Top 9 ERC-20 Tokens to Buy in February 2026
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Bitcoin Hyper, Maxi Doge, Chainlink, and Uniswap are ERC-20 coins worth watching. They follow a common Ethereum standard that powers much of DeFi and app economies. Daily active addresses that belong to this standard hit over 800k in January 2026 according to Etherscan.
This list focuses on ERC-20 picks with clear utility, solid execution, and room to grow. Candidates span newer entries and established names, balancing adoption, on-chain activity, and liquidity.
- In This Article
-
- 1. Bitcoin Hyper (HYPER) - Bitcoin Layer-2 Focused on Speed
- 2. Maxi Doge (MAXI) - Ethereum Meme Coin Built for Degen Trader Culture
- 3. SUBBD (SUBBD) - Utility Token for Content Creators
- 4. Chainlink (LINK) - Oracle Network Connecting Data to Blockchains
- 5. Uniswap (UNI) - Decentralized Exchange for Ethereum Tokens
- 6. Aave (AAVE) - Decentralized Lending and Borrowing Protocol
- 7. Wrapped Bitcoin (WBTC) - Tokenized Bitcoin for DeFi Use
- 8. The Sandbox (SAND) - Metaverse Platform for Gaming and Land
- 9. Decentraland (MANA) - Virtual World with Tradable Land NFTs
- In This Article
-
- 1. Bitcoin Hyper (HYPER) - Bitcoin Layer-2 Focused on Speed
- 2. Maxi Doge (MAXI) - Ethereum Meme Coin Built for Degen Trader Culture
- 3. SUBBD (SUBBD) - Utility Token for Content Creators
- 4. Chainlink (LINK) - Oracle Network Connecting Data to Blockchains
- 5. Uniswap (UNI) - Decentralized Exchange for Ethereum Tokens
- 6. Aave (AAVE) - Decentralized Lending and Borrowing Protocol
- 7. Wrapped Bitcoin (WBTC) - Tokenized Bitcoin for DeFi Use
- 8. The Sandbox (SAND) - Metaverse Platform for Gaming and Land
- 9. Decentraland (MANA) - Virtual World with Tradable Land NFTs
- Show Full Guide
Top List of ERC-20 Tokens to Invest In
ERC-20 is the standard associated with all tokens generated on the Ethereum network. More concisely, it relates to the token standard that can be used within Ethereum smart contracts. Due to the size and scale of Ethereum and its position as the world’s second-largest distributed network, tokens that adhere to this standard can offer lucrative investment potential.
Here are our top ERC-20 tokens to invest in 2026:
| Coin | Symbol | Market Cap | Price | Risk Level (1-10) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Bitcoin Hyper |  HYPER +18.91% |
$31.19M | $0.01367500 | 8 |
| Maxi Doge |  MAXI +12.04% |
$4.55M | $0.00028010 | 8 |
| SUBBD |  SUBBD +4.50% |
$1.47M | $0.05747500 | 8 |
| Chainlink |  LINK 2.02% |
$9.60B | $9.60 | 5 |
| Uniswap |  UNI 0.17% |
$3.89B | $3.89 | 6 |
| Aave |  AAVE 0.45% |
$2.01B | $125.92 | 5 |
| Wrapped Bitcoin |  WBTC 0.82% |
$10.13B | $77,188.35 | 5 |
| Sandbox |  SAND 1.49% |
$298.56M | $0.099 | 6 |
| Decentraland |  MANA +0.40% |
$248.05M | $0.11 | 6 |
Top ERC-20 Tokens to Invest in: A Closer Look
ERC-20 tokens form an integral part of the cryptocurrency landscape due to their widespread adoption and reputation for reliability and security. Consequently, ERC-20 tokens now make up the backbone of the decentralized industry we know today. From decentralized applications (dApps) to DeFi, ERC-20 protocols dominate the Web3 industry.
1. Bitcoin Hyper (HYPER) – Bitcoin Layer-2 Focused on Speed
Key Highlights:
- Current price in February, 2026: $0.01367500
- Amount raised: $31.19M
- Price change: +18.91%
- Address: 0xA86c39fa8341aDC5219f355468fc78Cec7e8702B
Bitcoin Hyper HYPER +18.91% is a Bitcoin Layer 2 (L2) and ERC-20 token inspired by Bitcoin. The actual token exists on Ethereum, while the L2 exists to scale Bitcoin, integrating the Solana virtual machine to support smart contract functionality.
Despite this, HYPER is not a direct competitor to Bitcoin. It portrays itself as a “hyperactive” complement to Bitcoin that’s faster and easier to move around on Ethereum. HYPER embraces the original value of Bitcoin while integrating more efficient technologies from other popular blockchains.
Currently in presale, HYPER is available at $0.01367500 and offers early investors high staking APYs of up to 38% while also rewarding them with exclusive features and early access.
Why Bitcoin Hyper made it to our top list
- Brings Bitcoin’s brand to Ethereum with speed and flexibility BTC lacks
- Released bridge demos showing cross-chain movement
- Previewed a block explorer, signaling progress and alignment with the roadmap
2. Maxi Doge (MAXI) – Ethereum Meme Coin Built for Degen Trader Culture
Key Highlights:
- Current price in February, 2026: $0.00028010
- Amount raised: $4.55M
- Price change: +12.04%
- Address: 0x2dDD5e07DaD86AF708082171ef01F5Ab1fd54F3A
Maxi Doge MAXI +12.04% is an Ethereum meme coin built for degen traders, blending DOGE nostalgia with leverage and humor. Its July 2025 presale has raised $4.55M, placing it among the best crypto presales to invest in 2026.
MAXI holders can earn dynamic rewards through a daily staking pool and join contests and partner events. Audits from SolidProof and Coinsult reported no critical issues.
MAXI runs on Ethereum with a no-tax, non-upgradeable contract and renounced ownership, but it still competes in a crowded meme market today.
Why Maxi Doge made it to our top list
- Audited contract with renounced ownership
- Zero buy and sell tax
- Daily staking pool rewards
- Contests and partner events for holders
3. SUBBD (SUBBD) – Utility Token for Content Creators
Key Highlights:
- Current price in February, 2026: $0.05747500
- Amount raised: $1.47M
- Price change: +4.50%
- Address: 0xEEfc3a765265875483CA9e817dfCa6f7486aaCE1
SUBBD SUBBD +4.50% is a new ERC-20 utility token that’s designed to power a creator platform that blends AI tools and DeFi.
SUBBD is built on Ethereum and benefits from the network’s EVM compatibility, smart contracts, and DEXs integration.
The SUBBD ecosystem allows creators to monetize their content through subscriptions, exclusive drops, tipping, and even premium access to give fans an interactive experience.
Why SUBBD made it to our top list
- 1 billion tokens of total supply
- Audited smart contracts
- Creator-first positioning
- Built to support long-term growth
4. Chainlink (LINK) – Oracle Network Connecting Data to Blockchains
Key Highlights:
- Current price in February, 2026: $9.60
- Market cap: $9.60B
- Last 24 hours change in price: -2.02%
- Yearly price change: -56.79%
- Address: 0x514910771AF9Ca656af840dff83E8264EcF986CA
Founded in 2017 by Sergey Nazarov, Chainlink is a decentralized oracle network that enables universally connected smart contracts to access and share real-world data.
The Chainlink Network is driven by a large open-source community of data providers, node operators, smart contract developers and security auditors ensuring that decentralization stays core to the project’s ethos.
Its growing partnerships with major financial institutions and blockchain projects cement its position as a critical infrastructure for Web3. With its continuous integrations into DeFi, gaming, and enterprise applications, Chainlink remains a dominant force in the oracle market.
Why Chainlink made it to our top list
- Chainlink connects chains to real-world data through developer-friendly APIs
- External data access expands use cases and flexibility for blockchain applications
5. Uniswap (UNI) – Decentralized Exchange for Ethereum Tokens
Key Highlights:
- Current price in February, 2026: $3.89
- Market cap: $3.89B
- Last 24 hours change in price: -0.17%
- Yearly price change: -63.23%
- Address: 0x1f9840a85d5aF5bf1D1762F925BDADdC4201F984
One of the first protocols that pioneered the decentralized trading of DeFi tokens, Uniswap’s Automated Market Maker (AMM) has proven especially popular in liquidity provision. Holders of native governance token UNI have the ability to shape the future of the project as well as benefit from any potential price discovery.
While initially supporting Ethereum, Uniswap expanded to dozens of other networks, such Arbitrum and Optimism, and that has further improved transaction efficiency.
With billions locked in liquidity pools and continuous protocol upgrades, Uniswap remains at the forefront of decentralized trading.
Why Uniswap made it to our top list
- It is the top exchange in terms of fees for DEXs
- Has its own Ethereum Layer 2 blockchain
- Has the highest TVL of all DEXs
- No mandatory KYC at the protocol level
6. Aave (AAVE) – Decentralized Lending and Borrowing Protocol
Key Highlights:
- Current price in February, 2026: $125.92
- Market cap: $2.01B
- Last 24 hours change in price: -0.45%
- Yearly price change: -56.84%
- Address: 0x7Fc66500c84A76Ad7e9c93437bFc5Ac33E2DDaE9
Open-source DeFi solution offering one of the largest liquidity protocols on the market today. Smart contracts handle fund distribution and collateral management allowing Aave users to lend, borrow and earn interest on collateral. The Aave project is fully decentralized with 167,155 token holders worldwide.
Aave is supported by a strong team of developers. The protocol has a strong reputation for having some of the most battle-tested smart contracts in all of crypto. It is one of the top lending markets in all of DeFi.
Many protocols, such as yield generators, integrate Aave into their platforms. This gives Aave a strong demand and puts the AAVE token into a position to absorb some of this demand. Furthermore, holders can use the token for staking, governance, and other perks.
Why Aave made it to our top list
- Provides exposure to a broad range of cryptocurrencies without direct ownership
- Access via pooled lending/borrowing and interest-bearing aTokens
- Diversified exposure helps reduce downside risk compared with single-asset holdings
7. Wrapped Bitcoin (WBTC) – Tokenized Bitcoin for DeFi Use
Key Highlights:
- Current price in February, 2026: $77,188.35
- Market cap: $10.13B
- Last 24 hours change in price: -0.82%
- Yearly price change: -21.75%
- Address: 0x2260FAC5E5542a773Aa44fBCfeDf7C193bc2C599
Officially launched on January 31st 2019, Wrapped Bitcoin is a tokenized version of Bitcoin that can operate on the Ethereum network. WBTC consistently maintains a 1:1 ratio with Bitcoin.
Due to its ERC-20 design, WBTC can be used on decentralized exchanges, crypto lending services, prediction markets and other DeFi applications.
Now that DeFi applications are growing and the demand for Bitcoin-backed assets rising, WBTC bridges the gap between Bitcoin’s store-of-value properties and Ethereum’s vast DeFi ecosystem.
Why Wrapped Bitcoin made it to our top list
- Brings Bitcoin exposure to Ethereum via an ERC-20 representation
- Enables BTC liquidity within Ethereum’s DeFi and app ecosystem
- Likely to see growing use as Ethereum expands and BTC holders seek on-chain utility
8. The Sandbox (SAND) – Metaverse Platform for Gaming and Land
Key Highlights:
- Current price in February, 2026: $0.099
- Market cap: $298.56M
- Last 24 hours change in price: -1.49%
- Yearly price change: -78.67%
- Address: 0x3845badAde8e6dFF049820680d1F14bD3903a5d0
The Sandbox is a blockchain-based virtual world that allows users to create, build, buy and sell digital assets in a gaming environment. Through a combination of DAO governance and NFTs,
The Sandbox continues to build a thriving community with the ultimate aim of introducing blockchain technology into mainstream gaming.
With major partnerships adopting metaverse and a growing NFT marketplace, The Sandbox continues to be a leader in blockchain gaming and virtual real estate which is why it’s among our list.
Why The Sandbox made it to our top list
- Tracks ownership of digital land and NFTs on Ethereum
- Platform-wide asset provenance secured on-chain
- As user activity grows, demand for the SAND token increases
9. Decentraland (MANA) – Virtual World with Tradable Land NFTs
Key Highlights:
- Current price in February, 2026: $0.11
- Market cap: $248.05M
- Last 24 hours change in price: +0.40%
- Yearly price change: -71.74%
- Address: 0x0F5D2fB29fb7d3CFeE444a200298f468908cC942
Formed from an ICO in 2017, Decentraland is a virtual reality platform that allows users to create, experience and monetize content and applications. Users purchase plots of land which they can later build and develop before selling on the open market.
With an emphasis on all things decentralization, MANA token holders get to vote on all in-game and organizational policies.
Decentraland remains a top choice in the metaverse sector as it keeps getting interest in digital ownership and virtual economies.
Why Decentraland made it to our top list
- Early Ethereum project showcasing practical NFT utility
- Virtual real estate enables users to build and customize environments
- MANA holders can earn additional rewards by interacting with the platform
What is an Ethereum (ERC-20) Token?
An ERC-20 token is a specific type of token that has been built for compatibility with the Ethereum blockchain. All tokens that belong to this standard follow a rigorous set of standards. All tokens adhere to the same set of rules meaning they all function in a consistent and predictable manner. This standardization allows all tokens to interact with each other and Ethereum applications seamlessly.
ERC-20 tokens can be used as:
- Utility tokens – To grant access to a particular product or service within an ecosystem
- Security tokens – To represent ownership in a real-world asset such as a company or digital property.
- Stablecoins – Cryptocurrencies that are pegged to real-world assets such as currencies to provide price stability.
Due to their standardization and ensuing widespread adoption, ERC-20 tokens have become a popular way for developers to create new cryptocurrencies and applications on the Ethereum blockchain.
While this standard on Ethereum is the most popular one, it is only one of multiple token frameworks, such as ERC-721 (used for NFTs), ERC-1155 (for efficient transactions of fungible and non-fungible tokens), or ERC-3643 (for security tokens).
What are the Advantages of Buying ERC-20 Tokens?
Investing in ERC-20 tokens has become popular due to the extremely wide variety of projects available. With such a broad range of novel ideas and concepts, investors can target specific sectors within the cryptocurrency space. Let’s take a closer look at the advantages.
🖥️ Ease of Access on Wallets and Exchanges
Due to their overwhelming popularity, ERC-20 tokens are widely supported by most of the leading cryptocurrency exchanges and wallets which makes it easier to buy and sell the tokens compared with other standards. This ensures trading liquidity remains high for ERC-20 tokens and competition among application developers is healthy and strong which is ultimately good for the market.
👥 The Popularity of the Ethereum Blockchain
The ERC-20 token standard has fueled a surge in Ethereum ecosystem development. In the last five years, the cryptocurrency space has seen a massive rise in the number of DeFi protocols, decentralized exchanges and NFT marketplaces all thanks to the flexibility and user-friendly token standard.
Furthermore, the best Ethereum tokens are renowned for their robust security and reliability which has further fueled the industry’s recent growth. The popularity of the token is twofold – as the tokens rise in popularity, so does the strength of the Ethereum network, which in turn attracts more ERC-20 developers.
🔗 Integration with Ethereum-Based Platforms
Because all ERC-20 tokens follow the same rules, integration with Ethereum-built platforms is seamless. Some of the most widely used destinations for these tokens include exchanges, DeFi applications, and NFT marketplaces.
This integration unlocks a world of possibilities for ERC-20 tokens. In the ever-evolving world of Web3 development, sometimes it is hard to keep up to date with all the latest developments. However, we believe the following avenues hold the strongest potential for ERC-20 tokens:
- Payments – ERC-20 tokens have proven to be extremely popular in the gaming industry with a number of projects featuring in-game economies built to this standard.
- Governance – With the rising popularity of Decentralized Autonomous Organizations (DAOs), more and more ERC-20 tokens are being used to grant voting rights within Ethereum-developed distributed systems.
- Store of Value – Due to tried and tested security protocols, an increasing number of ERC-20 tokens are being used as investment vehicles in the same way traditional finance views stocks and bonds.
With one popular universal standard, blockchain development has evolved at a rapid pace over the last 5-6 years. The ERC-20 standard has enabled developers to build new protocols easily, quickly, and at a lower cost which has meant the doors to innovation and experimentation have been thrown open to all. Such a wide range of innovation has led to a feature-rich range of experiences for users of Ethereum blockchain products.
What are the Drawbacks of Buying ERC-20 Tokens?
As with any new and popular product development things rarely go according to plan. If the Ethereum blockchain is to keep hold of its envied number two position, it must iron out a number of issues moving forward. Therefore, while ERC-20 tokens offer exciting possibilities there are also a number of downsides to consider –
🌐 Dependence on the Ethereum Network
All ERC-20 tokens roughly adopt the same protocol design and network structure. Despite its reputation for security, a single point of failure could be devastating for the ERC-20 family. Although recent developments have concentrated on improving Ethereum’s security (eg EIP3675 aka ’the Merge’), such a broad sweeping product design is still attractive to hackers with questionable motives.
💸 High Gas Fees From Network Congestion
The runaway success of Ethereum and the ERC-20 token standard has been hindered by a poor reputation for high gas fees and growing network congestion. Recent Ethereum Improvement Protocols (EIPs) have sought to challenge these costs, but congested network traffic continues to inflate fees, especially during peak hours.
However, since the network transitioned to a Proof-of-Stake design model in 2022, the computational costs and energy consumption have been reduced by 99%. With a focus on keeping costs as low as possible, this is one of the primary areas that Ethereum developers are focussing on right now.
🔒 Smart Contract Risk
Firstly, any code vulnerabilities can be targeted by hackers which can lead to the theft of funds or manipulation of the contract functionality. Unlike traditional contracts, any such error is irreversible due to the immutable nature of the blockchain. In the wake of this, smart contract auditors have witnessed record business as protocols look to test their code for vulnerability.
Firstly, any code vulnerabilities can be targeted by hackers which can lead to the theft of funds or manipulation of the contract functionality. Unlike traditional contracts, any such error is irreversible due to the immutable nature of the blockchain. In the wake of this, smart contract auditors have witnessed record business as protocols look to test their code for vulnerability.
How to Buy ERC-20 Tokens
To buy ERC-20 tokens, first set up a wallet like Best Wallet or MetaMask and secure your recovery phrase offline. Buy ETH on a centralized exchange and put it in your wallet carefully. You can also buy ETH directly on Best Wallet with your credit card.
To buy new tokens from this standard, you can use a CEX for popular tokens or connect your wallet to one of the best DEXs out there to access newer tokens with lower liquidity. On the DEX, paste the correct contract address, swap ETH for your chosen token, and confirm the transaction. Always check gas fees and prioritize security.
Ready to start? Follow our step-by-step guide below to buy your first ERC-20 tokens securely.
- Set up your wallet: Use Best Wallet, Trust Wallet, or Coinbase Wallet. Guard your seed phrase!
- Buy Ethereum (ETH): Use Coinbase, Binance, Kraken, or other wallet providers.
- Transfer ETH to your wallet: Always test with a small amount first! Copy the address carefully.
- Choose your exchange: CEX (Binance etc.) for listed tokens. DEX (Uniswap etc.) for new tokens.
- Swap ETH for the token (especially on DEX): Paste the official contract address if the token isn’t listed. Verify the address!
- Confirm transaction & pay gas fees: Check the fee in your wallet. Time swaps for lower fees if needed.
- Check your wallet balance: Import the token manually using its contract address if it doesn’t show.
How to Minimize Ethereum Gas Fees When Buying ERC-20 Tokens
One of the downsides of buying ERC-20 tokens that you will encounter is gas fees. Ethereum is notorious for having high gas fees, especially during times of heightened on-chain activity. Here are a few strategies that you can use to minimize gas fees when buying the top ERC-20 tokens.
⛽ Check Ethereum Gas Fees
Before you utilize any of the following methods, it’s best to get into the habit of checking gas fees. You can use tools like our gas fee checker or calculator to determine if you will need to minimize gas fees.
Safe Gas Price
0.14 Gwei (~$0.01)
Low PriorityAverage Gas Price
0.16 Gwei (~$0.01)
Standard PriorityFast Gas Price
0.16 Gwei (~$0.01)
High PriorityLast updated:
🐮 Use Intent-Based DEXs
Intent-based decentralized exchanges make token swaps more efficient by shifting gas costs from users to solvers (i.e., users that act as brokers), off-chain intents settled on-chain, and other methods.
They also typically give traders MEV protection and find them the best prices for swaps by aggregating multiple DEXs. In this way, they are better for overall fees (not just gas fees).
Multiple intent-based DEXs offer gasless transactions, MEV protection, and better order execution, such as CoW Swap, UniswapX and 1inch Fusion.
🌉 Bridge to Layer 2 Networks
Ethereum Layer 2 (L2) networks exist for the express purpose of lowering transaction costs. Because they typically support the EVM, this means that you can bridge ERC-20 tokens back and forth between them and Ethereum. L2s like Base or Arbitrum often have gas fees at fractions of a cent.
Methodology: How We Rated The Best ERC-20 Tokens
Having a sound methodology is crucial in producing results that are both accurate and tangible. Without sound reasoning, it is impossible to come to concrete conclusions. Sound methodology always underpins quality statistics. To arrive at our conclusions, we have looked at a variety of factors that each investor must consider before buying any of our featured projects.
Highest Growth Potential – 25%
- Likely Adoption: We assessed the likelihood of the product gaining real-world mass adoption over the next 5-10 years.
- Investment Potential: We also looked at how the coin appealed to professional investment managers and what the medium to long-term view was.
- Crypto Longevity: Finally we considered the likely timeline for the longevity of the cryptocurrency market.
Recent Market Performance – 25%
- Recent Price Trend: We analyzed the coins’ price movement over three and six-month periods, considering both the short and long-term trends.
- Market Capitalization: We looked at the market capitalization of each cryptocurrency reflecting both its position and significance in the market.
Level of Utility – 20%
- Practical Application: We looked at real-world use cases and determined whether the project had any unique features or applications that set it apart.
- Technological Innovation: We considered the underlying technology of the cryptocurrency and we looked for any recent innovations that contribute to the tokens’ usefulness.
Developer Activity – 15%
- Team Reputation: We looked closely at the track record of the developer team behind the project. Cryptocurrencies that are developed by experienced teams often produce a more well-rounded product.
- Transparency: We assessed how transparent the team was at sharing product updates, the progress of development and any obstacles they faced along the way. The more the community knows about the project the more confident they are when making crucial investment decisions.
Community Support – 10%
- Community Engagement: We looked at the level of community adoption and analyzed the level of engagement on social media, community forums and noticeboards. An engaged community often points to confidence in the product and strong support should things go awry.
- Adoption Rates: Higher adoption rates suggest a broader ecosystem so therefore we considered how widely the cryptocurrency was currently being used by merchants and businesses as well as traders and investors.
Alignment with Current Trends – 5%
- Compliance: We checked to see if the product complied with current legislation, especially in the geographic markets in which the product was most popular.
- Narrative: We also checked to see whether the coin was still relevant in accordance with ongoing and popular narratives in the crypto space.
Conclusion
ERC-20 tokens sit at the core of today’s crypto landscape. They underpin DeFi, NFTs, meme coins, and even AI-focused projects. This guide highlighted 9 notable ERC-20 options to consider, depending on your goals and risk profile.
Opportunities come with real risk. Crypto is volatile, and outcomes depend on market conditions, regulation, and execution. Do your own research and never commit funds you can’t afford to lose.
Stay informed, favor projects with clear utility and sound fundamentals, and make decisions with a long-term view of the ERC-20 ecosystem.
FAQs
What is the best ERC-20 token?
What is the most expensive ERC-20 token?
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References
- Bitcoin ‘Halving’ Rally Is Already Partially Priced In, Marathon CEO Thiel Says (Bloomberg)
- An Introduction to Smart Contracts and Their Potential and Inherent Limitations (Harvard)
- Ethereum Merge: How one big cryptocurrency is going green (BBC)
- One Corner of Crypto Is Back Near a Record High After a $15 Billion Surge (Bloomberg)
- Gas and fees (Ethereum.org)
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