11 promising coins to invest in 2026

Source: PortaldoBitcoin Original Title: 11 promising cryptocurrencies to invest in 2026 Original Link: With a new year knocking at the door, it's time to outline new investment strategies and stay informed about cryptocurrencies with the highest chances of delivering a good return next year.

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

Next, check out the 11 cryptocurrencies mentioned and the main arguments used by experts to defend why these projects may gain traction in 2026.

Bitcoin (BTC)

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

The high thesis is linked to institutional interest, with Bitcoin spot ETFs in the US totaling US$ 121 billion in deposits in November 2025, along with a market capitalization of US$ 1.8 trillion as evidence of demand for “tight monetary policy” and resistance to censorship.

BTC plays a “thermometer” role for the market at the beginning of the year: in January, performance can 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)

Ethereum continues to be the main infrastructure of the crypto ecosystem. The network maintains leadership in value deposited and in active developers, in addition to having more than 600 decentralized applications in the ecosystem.

The expansion of layer two solutions (layer 2) emerges as a growth vector, and 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 outlooks linked to ETF flows as part of a possible rise in 2026.

Solana (SOL)

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

The thesis includes “real” demand for token use in network fees and positioning for high-demand applications. The growth of the ecosystem and the total value locked (TVL) at $10 billion reinforce this scenario. The focus on mobile experience, with initiatives for smartphones integrated with Web3 applications, is also relevant.

SOL appears as a candidate to maintain strength due to its high-performance and low-cost model, with space in games, social apps, and payments, especially in a scenario where alternative networks with effective use attract volume and liquidity.

XRP

XRP may continue to rise due to its connection with the XRP Ledger network, aimed at settling fast and inexpensive international transfers, proposing an alternative to SWIFT and relevant partnerships.

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

Tron (TRX)

The bet on Tron is based on its positioning as a high-performance network for smart contracts and low-cost transactions.

The relevance in DeFi ( with a focus on lending protocols ), the ease of use and the advancement in the stablecoins segment are key points, positioning the network as a runner-up in this segment. TRX is used for fees and as part of the staking/validation mechanism.

Chainlink (LINK)

Chainlink is a reference 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 serves as the economic piece of the system, rewarding oracles and helping to secure the network's economic stability.

Aave (AAVE)

A Aave appears 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 the collateral model for borrowing. The history and use of the protocol support the view that it may be a promising name for those seeking exposure to a consolidated sector of DeFi.

Ondo Finance (ONDO)

The thesis for ONDO is in 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 U.S. Treasury bonds ) and offers products like USDY, described as crypto with yield backed by Treasuries.

The ONDO plays a role in the governance of the ecosystem and proposes to broaden access to products that are typically more “institutional”.

Hyperliquid (HYPE)

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

Among the points mentioned are US$ 100 million in revenue in November 2025 and the assertion that more than 90% of the revenue would be used for the buyback of the HYPE token, which could create buying pressure.

Virtuals Protocol (VIRTUAL)

Virtuals is a project that connects AI and blockchain through “AI agents” capable of interacting with users and performing tasks, including financial ones.

Interactions with agents incur costs paid mandatorily in VIRTUAL, in addition to the role of the token as an economic basis for transactions and liquidity pools within applications.

Bittensor (TAO)

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

The TAO is used for access to services and the creation of subnets, with the proposal to distribute training tasks among users and integrate rewards with other blockchains.

What will influence cryptocurrencies in early 2026?

The performance of cryptocurrencies in 2026 is expected to be influenced, especially at the beginning of the year, by macroeconomic factors and the behavior of institutional capital.

The inflows and outflows in Bitcoin and Ethereum ETFs tend to be determinants of market sentiment, as well as global liquidity conditions and monetary policy decisions. In more favorable scenarios for risk assets, the crypto market has historically benefited; in more restrictive environments, corrections and sideways movements gain strength.

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

The expansion of the DeFi space, the increasing integration between blockchain and traditional markets, and the advancement of layer two networks aimed at improving transaction efficiency are seen as vectors for adoption and the entry of institutional capital over the next cycle.

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