, along with a focus on mobile experience through initiatives involving smartphones integrated with Web3 applications.

SOL appears as a candidate to maintain strength due to its high-performance, low-cost model, with opportunities in games, social apps, and payments.

XRP

XRP could continue to rise due to its connection with the XRP Ledger network, aimed at fast, low-cost international transfers, offering an alternative to SWIFT and relevant partnerships.

The network boasts the capacity of up to 1,500 transactions per second, quick confirmations, and low fees, in addition to enabling the creation and management of tokens, including real-world assets (RWA).

Tron (TRX)

Tron positions itself as a high-performance network for smart contracts and low-cost transactions.

Its relevance in DeFi (highlighting JustLend), ease of use, and advances in the stablecoins segment reinforce the thesis, pointing to the network as the vice-leader in this niche. TRX is used for fees and as part of the staking/validation mechanism.

Chainlink (LINK)

Chainlink is recognized as a leader in decentralized oracles, which connect smart contracts to external data (such as prices and events).

The expansion of oracle services—prices, automation, and real-world data—is the main growth driver, with adoption in DeFi, stablecoins, RWAs, gaming, and on-chain infrastructure. The LINK token appears as the economic piece of the system, rewarding oracles and helping ensure the network’s economic security.

Aave (AAVE)

Aave is seen as one of the “pioneering” projects in decentralized lending.

The rationale involves the use of liquidity pools, rates that vary with supply and demand, and collateral models for borrowing. The protocol’s history and usage support the view that it could be a promising name for those seeking exposure to a well-established DeFi sector.

Ondo Finance (ONDO)

The thesis for ONDO is based on the advancement of tokenization of real-world assets (RWA).

The project positions itself as a bridge to register traditional assets on the blockchain (such as US Treasury bonds) and offers products like USDY, described as crypto with yields backed by Treasuries.

ONDO emphasizes its role in ecosystem governance and the goal of expanding access to typically more “institutional” products.

Hyperliquid (HYPE)

Hyperliquid is included for its focus on synthetic derivatives, with trading of perpetual contracts and its own architecture (Hyperliquid Chain) aimed at decentralization and transparency in order execution.

Key points include US$ 100 million in revenue in November 2025 and the claim that over 90% of revenue would be used for token buybacks, potentially creating buying pressure.

Virtuals Protocol (VIRTUAL)

Virtuals is seen as a project connecting AI and blockchain through “AI agents” capable of interacting with users and executing tasks, including financial ones.

The rationale involves the fact that interactions with agents would generate costs paid obligatorily in VIRTUAL, and the token’s role as the economic basis for transactions and liquidity pools within applications.

Bittensor (TAO)

Bittensor (TAO) is described as a decentralized network combining blockchain and machine learning to develop, share, and monetize AI tools.

Analysts mention the use of TAO for accessing services and creating subnets, as well as the proposal to distribute training tasks among users and integrate rewards with other blockchains.

What will influence cryptocurrencies at the start of 2026?

Cryptocurrency performance in 2026 will mainly be influenced at the beginning of the year by macroeconomic factors and institutional capital behavior.

Entry and exit flows in Bitcoin and Ethereum ETFs tend to be decisive for market sentiment, along with global liquidity conditions and monetary policy decisions. In more favorable risk asset environments, the crypto market has historically benefited; in more restrictive environments, corrections and sideways movements tend to dominate.

This context helps explain the prominence of sectors such as decentralized finance, real-world asset tokenization, and scalability solutions among the bets for 2026.

The expansion of DeFi, growing integration between blockchain and traditional markets, and the advancement of layer 2 networks aimed at improving transaction efficiency are seen as vectors for adoption and institutional capital entry in the upcoming cycle.

Despite positive prospects, it is important to note that volatility remains a structural characteristic of the cryptocurrency market. Price fluctuations, regulatory uncertainties, and the presence of malicious projects require caution from investors, especially in an environment still maturing.