The Best Crypto to Buy with $700 in 2026: Focusing on High-Potential Coins Under $1

As the cryptocurrency market enters 2026, the landscape is shifting toward projects with tangible utility and scalable infrastructure. With Bitcoin's halving event and the anticipated approval of institutional-grade ETFs creating a bullish backdrop, retail investors are increasingly turning to undervalued altcoins under $1 that address real-world challenges in DeFi, NFTs, and blockchain adoption. This article identifies five high-potential projects-Bitcoin Hyper (HYPER), Maxi Doge (MAXI), Maverick Protocol (MAV), Sui (SUI), and Bittensor (TAO)-that align with 2026's macroeconomic and technological trends while offering compelling risk-adjusted returns for strategic investors.

1. Bitcoin Hyper (HYPER): Scaling Bitcoin's Ecosystem

Bitcoin Hyper (HYPER) is a Layer 2 solution designed to solve Bitcoin's scalability limitations by integrating the Solana Virtual Machine (SVM) and a trustless bridge for BTC transfers. This hybrid approach enables fast, low-cost transactions while preserving Bitcoin's security model. As of late 2025, HYPER's presale has raised over $2.8 million, with a current price of $0.013535 and a projected target of $1.00 by 2030.

The token's roadmap includes a mainnet launch by Q4 2025 and DeFi integrations in 2026, which could drive demand for its utility in cross-chain applications and Bitcoin-native DeFi protocols. Analysts project HYPER could reach $0.108 by 2026, assuming successful adoption of its Layer 2 infrastructure. For a $700 investment, early buyers could allocate capital to HYPER's presale or early exchange listings, leveraging its position as a bridge between Bitcoin's security and Ethereum's DeFi ecosystem.

2. Maxi Doge (MAXI): Meme Coin with Institutional Hype

Maxi Doge (MAXI) is a meme coin built on Ethereum that blends degen culture with utility-driven mechanics. With a presale valuation exceeding $4.42 million and a final presale price of $0.0002765, MAXI offers a 72% staking APY and trading tournaments to incentivize participation. Analysts project the token could hit $0.005764 by 2026, representing a 21x return from its presale price.

The project's appeal lies in its alignment with the 2026 meme coin resurgence, driven by potential Dogecoin ETF approvals and Ethereum's network upgrades. Additionally, MAXI's integration into futures trading platforms and its planned listing on Uniswap could enhance liquidity for retail investors. A $700 allocation to MAXI's presale or early staking pools could capitalize on its viral momentum while mitigating risks through diversification.

3. Maverick Protocol (MAV): Real-Time Liquidity for DeFi

Maverick Protocol (MAV) is a decentralized finance (DeFi) platform that introduces real-time liquidity solutions, allowing users to trade without waiting for order book matches. This innovation addresses a critical pain point in traditional DeFi, where liquidity fragmentation often leads to slippage and high fees. With a growing developer roadmap and measurable on-chain activity, MAV is positioned to benefit from 2026's institutional adoption of regulated DeFi derivatives.

While MAV's price remains under $1, its focus on user-centric liquidity models and partnerships with emerging DeFi protocols make it a strong candidate for long-term growth. A $700 investment in MAV could target its early-stage tokenomics or governance participation, aligning with the broader trend of DeFi maturation.

4. Sui (SUI) and Bittensor (TAO): AI and Scalability Powerhouses

Sui (SUI) and Bittensor (TAO) represent two distinct but complementary use cases for 2026. SUI, with its high-throughput blockchain and low transaction fees, is gaining traction in supply chain tracking and institutional payments. Meanwhile, TAO is an AI-focused altcoin that rewards participants for performing AI-related tasks on its network. A recent halving event and surging demand for AI infrastructure have positioned TAO as an undervalued asset with long-term potential.

For a $700 portfolio, allocating capital to SUI and TAO could hedge against sector-specific risks while capitalizing on AI's integration into blockchain ecosystems. Both projects are expected to benefit from 2026's regulatory clarity and institutional interest in tokenized real-world assets (RWAs).

5. Arbitrum (ARB): Ethereum's Scaling Champion

Arbitrum (ARB), a Layer 2 scaling solution for Ethereum, continues to dominate the market with its robust ecosystem and ongoing upgrades. As Ethereum's network evolves in 2026, ARB's role in reducing gas fees and supporting complex applications will likely drive demand. While ARB's price has already surpassed $1, its undervalued status in 2026 stems from its potential to outperform competitors in the post-merge era. A $700 investment in ARB could focus on its liquidity pools or governance participation, leveraging its established infrastructure.

Conclusion: Strategic Allocation in a Maturing Market

The 2026 crypto landscape is defined by institutional adoption, regulatory progress, and the tokenization of real-world assets. For a $700 retail investor, prioritizing altcoins like HYPER, MAXI, MAV, SUI, and TAO offers exposure to projects with clear utility, scalable infrastructure, and alignment with macroeconomic trends. However, investors must remain cautious of the sector's volatility and diversify across multiple use cases to mitigate risks. As the market continues to evolve, strategic allocations to undervalued altcoins under $1 could yield exponential returns for those willing to navigate the complexities of this dynamic space.