Best Crypto To Buy Now: Experts Give Their Take On 2026's Most Anticipated Altcoins

Grayscale added 36 altcoins to its Assets Under Consideration list for Q1 2026, signaling renewed institutional interest in digital assets. The firm is evaluating these tokens for potential inclusion in future products, with updates released quarterly. The list includes a mix of smart contract platforms, financial infrastructure, consumer tokens, and AI-related projects according to Grayscale.

Bitcoin is emerging as a preferred store of value amid concerns over devaluation and rising government debt. This shift aligns with broader trends in institutional adoption and regulatory clarity, which are reshaping the crypto landscape. Analysts highlight that Bitcoin's role as a stable asset is gaining traction, particularly as spot ETFs and regulatory frameworks evolve according to JPMorgan.

Crypto ETF inflows have surged in 2025, reaching nearly $130 billion, driven by institutional participation. JPMorgan analysts predict further inflows in 2026 as more regulations take shape, including the Clarity Act, which could expand institutional activity in crypto infrastructure as JPMorgan reports.

What Altcoins Are Institutions Watching in 2026?

Grayscale's Q1 2026 list highlights altcoins with strong institutional appeal. These include Binance Coin (BNB), HYPE, SUI, and AVAX, among others. The firm is also planning a new Sui-focused trust to increase accessibility for investors according to Grayscale.

Projects like Chainlink and Sui are gaining attention for their real-world applications in data infrastructure and privacy-focused transactions, respectively. These altcoins are being positioned as less speculative than many in the past, with clearer utility for financial and consumer applications as noted by analysts.

Bittensor (TAO) and Render are also drawing interest in the AI and computing sectors. Bittensor supports decentralized AI development, while Render provides GPU access for AI and 3D design according to crypto analysts.

What Market Trends Are Driving Altcoin Gains Now?

Institutional-grade crypto projects like Ripple (XRP) and Remittix (RTX) are leading the global payments innovation. Ripple's recent regulatory progress, including UK FCA approval, has boosted its institutional appeal as reported by Coin Edition. XRP is trading at $2.09, with analysts projecting it could reach $8 by 2026 according to market analysis.

Remittix, a PayFi project, aims to streamline global remittances and small business payments. Its platform, launching February 9, 2026, allows direct crypto-to-fiat conversions, addressing real-world problems like high transfer fees and slow processing as described by analysts.

The broader altcoin market is reacting positively to institutional interest. Ethereum rose over 7% to $3,300, while altcoins like Cardano and Solana gained between 9–10% in recent trading sessions according to market data.

What Risks Remain in the Crypto Market?

The U.S. Senate's delay of its crypto market structure bill has caused a short-term market dip. Bitcoin fell below $96,000, and major altcoins declined as Coinbase withdrew support for the bill, citing concerns over stablecoin rewards and DeFi restrictions according to market reports.

The delay raises uncertainty over regulatory clarity, which is critical for institutional adoption. Coinbase's objections highlight tensions between regulatory ambition and market flexibility as market analysis indicates.

Market sentiment remains mixed, with technical indicators suggesting potential recovery. Bitcoin is testing key resistance levels, and a rebound to the $100,000 psychological milestone could reinforce bullish momentum according to technical analysis.

What Long-Term Outlooks Are Highlighting?

Digitap ($TAP) is emerging as a top utility-based altcoin. The project's omni-bank platform allows users to move, swap, and store both crypto and fiat through a single app. Analysts project a valuation of $2.00 by mid-2026, emphasizing its real-world utility over speculative growth as analysts project.

Analysts also emphasize the importance of infrastructure tokens over pure hype-driven projects. Dogecoin and Shiba Inu, for example, have underperformed in 2025, reflecting a shift in investor priorities according to market analysis.

The broader market is rotating toward projects with clear utility, particularly in payments, settlement, and banking. Tokens with relevance beyond market cycles are gaining traction as investors prioritize downside protection as analysts note.