BTCC, the world’s longest-serving cryptocurrency exchange, reported record 2025 performance with $3.7 trillion in total trading volume and a global user base that reached 11 million, a 60% increase year-over-year. As the exchange approaches its 15th anniversary in 2026, it is shifting focus toward AI-enabled trading tools and expanded real-world asset offerings.
2025 Performance Highlights
For the full year, BTCC recorded $3.27 trillion in futures volume and $431 billion in spot trading volume. The exchange’s tokenized real-world asset (RWA) trading recorded significant growth, with quarterly volumes increasing from $1.2 billion in Q1 to $22.7 billion in Q4. Over the course of the year, total tokenized futures volume amounted to $53.1 billion.
Throughout 2025, BTCC maintained its commitment to transparency through monthly Proof of Reserves (PoR) reporting, with reserves consistently above 100%. The exchange also introduced product enhancements, including a site-wide UI refresh, an updated VIP program, and integration with TradingView for futures trading.
Global Expansion and Industry Recognition
In 2025, BTCC expanded its global presence through a variety of community events. The exchange participated in TOKEN2049 in Dubai and Singapore, hosted a Summer Festival in Tokyo, organized an MVP Night during Taipei Blockchain Week, and sponsored the Red Eagle Foundation’s charity golf events, which raised over $100,000 during the year.
Beyond events, BTCC strengthened its brand visibility through high-profile partnerships. The exchange partnered with NBA All-Star Jaren Jackson Jr. as its first global brand ambassador. The collaboration bridges sports and cryptocurrency communities by showcasing Jackson’s identity as an elite athlete, music producer, and crypto trader.
Building on 15 years of operational track record, BTCC has outlined three focus areas for the year ahead:
AI-Powered Trading Features: Integration of AI across risk management and trade execution optimization tools designed for both professional traders and mainstream users.
Real-World Asset Expansion: Following the 18-fold growth in tokenized asset trading volume in 2025, BTCC will significantly expand its RWA product suite with additional asset classes and new trading pairs.
Next-Generation Trading Platform: Launch of a comprehensive trading system spanning derivatives, spot markets, and multi-asset matching engines, alongside a new wealth management feature offering diversified strategies for different risk profiles.
“15 years in this industry has taught us that the real risk isn’t change but standing still,” said Marcus Chen, Product Manager at BTCC. “Our focus for 2026 is translating operational experience into speed: building what traders need for where markets are heading, not where they’ve been.”
About BTCC
Founded in 2011, BTCC is a leading global cryptocurrency exchange serving over 11 million users across 100+ countries. Partnered with 2023 Defensive Player of the Year and 2x NBA All-Star Jaren Jackson Jr. as global brand ambassador, BTCC delivers secure, accessible crypto trading services with an unmatched user experience.
While there are many ways to hold your cryptocurrency assets, not all types of wallets are equal in terms of safety. While leaving your coins on centralized exchanges is undoubtedly the most convenient way, it is also the least safe way to hold your precious digital assets. There are countless tragic stories of how investors lost sizeable crypto portfolios because they kept it on an exchange that went bust, the last infamous example being the collapse of FTX in November 2022.
Compared to exchanges, even keeping your coins in web, mobile, or desktop wallets, where you are the owner of the private keys to your wallet, is a much safer option. Nevertheless, offline hardware wallets (also referred to as “cold storage”) are unequivocally the safest cryptocurrency storage method. Hardware crypto wallets are made of durable material and only connect with the network when you want to move the funds from or off them, which makes them extremely resilient to hacking attempts.
List of the best crypto hardware wallets for 2026:
Ledger Nano X – The best hardware wallet for most crypto holders
The 17 best crypto hardware wallets in 2026: A detailed overview
Over the years, many different types and brands of hardware crypto wallets appeared on the market, which makes deciding on which one to buy increasingly difficult. Hardware wallets differ greatly in backup features, the number of supported blockchains, materials used, and also price. To make the decision at least a bit easier we have prepared an overview of the best crypto hardware wallets on the market today.
1.Ledger Nano X – The best hardware wallet for most crypto holders
Ledger Nano X is the flagship product of French company Ledger and is often considered to be one of the best and most versatile cryptocurrency hardware wallets on the market. This hardware wallet boasts a CC EAL5+ certified secure element chip and supports over 15,000 cryptocurrencies, and is therefore a suitable storage option for almost any cryptocurrency user. In addition, Ledger Nano X is compatible with almost all popular operating systems, including Android, iOS, MacOS, Windows, and Linux. The hardware wallet can be connected either via USB or Bluetooth, one of the biggest differences that sets it apart from the Nano S.
The wallet uses Ledger’s proprietary Ledger Live software, which simplifies cryptocurrency management and seed phrase generation and restoration. A small display on the hardware wallet provides the user with immediate visual feedback, making processes more intuitive. In addition, the Nano X not only supports a huge number of cryptos but can also connect with a whopping 100 applications. Integration with hot wallets like MetaMask and other Web3 wallets is another advantage of the Ledger Nano X, allowing users to access DeFi platforms and blockchain dApps.
Last but not least, Ledger’s hardware wallets have not been exploited or found to have vulnerabilities, which provides a good illustration of the company’s commitment to top-tier security standards. The market price of $99 sets Ledger Nano X among the more affordable crypto hardware wallets, especially when compared to Ledger’s newer, more premium offerings. Despite its age, the Nano X’s security and dApp integrations still make it one of the best hardware wallets available in 2026.
2.Ledger Nano S Plus – A budget-friendly option from Ledger
Ledger Nano S Plus is a highly secure hardware crypto wallet that offers many of the features of the more expensive Nano X but at a lower price point. Ledger Nano S Plus also supports over 15,000 cryptocurrencies and allows you to install up to 100 applications. It features the same advanced security systems as its more expensive option, including a CC EAL5+ certified security element. This hardware wallet utilizes Ledger Live software that streamlines the process of creating a new wallet or transferring your old wallet to a new platform.
On the other hand, the Ledger Nano S Plus has a storage capacity of 1.5 MB, which is slightly less than the Ledger Nano X, which has 2 MB. While most ordinary hardware wallet users should find 1.5 MB of storage more than enough, some might miss the Bluetooth support, which Ledger Nano S Plus also lacks. However, the USB-only connectivity of the Nano S Plus eliminates the need for a battery, which makes the Ledger Nano S Plus extra light (it weighs only 21 grams). The wallet comes in five different colors, including Matte Black, Mystic White, BTC Orange, Deepsea Blue, and Ice.
The Ledger Nano S Plus is packed with features and is available at half the price of the Nano X. This makes Ledger Nano S Plus one of the most popular hardware crypto wallets. In fact, the Nano S Plus seems to continue the legacy of its predecessor, the Nano S, which was a bestseller among hardware wallets, when it launched back in 2016.
Pros of Ledger Nano S Plus:
Supports more than 15,000 cryptocurrencies
Top-tier security (CC EAL5+ certified chip)
Affordable (priced at $49)
Among best-selling hardware wallets
Cons of Ledger Nano S Plus:
No Bluetooth connectivity
The device’s user interface and navigation can be complicated for novice users
Trezor Safe 5 is an advanced next-generation hardware wallet designed to provide top-tier security while keeping usability at the forefront. It supports over 9,000 cryptocurrencies, including Bitcoin, Ethereum, and ERC-20 tokens, and allows users to send, receive, and stake assets directly through the Trezor Suite desktop app or compatible third-party wallets such as MetaMask.
This model introduces the new 1.54-inch Trezor Touch color touchscreen with haptic feedback, offering a more intuitive and tactile user experience compared to previous versions. Built with open-source transparency, it features an EAL 6+ Secure Element for enhanced offline and online protection. The Trezor Safe 5 also includes a microSD card slot for additional security options, and its Gorilla Glass 3 screen paired with an anodized aluminum backplate makes it both durable and premium in feel.
For backup, users can rely on a new 20-word recovery seed with optional Multi-share Backup support, making it safer to restore wallets in case of loss or damage. The device remains PIN- and passphrase-protected, ensuring that only authorized users can access stored funds. Connectivity is handled via USB-C, and while it supports Windows, macOS, Linux, and Android, there’s still no native iOS app.
Priced at $129, the Trezor Safe 5 stands out as a secure and refined hardware wallet choice for those who prioritize both strong encryption and modern design.
Pros of Trezor Safe 5:
Vivid color touchscreen with haptic feedback
Durable Gorilla Glass screen and aluminum backplate
Supports Multi-share Backup and microSD protection
Trezor Safe 7 is the newest flagship hardware wallet from Trezor, built with a strong focus on long-term, open-source security. Priced at $249, it is the company’s most advanced model to date and the first hardware wallet marketed as quantum-ready. The device uses a dual-chip architecture that pairs the open-source Tropic Zero One (TROPIC01) chip with an NDA-free EAL6+ secure element, allowing independent security audits without relying on closed components.
This transparent hardware design sets the Safe 7 apart from most competing wallets. By removing NDAs at the chip level, Trezor enables full third-party inspection while maintaining a high security standard. The approach reinforces Trezor’s self-custody philosophy, giving users direct control over their private keys without sacrificing verifiability or protection.
On the hardware side, the Safe 7 features a 2.5-inch edge-to-edge color touchscreen that is noticeably larger than previous Trezor models. The wallet is housed in a single-piece aluminum body with a Gorilla Glass 3 backplate and carries an IP54 rating for basic dust and splash resistance. Bluetooth Low Energy support and Qi2-compatible magnetic wireless charging add everyday convenience, while the built-in LiFePO₄ battery is designed to last significantly longer than standard lithium batteries.
Using the Trezor Suite interface, users can manage over 9,000 cryptocurrencies, store NFTs, and access trading, staking, and third-party DeFi services from one dashboard. All wireless communication is encrypted and authenticated through the open-source Trezor Host Protocol (THP). The Safe 7 is available in multiple color options, with a Bitcoin-only edition for users who prefer a simplified setup.
Pros:
Quantum-ready security architecture with a fully auditable dual-chip design
Open-source components without NDAs, enabling full third-party verification
Large touchscreen with durable aluminum and Gorilla Glass construction
Bluetooth connectivity and Qi2 magnetic wireless charging support
Cons:
Premium price point compared to entry-level hardware wallets
Larger and heavier than older Trezor models due to the expanded display
5.ShapeShift KeepKey – A cheap hardware wallet that does not compromise on security
ShapeShift KeepKey is a sturdy hardware wallet that is among the cheapest hardware wallets on the market today. Although KeepKey devices sell for just $49 these wallets do not compromise on security. This ShapeShift product utilizes AES hardware encryption and 2-factor authentication, which puts its security on par with the wallets listed above. KeepKey can also deploy firmware updates without being connected to the internet. However, when you do need to connect the device to a computer and the internet, you should not have any problems as KeepKey supports most systems, including PC operating systems such as MacOS, Windows and Linux, and Android mobile operating systems. Through a large OLED display that occupies the entire front surface of the device, the user is constantly informed about what is going on with his wallet and transactions.
Nevertheless, every bargain comes with some trade-offs. In the case of ShapeShift’s KeepKey, the biggest disadvantage is the fairly limited support of different cryptocurrencies. You will be able to store Bitcoin, Bitcoin Cash, Bitcoin Gold, Litecoin, Ethereum (together with Ethereum-based tokens), Dogecoin, Dash, and nothing else. The wallet is also unable to integrate with Web3 wallets or DeFi applications. This means that even less advanced users with a diversified crypto portfolio might quickly find that the cheap KeepKey falls short of meeting all their needs. If you are, however, just looking for secure and cheap cold storage of the above-mentioned coins, KeepKey is definitely the hardware wallet to consider.
Pros of ShapeShift KeepKey:
One of the cheapest hardware wallets on the market ($49)
6.Trezor Safe 3 – A simple yet secure hardware wallet from Trezor
Trezor Safe 3 is a dependable and affordable hardware wallet built for users who want solid protection without paying premium prices. Maintaining Trezor’s open-source transparency, it introduces a Secure Element chip (EAL 6+) to protect private keys, even in the event of physical compromise. It supports more than 9,000 cryptocurrencies and integrates seamlessly with the Trezor Suite desktop app for managing, sending, receiving, and staking crypto assets.
Priced at $59, the Trezor Safe 3 offers great value for users who prefer simplicity and robust functionality. The 0.96″ OLED display allows easy transaction verification directly on the device, while PIN and passphrase protection reinforce security. Though it lacks microSD and touchscreen support, it remains one of the most trusted midrange wallets on the market, compatible with Windows, macOS, Linux, and Android. It also supports Tor integration and coin control for those who prioritize privacy.
Pros of Trezor Safe 3:
Secure Element chip with advanced protection
Trezor Suite integration for staking and privacy tools
7. Ledger Nano (5th Gen) – The newest Ledger model offering improved speed and performance
The Ledger Nano 5th Gen is the newest model in Ledger’s Nano series, positioned between entry-level wallets and the brand’s premium devices. Priced at $179, it delivers much of the functionality found in the Ledger Flex and Ledger Stax while remaining more affordable. It also reflects Ledger’s shift in terminology, with the company now referring to its devices as “signers” to highlight their role in securely authorizing transactions rather than storing assets.
This model is the first Nano device to feature a 2.76-inch E Ink touchscreen, replacing physical buttons with a more modern interface. Security is handled by Ledger’s CC EAL6+ certified Secure Element, which isolates private keys from the rest of the system. Bluetooth and NFC support enable wireless use across supported devices, while the lightweight plastic body keeps the wallet portable, even if it lacks the premium feel of Ledger’s higher-end models.
The Nano 5th Gen ships with a Ledger Recovery Key, allowing users to create a PIN-protected NFC backup of their recovery phrase. This offers a more durable alternative to paper backups and improves recovery options if the primary seed phrase is lost. Inside the box, users also get a USB-C cable and recovery sheets, with asset management handled through Ledger Wallet, where users can manage thousands of cryptocurrencies, stake supported assets, and connect to Web3 applications.
Customization is another focus, with multiple color options and support for custom lock screen images. The E Ink display contributes to strong battery efficiency and provides easy access to device settings, security controls, and advanced features such as passphrase protection and PIN shuffling. Overall, the Nano 5th Gen is designed for users who want modern interaction and strong security without stepping up to Ledger’s most expensive devices.
Pros:
First Nano model to feature a full E Ink touchscreen
NFC-enabled recovery backup with the Ledger Recovery Key
Strong key isolation using a CC EAL6+ certified Secure Element
Wireless functionality through Bluetooth and NFC
Cons:
Plastic casing does not feel as premium as Ledger Flex or Stax
Priced higher than previous Nano models like the Nano X
Touchscreen interface may not suit users who prefer physical buttons
8.NGRAVE ZERO – Industry-leading security with EAL7 certification
If ultimate security is your priority, the NGRAVE ZERO sets a new standard, even for highly secure wallets like Ledger and Trezor. Operating entirely offline, it uses QR code communication, eliminating the risks associated with USB, Bluetooth, or any wireless connectivity. This ensures your private keys remain completely isolated from online threats. This level of security makes it one of the best air-gapped wallets
The wallet boasts an EAL7 certification, the highest security standard in both the blockchain and financial industries. One of its standout features is its self-destruction capability—if the device is tampered with, it automatically wipes all private keys, leaving no trace for potential attackers. This kind of proactive security is unmatched.
The full-color touchscreen is not just visually appealing but also highly functional, making navigation and transaction verification straightforward. Another innovative feature is its light sensor technology, which securely generates private keys directly on the device, avoiding pre-set recovery phrases. For added security, the wallet pairs seamlessly with the GRAPHENE metal plate backup, offering a recovery solution as durable as the wallet itself.
However, the NGRAVE ZERO’s exceptional security and advanced features come at a price. At just over $400, it is one of the most expensive wallets available, which may deter budget-conscious users.
Pros:
Air-gapped design with QR code communication for ultimate offline security
EAL7 certification—highest security standard in the industry
Self-destruction feature wipes private keys if tampered with
Light sensor technology for secure, on-device private key generation
Full-color touchscreen simplifies navigation and transaction verification
Durable GRAPHENE metal plate for robust backup and recovery
Cons:
High price point of over $400
Lack of wireless or USB connectivity might be inconvenient for some users
9. Ledger Flex – A high-end option with an E Ink touchscreen display
The Ledger Flex is Ledger’s latest mid-to-premium hardware wallet, built to balance strong security with a more comfortable user experience. It features a 2.84-inch E Ink touchscreen that makes reviewing and confirming transactions easier than on Ledger’s Nano models. The wallet supports both USB-C and Bluetooth connectivity, allowing it to work seamlessly with desktop computers, laptops, and mobile devices.
In terms of security, the Flex uses Ledger’s EAL6+ CC-certified Secure Element, which isolates private keys from the rest of the system. Users can install up to 100 crypto applications on the device and access more than 15,000 supported assets through third-party integrations. Asset management, staking, and dApp access are handled through Ledger Wallet, giving users a single interface for everyday use.
At $249, the Ledger Flex sits at the higher end of the hardware wallet market. This pricing makes more sense for users who transact regularly or value the larger display and customization features, such as personalized lock screens with images or NFTs. For basic cold storage or infrequent use, the cost may be harder to justify compared to simpler Ledger models.
For users willing to spend more, Ledger’s Stax offers an even larger display and additional premium touches at a significantly higher price. The Flex positions itself as a middle ground, offering many premium features without reaching flagship-level pricing, making it a practical choice for active crypto users who want both security and usability.
Pros:
Large 2.84-inch E Ink touchscreen for easy transaction review
EAL6+ CC-certified Secure Element for strong key protection
Works across desktop, laptop, and mobile devices
Supports both USB-C and Bluetooth connectivity
Cons:
Bigger and heavier than Ledger’s entry-level wallets
High price compared to most hardware wallets on the market
The Cypherock X1 is a revolutionary hardware wallet that removes the need for a traditional seed phrase, solving one of the biggest vulnerabilities in crypto security. Instead of relying on a single recovery phrase, it uses Shamir’s Secret Sharing to split private keys across four encrypted NFC cards, ensuring that no single card holds the complete key. To access your funds, you’ll need at least two of these cards, making it significantly more resilient against theft, loss, or hacks.
Unlike many other hardware wallets, Cypherock X1 operates completely offline, connecting only via USB-C to sign transactions securely. It supports over 9,000 cryptocurrencies and integrates with MetaMask, allowing seamless DeFi and NFT transactions without compromising security.
Pros:
No seed phrase required – Eliminates a single point of failure
Multi-factor authentication – Requires at least two NFC cards for access
Wide asset support – Compatible with over 9,000 cryptocurrencies
Offline security – No Bluetooth or internet connectivity, reducing attack risks
Works with MetaMask – Seamless integration for DeFi users
Cons:
Requires managing multiple NFC cards – Losing too many can result in fund loss
No Bluetooth connectivity – Some users may prefer wireless transaction signing
11. Ledger Stax – A premium crypto wallet designed for advanced users
Ledger Stax is the most premium hardware wallet in Ledger’s lineup, built with a strong focus on design and usability. Created in collaboration with Tony Fadell, the designer behind the iPod, the device stands out with its curved E Ink touchscreen and high-end materials. Demand has been strong since launch, with early production batches selling out shortly after becoming available.
The Stax features a large E Ink display that makes reviewing transactions far more comfortable than on Ledger’s Nano models. It supports Bluetooth, USB-C, and wireless charging, and includes customization options such as a personalized lock screen that can display images or NFTs. Compared to the Ledger Nano X, the difference is most noticeable in screen size and presentation, as the Nano X uses a much smaller display and does not support home screen customization.
Security remains a core focus, with the Ledger Stax using a secure element chip certified under CC EAL5+ and EMVCo standards. Private keys are kept isolated from the rest of the system, and the device relies on a standard recovery seed for wallet restoration in case of loss or damage. From a software perspective, it offers the same core functionality as other Ledger wallets, including asset management, staking, and Web3 access through Ledger Wallet.
At $399, the Ledger Stax is difficult to justify purely on features. While the design, display, and charging options are clear upgrades, the underlying software experience is largely the same as on the Nano X or even the more affordable Nano S Plus. The Stax is best suited for users who value premium design and a large screen, rather than those looking for the best value-for-money hardware wallet.
Pros:
High-end design with premium materials
Large curved E Ink touchscreen display
Supports thousands of cryptocurrencies and NFTs
USB-C, Bluetooth, and wireless charging support
Can hold up to 100 applications at once
Secure element chip certified to CC EAL5+ standards
Cons:
Significantly more expensive than most hardware wallets
Interface may feel unfamiliar at first
E Ink display refresh rate is slower than traditional screens
12.Coinkite ColdCard Mk4 – A truly air-gapped crypto hardware wallet
Warning: The ColdCard team has disclosed a serious vulnerability affecting users who generated a seed phrase using the Mk3 model using version 4.0.1 or a subsequent version. Learn more in the company’s official announcement.
ColdCard Mk4 is a maximum-security hardware cryptocurrency wallet produced by the Canadian crypto hardware manufacturer Coinkite. It is one of the rare hardware wallets that can be used without ever being connected to a computer, as everything from wallet creation with seed generation to transaction signing can be done without connection thanks to the natively implemented PSBT (BIP174). Nevertheless, the ability to connect to a computer exists thanks to the USB-C connector at the bottom edge of the device. ColdCard Mk4 includes two secure elements, supplied by two different manufacturers, which additionally minimizes unknown vulnerability risks. The PIN is also entered through a full-size numeric keypad, which is a bit old-school but practical and a bulletproof input method.
ColdCard Mk4 only supports Bitcoin, but the security and utilities of this Bitcoin cold storage are unrivaled. The device features expanded multi-sig capabilities allowing it to handle big and complex Bitcoin transactions. In Coinkite’s official store, this device has a price tag of $148.
13.CoolWallet S – Highly portable credit card-like crypto wallet
CoolWallet S is a portable and durable crypto hardware wallet that stands out from its competition mainly due to its design. It comes in the form of a credit card-sized device, that has a thickness of only 0.8 mm and weighs only 6 grams. In addition, this “crypto card” is also waterproof and tamper-resistant. The wallet features a small built-in screen and a button, which is used to confirm transactions. According to the manufacturer, the device should last up to 3 months with a single battery charge.
The wallet connects via an encrypted Bluetooth connection to most mobile devices. On top of the advanced encryption standard AES256 that secures the wireless connection, the device utilizes both biometric and physical 2FA checks to ensure your assets’ safety and has an embedded EAL5+ certified secure element. Nevertheless, the device is easy to interact with and allows a new cold wallet to be created in under 5 minutes due to the simplicity and intuitiveness of the user interface. Furthermore, the wallet features a built-in cryptocurrency swap system. You will have to spend $99 to buy one sleek CoolWallet S but the company offers a small discount if you buy two devices. If you convince a friend to buy it, too, you will have to part with only $89 per device (or $178 for both hardware wallets).
Pros of CoolWallet S:
Highly portable due to its unique credit card-like design
14.SecuX V20 – A robust wallet with dual connectivity and a large responsive touchscreen
SecuX V20 is a robust and stylish cryptocurrency hardware wallet with many useful features and a premium feel. The V20 supports over 1000 cryptocurrencies, including Bitcoin, Tether, Litecoin, Ethereum, and Stellar, and has a responsive color 2.8″ touchscreen to ensure smooth interaction. The wallet, which supports multiple operating systems, can connect either via an encrypted Bluetooth connection or a wired USB connection. When you want to establish a connection between your hardware wallet and another device via Bluetooth or USB, the connection needs to be approved on the online interface called SecuXcess, which can be found within SecuXTech.
SecuX V20 allows for the private keys to be created and stored offline but can also integrate with third-party wallets or apps if needed. Private keys and PIN codes are stored on an EAL 5+ certified secure chip. When turning on the SecuX V20 for the first time, the user is prompted to set a 4-digit PIN code, which is later used to interact with the wallet and confirm a transaction. Another rigorous safety measure that many hardware wallets, including V20, employ is the complete wipe-out of data on the device if an incorrect PIN code is entered 4 times in a row. The device allows users to create hidden wallets, which adds an extra layer of security. You can also set a really strong password, as the device supports hidden wallet passwords up to 99 characters long. SecuX V20 has a price tag of $120.
Pros of SecuX V20:
2.8″ highly responsive color touchscreen
Support for multiple passwords and multiple signatures
Support for most PC operating systems, Chrome, iOS, and Android
15. Tangem – A simple and lightweight hardware wallet
The Tangem wallet stands out with its unique, credit card-like design. Ultra-slim and portable, it lacks a screen and instead relies on NFC (near-field communication) to connect with your smartphone or other NFC-compatible devices.
Despite its minimalist appearance, Tangem is powerful. It supports over 6,000 cryptocurrencies and 30 blockchain networks. With an EAL6+ security standard (one of the highest available) and thorough audits by Kudelski Security, your private keys are well-protected.
One of its most practical features is its packaging: Tangem wallets are sold in packs of up to three cards, providing built-in backups if one is lost or damaged. Adding to its appeal, the wallet comes with an impressive 25-year replacement warranty, a rarity in the hardware wallet market.
Priced at $55, it’s a cost-effective option. However, it does require an NFC-compatible device, so you’ll need a smartphone or tablet with this capability to use it.
Pros:
Ultra-portable, credit card-sized design
Supports 6,000+ cryptocurrencies and 30 blockchains
High security with EAL6+ certification and Kudelski audit
Affordable price point of $55
Comes with a 25-year replacement warranty
Sold in packs for easy backup options
Cons:
Requires an NFC-compatible device to function
Lacks a screen, which some users may find limiting
Dependence on a smartphone or tablet for operation might not suit everyone
16.Keystone Pro – a secure hardware wallet powered by AAA batteries
Keystone Pro is an air-gapped hardware wallet with a range of security-focused features, including an advanced fingerprint biometric authentication system. The device supports wallet backup using Shamir backups and will self-destruct wallet keys if it detects tampering attempts. This hardware wallet is exclusively air-gapped. It cannot be connected via Bluetooth or USB even if you wanted to, as it does not support such connections. Transactions are conducted through the use of a camera and QR codes, while the device also has a 4-inch color touchscreen that displays information about transactions and wallet addresses.
Keystone Pro is available for purchase at the price of $149. Keystone also offers an Essential version of their crypto hardware wallet. For a cheaper option that lacks fingerprint authentication, a self-destruct function, and rechargeable batteries, the Keystone Essential is priced at $119.
Pros of Keystone Pro:
Large touchscreen and camera
Support for air-gapped transactions
Long battery life (powered by 4 AAA batteries)
Cons of Keystone Pro:
A small onscreen keyboard makes password input difficult
17.Shift Crypto BitBox02 – Crypto wallet capable of connecting to full Bitcoin nodes
BitBox02 is a simple and easy-to-use but secure cryptocurrency wallet that supports the most popular cryptos such as Bitcoin, Ethereum, and Litecoin but also more than 1500 less-known ones. The hardware wallet is controlled through the BitBoxApp, which features a straightforward user interface. The App’s and BitBox02’s source code is open-source and has been audited by an independent security company.
This hardware wallet, which is produced by Shift Crypto in Switzerland, employs high-level security measures and has a dual-chip design to further increase the security of the crypto storage. What sets BitBox02 apart from most other wallets is the ability to use a microSD card with the wallet’s backup information, thus eliminating the need to enter a 12- or 24-word phrase every time you want to run the wallet. In addition, when connecting to the wallet through the BitBoxApp, users can opt into Tor forwarding, which further increases the security and privacy of the wallet. Worry not, the communication between your computer and your hardware wallet is also encrypted, which minimizes the risk of man-in-the-middle exploits and attacks. For Bitcoin purists, BitBox02 is also available as a Bitcoin-only firmware, which removes ballast code and further reduces the risk of exploits.
The bottom line: There are plenty of options on the market for keeping your crypto safe
By selecting a hardware wallet with a secure backup system that is built out of robust and durable materials, users can be confident that their crypto assets are safeguarded. It is also of key importance to check that the hardware wallet of your choosing supports all your favorite cryptocurrencies.
The prices of commercial cryptocurrency hardware wallets range from around $50 to more than $200. But even the purchase of an expensive high-end hardware wallet packed with security features should not be hard to justify if you are holding a large crypto portfolio. If, however, your portfolio is considered small, you only hold a small number of different coins and rarely interact with DeFi apps, you could do just fine with a lower-end hardware wallet.
Just remember that each and every hardware wallet featured on our list is incomparably safer than keeping your coins on an exchange. Do remember (and live by) the age-old crypto saying: “Not your keys, not your coins!”
If you really want to up your crypto security game to the next level, we suggest investing in metal crypto wallets for seed phrase storage. This method of storing your seed phrase is much better than writing it down on a piece of paper, as paper is susceptible to various forms of damage.
With its exponential growth and relentless innovation, the cryptocurrency market has seen the rise of numerous altcoins that offer unique investment opportunities. Among them, meme coins have emerged as a captivating and often controversial subgroup fueled by the power of internet memes and social media frenzy. While meme coins gained immense popularity in 2021 when Shiba Inu took the crypto sphere by storm, it is important to highlight that this subgroup of altcoins also comes with an inherent level of risk that could either make or break an investment portfolio.
Shiba Inu, a now well-known meme coin, first saw the light of day in August 2020 but only soared to unprecedented heights during the bull market of 2021. In the period between January 2021 and October 2021, SHIB’s price grew over 85,784,180% to reach the token’s ATH (all-time high) valuation of $0.00008845 on October 28, 2021.
Which crypto will become the next Shiba Inu?
Here are 8 meme coins with a Shiba Inu-like explosive potential:
Pepe Coin – A community-driven meme coin built upon the legacy of Pepe the Frog
Pump.fun – A Solana-based platform where meme coins are launched and traded instantly
In the following sections, we’ll embark on a journey through the unpredictable world of meme coins, exploring the factors that make them a captivating investment in an attempt to identify those that could potentially become the next Shiba Inu.
Examining 8 meme coins that could become the next Shiba Inu coin
Let’s examine the meme-inspired cryptocurrencies that we believe have the potential to rally in the future due to a combination of lively communities and unique value propositions.
1. Pepe Coin – A community-driven meme coin built upon the legacy of Pepe the Frog
Pepe Coin (PEPE) is a deflationary meme coin launched on the Ethereum blockchain, paying homage to the Pepe the Frog internet meme created by Matt Furie. Capitalizing on the popularity of meme coins like Shiba Inu and Dogecoin, PEPE is one of the newest contenders for the title of the leading meme-based cryptocurrency. Shortly after its launch, PEPE experienced a significant surge in value, causing it to reach a market cap of $1.6 billion in late May 2023. This rapid growth attracted buyers and turned several early adopters into millionaires in the process.
PEPE differentiates itself from other meme coins through its no-tax policy, rewarding long-term stakers through a redistributive system, and implementing a burning mechanism to ensure scarcity of the PEPE coin. Founders of PEPE, on the other hand, remain anonymous. They do, however, regularly utilize social media platforms like Twitter to promote the meme coin and cultivate its devoted community. To conclude, Pepe Coin has several unique characteristics that could make it stand out among other meme coins, also in terms of price performance.
Dogwifhat (WIF) is a meme coin on the Solana blockchain that has become the main representative of Solana’s meme coin scene. Dogwifhat launched in November of 2023, which almost perfectly coincided with the resurgence of the Solana ecosystem. Positioned at the right place and at the right time, WIF benefited significantly as a growing number of crypto traders started paying close attention to the Solana ecosystem.
The Dogwifhat project is not promising any utility for the WIF token, and they don’t even provide a roadmap. The entire token revolves around an image of a Shiba Inu breed dog wearing a knitted hat, which is often edited by community members to create memes.
Although the fact that WIF has no utility whatsoever means that the token could easily crash in value, it also ironically works in favor of the token. By not making any promises at all, the Dogwifhat team seems to have completely embraced the high-risk and speculative nature of the crypto markets.
Dogwifhat is currently the tenth-largest meme coin by market capitalization, behind Floki Inu and SPX9600.
Bonk is a meme coin built on the highly scalable Solana blockchain. It gained widespread attention at launch in late 2022 after being distributed through a large airdrop to members of the Solana community. According to the project’s website, Bonk aims to limit the influence of venture capital firms within the Solana ecosystem while putting more control in the hands of everyday users.
The development team says BONK has been integrated into more than 130 products spanning gaming, betting, decentralized finance, and NFTs. The community has also launched several games that allow users to spend and earn BONK tokens, helping to expand its use beyond simple trading.
After the initial hype faded in 2022, interest in Bonk remained quiet for much of 2023. That changed dramatically toward the end of the year, when the token surged by more than 5,600% over the final three months. This rally pushed BONK into the top 100 cryptocurrencies by market capitalization. The momentum continued into the 2024 market cycle, with Bonk reaching a new all-time high in November 2024. At the time of writing, BONK has a market cap just above $750 million, placing it just outside the top five meme coins.
Pudgy Penguins is a well-known NFT collection made up of 8,888 hand-drawn penguin characters minted on the Ethereum blockchain. Launched in July 2021, the project quickly gained recognition for its focus on community and positive branding within the NFT space. Holders, collectively referred to as “The Huddle,” are central to the project’s identity, with an emphasis on creativity, inclusivity, and shared ownership.
The project has grown beyond digital collectibles, expanding into physical merchandise, toys, and various forms of digital content. This broader strategy is designed to connect Web3 culture with mainstream audiences and establish Pudgy Penguins as a recognizable consumer brand rather than just an NFT collection.
Community engagement remains a core part of the ecosystem, supported by events, collaborations, and ongoing initiatives. Pudgy Penguins has also explored new on-chain concepts such as Soulbound Tokens, which are intended to strengthen digital identity and participation across its expanding ecosystem.
5.Floki Inu – A meme token depicting a Shiba Inu dog in a Viking hat
Floki Inu (FLOKI) is a cryptocurrency that emerged from the Shiba Inu (SHIB) community and draws inspiration from Elon Musk’s Shiba Inu dog. It aims to be the people’s cryptocurrency and serves as the utility token for the Floki Ecosystem. The project is focused on developing four flagship utility projects, including Valhalla, an NFT gaming metaverse, FlokiFi, a suite of decentralized finance products, FlokiPlaces, an NFT and merchandise marketplace, and the University of Floki, a content and education platform. The first-mentioned Valhalla project remains one of the main highlights of Floki’s development. It is an NFT gaming metaverse where players can earn rewards, battle with creatures called Vera, and engage in activities like gardening and trading assets.
Floki is managed by a decentralized community and has a core team representing the community’s interests. The members of the Floki community, who are known as the “Floki Vikings”, take social engagement very seriously. In addition, the project has formed quite a few partnerships with prominent crypto projects like Chainlink, Trader Joe, and ApeSwap. They work towards the long-term vision of creating an autonomous and decentralized ecosystem, combining memes with utility, and exploring various use cases through NFTs, games, and decentralized finance features.
6. Bone ShibaSwap – A playful decentralized trading platform
Bone ShibaSwap (BONE) is the governance token of the ShibaSwap decentralized exchange (DEX), offering voting functionality to the Shib Army community. With BONE, users can vote on proposals, submit their suggestions, and gain access to future NFTs. The more BONE tokens held, the greater the voting power wielded by users. ShibaSwap, launched in July 2021, serves as an exchange platform for users to trade their SHIB tokens for other cryptocurrencies, and BONE which is an Ethereum-based token, acts as a crucial component in the Shiba ecosystem, which also includes the popular Shiba Inu (SHIB) and Doge Killer (LEASH) tokens.
The ShibaSwap platform offers various features, including liquidity provision (DIG), staking of SHIB, LEASH, and BONE tokens (BURY), ERC-20 token swapping, earning WOOF returns (rewards), migration of Uniswap V2 liquidity to ShibaSwap for additional BONE rewards (FETCH), and access to analytics through BONEFOLIO. With Shiba Inu ranking as the second most valuable meme coin by market capitalization, having reached a high of $40B, BONE presents an enticing opportunity within this vibrant ecosystem. In addition, ShibaSwap envisions building a metaverse platform by combining SHIB, LEASH, and BONE. This development aims to create the “best Decentralized Ecosystem (DECO) on the planet,” with BONE serving as the governance token of this revolutionary DAO called Doggy.
Fartcoin is a meme cryptocurrency developed on the Solana blockchain, originally conceived by an AI entity called Terminal of Truths. The idea for Fartcoin was first shared on the Infinite Backrooms platform, a hub where AI agents interact and exchange concepts.
After the initial suggestion, anonymous members of the crypto community took the idea and turned it into reality using the Pump.fun launchpad. The token officially launched in October 2024 and began to gain traction with notable price increases by November of the same year.
The inherently absurd nature of Fartcoin’s concept drew substantial attention, generating widespread publicity that further propelled its price growth. At its peak, Fartcoin achieved a market capitalization of roughly $1.5 billion.
8. Pump.fun – A Solana-based platform where meme coins are launched and traded instantly
Pump.fun is a meme coin launchpad built on the Solana blockchain that went viral in 2024. Rather than operating as a single cryptocurrency, the platform allows users to create and launch their own meme coins instantly, with no coding skills required. This approach has made it easy to turn internet jokes, trends, and viral moments into tradable tokens within minutes.
The platform quickly became a center for high-volume speculative activity on Solana, with thousands of new tokens being created every day. Most of these projects are short-lived, but a small number have managed to build active communities and secure listings on centralized exchanges.
By removing technical and financial barriers, Pump.fun has changed how meme coins come to market. Its model has accelerated the pace of token creation on Solana and reinforced the trend toward fast, community-driven meme coin launches.
Gone are the days when meme coins were underestimated and disregarded by crypto investors. Especially after Dogecoin’s and Shiba Inu’s remarkable performance in 2021, crypto enthusiasts often and eagerly seek the next best meme coin. In addition, meme tokens often boast strong communities and a high potential for deploying decentralized apps and projects. Perhaps also because of this, it is nowadays not a rarity that meme coins appear on lists of the best cryptocurrencies to invest in.
In this article, we presented the top 8 meme coins that we believe have a high potential to be the next coin to explode, with the reasoning behind each token’s inclusion. To conclude, we are adding a concise table of all the featured meme coins along with each token’s basic market data.
*Market capitalization data as of January 21, 2026.
However, if you are a slightly more conservative investor, you might find some less memeable digital asset investment ideas in our top altcoin picks and the best long-term cryptos articles. In any case, it is crucial for you to conduct your own due diligence before making any investment decisions.
Forecasting which is the next cryptocurrency to explode is always a daunting task, as it is very challenging to predict how the market will behave in the rest of 2026 and the future. At the same time, the fact that a few projects have a much higher likelihood of performing exceptionally well compared to the rest remains almost undisputed.
Which is the next cryptocurrency to explode in 2026?
When trying to identify the next big crypto project and evaluating what crypto is going to explode next, it is important to consider several factors. Most important are the project’s fundamentals, such as the technology it uses, its potential use cases, and the team that stands behind it. However, one should not omit external factors such as regulation, market sentiment, and economic conditions from its analysis.
Taking all these factors into account, we have compiled a list of the 12 most promising blockchain projects that have the potential to explode in 2026:
As you can see, our selection consists of several established market leaders that still have a large room to grow, mixed with a few promising newcomers, whose native cryptocurrencies could be the next in line to go on a bull run. In the remainder of the article, we will explore the reasoning behind each crypto’s placing on our list of the next cryptos to explode in 2026.
1. Kaspa – An Innovative layer 1 distributed ledger
Kaspa is a Layer 1 cryptocurrency that takes a different technical approach compared to traditional blockchains by using a blockDAG (Directed Acyclic Graph) architecture instead of a linear chain of blocks. More specifically, Kaspa is built on GHOSTDAG, a protocol that allows multiple blocks to be created and confirmed in parallel rather than forcing them into a single chain.
This unique design enables Kaspa to add new blocks extremely quickly, currently at a rate of one block per second, while maintaining high security and decentralization. Thanks to its architecture, the network can process transactions efficiently with minimal fees, even under higher network load. Kaspa is secured by proof of work and uses the k-HeavyHash algorithm, a modified version of Bitcoin’s SHA-256, making the network permissionless and open to anyone who wants to participate as a miner.
Why could Kaspa be the next cryptocurrency to explode in 2026?
Kaspa has already proven itself as one of the strongest-performing crypto assets in recent years. In 2024, it emerged as one of the most profitable cryptocurrencies to mine and gained roughly 59% against the US dollar in 2025. This strong performance highlights growing interest from both miners and long-term investors.
Another major catalyst for Kaspa came when Marathon Digital, one of the largest cryptocurrency mining companies in the United States, announced the launch of its Kaspa mining operations. Marathon has invested heavily in Kaspa mining hardware, including Bitmain’s KS3, KS5, and KS5 Pro miners, and expects to control around 16% of Kaspa’s global hashrate once its full deployment is complete. The company cited Kaspa’s fair launch, advanced technology, and strong market position as key reasons for expanding beyond Bitcoin mining.
That said, investors should also keep expectations realistic. Kaspa is no longer a low-cap project, with a market capitalization of around $1.2 billion, ranking it among the top crypto assets by market value. While this could limit the scale of future gains compared to smaller projects, Kaspa’s technology, mining adoption, and growing network activity still position it as a strong contender for further upside in the coming years.
2. Sui – A revolutionary scalable smart-contract-enabled blockchain
Sui is an emerging Layer 1 blockchain and smart contract platform that aims to make digital asset ownership fast, private, secure, and accessible to everyone. Similarly, to Aptos, the platform is based on the Move programming language. Sui enables parallel execution, sub-second finality, and the creation of rich on-chain assets. Due to the horizontal scalability of both processing power and storage, Sui will be able to support a wide range of applications at unrivaled speed and low cost. Sui was founded by former executives and lead developers of Meta’s Novi Research.
Why could Sui be the next cryptocurrency to explode in 2026?
Once fully deployed, Sui will provide a platform, on which creators and developers could easily build user-friendly applications. At the same time, Sui aims to solve the common pain points of first-generation blockchains, such as scalability issues and a lack of, or at least very expensive on-chain storage. This revolutionary up-and-rising blockchain could turn out to be the next disruptive project in the crypto space and even dethrone the established smart blockchains.
In fact, SUI has already attracted a large number of cryptocurrency investors, who went on a spending spree as soon as SUI started trading on Binance. This caused SUI’s price to explode from its Launchpool price of just $0.10 to $1.84 just moments after the trading commenced. This indicates that at least part of the community may have already recognized SUI’s enormous potential.
3. Filecoin – A decentralized blockchain-based file storage network
Filecoin is a decentralized network that enables users to rent their unused hard drive space and receive FIL, the platform’s native cryptocurrency, in exchange. The project launched its highly anticipated mainnet on October 15, 2020, after having successfully raised $205 million through an ICO already back in 2017.
To ensure secure and accurate data storage, Filecoin uses a proof-of-replication consensus mechanism. By incentivizing users to offer storage space, the platform established a decentralized data storage network, which provides a more affordable and efficient data storage alternative to centralized cloud storage providers.
Why could Filecoin be the next cryptocurrency to explode in 2026?
With the growing adoption of decentralized protocols and the increased demand for Web3 solutions, the need for decentralized storage is expected to rise. As already mentioned, Filecoin offers a file storage solution that is not only more cost-effective but also more reliable compared to its centralized counterparts – the cloud storage providers.
These advantages position Filecoin as a big beneficiary of the transition to Web3 and a potential major player in the future of the crypto industry.
4. Solana – A fast and low-cost blockchain for decentralized apps and finance
Solana is a smart contract-enabled blockchain platform that prioritizes scalability. With an impressive throughput of 65,000 transactions per second and incredibly low transaction fees, Solana is viewed as a formidable competitor to Ethereum. It achieves such high efficiency through a novel proof-of-history consensus algorithm and timestamping system.
Consequently, Solana is highly sought after by a variety of non-fungible token (NFT) projects and decentralized finance application developers. Solana’s significant financial backing from major investors such as Polychain and Andreessen Horowitz ensures ample resources for the future development of its ecosystem, further cementing its appeal to blockchain developers.
Why could Solana be the next cryptocurrency to explode in 2026?
Solana is one of the top high-performance smart blockchains in the world that can cater to the needs of hundreds of DeFi, NFT, and other projects. Interestingly, SOL currently trades at around $20, far from its ATH of $260 achieved in November 2021, despite the concurrent growth in Solana adoption. This leaves SOL a lot of space for potentially fast price growth.
In addition, Solana is one of the most progressive blockchains when it comes to the integration of artificial intelligence (AI). The Solana developers recently integrated a special ChatGPT plug-in, which allows users to query on-chain data directly from ChatGPT. If Solana follows through on even more thorough AI integration, SOL could go a long way.
5. Polygon – A leading layer 2 solution for faster and cheaper transactions
Polygon, formerly known as Matic Network, is a leading layer 2 scaling solution for Ethereum that addresses the scalability limitations of the largest smart contract blockchain.
Polygon uses multiple proof-of-stake sidechains and regularly pushes data to Ethereum to create network checkpoints, which allows it to achieve higher speeds, significantly higher throughput and, most importantly, lower fees. As a result, Polygon has become an attractive platform for developers of decentralized apps and has established itself as a leading player in the DeFi sector.
Why could Polygon (MATIC) be the next cryptocurrency to explode in 2026?
Polygon has emerged as the top Ethereum layer 2 solutions over the past few years. In addition, the project offers a variety of payment, non-fungible token (NFT), and DeFi-focused solutions. What is more, the project has lately been especially successful at securing partnerships with major global corporations, such as Disney, Reddit, Nubank, and others. Assuming that Polygon maintains its strong momentum from 2022, which is likely, MATIC’s price could easily climb higher.
While some investors may be concerned that layer 2 solutions could become redundant as Ethereum’s scalability improves, Vitalik Buterin himself recently emphasized that they will continue to play a crucial part in the Ethereum ecosystem. To conclude, Polygon’s new partnerships, innovative features, and solutions to Ethereum’s scalability challenges are drawing attention from more and more established businesses, making Polygon a promising platform for future development and MATIC a potentially very lucrative investment.
6. XRP – An ISO 20022-compliant remittance-focused cryptocurrency
Ripple Network was launched in 2012 by Chris Larsen, Jed McCaleb, and Arthur Britto with an aim to facilitate fast and cost-effective cross-border payments and improve the traditional banking system. Ripple uses a unique Ripple Protocol consensus algorithm (RPCA) to validate transactions, which is not proof-of-work nor proof-of-stake but instead relies on a distributed agreement protocol to increase processing speed and efficiency. The Ripple Network is ISO 20022-compatible and, perhaps also due to this, well connected to the traditional payment systems.
The blockchain’s native cryptocurrency is XRP, whose total supply is fixed at 100 billion coins. At launch, 80% of the XRP supply was given to the fintech firm Opencoin, now known as Ripple Labs. Ripple Labs still holds over half of the total XRP supply. Coins are mostly locked in escrow wallets, and a small portion of XRP is released each month.
Why could XRP be the next cryptocurrency to explode in 2026?
XRP has established a distinct role in the crypto ecosystem by focusing on fast and low-cost value transfers. This gives it a solid long-term use case, especially in areas where transaction speed and efficiency are critical. As global remittance volumes continue to rise, solutions like ODL could become more widely used by institutions looking to move funds across borders without relying on slow and costly traditional systems.
The XRP Ledger has also demonstrated reliability and efficiency over more than a decade in operation. Its consensus mechanism sidesteps the energy demands associated with Proof-of-Work networks while still supporting a high volume of transactions. Ongoing partnerships with banks, payment providers, and financial services companies could further reinforce XRP’s position as blockchain adoption in payments expands. If these integrations keep growing, XRP could continue to stand out as a strong long-term cryptocurrency.
7. Mina Protocol – A lightweight blockchain utilizing recursive zk-SNARKs
Mina Protocol is a blockchain that prioritizes simplicity and accessibility. It is known for being the world’s lightest blockchain, with a network size of just 22 KB. The project was initially launched as Coda Protocol in 2017 but underwent a rebranding to Mina Protocol in October 2020.
Unlike other blockchains that grow in size as adoption and traffic increase, Mina’s size is designed to remain constant. This unique feature allows for easy access and low system requirements for users interacting with the blockchain. Despite its ultra-small size, Mina maintains a secure and decentralized network using zero-knowledge proofs technology also known as zk-SNARKs.
Why could Mina Protocol be the next cryptocurrency to explode in 2026?
Mina Protocol has actually already exploded soon following its launch in the period between July and September 2021, when it saw a surge of over 500%. Nevertheless, most of its gains were erased during the 2022 bear market. Once the market sentiment shifts again, Mina Protocol has the potential to recover a significant portion of its losses.
In addition, Mina’s size and low system requirements are the blockchain’s unique characteristics, which could come in handy if or when blockchain-based solutions break through to less-powerful electronic devices such as microchips on the Internet of Things (IoT).
8. Rocket Pool – A sophisticated decentralized Ethereum staking platform
Rocket Pool is a decentralized staking platform for Ethereum that enables users to participate in the staking process, even if they hold less than the required 32 ETH. With Rocket Pool, users can stake as little as 0.01 ETH. After staking ETH, users receive rETH, which is a tokenized staking deposit token. The amount of rETH on their account grows with time as staking rewards are also paid out in rETH. rETH can be swapped for ETH and vice versa at any given moment.
The protocol also allows users to offer staking node services to the pool. Node operators can reach higher returns by participating in Rocket Pool than by staking solo but are required to monitor and maintain smooth uninterrupted operation of their staking node. The governance token for the protocol’s DAO is RPL, which also serves as incentives and insurance for the value behind rETH in the event of penalties or slashing.
Why could Rocket Pool be the next cryptocurrency to explode in 2026?
With the increasing demand for generating passive income with ETH through staking, services like Lido and centralized solutions offered by several centralized exchanges have gained popularity among crypto investors. If this trend continues, Rocket Pool, one of the leading decentralized Ethereum staking platforms, is expected to emerge as one of the best-performing crypto assets in 2026.
9. Cronos – A smart-contract-enabled blockchain environment by Crypto.com
Cronos is the leading Ethereum Virtual Machine (EVM)-compatible layer 1 blockchain network built on the Cosmos SDK. The blockchain is developed by Crypto.com cryptocurrency exchange and is designed to seamlessly interact with Ethereum-native decentralized applications (dApps).
Cronos also aims to provide faster transactions and lower fees compared to the Ethereum mainnet. Cronos achieves this by utilizing a Proof of Authority consensus algorithm, which allows for faster block confirmations and higher throughput. Cronos’ native token is CRO. The token can be used for staking, governance, as a medium of exchange within the network, as well as to get benefits and discounts when using Crypto.com’s services.
Why could Cronos be the next cryptocurrency to explode in 2026?
Firstly, as an exchange-backed token, CRO price is not only related to the current traffic and use cases on the Cronos network but also to the benefits it can provide to Crypto.com users. Throughout the last few years, this has caused the CRO price to drop despite the Cronos ecosystem experiencing continued growth and expansion. As a result, CRO trades more than 93% below its ATH price today. This either means that CRO was overbought for the perks it provided in the past or that the token is significantly undervalued today. Whatever the case, CRO price could spike again if Crypto.com reintroduces some of the perks, which could happen in the next sustained bullish period.
In addition, the Cronos community has recently proposed to decrease CRO’s inflation rate by implementing a burning mechanism. According to the proposal, 15% of fees in each transaction would be transferred to a community pool and then periodically burned as per the approval from the project’s governance community. This could significantly reduce the growth of CRO’s available supply and drive the price of CRO up in the long run.
10. Shiba Inu – The second most popular meme-inspired cryptocurrency
Shiba Inu (SHIB) is a blockchain platform that was launched in August 2020. It started as an “experiment in decentralized community building” but quickly gained attention due to its unprecedented market run. The project is managed by the pseudonymous Shytoshi Kusama, a volunteer project lead, and has a massive social media following known as the “Shib Army.”
Throughout the years Shiba Inu has evolved from merely an experimental blockchain to a fully functional environment for various decentralized applications. The project’s ecosystem includes the native ShibaSwap decentralized exchange, SHIB Burning Portal, as well as several NFT and metaverse projects. The ecosystem is powered by a trio of tokens: SHIB, LEASH, and BONE. SHIB, the platform’s primary incentive token, is firmly positioned among the top 20 cryptocurrencies with the largest market capitalization.
Why could Shiba Inu be the next cryptocurrency to explode in 2026?
Shiba Inu (SHIB) has the potential to be the next crypto to explode due to several factors. Firstly, the upcoming launch of Shibarium, a layer 2 solution for the Shiba Inu blockchain, could lead to improved transaction speed and lower transaction costs. Additionally, the effect of SHIB burning could potentially decrease the circulating supply of the token, which may drive its price higher in the long term.
It has to be noted that SHIB burning is a bit unpredictable as it doesn’t follow any fixed schedule or mechanism but rather represents the community members performing gamified tasks or sending their SHIB to a so-called “dead wallet” during burning events or parties. Nevertheless, the community seems very eager to destroy enough tokens to push the price of SHIB above 1 cent. With these developments, SHIB could see another massive market rally soon.
11. Toncoin – A blockchain project originally designed by the Telegram team
Toncoin is the native asset of TON Blockchain, a decentralized blockchain platform originally designed by the team behind the popular encrypted messaging app Telegram.
TON Blockchain supports smart contracts functionality, and achieves consensus through Proof-of-Stake. However, we should mention that the project also implemented Proof-of-Work for a limited amount of time to determine the initial distribution of TON coins and ensure a fair and decentralized launch.
Even though it started under Telegram’s wing, TON Blockchain transitioned to being developed by the community and is no longer officially affiliated with Telegram. Nevertheless, the Telegram app continues to roll out various integrations with Toncoin. For example, users can store, send and receive TON coins directly from the Telegram application.
Why could Toncoin be the next cryptocurrency to explode in 2026?
Toncoin continues to be closely integrated with the Telegram messenger, which has a massive userbase of around 950 million people worldwide. In 2024, we saw the rapid growth of Telegram mini apps such as Notcoin and Hamster Kombat, which provided a gamified way for users to engage with the TON Blockchain ecosystem and earn tokens as a reward.
Recently, the TON Foundation announced a major partnership with Jupiter to create a new liquidity aggregator on the TON Blockchain. Jupiter is known for its impressive success on the Solana blockchain, where it enables efficient token swaps. With players such as Jupiter becoming involved with TON Blockchain, 2026 could be the year when TON Blockchain becomes a powerhouse in DeFi (decentralized finance).
12. Render Network – Decentralized network for GPU power
The Render Network is a decentralized platform that connects users in need of GPU rendering with those who have unused GPU capacity. The platform simplifies access to GPU rendering while enabling hardware owners to earn income from their computer’s idle resources.
While Render Network is not specifically focused on AI, it plays a supportive role in meeting the growing demand for AI by providing GPU computing power, which is essential for technologies like ChatGPT. The platform already facilitates image generation using deep learning models such as Stable Diffusion.
Initially, Render Network’s incentive system operated on the Ethereum blockchain. However, the project has since migrated its RENDER token to Solana, which has become the go-to platform for dePIN projects aiming to scale to larger user bases.
Why could Render Network be the next cryptocurrency to explode in 2026?
RENDER is a solid option if you’re expecting an altseason in 2026 since it covers two of the most hyped investment sectors at the moment – AI (artificial intelligence) and dePIN (decentralized physical infrastructure networks).
Although the Render Network project is certainly more of a dePIN project than it is an AI project, RENDER has benefited significantly from generative artificial intelligence, as the network can harness computing power to generate images using deep learning models.
Notably, Render Network has established a partnership with OTOY, Stability AI and Endeavor to create intellectual property and infrastructure for technologies powered by artificial intelligence. One of the key goals of the partnership is to optimize Stability AI’s models to operate on the Render Network.
The bottom line – There are several crypto candidates that could see explosive growth in 2026
As previously stated, successfully identifying what is the next crypto to explode requires thorough research and, admittedly, also quite some luck. Nevertheless, the 12 cryptocurrencies we have listed hold a relatively high potential for significant price increases in the rest of 2026. Furthermore, each of these cryptocurrencies has one or more distinctive features that set it apart from the rest of the crypto projects, which could bode very well for the project in certain situations.
If you are, however, a long-term investor, who is not constantly on the search for the next big thing in crypto and you prefer HODLing, we recommend you read through our picks for the best cryptocurrencies to buy today for the long-term.
Singapore, Singapore, January 20th, 2026, Chainwire
Pendle, The world’s largest crypto yield trading platform, has announced an upgrade to its native token, introducing sPENDLE. The update is intended to unlock deeper liquidity, diversify revenue streams, and strengthen Pendle’s position within the onchain yield and rates segment. Supported by recent performance metrics from Pendle and Boros, the upgrade underscores the platform’s long term goals in decentralized finance (DeFi) and broadens related markets.
Record 2025 Performance and Protocol Dominance
In 2025, Pendle achieved major milestones across key network and financial metrics, illustrating both robust usage and sustained market capture in yield trading:
Average Total Value Locked (TVL): ~$5.7B up 76% YoY, with a peak TVL of ~$13.4B. This reflects strong liquidity engagement across yield markets, placing Pendle immediately within the likes of other major DeFi protocols such as Uniswap, Aave and Hyperliquid.
Total fees accrued: ~$44.6M up +134% YoY, with holders’ revenue reaching ~$34.9M.
Monthly notional trading volume: ~$54B (90-day trailing average) with frequent daily nine-figure volume, a testament to Pendle’s fixed yield demand.
The data reflects Pendle’s position as a notable venue for tokenized yield and funding rates trading, with reported realized fees and liquidity depth exceeding those of several comparable platforms within the fixed income space.
Pendle’s New Token Enhancements
The upgraded Pendle token introduces a comprehensive solution to for simplicity and fair distribution across its ecosystem:
Protocol revenue will be used for PENDLE token buybacks, and distributed to active sPENDLE holders
Improved liquidity model by enabling sPENDLE a simple 14-day withdrawal period (or instant redemption for a 5% fee).
sPENDLE also transforms as composable, and fungible token that can be integrated with any dApp, eliminating the trade-off between participation and liquidity regardless of time horizon
The previous manual voting system will be upgraded to an algorithmic emission model, targeting to cut PENDLE emissions by 20-30% while delivering significantly better allocation efficiency
vePENDLE locks will be paused on January 29th, and any existing vePENDLE holders by then will receive a special multiplier to their virtual sPENDLE balance based on their remaining lock duration (up to 4x). Rewards will be distributed based on this virtual sPENDLE balance, allowing PENDLE holders to gain outsized rewards during this transition period with vePENDLE
“This upgrade is a structural improvement as we scale both Pendle and Boros” said TN Lee, Co-Founder and CEO of Pendle. “Our goal has always been to bring the efficiency and scale of traditional fixed income markets into DeFi. With this upgrade, Pendle becomes a more robust, sustainable, and institution ready yield infrastructure.”
Boros: New Frontier in Onchain Rates Trading
Additional catalyst for Pendle’s upgraded token architecture is Boros, a first-of-its-kind onchain venue that tokenizes perpetual funding rates, transforming an untradable yield stream into a tradable instrument. Boros metrics highlight rapid organic adoption and material growth potential:
Key Metrics: 4-months after its launch Boros achieved ~$6.9B in open interest ~$91M and $6.8M in deposits by year-end 2025.
Boros has generated ~$301K in fees while operating in a nascent market establishing early product-market fit for rate derivatives on-chain.
Perpetual markets with ~$63B in open interest represent a significant growth potential where Boros currently holds early share, expecting to unlock up to 10x OI penetration with corresponding ~15% incremental protocol fee growth.
Boros has also listed NVDAUSDC-Hyperliquid, allowing users to speculate and trade the funding rate of HIP-3 NVIDIA perp market, heralding the listing of more exotic assets as well as other equity perps like S&P500, NASDAQ, AMZN, TSLA and more.
By addressing one of the largest untapped yield sources in DeFi which is funding rates exposure, Boros further strengthens Pendle’s growth vector, helping diversify revenue beyond TVL and traditional yield fees.
Strategic Vision: From DeFi Yield to Global Fixed Income Infrastructure
Pendle’s token upgrade is intended to support the protocol’s infrastructure for scaling the yield layer of decentralized finance (DeFi) in relation to both centralized and traditional financial markets. Fixed income remains one of the largest segments in global finance, and Pendle has developed a range of tools—from principal and yield tokens to funding rate derivatives—aimed at facilitating access to this area. The protocol continues to broaden its integrations, including leverage strategies, AI applications, collateralized PT usage, and cross-chain liquidity mechanisms.
About Pendle
Pendle is the world’s largest crypto yield trading platform empowering the tokenization and trading of yield-bearing assets. Pendle unlocks sophisticated yield strategies for retail and institutional participants alike redefining the future of onchain fixed income.
London, UK. Dec 13, 2025 –The UK SEO Summit has officially announced its upcoming edition, which will take place on 26 August 2026 in London, UK, and is one of the most anticipated SEO events in the UK. Recognized as a leading SEO conference in the UK, the UK SEO Summit will once again bring together search engine optimization professionals, digital marketers, founders, and industry leaders from across the globe for a high- impact, hybrid experience that blends in-person engagement with global online participation.
Designed to empower professionals at every level, the UK SEO Summit has established itself as a must-attend SEO conference in London, offering advanced insights, practical strategies, and direct access to some of the most respected voices in the search industry. The event is organized by Skyrocket Marketers Agency, a London-based SEO agency known for delivering data-driven search growth strategies to businesses in the UK and beyond.
A flagship SEO event for the UK search community
As one of the most comprehensive London SEO conferences, the UK SEO Summit focuses on helping attendees rank higher, reach further, and dominate the UK search landscape. The summit’s agenda spans the full spectrum of modern SEO, including on-page SEO, technical SEO, off-page SEO, local SEO, and eCommerce SEO.
Participants attending this SEO event in London will gain in-depth exposure to topics such as keyword research, site architecture, mobile optimization, page speed performance, backlink acquisition, content optimization, and adapting to algorithm updates. The sessions are built around real-world case studies and actionable frameworks designed to deliver measurable improvements in search visibility and long-term growth.
With search evolving rapidly, the UK SEO Summit positions itself as a forward-thinking London SEO conference, helping professionals stay ahead of trends shaping the future of organic search in the UK and globally.
Hybrid format expands global reach
The UK SEO Summit will be delivered as a fully hybrid SEO conference in London, allowing attendees to participate either in person in London or remotely from anywhere in the world. This flexible format ensures broader access to high-value content while maintaining the energy, interaction, and community that define top-tier SEO Networking UK experiences.
World-class speaker lineup
The 2026 edition of the UK SEO Summit features an impressive lineup of industry experts, consultants, and founders who are actively shaping the search ecosystem. Confirmed speakers include:
Craig Campbell, SEO Trainer & Consultant at Craig Campbell SEO
Ivana Flynn, SEO Consultant
Katarina Dahlin, Senior Growth Hacker at WhitePress®
Dan Taylor, Enterprise SEO Consultant
Oliver Kenyon, Founder & CEO of ConversionWise
Anna Moragli, SEO Strategist and Founder & CEO of Search Magic
Kalin Karakehayov, Founder at Seo. Domains
Michael Melen, Co-Founder at SmartSites
Through keynote presentations, expert panels, and practical sessions, speakers will share insights drawn from hands-on experience across enterprise SEO, growth marketing, content strategy, and conversion optimization.
High-impact SEO networking opportunities
Beyond education, the UK SEO Summit is widely recognized for its focus on meaningful seo networking uk. The event is designed to foster collaboration, idea exchange, and long-term professional relationships among attendees.
Networking sessions create opportunities for SEO specialists, agency owners, developers, marketers, and decision-makers to connect with peers, explore partnerships, and gain exposure to new tools and methodologies. This emphasis on community has helped position the event among the most valuable seo conferences london for relationship-driven growth.
Learning, knowledge sharing, and professional growth
At its core, the UK SEO Summit is a knowledge-driven uk seo summit that encourages learning, contribution, and professional development. Attendees are invited to be part of an idea-focused environment where expertise is shared openly, innovation is celebrated, and practical skills are sharpened.
Whether attending to refine technical SEO capabilities, enhance content strategies, or understand emerging ranking signals, participants leave equipped with strategies they can immediately apply to client campaigns or internal projects.
Tickets and sponsorship opportunities
Tickets for the UK SEO Summit on 26 August 2026 are now available, including early-bird online and in-person passes. The event also offers sponsorship packages for brands seeking visibility among a targeted audience of SEO professionals, digital marketers, and business leaders.
Sponsorship opportunities allow companies to align their brand with one of the most influential london seo conferences, gaining exposure through event promotion, on-site engagement, and direct interaction with decision-makers in the search industry.
Organized by Skyrocket Marketers Agency
The UK SEO Summit is organized by Skyrocket Marketers Agency, an SEO agency based in London, UK. The agency specializes in delivering performance-focused SEO strategies and has built the summit as a platform to elevate industry standards, foster collaboration, and drive sustainable growth within the search marketing community.
For full event details, speaker updates, ticket information, and ongoing news, visit https://ukseosummit.com/
As one of the UK’s leading SEO events UK, the UK SEO Summit continues to define what a modern SEO conference UK should deliver: strategic insight, powerful connections, and practical knowledge that helps professionals succeed in an increasingly competitive search landscape.
Media Contact
Company Name: SKYROCKET MARKETERS LTD Contact Person: Andreas loannou Email: info@ukseosummit.com Website: https://ukseosummit.com/ City: London Country: United Kingdom
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NEXT INNOVATIONS TECHNOLOGY L.L.C. (NEXST), a next-generation Web3 entertainment platform, announced a strategic partnership with KISS OF LIFE, the winner of the 2025 Asia Artist Awards “Best Musician Group.” The group will join NEXST VR LIVE as the platform’s second official collaboration artist.
NEXST VR LIVE is the immersive VR concert service within the NEXST ecosystem, supported by the $NXT token. Through this collaboration with KISS OF LIFE, NEXST continues its mission to bring large-scale global fandoms on-chain by embedding digital ownership, decentralized access, and immersive technology into entertainment experiences.
Building a Gateway From Web2 Fandoms to Web3
NEXST is an AI-, VR-, and blockchain-powered entertainment platform designed to bridge mainstream Web2 audiences into Web3 in a natural and accessible way. Rather than requiring prior crypto knowledge, NEXST leverages globally recognized artists and immersive VR content as an intuitive entry point into the decentralized ecosystem.
In July 2025, NEXST VR LIVE announced Korean girl group UNIS as its first collaboration artist, with VR content currently in production. The partnership with KISS OF LIFE is the perfect spark that kicks off the next stage of evolution at NEXST.
By centering highly interactive entertainment experiences, NEXST introduces Web3-native value propositions such as digital asset ownership and cryptocurrency-based purchases of VR content—while maintaining a seamless user experience for fans new to Web3.
At its core, NEXST delivers deeply interactive experiences with built-in Web3 value: digital asset ownership, crypto-powered VR content purchases all in a smooth, beginner-friendly package.
KISS OF LIFE: A Global Artist Leading the Next Wave of Immersive VR Lives
KISS OF LIFE is an award-winning K-POP group with approximately 9 million followers across global social platforms, known for its distinctive artistry, high-energy performances, and strong influence on global youth culture. Following their successful Japanese debut in November with a new album, they wrapped up a sold-out Japan tour in December. With each milestone, KISS OF LIFE continues to expand their international influence and solidify their place on the global stage.
Through this partnership, KISS OF LIFE’s expressive performance style and dynamic stage presence will be fully integrated into the immersive environments of NEXST VR LIVE. Moving beyond traditional “watch-only” concert formats, fans will be able to step inside the music world itself—sharing a virtual space with the artists and engaging in a next-generation VR live experience that redefines how live music is consumed in digital environments.
Shaping the Future of Entertainment With NEXST
NEXST blends AI, VR, and Web3 to rebuild entertainment at its core: making music, live shows, and fan communities more immersive and rewarding than ever.
NEXST is expanding collaborations with more global and K-pop artists as well as premium IP to create a new paradigm where fans can discover artists, connect directly with them, and co-create shared experiences. Meanwhile, the company aims to build a sustainably scalable entertainment ecosystem that evolves alongside its global community.
For information on the NEXST token ($NXT), upcoming TGE, and the latest updates, users can visit NEXST’s official channels.
NEXST is an AI-driven entertainment infrastructure that transforms the full spectrum of fan experiences into on-chain, verifiable value. By blending proven Web2 models with VR, AI, gaming, and RWA ticketing, NEXST is building a new paradigm of fan continuity—a unified digital economy for global engagement.
About KISS OF LIFE
KISS OF LIFE is a multinational girl group made up of Julie (JULIE), Natty (NATTY), Belle (BELLE), and Haneul (HANEUL).The group’s name embodies their mission: to breathe new life into the world through fresh music and ignite excitement for living.
Since debuting in 2023, KISS OF LIFE has captivated K-POP fans around the world powerful choreography that far exceeds rookie expectations, alongside original and highly creative content. Beginning in Korea in October 2024, the group embarked on their world tour, “KISS OF LIFE 1ST WORLD TOUR [KISS ROAD],” traveling across North America, Europe, and Asia. Following their successful Japanese debut in November with a new album, they wrapped up a sold-out Japan tour in December. With each milestone, KISS OF LIFE continues to expand their international influence and solidify their place on the global stage.
Gibraltar, Gibraltar, January 16th, 2026, Chainwire
MINGO today announced the launch of MINGO Tickets, its digital ticketing platform, alongside its expansion across 54 countries. Designed to make event access verifiable and reliable, the platform improves the fan experience while giving organisers greater confidence and control over ticketing.
Live event ticketing continues to face major challenges worldwide, from ticket fraud and duplicated access to high fees and poor fan experiences. As demand for live events grows globally, organisers are under increasing pressure to adopt systems that are secure, scalable, and accessible across multiple markets.
Built as a progressive web app and powered by enterprise grade infrastructure on the Hedera network, MINGO Tickets works seamlessly across devices without app downloads. It addresses core ticketing issues such as fraud and duplication, supporting high volume events with predictable costs, fast performance, and built in integrity. As part of this expansion, MINGO is rolling out MINGO Tickets across Africa through a partnership with African Boxing and the Yucateco Boxing League, supporting live events across 54 nations and one of the world’s fastest growing sports markets.
Africa represents a mobile first environment where accessibility and reliability are critical. MINGO Tickets is designed to operate across diverse markets while helping reduce ticket fraud by issuing verifiable digital tickets that make authenticity provable rather than assumed.
MINGO was one of the earliest builders on Hedera, selecting the network to support real world utility at scale. Hedera’s speed, security, sustainability, and predictable fees enable MINGO Tickets to operate effectively from grassroots events to major international promotions.
A Practical Approach to Event Access
Verifiable digital tickets that help prevent fraud and duplication
Lower, predictable ticketing fees for organisers
Simple mobile first access through a progressive web app
Tools that allow organisers to engage fans beyond the event
Joe Arthur, CEO of Mingo, said:
“As live events scale globally, the systems behind them need to scale too. MINGO Tickets is about improving access, reducing fraud, and giving organisers a platform they can rely on, while keeping the experience simple for fans. Expanding across 54 countries is a major step in proving that this model works.”
Hon. Omonlei Yakubu Imadu, CEO of Yucateco Boxing Promotions and Vice President of African Boxing, hailed the partnership as a turning point for African sports:
“Our vision has always been to elevate African boxing to the global stage, but we lacked the digital highway to connect our 54 nations. MINGO is not just a ticketing app; it is the operating system for the future of our sport. By integrating ticketing, fighter payments, and fan engagement into one sovereign platform, we are finally unlocking the true economic power of the African continent.”
Kevin Noone, Secretary General of The WBC Asian Boxing Council and Secretary General of WBC MuayThai, added:
“This partnership is a step in the right direction. Making events more accessible for fans, while protecting the integrity of the sport, is hugely important. MINGO Tickets achieves both by delivering a simple, secure, and fair ticketing experience—exactly what the boxing and MuayThai industries need as they continue to grow around the world.”
Built for Scale and Global Use
The rollout across 54 countries marks the first phase of MINGO’s wider international expansion. Future developments will continue to focus on improving access, reducing friction, and supporting organisers and fans with infrastructure designed for real world events at global scale.
About MINGO
MINGO is a digital infrastructure company building tools for live events, including ticketing and fan engagement. Built on the Hedera network, MINGO is designed to address long-standing issues in the ticketing industry such as fraud and scalping, while improving access and reducing friction for organisers and fans across global markets
Contact and Information
MINGO is actively onboarding events of all sizes worldwide. Anyone who introduces an event organiser, promoter, or venue to the platform may be eligible to participate as part of MINGO’s global expansion.
To get involved, users can get in touch at events@mingo.com
George Town, British Virgin Islands, January 14th, 2026, Chainwire
Human Trader ProMint Claims Championship as AI Demonstrates Superior Risk Control
Aster, the high-performance and privacy-focused on-chain trading platform backed by YZi Labs, has announced the final results of its “Human vs AI” live trading competition. Conducted over a two-week period under highly volatile market conditions, the event highlighted a clear contrast between discretionary human trading and AI-driven strategies.
While individual human trader ProMint secured the top ranking with positive net profits, the human trading team as a whole recorded an overall ROI of -32.22%, reflecting significant performance dispersion across participants. In contrast, AI agents delivered materially more stable results at the aggregate level, limiting total losses to approximately USD 13,000 and achieving an overall ROI of -4.48% across all participating AI strategies.
Trading Insight: Stability vs Asymmetric Opportunity
Competition data highlighted a clear contrast in risk behavior between human traders and AI agents. During the event, 43% of human participants were liquidated, while all 30 AI agents completed the competition without a single liquidation, achieving a 100% survival rate.
According to Aster, the results underscore the structural strengths of AI-driven strategies in stable, risk-controlled market environments, where systematic execution and disciplined risk management help mitigate large drawdowns. At the same time, the findings also suggest that in market conditions driven by human emotion, rapid market shifts, and nonlinear price dynamics, discretionary human traders with strong judgment and narrative awareness can still capture asymmetric opportunities and outperform purely systematic approaches.
Future Competitiveness Lies in Collaboration, Not Replacement
Competition data showed that human traders exhibited significantly wider performance dispersion, with individual gains exceeding USD 19,000 and losses in other cases approaching USD 18,000, resulting in higher overall return volatility.
Aster emphasized that the “Human vs AI” showdown was designed not to determine replacement, but to clarify evolving roles. AI is becoming a foundational tool for execution and risk management, while human traders increasingly contribute judgment, context awareness, and narrative interpretation in complex market conditions. As a result, Aster believes future competitiveness will be driven by collaboration between humans and AI, rather than direct confrontation.
Aster: Using the Market as a Real-World Testing Ground
Aster stated that the initial goal of hosting this live trading showdown was to observe how different trading participants behave on the same decentralized infrastructure under real market conditions, rather than relying on backtesting or simulated data.
As the decentralized derivatives market continues to grow, Aster will continue to explore infrastructure designs that better serve professional trading needs, enabling strategies, risk management, and execution to achieve higher certainty on-chain.
“This was not a competition with a predetermined conclusion, but a starting point,” said Leonard, CEO of Aster, in the post-event summary. “As markets become more complex, traders need more than individual tools. They need integrated systems that can evolve alongside the market.”
The Next Trading Showdown Begins on Jan 22
Aster has confirmed that the next live trading showdown will officially kick off on January 22 and take place on the Aster Chain Testnet.
This upcoming event will open participation to a newly expanded group of traders, including professional participants from around the world, enabling live competitive trading within Aster’s testnet environment.
Additional details regarding competition mechanics, rewards, and participation criteria are available in Aster’s official X competition announcement.
About Aster
Aster is an on-chain trading platform offering high-performance perpetual and spot trading with MEV-aware trading mechanics, advanced order types such as Hidden Orders, and a protected trading mode, Shield Mode, across multiple chains. Beyond trading, Aster enables greater capital efficiency through Trade & Earn and supports ecosystem growth via Rocket Launch, which connects real traders with early-stage liquidity opportunities. Backed by YZi Labs, Aster is building toward its own Aster Chain and is currently running a multi-stage airdrop and incentive program to support its global community.
NEXST is an AI-, VR-, and blockchain-powered entertainment platform designed to bridge mainstream Web2 audiences into Web3 in a natural and accessible way. Rather than requiring prior crypto knowledge, NEXST leverages globally recognized artists and immersive VR content as an intuitive entry point into the decentralized ecosystem.
As part of this expansion, MINGO is rolling out MINGO Tickets across Africa through a partnership with African Boxing and the Yucateco Boxing League, supporting live events across 54 nations and one of the world’s fastest growing sports markets. 
Built for Scale and Global Use