Top 10 DePIN Coins to Watch in 2025
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.
DePIN (Decentralized Physical Infrastructure Networks) is all about using blockchain and crypto rewards to power real-world utilities like wireless networks, cloud storage, and computing. It’s basically a way to make infrastructure more decentralized and user-driven instead of relying on big corporations.
We checked out many DePIN projects and picked the best ones, including Bittensor, Filecoin, Render, and Theta, that are worth looking into right now. Our rankings are based on different criteria like market cap, real-world use, and growth potential. We’ll also break down how DePIN works, why it matters in Web3, and whether these coins are actually a good investment in 2025.
List of the Top DePIN Coins
Here’s an overview of the best DePIN crypto projects and coins to buy in 2025:
| Coin | Symbol | Current Price | Market Cap |
|---|---|---|---|
| Bittensor |  TAO +4.96% |
$232.69 | $4.89B |
| Filecoin |  FIL +10.94% |
$1.33 | $2.60B |
| Render |  RNDR +10.49% |
$1.34 | $713.32M |
| Theta Network |  THETA +7.68% |
$0.30 | $302.64M |
| Helium |  HNT 0.64% |
$1.65 | $293.16M |
| Akash Network |  AKT +6.39% |
$0.37 | $88.11M |
| io.net |  IO +9.51% |
$0.14 | $117.31M |
| Hivemapper |  HONEY +6.99% |
$0.0084 | $53.68M |
| GEODNET |  GEOD +2.67% |
$0.13 | $137.98M |
| DIMO |  DIMO +6.17% |
$0.013 | $13.47M |
The Most Promising DePIN Coins: In-Depth Reviews’
We’ll now discuss each DePIN project in more detail. The information covers the best DePIN tokens for your portfolio. Note that the “Launch Date” refers to when each DePIN project’s presale or ICO began.
1. Bittensor (TAO) – Decentralized AI Network for Machine Learning Models
Bittensor is a decentralized, open-source protocol designed to create a worldwide market for artificial intelligence (AI) models. It allows users to contribute their computational resources and machine learning models to the network, and in return, they earn TAO tokens. This ecosystem, which is focused on collaboration, aims to speed up AI development by utilizing decentralized computing power.
The recent upgrade that implemented the Net Tao Flow model has changed TAO emission rewards from being based on price fluctuations to being based on actual TAO transactions. This implementation enouraged network activity while rewarding subnets.
Pros Cons
| Launch Date | 2021 |
| Chain | Bittensor |
| DePIN Sub-Sector | Decentralized AI network |
| Current Price | $232.69 |
| Year-to-Date Return | -44.57% |
| Market Cap | $4.89B |
2. Filecoin (FIL) – Blockchain Network for Decentralized Cloud Storage
Filecoin is a decentralized network that inserts cloud storage into an open market. This change makes it possible for users to rent out storage space that isn’t being used. Filecoin ensures that data is safe and won’t be lost in the cloud by using its own blockchain technology, making it a secure and cost-effective option for digital storage.
The recent NV25 “Teep” upgrade removed batch balancer and gan constraints and instead introduced simpler fees, preparing the network for the upcoming F3 activation, which is set to speed up transaction finality by up to 450 times.
Pros Cons
| Launch Date | 2020 |
| Chain | Filecoin |
| DePIN Sub-Sector | Decentralized cloud storage |
| Current Price | $1.33 |
| Year-to-Date Return | -72.77% |
| Market Cap | $2.60B |
3. Render (RNDR) – Platform Utilizing Idle GPUs for Affordable Rendering Solutions
Render Network is a decentralized solution that uses blockchain technology to connect users who need rendering services with those who have unused GPU power. Using Render makes it easier and more cost-effective to render complex digital content, such as 3D graphics and visual effects.
Recently, Render Network expanded support for 3D rendering tools like Cinema 4D, Redshift, and Blender Cycles and integrated AI services, opening up more use capabilities and expanding its user base.
Pros Cons
| Launch Date | 2019 |
| Chain | Ethereum |
| DePIN Sub-Sector | Decentralized GPU rendering |
| Current Price | $1.34 |
| Year-to-Date Return | -80.52% |
| Market Cap | $713.32M |
4. Theta Network (THETA) – Decentralized Video Network for Bandwidth and Resource Sharing
Theta Network is a decentralized blockchain platform designed to change how video streaming is done. It enables peer-to-peer sharing of bandwidth and computing resources. Its native cryptocurrency, THETA, is a governance token used to make important decisions within the ecosystem.
As part of its roadmap, Theta Network has been rolling out a list of upgrades, including EdgeCloud, AI integration, and blockchain scalability. These upgrades promote cross-chain interoperability with other networks, including Ethereum and Polkadot, to expand Web3 apps.
Pros Cons
| Launch Date | 2019 |
| Chain | Theta |
| DePIN Sub-Sector | Decentralized video streaming and delivery |
| Current Price | $0.30 |
| Year-to-Date Return | -84.44% |
| Market Cap | $302.64M |
5. Helium (HNT) – Decentralized Hotspot Network for a People-Powered Internet
Helium is a decentralized, blockchain-based wireless network that allows devices worldwide to connect to the Internet and geolocate themselves without the need for power-intense satellite hardware or expensive mobile plans. By deploying Hotspots, devices that are network nodes and miners simultaneously, participants can contribute to network coverage and earn the native HNT token.
The launch of Helium Mobile partnering with T-Mobile has expanded its reach into 5G services, providing unlimited data plans while earning MOBILE tokens for network participation. Also, Helium supports the Internet of Things with its IOT token, which motivates users to deploy and maintain network hotspots. In January 2025, the network will stop emitting MOBILE and IOT tokens, transitioning to HNT as the sole reward for all network activities, pushing the value of this token even further.
Pros Cons
| Launch Date | 2019 |
| Chain | Helium |
| DePIN Sub-Sector | Decentralized wireless network for IoT |
| Current Price | $1.65 |
| Year-to-Date Return | -74.10% |
| Market Cap | $293.16M |
6. Akash Network (AKT) – Cloud Computing Marketplace for Efficient and Secure Transactions
Akash Network is a decentralized cloud computing platform that offers a marketplace for idle computing resources. By using blockchain technology in its structure, the network offers a safe and ever-growing environment for cloud services. As such, it is becoming an excellent alternative to more well-known centralized providers.
Akash Network is further improving its network with the 2025 Akash Ecosystem Growth and Support Proposal, which introduces new initiatives such as the roles of Navigators, Alchemists, and Ringmasters. The Navigators will help onboard developers and projects, Alchemists will focus on building dApps and utilities, and Ringmasters will lead future community events. Also, the investment in the Vanguards program, which supports experienced developers and motivates users to advance network utility and give feedback, will continue.
Pros Cons
| Launch Date | 2020 |
| Chain | Cosmos |
| DePIN Sub-Sector | Decentralized cloud computing |
| Current Price | $0.37 |
| Year-to-Date Return | -87.31% |
| Market Cap | $88.11M |
7. io.net (IO) – Decentralized GPU Network for AI and Development
io.net is a DePIN built on the Solana blockchain. It aggregates underutilized GPU resources from multiple sources, such as idle crypto mining farms and independent data centers, to offer more cost-effective cloud computing solutions for AI and machine learning applications.
In October 2025, io.net released a financial framework for GPU infrastructure decisions and Solana integration for instant payments. It also aims to allocate resources by using smart contracts.
Pros Cons
| Launch Date | 2024 |
| Chain | Solana |
| DePIN Sub-Sector | Decentralized AI computing network |
| Current Price | $0.14 |
| Year-to-Date Return | -94.91% |
| Market Cap | $117.31M |
8. Hivemapper (HONEY) – Mapping Network Rewarding Contributors for Data Collection
Hivemapper is a decentralized global mapping network that encourages users to collect HD street-level pictures and videos using dashcams. Participants earn HONEY tokens, which are Solana natives, in exchange for their contribution to building and maintaining up-to-date maps.
On January 9, 2025, HONEY was listed on AscendEX. Since then, it has been working on enhancing its network to focus on real-world adoption. If it keeps on this path, it could potentially see increased growth and visibility.
Pros Cons
| Launch Date | 2022 |
| Chain | Solana |
| DePIN Sub-Sector | Decentralized mapping |
| Current Price | $0.0084 |
| Year-to-Date Return | -88.36% |
| Market Cap | $53.68M |
9. GEODNET (GEOD) – Network Providing RTK Corrections for Precise Geolocation Services
GEODNET offers Real-Time Kinematic (RTK) corrections for accurate geolocation services through its decentralized network. A worldwide network of Global Navigation Satellite System (GNSS) reference stations can deliver positions that are precise to the centimeter level, benefiting apps in autonomous vehicles, agriculture, and robotics.
In December 2024, GEODNET announced that it had partnered with Burro, a leader in agricultural robotics. Burro will integrate GEODNET’s RTK and GPS technology into its autonomous robots, improving navigation accuracy and operation efficiency in those agrarian sectors.
Pros Cons
| Launch Date | 2022 |
| Chain | IoTeX and Polygon |
| DePIN Sub-Sector | Decentralized geolocation services |
| Current Price | $0.13 |
| Year-to-Date Return | -33.00% |
| Market Cap | $137.98M |
10. DIMO (DIMO) – Platform Enabling Vehicle Owners to Control Car Data
DIMO is a platform that allows vehicle owners to control and earn revenue from their car data. By connecting their vehicles to DIMO through decentralized technology, users can access insights about their vehicle health and performance while receiving DIMO tokens as rewards for sharing data and feeding the automotive data management ecosystem.
In 2025, the project focused on expanding its utility to real-world cases, especially in Japanese markets. It also worked on improving the security of the network to support broader cases.
Pros Cons
| Launch Date | 2021 |
| Chain | Polygon (migrating to Base) |
| DePIN Sub-Sector | Decentralized vehicle data management |
| Current Price | $0.013 |
| Year-to-Date Return | -93.15% |
| Market Cap | $13.47M |
What Is DePIN in Crypto?
DePIN, short for Decentralized Physical Infrastructure Networks, uses blockchain technology to coordinate and incentivize the deployment of real-world infrastructure. You contribute resources, such as computing power, storage, wireless bandwidth, or sensors, and earn crypto rewards for providing verifiable services.
Smart contracts automate payments, ensuring trustless, permissionless interactions. Projects like Helium (HNT) decentralize wireless networks, while Filecoin (FIL) incentivizes decentralized storage.
Unlike traditional infrastructure, which is capital-intensive and centralized, DePIN enables scalable, distributed systems through tokenomics. These projects reduce reliance on intermediaries, cut operational costs, and foster global participation.
Proof-of-Physical-Work (PoPW) mechanisms verify service delivery and align incentives accordingly. DePIN parallels DeFi but anchors blockchain to tangible assets, bridging physical and digital economies.
Is DePIN Needed in Web3?
DePIN and the future of Web3 go hand-in-hand. Here are four reasons why:
1. Decentralization
DePIN fundamentally shifts control from centralized authorities to decentralized communities. Decentralization eliminates single points of failure and strengthens networks.
Centralized systems often face vulnerabilities, such as outages or attacks that compromise entire networks. With DePINs, distributed nodes collectively ensure operational continuity.
2. Sustainability
Traditional blockchain systems, like Bitcoin, are criticized for their environmental impact. Energy-intensive proof-of-work (PoW) mechanisms require greater use of natural resources.
DePIN prioritizes sustainability by incorporating energy-efficient solutions. This demonstrates that blockchain networks can scale without sacrificing environmental considerations.
3. Privacy and Security
Digital privacy remains a security issue, especially considering the overreliance on centralized data repositories. DePIN resolves this by distributing data across decentralized nodes. Splitting and encrypting data ensures immunity to unauthorized access or tampering.
4. Censorship
Centralized platforms often impose arbitrary restrictions, silencing dissent or controversial viewpoints. DePIN offers a mechanism to counteract such practices, allowing users to publish content that cannot be deleted or altered.
Creators and individuals can now share information without fear or threat of suppression. This is why DePIN is a tool for preserving free speech in digital spaces.
Are DePIN Coins a Good Investment?
DePIN crypto projects are typically good investments because they have real-world and long-term use cases. That said, let’s take a closer look at what makes top DePIN coins worth investing in.
Built on Proprietary Networks
Many DePIN coins are built on proprietary blockchain networks. This is important because it means the project has developed something worthy of investment. Moreover, unlike secondary tokens, they can set their own terms and conditions.
For example, consider someone using Render to rent digital rendering space. The only accepted currency is RNDR, which is native to Render. This means that RNDR has a long-term use case — it’ll always be in demand. However, this isn’t always the case. With Powerledger, for example, fees are paid in ETH.
Fuel Innovative Projects
DePIN coins are usually behind something innovative. This is important from an investment perspective, as innovation often leads to real-world solutions.
For example, Filecoin has decentralized cloud services that distribute cloud data across multiple nodes. This increases trust and reliability since there isn’t a single point of failure. Additionally, anyone with excess storage space can profit from it.
Similarly, Helium has created innovation in the global internet space. It enables anyone to become a hotspot, boosting connectivity in remote areas.
Aligned With Emerging Trends
Increasing global focus on sustainability, privacy, and censorship resistance reflects broader societal demands rather than just technological preferences. DePIN projects that address these trends hold strategic advantages.
For example, the growing backlash against centralized entities harvesting user data has created a demand for decentralized solutions. However, privacy-focused regulations such as GDPR and California’s CCPA are making it harder for centralized platforms to operate without reform.
This is where DePIN comes into play. These systems align naturally with policies that position them as compliant alternatives.
Methodology: How We Ranked the Best DePIN Crypto Projects and Coins
We followed a comprehensive rating methodology to evaluate and rank the best DePIN crypto projects and coins. It encompasses critical factors such as innovation, tokenomics, compliance, and more. Below, we explain each criterion.
Technology and Innovation (25%)
We assessed each project’s use of blockchain for transparent and fair peer-to-peer transactions without central oversight. Moreover, these projects need to be adaptable and scalable to efficiently handle real-world infrastructure demands.
Market Potential and Business Model (25%)
We analyzed the target market demand and potential revenue streams. The business model’s uniqueness and competitive advantage in reducing costs or increasing efficiency are also worth considering.
Tokenomics (25%)
We also evaluate token utility in facilitating transactions, rewarding users, and governing the network. Additionally, we assessed token distribution and allocation strategies for long-term viability.
Regulatory Compliance (25%)
We scrutinized whether each DePIN coin was compliant with industry-specific regulations. In fact, we even considered adaptability to future regulatory changes to minimize legal risks.
Conclusion
DePIN coins offer significant potential as an investment, especially for those who value Web3 technologies. They address issues such as decentralization, sustainability, privacy, security, and censorship resistance. The tools are now in the hands of Web3 users.
In this guide, we analyzed the most promising DePIN coins for investors in 2025. Our top pick is Bittensor, which is transforming digital markets with its decentralized network for AI machine learning models.
That said, investing in DePIN coins comes with risks. Success depends on adoption, execution, and market trends, so always do your own research, have a solid strategy, and never invest more than you can afford to lose.
👉 Don’t Miss: 10 Best Real-World Assets (RWA) Coins to Invest in 2025
FAQs
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References
- Decentralized Physical Infrastructure Networks Ep. 82 (Chainalysis)
- Privacy as a Social Issue and Behavioral Concept (Stephen T. Margulis, Journal of Social Issues, Vol. 59)
- The Crypto Magnate Barry Silbert Pins His Comeback on AI (The Wall Street Journal)
- io.net and Alpha Network Partner to Enhance Secure AI and Web3 Development (Coinspeaker)
- Theta Network Launches EdgeCloud, the First Hybrid Cloud-Edge Computing Platform for AI, Video and Rendering (Yahoo Finance)
- State of Filecoin 2025 (Filecoin TL;DR)
- Burro and GEODNET Partner to Enhance Agricultural Robotics with Advanced RTK GPS Technology (Yahoo Finance)
- Drive-and-Earn Platform Dimo Swaps Ethereum Networks, From Polygon to Base (Decrypt)
- Telecommunication Market Size, Share and Trends 2024 to 2034 (Precedence Research)
- Detailed explanation of Binance Launchpool’s new project io.net: connecting global GPU resources to reshape the future of machine learning (Binance Square)
- 2025 Akash Ecosystem Growth and Support Proposal (Akash Network)
- Render Network: 2024 In Review (Render Network)
- Hivemapper Introduces Bee Maps: Revolutionizing the Mapping Industry with a Deeper, Smarter and More Accurate View of the World (Business Wire)
- Understanding GEODNET: A Comprehensive Overview (Messari)
- We’ve Cleared the Bee for Mass Production (Hivemapper Network)
- Dynamic TAO (Bittensor)
- Theta’s 2025 roadmap (Binance Square)
- Dimo Ignite launch (dimo.org)
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