7 Best Altcoins for the Next Bull Run in 2026

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After screening 70+ projects, we ranked 7 picks by liquidity, tech, adoption, community, and sentiment. According to our research, the best altcoins for the next bull run are Bitcoin Hyper, Maxi Doge, and BMIC Token.

Current market conditions are setting the stage for a strong rally. With new ETFs on the horizon, U.S. regulators advancing frameworks like the GENIUS Act, and Ethereum upgrades improving scalability, the environment is lining up in favor of altcoins with real innovation and strong communities. The goal is to give you the insight needed to choose which opportunities fit your portfolio.

Table of Contents
  1. In This Article
    1. 1. Bitcoin Hyper (HYPER) - Bitcoin Layer‑2 Running on the Solana Virtual Machine
    2. 2. Maxi Doge (MAXI) - Dog-Themed Meme Coin With Staking Rewards Up to 68%
    3. 3. BMIC Token (BMIC) - Quantum-Resistant Project With Security and Compute Utility
    4. 4. XRP (XRP) – Leading Payment-Focused Token for Fast Settlements
    5. 5. SUBBD (SUBBD) – Utility Token Redefining Creator-Fan Engagement
    6. 6. Sui Network (SUI) – Fast and Scalable Layer-1 Blockchain for Real-Time Applications
    7. 7. Toncoin (TON) – Popular L1 Chain Offering Telegram Integration and Staking Rewards
    1. Bull Run vs. Bear Run: Key Differences
    1. 2017 Bull Run Highlights
    2. 2021 Bull Run Highlights
    3. 2024 Bull Run Highlights
    1. Altseason Indicator
    1. Market Cap and Liquidity (20%)
    2. Technology and Innovation (20%)
    3. Community and Development Activity (20%)
    4. Adoption and Partnerships (20%)
    5. Market Sentiment and Trend Analysis (20%)
  1. In This Article
    1. 1. Bitcoin Hyper (HYPER) - Bitcoin Layer‑2 Running on the Solana Virtual Machine
    2. 2. Maxi Doge (MAXI) - Dog-Themed Meme Coin With Staking Rewards Up to 68%
    3. 3. BMIC Token (BMIC) - Quantum-Resistant Project With Security and Compute Utility
    4. 4. XRP (XRP) – Leading Payment-Focused Token for Fast Settlements
    5. 5. SUBBD (SUBBD) – Utility Token Redefining Creator-Fan Engagement
    6. 6. Sui Network (SUI) – Fast and Scalable Layer-1 Blockchain for Real-Time Applications
    7. 7. Toncoin (TON) – Popular L1 Chain Offering Telegram Integration and Staking Rewards
  2. Show Full Guide
    1. Bull Run vs. Bear Run: Key Differences
    1. 2017 Bull Run Highlights
    2. 2021 Bull Run Highlights
    3. 2024 Bull Run Highlights
    1. Altseason Indicator
    1. Market Cap and Liquidity (20%)
    2. Technology and Innovation (20%)
    3. Community and Development Activity (20%)
    4. Adoption and Partnerships (20%)
    5. Market Sentiment and Trend Analysis (20%)

Editor’s Choice – Featured Presales

  • Introducing the first Bitcoin L2 solution
  • Allows users to trade BTC almost instantaneously
  • Enhanced transaction security with ZK-proofs
Launch
May 2025
Meta
Bitcoin L2, Meme
Purchase Methods
  • USDC
    USDC
  • ETH
    ETH
  • usdt
    usdt
  • Meme-powered Dogecoin derivative with the focus on 1,000x leverage trading
  • Maxi Doge will feature community contests and partner events to engage with its audience
  • The project offers high staking rewards to its early supporters
Launch
July 2025
Meta
Meme, Trading
Purchase Methods
  • ETH
    ETH
  • usdt
    usdt
  • USDC
    USDC
  • bnb
    bnb
  • Bank Card
    Bank Card
  • +2 more
  • Infrastructure token built to withstand quantum-powered attacks
  • BMIC is burned to create credits for quantum computing
  • Extra holder utility through staking and governance
Launch
December 2025
Meta
Quantum Security
Purchase Methods
  • ETH
    ETH
  • usdt
    usdt
  • USDC
    USDC
  • Next-gen platform merging live content, AI tools, staking, crypto payments and more
  • SUBBD holders get access to AI-optimized content and experiences
  • Loyalty is rewarded with staking bonuses, XP boosts, and daily creator drops
Launch
April 2025
Meta
AI, Payments, Content
Purchase Methods
  • Bank Card
    Bank Card
  • ETH
    ETH
  • bnb
    bnb
  • usdt
    usdt
  • +1 more
  • VFX Token powers the next-gen forex broker Vortex FX
  • Offers daily rebates from trading volume
  • Stake VFX tokens to earn APYs up to 67.7%
Launch
December 2025
Meta
Utility Token
Purchase Methods
  • ETH
    ETH
  • usdt
    usdt
  • bnb
    bnb

Best Altcoins for the Next Bull Run: Key Takeaways


  • The next crypto bull run is expected to favor altcoins that have real utility and active development.
  • Early-stage projects like HYPER, MAXI, and BMIC offer higher upside but come with higher risk.
  • Established networks like XRP, SUI, and Toncoin offer more stability as they have proven adoption.
  • Bull runs usually start with Bitcoin, then rotate into altcoins as investors take on more risk.

Best Altcoins to Buy for the Next Bull Run


⚠️ Presale tokens carry much higher risk than already-listed altcoins, but they offer greater upside potential if the project delivers and if the market is bullish.

Altcoin Names Launch Date Amount Raised/Market Cap Primary Use Case
Bitcoin Hyper hyper logoHYPER +18.91% May 2025 $31.21M Bitcoin Layer-2 uses SVM, smart contracts, bridges, and staking governance.
Maxi Doge maxi logoMAXI +12.06% July 2025 $4.57M Capped-supply meme coin with staking; steadier tokenomics than DOGE
BMIC bmic logoBMIC +2.04% October 2025 $425.87K Ethereum-based infrastructure project focused on post-quantum security
XRP xrp logoXRP +1.50% June 2012 $161.85B Fast, low-cost settlement token powering the XRP Ledger.
SUBBD subbd logoSUBBD +4.50% April 2025 $1.47M AI-driven creator-fan platform token enabling payments, staking, and access.
Sui sui logoSUI +2.55% May 2023 $11.39B High-throughput Layer-1 using Move; object-based parallel execution.
Toncoin toncoin logoTONCOIN +2.20% August 2021 $7.00B Telegram-integrated Layer-1 with staking, governance, and payments.

Best Altcoins for the Next Bull Run Reviewed – Full Analysis


In this section, we dive deeper by presenting comprehensive insight into the best coins to invest in for the next bull run and the next altcoin season.

You can learn more about our methodology and how we picked these coins below.

1. Bitcoin Hyper (HYPER) – Bitcoin Layer‑2 Running on the Solana Virtual Machine

Bitcoin Hyper hyper logoHYPER +18.91% is the best altcoin for the next bull run. This project is developing the first-ever Layer 2 solution for Bitcoin, featuring smart contract integrations. Specifically, it uses the Solana Virtual Machine (SVM) environment to deliver hyper-fast transactions at a fraction of the network cost.

altcoin Bitcoin Hyper website homepage with countdown and buy HYPER widget

Bitcoin Hyper is currently raising funds for development through its presale phase, which has already secured over $31.21M in crypto holdings. The native utility token, HYPER, is crucial for the entire Bitcoin L2 ecosystem as it facilitates transaction fees, decentralized governance, and staking.

Through Bitcoin Hyper’s Canonical Bridge, individuals can transfer their native Bitcoin holdings across Layer 1 and Layer 2 networks. In addition to making BTC transfers cheaper and more scalable, this also introduces the world’s most popular cryptocurrency into the DeFi ecosystem.

📈 We believe that Bitcoin Hyper could perform well in the next bull run because

  • It will drive DeFi activities for Bitcoin as it regains traction.
  • Benefits from increased trading and decentralized activity during a bull cycle.
  • More investors may realize the importance of Bitcoin’s scalability in a bull run.

Pros

  • Earn 38% APY early presale staking rewards.
  • Multiple use cases for HYPER, including transaction payments and DAO.
  • Public presale with no private rounds or insider allocations.

Cons

  • The staking yields will drop during the presale.
  • May experience significant volatility through bull runs.
  • The ZK function is still pending.
Launch Date May 2025
Chain Ethereum
Current Price $0.01367500
% Change +18.91%
Amount Raised $31.21M
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2. Maxi Doge (MAXI) – Dog-Themed Meme Coin With Staking Rewards Up to 68%

Maxi Doge maxi logoMAXI +12.06% is a new meme coin inspired by the famous Dogecoin. It aims to be a stronger coin with a capped total supply, providing more stability and appeal than DOGE, making it a top altcoin to buy before the next bull run.

maxi doge altcoin website homepage

Thanks to its combination of strong community engagement, innovative tokenomics, and staking rewards, MAXI managed to raise over $4.57M so far during the presale stage. Early investors can also benefit from high staking APYs of up to 68%.

Since it has an impressive presale interest, a unique staking mechanism, and a strong community behind it, Maxi Doge has what it takes to be a strong contender for potential high gains during the next bull run.

📈 We believe that Maxi Doge could perform well in the next bull run because

  • Has large allocations to marketing and price-strengthening funds.
  • Marketing is highly targeted at active and risk-seeking investors.
  • Bull markets historically favor high upside meme coins with a speculative nature.

Pros

  • High staking APY of 68%
  • Strong community and gamified engagement
  • Potential for high returns as a low cap crypto

Cons

  • New project with an unproven record
  • Highly volatile and extremely risky due to its meme nature
  • Might lose momentum if the meme hype dies down
Launch Date July 2025
Chain Ethereum
Current Price $0.00028015
% Change +12.06%
Amount Raised $4.57M

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3. BMIC Token (BMIC) – Quantum-Resistant Project With Security and Compute Utility

BMIC Token bmic logoBMIC +2.04% is an Ethereum-based presale project focused on post-quantum security and decentralized quantum computing. It aims to protect digital assets against future quantum threats while building a quantum cloud network that users can access through its token.

the homepage of bmic, one of the best altcoins for the 2026 bull run

The BMIC presale has raised over $425.87K so far, with a hard cap of $40M and a current price around $0.049474. The token supply is 1.5 billion, with 50% allocated to the presale. Holders can use BMIC for staking, governance, and authentication, with rewards shown as TBA.

BMIC stands out because it ties the token to practical functions inside the ecosystem, not only speculation. If the team ships its wallet, staking system, and post-quantum payment layer as planned, the project could attract users who care about long-term security and real on-chain utility.

📈 We believe that BMIC Token could perform well in the next bull run because
  • Targets post-quantum security, a growing risk narrative in crypto.
  • Builds utility around staking, governance, and access to quantum compute.
  • Plans product releases, including a beta marketplace, for Q2 2026.

Pros

  • Post-quantum security narrative with real utility goals
  • Staking rewards and governance rights for holders
  • Audited smart contract and non-custodial wallet roadmap

Cons

  • Early-stage project with delivery risk
  • Regulatory uncertainty around quantum-related products
  • Strong competition from established quantum computing players
Launch Date October 2025
Chain Ethereum
Current Price $0.049474
% Change +2.04%
Amount Raised $425.87K
Learn More About BMIC

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4. XRP (XRP) – Leading Payment-Focused Token for Fast Settlements

XRP xrp logoXRP +1.50% is the native token of the XRP Ledger, a blockchain designed specifically for fast, low-cost payments. It uses a consensus model that clears transactions in seconds with negligible fees. This focus on efficiency makes XRP a strong candidate among the best altcoins for the next bull run.

Xrp (XRP)
24h7d30d1yAll time

What sets XRP apart is its enterprise adoption. Ripple has built partnerships with banks and payment providers that use XRP and the XRPL to move money across borders more cheaply than traditional systems. The network also recently integrated a native automated market maker, expanding its role beyond just payments.

The biggest risk to keep in mind is regulation. While Ripple’s legal battle with the SEC largely concluded favorably, lingering scrutiny could still create uncertainty. Even so, XRP’s combination of settlement speed, institutional adoption, and expanding on-chain functionality makes it one of the more utility-driven altcoins to watch as the market heats up.

📈 We believe that XRP could perform well in the next bull run because
  • Ripple’s escrow releases create a predictable supply, which can attract larger institutional investors.
  • Global remittance corridors keep opening, giving XRP real transactional demand beyond speculation.
  • Built-in decentralized exchange enables native swaps, boosting network liquidity during bull markets.

Pros

  • Proven use case in cross-border payments
  • Strong partnerships with banks and fintechs
  • Legal clarity after SEC ruling

Cons

  • Heavy token supply held in escrow
  • Competition from stablecoins in payments
  • Limited smart contract flexibility on XRPL
Launch Date June 2, 2012
Chain XRP Ledger (XRPL)
Current Price $1.62
30-Day Price Change -22.99%
Market Cap $161.85B
Learn More About XRP

5. SUBBD (SUBBD) – Utility Token Redefining Creator-Fan Engagement

SUBBD subbd logoSUBBD +4.50% is the native token of a new Web3 content platform (by the same name), which attempts to redefine how creators and fans interact. It connects influencers and fans directly by removing intermediaries and turns the current social media model on its head by incorporating AI content creation and task automation.

the homepage of subbd, one of the best altcoins to buy in 2026

Features like the AI Creator and AI Personal Assistant lighten the load for creators, allowing them to focus on their content while helping fans interact with their favorite creators. This carefully thought-out use of AI is a breath of fresh air in a crowded AI space and positions the platform to disrupt the $85 billion creator economy.

Over $1.47M has already been raised in its presale, with 20% fixed APY staking available, signaling strong early traction. As demand for digital content keeps rising, SUBBD could emerge as a utility-driven breakout in the next cycle.

📈 We believe that SUBBD could perform well in the next bull run because

  • It merges AI, Web3, and creator tools in one scalable decentralized ecosystem.
  • The project’s early presale success highlights strong creator and fan interest.
  • By providing a fixed staking APY, SUBBD could attract long-term holders.

Pros

  • Unlike most crypto projects, it is tethered to the real world through social media.
  • AI is a hot topic, which SUBBD stands to benefit from.
  • Content creation is a large market with a lot of growth potential.

Cons

  • It is a new project that has to prove itself.
  • The token depends on the team’s ability to execute its vision.
  • The social media market is extremely competitive, and many startups fail.
Launch Date April 2025
Chain Ethereum
Current Price $0.05747500
% Change +4.50%
Amount Raised $1.47M
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6. Sui Network (SUI) – Fast and Scalable Layer-1 Blockchain for Real-Time Applications

Sui (SUI) sui logoSUI +2.55% is a fast blockchain for real-time apps. It uses the Move language and handles many users at once. Sui processes over 100,000 transactions per second. That’s quicker than Ethereum and similar networks.

Sui (SUI)
24h7d30d1yAll time

This speed helps gaming, DeFi, and other responsive apps work smoothly. Sui’s object-based system cuts transaction delays, resulting in better performance where timing matters most, like in live trading or competitive games.

Andreessen Horowitz and ex-Meta engineers from Mysten Labs support Sui. Their backing means strong tech skills and funding. This positions Sui well for future growth as more apps adopt its technology.

📈 We believe that Sui could perform well in the next bull run because
  • High transaction speed supports over 100,000 transactions per second, ideal for scalable dApps.
  • Built on the Move language, offering security and efficiency beyond traditional blockchains.
  • Unique horizontal scaling attracts developers needing high throughput for real-time applications.

Pros

  • Handles over 100,000 transactions per second, making it ideal for high-speed, real-time applications.
  • Enables low-latency and cost-efficient transactions.
  • Offers better security and efficiency than many other chains thanks to the Move programming language.

Cons

  • Competes directly with other high-performance blockchains like Solana and Aptos.
  • The ecosystem is growing but still small compared to Ethereum or BNB Chain.
  • Early token unlocks may lead to short-term price pressure or volatility.
Launch Date May 2023
Chain Sui Network
Current Price $1.14
30-Day Price Change -34.21%
Market Cap $11.39B
Learn More About Sui Network

7. Toncoin (TON) – Popular L1 Chain Offering Telegram Integration and Staking Rewards

Toncoin toncoin logoTONCOIN +2.20% is a layer-one cryptocurrency originally developed by Telegram. With a new life in the hands of independent developers, Toncoin now benefits from Telegram’s integration, potentially exposing it to over 700 million users. This connection makes it one of the most promising altcoins for the next bull run.

Toncoin (TONCOIN)
24h7d30d1yAll time

Toncoin has secured a strong use case: TON is essential for transaction fees, staking, and decentralized governance on its blockchain. Its proof-of-stake mechanism allows you to earn rewards through staking, adding an extra layer of value to holding the token.

Additionally, the Toncoin blockchain is attracting developers seeking a large user base and new decentralized finance (DeFi) opportunities. With recent momentum and a neutral-to-bullish sentiment, Toncoin could be primed for future growth.

📈 We believe that Toncoin could perform well in the next bull run because
  • Telegram integration exposes Toncoin to 700 million potential users, boosting adoption.
  • Essential for transaction fees and staking, increasing demand within its ecosystem.
  • Proof-of-stake rewards incentivize holding and staking, adding value to TON.

Pros

  • Direct integration with Telegram gives it access to a massive user base, which could speed up adoption.
  • The token is actually useful within its network.
  • Staking rewards offer a way for holders to earn passive income.

Cons

  • Still closely associated with Telegram, which could raise concerns about decentralization.
  • Competes with other established proof-of-stake blockchains that already have more adoption.
  • Regulatory pressure on messaging apps and crypto could create uncertainty.
Launch Date August 2021
Chain The Open Network (TON)
Current Price $1.37
30-Day Price Change -27.94%
Market Cap $7.00B
Learn More About Toncoin

What Is a Crypto Bull Run?


A crypto bull run is an extended period of time during which asset prices are rising. It is essentially a sustained upward trend in a market with heightened trading volume. When a crypto bull run occurs, market sentiment is positive, and broader demand for tokens outweighs supply. This subsequently leads to a rise in the value of the wider crypto market.

Crypto bull runs are typically associated with increased media attention and investment interest. This leads to more people buying into the crypto market and pushing prices up further.

A bull run can last for weeks, months, or even years until the market eventually reaches a point where it is no longer sustainable, and prices begin to decline.

Crypto bull runs are often compared to stock market bubbles, as they share many similarities. Both tend to be driven by speculation and hype rather than fundamentals, and both can end up causing widespread damage when they eventually burst.

When Was the Last Crypto Bull Run?


The most recent crypto bull run began in early 2024 with the approval of spot Bitcoin ETFs, a highly anticipated event. This event simultaneously triggered a meme coin supercycle, with the Solana and Base blockchains leading the charge in meme coin deployments.

crypto bull run tradingview

Later that same year, the U.S. Federal Reserve began cutting rates after years of interest rate hikes, marking the end of a multi-year effort to curtail inflation. While this event was significant narrative-wise, its actual impact was less effective than Donald Trump securing a second term as U.S. president. Bitcoin would go on to break $100,000 for the first time shortly thereafter.

This momentum remained until Donald Trump’s inauguration day, when he announced sweeping tariffs that effectively tanked multiple markets. Since then, the cryptocurrency market has been in constant flux, marked by brief rallies, strong corrections, and the lack of any strong narratives or trends dominating crypto markets.

The most recent crypto bull run began in late 2024, gaining momentum after Trump won the presidential election. It boosted market sentiment around deregulation and economic stimulus.

During this period, Bitcoin surged to new all-time highs, pulling many altcoins up with it. Ultimately, many investors are looking to load up on cheap cryptocurrencies and identify the best crypto for the next bull run.

Why Should I Invest in Altcoins During a Bull Run?


Altcoins present a better opportunity for capital gains. Compared to Bitcoin, they have lower market caps and prices, so they require a lot less capital inflow to push their prices upward.

For example, Bitcoin and Ethereum’s market caps sit at $1.56T and $278.75B, respectively. Hypothetically speaking, to double each asset’s price, you would have to double its current market cap. This would require fewer investors to accomplish with Ethereum.

With this in mind, altcoins have historically experienced growth at an increased rate compared to Bitcoin. In a year, many of the top altcoins have outperformed Bitcoin.

altcoins next bullrun tradingview

Crypto Bull Run Checklist


Not sure if the bull run is really on? Here are a few signs that usually show you it’s time to load up on the best altcoins for the next bull run when things start heating up:

  • Trading volume picks up: When more money flows into the market, especially on major exchanges, it’s often the first clue that momentum is building.
  • New listings on top exchanges: Coins getting added to places like Binance or Coinbase usually see a boost, and it signals wider exposure.
  • Buzz on X and Reddit: A surge in posts, memes, and trending hashtags can be an early indicator that retail traders are paying attention again.
  • Google searches spike: If more people are googling things like “how to buy crypto” or a specific coin’s name, FOMO might be kicking in.
  • Altcoins start outperforming Bitcoin: When people take on more risk, smaller coins often pump harder, which is usually a bullish sign.
  • More on-chain activity: If you see more wallets, transactions, and protocol usage, that means real users are returning.

what to look for in bull run crypto

Bull Run vs. Bear Run: Key Differences

A bull run is an extended period during which asset prices in a market rise continually. It is characterized by optimistic sentiment; therefore, investors buy more than they sell during this time. You may hear the term “to the moon” or see a plethora of rocket emojis on social media during this period.

But a bear run is the total opposite. It’s when prices keep falling, and people become cautious and even scared to invest. Sellers outnumber buyers, and some projects lose a lot of their value.

Both runs are normal parts of the market. The key to smart investing is to recognize which phase you are in and adjust your strategy accordingly.

What Factors Cause a Crypto Bull Run?


Several factors can cause a crypto bull run, including:

  • Increasing demand from buyers: When people want to buy a cryptocurrency, the price will go up. This is because there are more buyers than sellers in the market. With Bitcoin hitting new all-time highs following Trump’s election victory, demand is higher than ever before.
  • FOMO (Fear of Missing Out): This is when people buy a cryptocurrency because they are afraid of missing out on the potential profits that can be made. When the price of a particular coin starts to rise, more and more people want to get in on the action, resulting in even more buying pressure and an increase in value.
  • News and events: Whenever there is positive news or events related to a particular cryptocurrency, this can result in a broader price increase. This is because investors become more confident in the coin’s future prospects and are more likely to buy it. In July 2025, the crypto market experienced a significant jolt as Bitcoin soared to new all-time highs, surpassing the $120,000 mark for the first time.
  • Innovation in the crypto space: Another important factor is innovation within the cryptocurrency space. If new crypto projects are developed, this could attract more investors and result in a wider valuation increase.
  • Bulk investments by crypto whales: When large investors, often referred to as “crypto whales,” buy up a large amount of a particular coin, the price often goes up. Their buying pressure creates more demand for the coin, leading to an increase in value.
  • Institutional demand: This factor includes interest from institutions like companies, investment vehicles, and governments. Institutions often demand crypto for financial products like ETPs or retirement accounts, and more recently, treasuries and strategic reserves.

Aside from the above, global economic conditions can also influence the attitude of crypto investors. In other words, investors are more encouraged to take a risk on cryptocurrencies if the overall financial market is bullish.

Investors should monitor all of these factors to try to predict when the next bull run might occur.

Altcoin Performance in Previous Bull Runs


If you’re wondering how altcoins typically behave during a bull run, it helps to look back. The 2017 and 2021 cycles were both explosive in different ways, and each brought its own trends.

2017 Bull Run Highlights

In 2017, altcoins finally stepped out of Bitcoin’s shadow. Ethereum went from under $10 at the start of the year to over $700 by the end. Ripple jumped from less than a cent to more than $2. Coins like Litecoin, Verge, and Stellar also saw huge gains.

This was the year of the ICO boom. Every week, there was a new token, and investors threw money at anything with a whitepaper. If you think in terms of the fear and greed index, this was a time of extreme greed. Most of it was driven by hype, but some projects had staying power.

2021 Bull Run Highlights

By 2021, crypto as a market had matured. Altcoins weren’t riding the coattails of Bitcoin anymore; many projects developed sustainable ecosystems with real use cases. Solana climbed from $2 to over $250, and Cardano hit $3.

Meme coins like Dogecoin and Shiba Inu went viral and laid the foundation for the meme coin craze that would come years later. It was also the year of DeFi, NFTs, and Gamefi. A lot of altcoin growth came from people using platforms, not just speculating.

2024 Bull Run Highlights

In January 2024, the bull run kicked off with Bitcoin, particularly with spot ETF approvals in the U.S. The first day of trading saw $4.6 billion in collective volume. This was in spite of a high-interest-rate policy, which has been historically associated with depressed markets.

Altcoins rallied, but not all, and to a limited degree. Particularly, meme coins frenzied and saw explosive growth in 2024. Solana and Base adoption absorbed much of this activity.

💡 Cryptonews Tip

Key Patterns to Note

Certain things tend to repeat each cycle. Coins tied to new narratives usually lead the pack. In 2017, it was smart contracts and ICOs; in 2021, it was NFTs and DeFi; and in 2024, it was meme coins. Low-cap tokens with strong communities often deliver the biggest gains, but they can also crash just as fast.

Altcoins usually start pumping a little after Bitcoin moves. When the hype really kicks in, prices move fast. The most significant gains often happen quickly, so timing matters more than most people think.

When Is the Next Crypto Bull Run?


Many analysts now point to Q1 2026 as the most likely spark for the next major crypto run. The story is about liquidity. If the Fed pauses quantitative tightening and starts cutting rates, more money tends to flow back into risk assets. Bitcoin often reacts first, then the rest follow.

Several catalysts stack up after 2025. A policy shift in early 2026 is the headline, with some commentators calling out February to March as the window to watch. At the same time, scaling tech on Ethereum and Bitcoin keeps improving, which can bring more users on-chain without fees getting silly.

If that happens, altcoins usually get their turn. Bitcoin can run hard, then capital rotates into higher beta names. Some forecasts even talk about Bitcoin near $300K in Q1 2026, with an altseason behind it. That’s not a promise, it’s a range of expectations.

Altseason Indicator

Bitcoin Dominance (BTC.D) is the chart that shows Bitcoin’s share of the total crypto market cap. When BTC.D rises, money hides in BTC, and altcoins lag. When BTC.D turns down and drops, capital rotates into alts, and they often run hard. BTC.D sits in the high-50s now; a slide toward around 50% is the classic altseason setup.

bitcoin dominance chart december 2025

Should You Invest Before a Bull Run?


Investing before a bull run is often seen as a smart move by investors. By buying crypto market assets during a market downturn, investors can benefit from the eventual increase in prices that happens during a bull run.

However, there are also some risks associated with investing before a bull run. After all, there is no guarantee that crypto prices will ever recover to previous highs.

Despite the risks, investing in the crypto market before a bull run can be a favorable move for individuals who are willing to take on additional risk.

Additionally, investing in crypto ICOs can be an effective way to prepare for a crypto bull run. Investors are protected from immediate downside since the coin has not been officially listed yet.

By carefully monitoring the market and making informed investment decisions, investors can maximize their chances of success and generate returns even in a tough economic environment.

What Our Expert Says...
Ines S. Tavares
Evergreen Editor for Cryptonews, Cryptocurrency Market Specialist
“ You can prepare for the next bull run by investing in projects with staying power instead of hype. Diversify your portfolio and dollar-cost average to build your positions over time. This approach will allow you to manage risk and avoid the trap of trying to time the market. “
Ines S. Tavares
Evergreen Editor for Cryptonews, Cryptocurrency Market Specialist

How to Spot Bull Run Altcoin Winners


A lot of developers see bull runs as an opportunity to create new coins while older coins come back stronger. But, how can you know which altcoins have the best chance of being the next 1000x? Here are a couple of things to watch for:

  • ⚒️ Real utility: Look out for projects that solve real problems or create new opportunities.
  • 🤝 Strong communities: An active community that’s loyal often helps a coin stay relevant.
  • 🧑‍💻 Innovative tech: Coins that bring forth new ideas are often the first to get attention.
  • ✨ Hype and narrative: Sometimes, if the coin has a story, it can lead to its soaring, even if the features are still in progress.
  • ⚡ Early traction: If the project is catching influencers’ eyes or making headlines, it might be worth checking out.

How to Build an Altcoin Portfolio


To ensure safety when selecting altcoins for a bull run, it is best to diversify. Even if you believe that your altcoin selection will “moon”, you should build a portfolio that minimizes risks.

An example would be setting up your portfolio with 60% altcoins. You can split up the altcoins you hold with half stablecoins (for safety) and half risk assets (for upside exposure). The rest of your portfolio could consist of Bitcoin for downside protection. This is a more aggressive portfolio. If you care more about safety, you could increase the share of Bitcoin or stablecoins.

Altcoin portfolio pi chart

Methodology: How We Rated the Best Crypto for the Next Bull Run


The Cryptonews developed a methodology to identify the best cryptocurrencies to buy before the next crypto bull run, with each factor weighted at 20%.

Market Cap and Liquidity (20%)

We evaluated each cryptocurrency’s market capitalization to gauge its size and liquidity. Our top picks were low-market-cap coins. These cryptos can realize substantial gains more easily than large-market-cap coins due to their higher volatility and potential for significant price movements with lower trading volumes.

Technology and Innovation (20%)

We assessed the technology behind each cryptocurrency and looked for cryptocurrencies with strong fundamentals (such as scalability, security, or decentralization). We prioritized projects with innovative features that set them apart from competitors and demonstrated the potential to have product-market fit.

Community and Development Activity (20%)

We examined the size and engagement of the cryptocurrency’s community. We analyzed developer activity and contributions to the cryptocurrency’s codebase and ecosystem, favoring cryptocurrencies with active and supportive communities and ongoing development efforts that indicate resilience and adaptability.

Adoption and Partnerships (20%)

We evaluated each cryptocurrency’s level of adoption and integration into real-world applications and industries. Factors such as merchant acceptance, payment processors, and developer interest in building on the cryptocurrency’s platform were critical to achieving a high ranking in our recommendations.

Market Sentiment and Trend Analysis (20%)

We monitored market sentiment and trend analysis to identify cryptocurrencies with positive momentum and bullish indicators.

Technical analysis tools and chart patterns assessed price movements and identified potential entry points, while sentiment indicators, social media discussions, and news sentiment allowed us to gauge market sentiment and investor confidence.

By combining fundamental, technical, and market sentiment analysis, our next crypto bull run predictions identified promising investment opportunities with a high probability of exceptional performance in the upcoming bull market.

Conclusion: What Are the Best Altcoins for the Next Bull Run?


The next crypto bull run hasn’t started yet, but serious investors are preparing their portfolios in advance. The altcoins we have covered on this page have strong upside potential and are well-positioned to capitalize on the upcoming bull market.

However, it’s important to remember that any investment comes with a big risk. Please do your own research and make sure you diversify across various.

Of all the projects we listed, Bitcoin Hyper stands out as the top scaling solution to consider. It delivers efficient Bitcoin transactions and has the potential to become a leading Layer-2.

Visit Bitcoin Hyper

FAQs


What makes a crypto project likely to succeed in a bull run?

Are low market cap coins better during bull runs?

How can I prepare for the next crypto bull market?

Is a crypto bull run a good time to invest in crypto?

What’s the difference between a bull run and a bear run in crypto?

How do market trends influence altcoin performance during a bull run?

Which coins should I buy in the next bull run?

References

  1. Consensus Principles and Rules (XRP Ledger Documentation)
  2. US Court Finalizes SEC’s Case Closure Against Ripple (Forklog)
  3. XRP Distribution Chart Reveals How Much Supply Ripple Still Holds In Escrow (Mitrade Insights)

Disclaimer: Crypto is a high-risk asset class. This article is provided for informational purposes and does not constitute investment advice. You could lose all of your capital.

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