10 Next Altseason Tokens to Buy Ahead of Time in 2026

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January 12, 2026

Altseason is the most exciting period for crypto investors. It’s an extended phase in the crypto market where most altcoins outperform Bitcoin. This is measured by the Altcoin Season Index, which currently sits around 37. This suggests that the market may be close to a turning point.

Crucially, you don’t have to wait for the next altseason to start to invest in cryptocurrencies. In fact, the most effective strategy is to buy the next altseason tokens before it begins, as this offers the highest upside potential. Read on to discover which tokens to buy ahead of time in 2026.

Next Altseason Tokens Reviewed – A Closer Analysis

Let’s take a deep dive into the next wave of altseason coins listed above. Discover why these nine projects are our top picks, alongside their unique selling points and upside potential.

For example, Bitcoin Hyper is at the top of the list because of its L2 Bitcoin solution, while Maxi Doge is leading in the meme coin sector.

1. Bitcoin Hyper (HYPER) – First-Ever Layer 2 for BTC with DeFi Potential

Bitcoin Hyper HYPER +18.91% is aiming to build the first Layer 2 network for Bitcoin, promising scalability and faster speeds. Within just a few weeks of its presale launch, Bitcoin Hyper has raised more than $1 million.

By leveraging Solana’s high-throughput virtual machine (SVM), Bitcoin Hyper will allow BTC transactions to be processed quickly and cheaply on a parallel chain, before syncing back to Bitcoin’s Layer 1 using zero-knowledge proofs. Users will be able to send and receive BTC in near real-time, and even access decentralized apps, all while remaining connected to Bitcoin’s secure base layer.

The native HYPER token fuels all network activity, including governance and staking. Investors can currently stake their tokens for an impressive 650% annual yield, with over 80 million tokens already staked. As demand for DeFi on Bitcoin grows, Bitcoin Hyper could be the project that unlocks it.

Visit Bitcoin Hyper

2. Maxi Doge (MAXI) – Meme Coin Hosting Weekly Trading Competitions

Maxi Doge MAXI +12.06% is a new Ethereum-based meme coin that has already raised over $4.57M in its presale campaign. Designed to appeal to high-risk traders and meme coin enthusiasts, Maxi Doge blends mem coin culture with weekly trading competitions to keep its holders actively engaged.

At the core of the project is a live leaderboard that ranks users based on trading performance. Each week, top performers are rewarded with MAXI tokens, turning the meme coin into a gamified experience. This structure sets Maxi Doge apart from other meme coins that offer just short-term hype.

In addition to its trading contests, the project plans to integrate with a futures trading platform. MAXI holders can also stake their tokens for a live APY of up to 68%, with over 1.2 billion tokens already locked.

Visit Maxi Doge

3. LiquidChain (LIQUID) – Utility Meme Coin With Cross-Chain Compatibility

LiquidChain LIQUID +22.27% is a new meme coin that aims to unify the liquidity of three major networks, Bitcoin, Solana, and Ethereum, using a layer 3 blockchain.

This merger’s goal is to enable deeper pools and faster cross-chain trading, while supposedly improving pricing as well. Using a high-performance virtual machine, LiquidChain allows for real-time DeFi across the chains.

Currently in early presale stages, the LIQUID token can be purchased at the low price of $0.01345 and be used to earn high staking rewards of up to 1,980%.

Visit LiquidChain

4. SUBBD (SUBBD) – AI-Powered Platform Transforming the Fan-Creator Relationship

Next on our list is SUBBD SUBBD +4.50%. It’s the first AI-integrated Web3 creator platform where fans can finally interact with creators on a direct, more meaningful level, with no middlemen involved. By blending blockchain technology with AI, SUBBD makes it simpler and more affordable for users to access exclusive content while creators get more freedom (and higher earnings) to focus on what they do best.

After witnessing high initial momentum, the SUBBD token presale has raised $1.47M. Early buyers are backing the platform because it offers premium AI-powered features like AI profile creation and virtual personal assistants.

Moreover, buyers can earn a fixed staking APY of 20% even before the presale ends. SUBBD’s approach to bridging real utility with its platform could fuel growth as more users look for friendlier content experiences.

Visit SUBBD

5. Hyperliquid (HYPE) – DEX Utility Token With Strong Fundamentals

Next, we have Hyperliquid ”HYPE” +6.73%, a utility token that’s shaping to be one of the most compelling utility tokens this altseason. Unlike coins that are driven by hype, HYPE is backed by an actual working protocol with real-world use.

Hyperliquid (HYPE8)

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This project has been getting a lot of attention lately since it offers an on-chain order book, something that’s usually reserved for CEXs, without sacrificing decentralization and self-custody. This unique approach makes it worth checking out by traders who want transparency and efficiency while having control over their funds.

Performance-wise, Hyperliquid has a market cap of $35.01B, and is considered one of the top 15 crypto coins by market cap. It currently trades at around $35.01, offering an opportunity for interested traders to invest in before the price rises in the next altseason.

Buy Hyperliquid on Best Wallet

6. Uniswap (UNI) – Leading Decentralized Exchange for Altcoin Trading With an Upcoming Governance Vote

Many of the next alt season tokens will trade on decentralized exchanges (DEXs), which is why Uniswap UNI +1.08% is also a top pick. After all, Uniswap is the de facto DEX for ERC-20 tokens. It also offers cross-chain functionality, meaning traders can swap tokens from other networks. This includes BNB Chain, Avalanche, Polygon, Base, Arbitrum, and Blast.

Uniswap (UNI)

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The Uniswap protocol offers complete anonymity – no account is required to trade. Moreover, Uniswap leverages liquidity pools – funded by anyone who wants to earn yields on idle tokens. It uses the automated market maker (AMM) model to determine token prices, so there’s no reliance on centralized order books.

In late 2025, UNI faced strong price volatility, mostly because of governance-related catalysts and potential burns. As of today, Uniswap is trading at around $3.97, a change of around -57.37% in the past month.

Buy UNI on Best Wallet

7. BNB (BNB) – Large-Cap Altcoin Backing the Binance Ecosystem With Frequent Buybacks and Burns

The next altseason coin to consider is BNB BNB 0.74% – the world’s fourth-largest cryptocurrency by market capitalization. BNB is backed by Binance – the most popular exchange globally. Binance not only attracts more daily trading volumes than any other exchange but it recently passed 200 million registered users. Therefore, a BNB purchase is an investment in the wider Binance ecosystem.

Bnb (BNB)

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At its core, BNB is a utility coin for Binance traders. Those holding BNB get a 25% discount from trading commissions. BNB is also the native coin on the BNB Chain. Similar to ETH and ERC-20 tokens, projects operating on the BNB Chain must pay fees in BNB. What’s more, BNB provides liquidity for BEP-20 tokens that trade on decentralized exchanges.

Perhaps the key selling point is that Binance frequently runs buyback programs. It uses a percentage of revenues to purchase BNB from public exchanges. Those BNB coins are ‘burned’ – meaning they’re no longer in circulation. This reduces the supply and helps prop up BNB’s value. In the past 12 months, BNB’s price fluctuated by around +31.93%.

Buy BNB on Best Wallet

8. Ethereum (ETH) – L1 Chain; Backbone of DeFi, Smart Contracts, And NFTs

Ethereum remains the original token that powers decentralized finance, smart contracts, as well as NFTs, making it a core asset in any altcoin cycle. Analysts believe that ETH is going to see a strong performance in 2026, thanks to its recent surge near all-time highs.

Ethereum (ETH)

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When it comes to the next altseason, ETH is expected to lead, thanks to the ongoing network upgrades, such as the Pectra update and the scheduled Fusaka upgrade. These upgrades are designed to enhance the network by improving efficiency and scalability, further driving price surges.

Historically speaking, whenever ETH shows a strong performance, liquidity tends to rotate into smaller altcoins in the ecosystem, which in turn fuels broader momentum across the market. This is why ETH is not just a must-hold asset, but also a strong signal for altseason surges.

Buy Ethereum on Best Wallet

9. Aave (AAVE) – Trusted Decentralized Finance Protocol With Peer-to-Peer Lending and Borrowing

Aave AAVE +0.54% is another decentralized finance (DeFi) project that makes our list of next altseason tokens. With over $20 billion in locked liquidity, Aave is the leading DeFi platform for lending and borrowing. It operates a peer-to-peer model via smart contracts, ensuring security, privacy, and transparency. Put simply, borrowers deposit cryptocurrencies into liquidity pools.

Aave (AAVE)

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In doing so, the liquidity pool generates yields – which vary depending on the coin. The yields are funded by those who borrow funds. Loan agreements are considered safe, as borrowers must deposit collateral. Moreover, borrowers lose their collateral if they fail to make their loan repayments. There’s also a safety margin between the APR (for borrowers) and APY (for investors).

For example, investors depositing USDT into Aave will receive an APY of 7.04%. Borrowers pay an APR of 8.98%. Similarly, ETH deposits earn 1.72%. While borrowers pay 2.53%. Since the past month, AAVE’s price has changed for around -23.70%.

Buy AAVE on Best Wallet

10. Filecoin (FIL) – Top DePIN Project With a Decentralized File-Sharing Marketplace and Tokenized Earnings

Last on this list of next altcoin season tokens is Filecoin FIL +1.22%. This is one of the top altcoins for exposure to decentralized physical infrastructure networks, or DePIN. In a nutshell, Filecoin has developed a peer-to-peer marketplace for online file storage. Think of it like iCloud or Google Drive, but in a completely decentralized and private ecosystem.

Filecoin (FIL)

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This means there’s no single point of failure – ensuring that people can safely store their data without the risks of hacks and breaches. Moreover, Filecoin storage prices are determined by demand and supply, which means users get a far more competitive deal. The most innovative aspect of Filecoin is how storage facilities are provided.

Anyone from around the world can contribute spare computational resources – allowing them to earn FIL tokens for their efforts. Similarly, those needing storage space pay fees in FIL – so it’s a top utility token with long-term potential. In terms of performance, FIL is up -66.93% in the past year. It currently trades at around $1.10. To check more about Filecoin’s future, check our Filecoin price prediction.

Buy FIL on Best Wallet

What is an Altseason Token?

The term “altcoins” refers to all cryptocurrencies other than Bitcoin, while altseason tokens refer to cryptocurrencies expected to perform well during the altcoin season. The last altseason was in 2021, when many cryptocurrencies generated significant gains, particularly those in trending industries like DeFi and P2E gaming.

With Bitcoin reaching an all-time high of $126,173.18 in October 6, 2025, many expected altseason to follow — but so far, most altcoins have lagged behind. This delay could present an opportunity to buy quality tokens while prices remain relatively low.

But the challenge lies in identifying the right altcoins to invest in. A solid strategy is to analyze which niches are likely to perform well, like DeFi and P2E gaming. Analysts predict that artificial intelligence (AI), DePIN, and meme coins will also thrive. As such, diversifying your portfolio with cryptocurrencies in these categories could position you to benefit from significant growth if altseason kicks off later in 2025.

How to Spot Altseason Token Rallies Early

Catching altseason token rallies early is easy when looking for specific key indicators and factors, such as:

Conclusion

We’ve revealed the next altseason tokens to buy, covering many niches. Our top picks include everything from blockchain gambling and decentralized finance to peer-to-peer lending.

That said, our top recommendation is Bitcoin Hyper, the premier Bitcoin scaling solution with proof-of-stake efficiency, high staking rewards, and near-zero fees.

Visit Bitcoin Hyper

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