What crypto to buy to be ready for 2024?
In this text we’re going to give you coins that we watch carefully going into 2024. Nothing here is financial advice, we simply like the coins!
This is a comprehensive guide to crypto that you can use in your own research to navigate the market.
We explain each narrative and give you a table with top crypto coins we look at. Finally you get a section on where to buy these coins. We recommend MEXC, Gate.io, Kucoin and ByBit exchanges.
Top L1 coins
L1 category coins that we watch are $SOL, $INJ, $SEI, $RUNE, $KUJI, and $TIA.
The table below includes the name, ticker, description, market capitalization, and a link to each coin’s website.
The Layer 1 (L1) blockchain category encompasses the foundational blockchains in the cryptocurrency ecosystem. These blockchains serve as the primary infrastructure on which various applications, including decentralized applications (DApps), smart contracts, and secondary layer solutions (Layer 2), are built and operated.
| Name | Ticker | Description | Market Cap | Website |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Solana | SOL | Solana is a high-functionality, open-source project focusing on decentralized finance (DeFi) solutions. It facilitates decentralized app creation and improves scalability through a proof-of-history consensus combined with proof-of-stake. | $26,997,175,955 | solana.com |
| Injective Protocol | INJ | A blockchain built for finance, Injective is an open, interoperable layer-one blockchain powering DeFi applications, including decentralized exchanges, prediction markets, and lending protocols. It utilizes CosmWasm and a Tendermint-based Proof-of-Stake consensus mechanism. | $1,460,062,703 | injective.com |
| Sei | SEI | Sei is the first sector-specific Layer 1 blockchain, specialized for trading to give exchanges an advantage. It focuses on DEXes and NFT marketplaces. | $616,926,138 | sei.io |
| THORChain | RUNE | THORChain is a decentralized liquidity protocol that allows cryptocurrency asset exchange across various networks. It uses RUNE as its native utility token for platform governance and security. | $2,281,964,354 | thorchain.org |
| Kujira | KUJI | Kujira is a Cosmos Layer 1 platform for community-selected projects. It is semi-permissioned, requiring contracts to be voted in via governance, focusing on “grown-up DeFi”. | $375,818,811 | kujira.app |
| Celestia | TIA | Celestia is the first modular blockchain network, allowing easy deployment of personal blockchains with minimal overhead. It introduces data availability sampling and decouples execution from consensus for scalability. | $1,452,393,562 | celestia.org |
One of the significant challenges for L1 blockchains is scalability, as increasing the number of transactions can lead to congestion and high fees. Some L1 blockchains, like Ethereum, are actively working on scalability solutions (like sharding), while others, like Solana, claim to have inherently higher scalability.
Modern L1 blockchains often focus on interoperability – the ability to interact and exchange information with other blockchains. This feature is crucial for the seamless transfer of assets and data across different blockchain networks.
Top Gaming Coins
In crypto gaming we look at: $ILV, $IMX, $RON, $SUPER, $ATLAS, $SFUND, $PRIME, $BEAM, $XAI, $RLB
These are the top gaming projects being built: games, game launchpads as well as blockchains focused on games.
Crypto gaming, a novel and rapidly evolving sector, melds the vibrant worlds of gaming and blockchain technology, offering a unique experience that extends beyond traditional gaming paradigms. At its core, crypto gaming leverages the power of cryptocurrency and blockchain technology to introduce new gameplay mechanics and economic models. Unlike conventional games, where in-game assets typically remain within the game’s ecosystem, crypto gaming often allows players to own, buy, sell, and trade in-game assets in the form of non-fungible tokens (NFTs), which exist on the blockchain and can be transferred or sold outside the game.
The integration of blockchain into gaming not only enhances the players’ sense of ownership and investment but also introduces the concept of “play-to-earn.” This model enables players to potentially earn real-world value through their in-game activities, such as completing tasks, winning battles, or trading items. This economic framework has attracted a diverse audience, ranging from casual gamers to those seeking alternative income streams.
| Name | Ticker | Description | Market Cap | Link |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Illuvium | ILV | Illuvium is a blockchain-based game built on Ethereum, leveraging Immutable X blockchain and Layer 2 Scaling technology. It’s a role-playing game (RPG) where users can create characters, engage in real-time gameplay, earn NFTs, and stake tokenized assets in a decentralized, zero-fee framework. ILV tokens are used within the Illuvium game and ecosystem, with a supply not exceeding 7 million. | $424,207,256 USD | Illuvium |
| Immutable X | IMX | Immutable X is a layer-2 scaling solution for NFTs on the Ethereum blockchain, designed to power the next generation of Web3 games. It provides infrastructure for seamless gameplay, fast transaction speeds, and gas-free, carbon-neutral NFT minting. The IMX cryptocurrency is used for paying transaction fees, staking for rewards, and community governance. | $1,762,307,669 USD | ImmutableX |
| Ronin | RON | Ronin is an EVM blockchain tailored for gaming, launched by Sky Mavis, the creator of Axie Infinity. It’s designed to scale games to accommodate millions of daily active users and has processed over $4B in NFT volumes. Ronin’s focus is to enhance gaming experiences on the blockchain, with a significant track record in revenue generation and user scalability. | $393,931,223 USD | Ronin |
| SuperFarm | SUPER | The SuperVerse is focused on building Web3 products that enhance NFT functionality and blockchain gaming experiences. It comprises NFT marketplace technology and video games. SuperVerse aims to empower both crypto natives and Web2 users through its offerings, representing a blend of technological innovation and gaming entertainment. | $272,927,794 USD | SuperFarm |
| Star Atlas | ATLAS | Star Atlas is an ambitious project aiming to deliver a metaverse gaming experience that combines various genres and offers a cinema-quality gaming environment. It allows players to earn virtual assets that can be exchanged for real-world currency, seeking to outperform competitors in multiple gaming aspects. | $96,356,160 USD | StarAtlas |
| Seedify.fund | SFUND | A blockchain gaming-focused incubator and launchpad, Seedify empowers innovators and project developers with funding, community, and partnership building, offering a full support system to help drive the future of gaming and blockchain. | $132,307,496 | Seedify.fund |
| Echelon Prime | PRIME | The native token of the Echelon Prime Foundation, PRIME is part of a Web3 ecosystem advancing the next generation of gaming. Echelon creates and distributes tools to encourage innovation in, and promote the growth of, novel gaming models and economies. The first game to utilize PRIME is Parallel, a sci-fi TCG. | $205.5M | Echelon Prime |
| Beam | BEAM | BEAM serves as the native crypto asset for the Beam network, a gaming network empowered by the Merit Circle DAO. It’s an ecosystem where gamers and developers unite to shape the future of the gaming industry. | $24,315,976 | Beam |
| XAI | XAI | Details about XAI’s specific application in gaming are limited, but it’s noted that its smart contract can be modified by its creators. | $81,846 | XAI |
| Rollbit Coin | RLB | Native to the Rollbit platform, RLB is primarily used as an entry ticket for lottery entrants on the platform. It aims to provide gamers with secure transactions and an enhanced gaming experience. | $549,197,843 | Rollbit |
The data provided here is based on the latest available information as of December 2023.
Top DeFi Coins
In DeFi we watch $OSMO, $FLIP, $SNX, $LYRA, $DYDX, $GMX.
Decentralized Finance (DeFi) as represented by coins like Osmosis (OSMO), Chainflip (FLIP), Synthetix (SNX), Lyra Finance (LYRA), dYdX (DYDX), and GMX, reflects the broad and innovative scope of financial services on blockchain technology. These platforms collectively showcase the core principles of DeFi: decentralization, accessibility, and interoperability. For instance, decentralized exchanges (DEXs) such as Osmosis and GMX are reshaping asset trading by eliminating central intermediaries, enabling trustless, peer-to-peer transactions. They facilitate a range of functionalities, from cross-chain swaps to liquidity protocols and even leveraged trading, emphasizing user autonomy and financial inclusion.
Beyond simple trading, platforms like Synthetix and Lyra Finance introduce sophisticated financial instruments into the DeFi ecosystem. Synthetix allows for the creation and trading of synthetic assets that mirror real-world assets on the blockchain, thereby expanding the horizons of what can be traded in a decentralized environment. Lyra Finance and dYdX diversify the landscape further by offering options and derivatives trading, along with margin trading and lending services, reflecting the complexity and maturity of traditional financial markets. The governance models in many of these platforms, where native tokens confer voting rights on key protocol decisions, foster a community-driven approach to financial management. This shift not only decentralizes financial services but also democratizes access, allowing users from any part of the world to participate in a wide range of financial activities without the traditional gatekeeping of centralized finance.
| Name | Ticker | Description | Market Cap | Link |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Osmosis | OSMO | A decentralized exchange (DEX) for Cosmos, supporting interoperable blockchains and bridging assets from Ethereum and Polkadot ecosystems. | $438,250,850 | Osmosis |
| Chainflip | FLIP | A decentralized, trustless protocol for cross-chain swaps between different blockchains, with FLIP used as collateral by Validators. | $93,207,011 | Chainflip |
| Synthetix | SNX | A decentralized synthetic asset issuance protocol on Ethereum, allowing the creation and trading of synthetic assets collateralized by SNX. | $1,091,463,354 | Synthetix Network |
| Lyra Finance | LYRA | Lyra Finance (LYRA) is a decentralized finance protocol for options trading on Ethereum, employing automated market maker technology and featuring a unique market-based, skew adjusted pricing model. | $69,264,596 | Lyra Finance |
| dYdX | DYDX | A non-custodial decentralized margin trading, lending, and derivatives protocol, with DYDX as the ERC-20 governance token. | $615,547,727 | dYdX |
| GMX | GMX | A spot and perpetuals DEX on Arbitrum and Avalanche networks, offering low trading fees, zero price-impact trades, and leveraged trading options. | $472,994,567 | GMX |
Note: The market cap figures are subject to change due to market fluctuations.
Top Oracles
Oracle cryptocurrencies are integral to the functionality of smart contracts in blockchain ecosystems. They act as a bridge between blockchains and external data sources. Oracles provide smart contracts with access to real-world information, such as price feeds, weather data, or other external APIs, which are crucial for the contracts to execute under specific conditions. Oracle tokens are often part of a decentralized network that ensures the reliability and accuracy of the data fed into smart contracts.
There are two oracles we watch Chainlink and Pyth Network
| Name | Ticker | Description | Market Cap | Website |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Chainlink | LINK | A decentralized oracle service that bridges smart contracts on the blockchain with real-world applications, providing access to reliable data feeds, APIs, payments, and more. It serves as a middleware between on-chain and off-chain systems. | $6,280,822,182 | Chainlink |
| Pyth Network | PYTH | A blockchain oracle for market data, delivering real-time data for various assets across multiple blockchains. Supported by major financial institutions, it aims to provide secure, accurate, and low-latency data for DeFi applications. | $672,128,815 | Pyth Network |
Top RWAs
RWA (Real World Assets) cryptocurrencies are typically tied to or represent real-world assets, such as commodities, real estate, or corporate debt. They aim to bridge the gap between traditional finance and the decentralized finance (DeFi) space. RWA tokens often enable tokenization of physical assets, making them tradable and accessible on blockchain networks. This category includes platforms facilitating lending, borrowing, and investing backed by tangible assets.
| Name | Ticker | Description | Market Cap | Website |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Canto | CANTO | An Ethereum Virtual Machine (EVM) compatible, permissionless layer-one blockchain focusing on DeFi and free financial structures. It supports decentralized exchanges, lending markets, and a unit of account token named NOTE. | $220,964,872 | Canto |
| Soil | SOIL | A regulated DeFi protocol that provides secure returns on stablecoins backed by Real World Assets. It operates as a blockchain-based lending platform, connecting traditional finance with the crypto world through a debt marketplace. | $48,239,534 | Soil |
| TokenFi | TOKEN | A tokenization protocol, RWA launchpad and AI generative platform. | $53,420,400 | TokenFi |
Top AI Coins
Artificial Intelligence (AI) in the cryptocurrency realm signifies the integration of AI technologies into blockchain and digital currency platforms. This fusion aims to enhance the capabilities of cryptocurrencies by embedding smart, autonomous decision-making processes, enabling improved data analysis, and facilitating advanced algorithmic trading. AI-driven crypto projects can optimize blockchain networks for higher efficiency, provide intelligent insights for investors, and foster the development of automated trading systems.
Furthermore, AI in cryptocurrencies could lead to the creation of decentralized AI marketplaces, where users can access, share, and develop AI-driven services and applications. This integration not only adds a layer of intelligence to the blockchain but also opens up new possibilities for innovation in the fields of decentralized finance (DeFi), non-fungible tokens (NFTs), and beyond.
| Name | Ticker | Description | Market Cap | Link |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Bittensor | TAO | Launched in 2021, Bittensor is a cryptocurrency with a current supply of 5,225,553 TAO coins and a max supply of 21,000,000 TAO coins. | $1.79 Billion | Bittensor |
| Fetch.AI | FET | Founded in 2017, Fetch.AI is an AI lab building an open, decentralized machine learning network with a crypto economy. | $589.1 Million | Fetch |
| RenderToken | RNDR | A distributed GPU rendering network built on Ethereum, connecting artists/studios needing GPU compute power with partners willing to rent their GPU capabilities. | $1.4 Billion | Render |
| SingularityNET | AGIX | A decentralized platform democratizing access to AI services, using blockchain for a marketplace where AI services can be created, shared, and monetized. | $382.96 Million | Singularity |
| Akash Network | AKT | The native utility token of Akash Network, used to govern the network, secure the blockchain, incentivize participants, and provide a default mechanism to store and exchange value. | $395.3 Million | Akash Network |
| PAAL AI | PAAL | An advanced chatbot built on AI and ML technologies, designed for tasks like natural language understanding and image recognition. It incentivizes holders with profit sharing and token buybacks. | $94.05 Million | PAAL AI |
| Image Generation AI | IMGNAI | Focuses on consumer AI, with their flagship product Nai being an AI-powered text-to-image app. It empowers users to access the latest innovations in consumer AI. | $34.53 Million | Image Generation AI |
Top Meme Coins
The memecoin category in cryptocurrency refers to a unique class of digital tokens that are typically inspired by internet memes, popular culture, or humorous concepts. These coins often start as a joke or a playful experiment but can sometimes gain significant popularity and market value. Key characteristics of memecoin cryptocurrencies include:
- Internet Meme Inspiration: Many memecoins are directly inspired by popular internet memes. For example, Dogecoin, one of the most famous memecoins, is based on the “Doge” meme featuring a Shiba Inu dog.
- Community-Driven: Memecoins often have a strong community backing. Their value and popularity are heavily influenced by social media, online communities, and influencers. The community aspect often plays a central role in the marketing and development of these coins.
- High Volatility: Due to their often speculative nature and the influence of social media trends, memecoins can experience significant price volatility. They can rapidly increase in value in a short period, often driven by viral trends, but can also quickly lose their value.
- Limited Use Case: Unlike traditional cryptocurrencies or utility tokens that serve specific functions in a blockchain ecosystem, memecoins typically have limited practical use cases. They are often not backed by a unique technology or business model.
- Marketing and Hype-Driven: The success of memecoins is often attributed to effective marketing strategies and hype. They can become popular through viral marketing, celebrity endorsements, and social media buzz.
- Speculative Investment: Investors in memecoins are often driven by the potential for quick profits due to the hype and market speculation. This makes them a riskier investment compared to more established cryptocurrencies.
- Fun and Playful Nature: Memecoins are known for their lighthearted and playful approach, which is a stark contrast to the more serious and technological focus of major cryptocurrencies like Bitcoin or Ethereum.
- Rapid Creation and Variability: New memecoins can be created quickly and in large numbers, leading to a wide variety in terms of quality, longevity, and credibility.
It’s important to note that while memecoins can be a fun and interesting part of the cryptocurrency landscape, they also pose significant risks due to their volatility and speculative nature. Investors should exercise caution and conduct thorough research before investing in these types of assets.
| Name | Ticker | Description | Market Cap | Link |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| PEPE | $PEPE | A deflationary memecoin on Ethereum, paying tribute to the Pepe the Frog internet meme. | $595,840,608 | PEPE |
| BONK | $BONK | The first dog-themed coin on Solana, with 50% of its total supply airdropped to the community. | $294,049,597 | BONK |
| MYRO | $MYRO | Named after Solana Co-Founder Raj Gokal’s dog Myro. | $23,075,435 | MYRO |
| GROK | $GROK | A meme named after Twitter AI tool. | $86,691,648 | GROK |
| GFY | $GFY | Based on Elon Musk recent interview telling GFY to Twitter advertisers. | $8,140,267 | GFY |
| Bitcoin | $BTC | HarryPotterObamaSonic10Inu but ticker is BITCOIN | $125,469,702 | BITCOIN |
| WOJAK | $WOJAK | Based on popular Wojak memes. | $15,211,504 | WOJAK |
Top BRC20s and Ordinals Coins
The BRC-20 token standard is an experimental fungible token standard specifically designed for the Bitcoin blockchain. It utilizes ordinal inscriptions of JavaScript Object Notation (JSON) to deploy token contracts and to mint and transfer tokens.
Similar to the ERC-20 token standard used on Ethereum and other EVM (Ethereum Virtual Machine) blockchain networks, BRC-20 tokens enable developers to create and transfer fungible tokens. However, a key difference is that BRC-20 is not governed by a smart contract like ERC-20, but is an inscription on the blockchain itself.
BRC-20 tokens are minted and transferred using the Ordinals protocol on the Bitcoin blockchain, showcasing different mechanisms and functions from Ethereum’s ERC-20 tokens.
Ordinals are an addition to the Bitcoin network, not part of its original design. They are considered by some as the most secure way to store data, while others see them as a deviation from Bitcoin’s core vision.
They involve the ordering and inscribing of satoshis (sats), the smallest unit of Bitcoin, with unique information such as text or images. This transforms the sat into a de facto Non-Fungible Token (NFT).
Developed by Bitcoin developer Casey Rodarmor, ordinals represent a novel type of NFT native to Bitcoin, gaining significant attention since their launch in January 2023.
Previously, creating NFTs on Bitcoin was challenging due to its basic architecture and lack of smart contracts. Ordinals Inscription and other layer 2 solutions have now enabled the Bitcoin network to support NFTs.
We watch $ORDI, $TRAC, $SATS, and $STX for interesting Bitcoin beta plays.
| Name | Ticker | Description | Market Cap | Link |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| ORDI | $ORDI | The first BRC-20 token to top a $1 billion market capitalization after staging triple-digit monthly and weekly percentage gains. | $976,107,169 | ORDI |
| OriginTrail | $TRAC | An ecosystem aimed at sustainable global economy, connecting physical and digital worlds, including art, healthcare, supply chains, blockchain, NFTs. | $200,905,717 | TRAC |
| SATS (Ordinals) | $SATS | Memecoin in BRC-20 standard on Bitcoin. | $408,599,840 | SATS |
| Stacks | $STX | A Bitcoin Layer for Smart Contracts, DeFi, NFTs and other decentralized apps built on Bitcoin. | $1,477,346,348 | STX |
Top Crypto Exchanges to buy Coins
Buying cryptocurrency on spot markets through exchanges has become increasingly straightforward and user-friendly, making it accessible even for those new to the world of digital currencies. The essence of a spot market in crypto exchanges is the immediate transaction of assets – buying or selling a cryptocurrency for instant settlement at the current market price. Most exchanges offer a simple interface where users can easily navigate to the spot trading section, select their desired cryptocurrency pair (such as BTC/USD or ETH/EUR), and execute their trade instantly. This direct and real-time trading mechanism is one of the primary appeals of cryptocurrency exchanges.
Furthermore, the process of purchasing crypto on spot markets usually begins with setting up an account on a chosen exchange, completing necessary verifications (like KYC procedures), and depositing funds, either in fiat currency or cryptocurrency. Exchanges often provide multiple deposit methods, including bank transfers, credit/debit card payments, and sometimes even third-party payment services. Once the funds are deposited, users can simply place a buy order at the current market price or set a limit order at a specific price point. The intuitive design of these platforms, often complete with detailed tutorials and customer support, significantly eases the process of buying cryptocurrencies on the spot market for both novices and experienced traders alike.
We recommend MEXC, Gate.io, Kucoin and ByBit exchanges. The links you can find here are our referral links that can give you various bonuses.
| Name | Link | Description |
|---|---|---|
| MEXC | MEXC | Founded in 2018, MEXC is recognized for its high-performance and mega transaction matching technology. It supports over 1,520 coins and offers spot, margin, and futures trading, along with quantitative trading, leveraged and index ETFs. Catering to more than 10 million users in over 170 countries, MEXC offers a user-friendly interface on both mobile and desktop applications. |
| Gate.io | Gate.io | Gate.io, a full-service digital asset exchange platform, has been consistently ranking among the top 10 exchanges. It offers spot and NFT trading, crypto lending, and interest-earning opportunities, supporting over 1,300 cryptocurrencies with more than 2500 trading pairs. Gate.io has a daily trading volume of over $12 billion and serves 12+ million users globally. |
| Kucoin | Kucoin | Launched in 2017, Kucoin is a global crypto exchange supporting over 200 cryptocurrencies. It provides a variety of services including fiat onramp, futures and margin trading, staking, lending, P2P marketplace, IEO launchpad, and non-custodial trading. Known for listing new altcoins quickly, Kucoin has a user-friendly interface and supports trading in more than 10 languages. |
| ByBit | ByBit | Established in 2018, ByBit is a cryptocurrency exchange offering a professional platform with an ultra-fast matching engine and quality customer service. It specializes in cryptocurrency derivatives, offering up to 100x leverage on its perpetual contracts. The exchange is known for its low trading fees, high security, and is headquartered in Dubai, United Arab Emirates. |
Happy Trading!
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