Top Cryptos to Watch in 2026: BlockDAG Leads SUI, Toncoin & Pepe with High ROI Potential

The digital asset market is moving with great strength as 2026 unfolds, highlighting several projects that stand out from the rest. Market participants are actively looking for options that pair reliable technology with genuine growth opportunities. While Bitcoin and Ethereum maintain their roles as market anchors, fresh projects are providing interesting paths for those ready to look past the most common names.

This guide focuses on four digital assets that deserve a close look right now. Every project offers a distinct value, ranging from pioneering tech and institutional support to massive community energy. From early funding stages to established Layer-1 systems, these selections offer different ways to build a varied portfolio this year.

1. BlockDAG: The Hybrid Layer-1 Nearing Its Debut

BlockDAG has just wrapped up one of the most successful funding periods in the history of the industry, gathering over $443 million from a global base. The network merges the safety of Proof-of-Work with the speed of Directed Acyclic Graph (DAG) structures, creating a system that handles data in parallel rather than a single chain. This hybrid design solves the difficult task of providing security, velocity, and decentralization at the same time, a balance many other blockchains fail to strike.

The data behind the project is very persuasive. With the funding phase ending on January 26, 2026, and the first exchange listings set for February 16, 2026, BlockDAG offers a rare entry point. The current rate is $0.003, while the set listing price is $0.05, representing a 1,566% gain for those in the final stage. Experts suggest the price could climb to the $0.30-$0.43 range within the first 48 to 72 hours of live trading as sidelined demand hits the market.

BlockDAG’s appeal is boosted by its EVM compatibility, allowing developers to move Ethereum-based apps over without changing any code. The project also features mobile mining via the X1 app and a payment card accepted at 38 million locations. With over 300,000 holders and confirmed spots on major exchanges, BlockDAG is a top crypto to watch for anyone wanting early Layer-1 access before public trading starts.

2. Toncoin: Leveraging Telegram’s Massive User Base

Toncoin is currently valued between $1.75 and $1.91 after an 11.5% climb this past week. A major milestone occurred on January 1st when Telegram introduced its own self-custody wallet in the U.S., giving 900 million people the ability to trade assets directly in the app. This connection gives Toncoin a path to the general public that very few other projects can claim.

Financial figures like Anthony Scaramucci have highlighted TON as a primary pick for 2026, adding further trust to the network. Analysts believe the price could reach $2.05-$2.30 in the near term, with higher goals for the end of the year if the Telegram integration continues to succeed. For those looking for the top crypto to watch with a ready-made audience, Toncoin is a unique contender.

3. SUI: Attracting Institutional Capital

SUI has entered 2026 with notable momentum, rising 38% in January to reach $1.95. The network successfully managed a $78.9 million liquidity event on January 1st without a price drop, showing very strong market demand. The Total Value Locked has reached $1.04 billion, and interest in its derivatives has hit $947 million, signaling that professional entities are getting involved.

The recent Mysticeti v2 update has pushed the network’s capacity to 866 transactions per second, keeping SUI competitive with the fastest chains. Furthermore, several ETF filings are currently being reviewed, with experts giving them a 60% chance of approval. If these go through, SUI could see a rally similar to the ones triggered by Bitcoin ETFs. Price forecasts suggest a move toward $2.13-$2.61 soon, making SUI a top crypto to watch among the more established Layer-1 networks.

4. Pepe: The Return of Meme Energy

Pepe is trading at $0.00000596 after a sharp 20% increase on January 2nd. The asset has bounced 85% from its December lows, fueled by over $10.4 million in short-position liquidations. Well-known market participants have suggested Pepe could reach a $69 billion valuation by the end of 2026, which has reignited passion within the meme community.

With a market size of $2.5 billion and over 463,000 holders, Pepe remains easy to trade on major platforms like Binance and Coinbase. Technical charts show a “bullish pennant” forming, with a key resistance point at $0.00000700.

If 2026 becomes a year for memes, experts think Pepe could aim for $0.000015-$0.00002. While it carries more risk than utility-based projects, Pepe is a top crypto to watch for those who prefer high-volatility moves.

Identifying the Top Crypto to Watch in 2026

These four projects provide different ways to approach the market in 2026. BlockDAG gives an early entry before its February 16th debut, SUI offers high-speed tech with ETF potential, Toncoin uses a massive social media network, and Pepe taps into community-driven hype. Each carries its own set of risks and rewards.

Deciding on the top crypto to watch depends on your personal strategy and how much risk you are willing to take. BlockDAG is for those seeking a pre-listing opportunity, SUI is for fans of institutional tech, Toncoin is for those betting on social apps, and Pepe is for traders following meme trends. Spreading your interest across these areas can help manage risk while you look for growth in the current cycle.