While every cryptocurrency investor should have some major cryptocurrencies such as Bitcoin and Ethereum in their portfolio, there’s also an argument to be made that a small allocation to low cap coins is a worthwhile bet.
To help you find the best low market cap crypto to buy, we’ve selected cryptocurrencies outside of the cryptocurrency top 100 that have strong potential to grow in the future. We focused on crypto assets that have already seen considerable demand based on exchange listings, trading volume and other key metrics.
Here is the best low market cap crypto to buy in 2024:
Raydium (RAY) – A leading decentralized exchange on Solana
Cat in a dogs world (MEW) – Meme coin on the Solana blockchain
iExec RLC (RLC) – Disrupting the cloud computing industry with blockchain
Nym (NYM) – Privacy-enhancing technologies powered by a token economy
ZetaChain (ZETA) – Blockchain platform for interoperable DApps
Centrifuge (CFG) – Connecting RWAs with DeFi
Celo (CELO) – Mobile-focused blockchain for efficient payments
Ravencoin (RVN) – PoW blockchain that enables issuance of custom tokens
How did we select the best low market cap crypto?
When choosing the best small cap crypto, we have focused on cryptocurrencies that have already reached a market cap of over $100 million, but have the potential to grow further and join the ranks of the biggest cryptocurrencies on the market.
There are several reasons why we didn’t feature “micro-cap” cryptocurrencies when choosing the best small cap crypto with potential. Micro-cap cryptocurrencies typically have poor liquidity, which means they are difficult to trade and can have even higher volatility than one would already expect from a cryptocurrency. They are also more vulnerable to market manipulation, as a smaller amount of capital is needed to move their price substantially.
When looking at cryptocurrencies with very low market capitalizations ($10 million or below), it’s common to see crypto projects that are either in an extremely early stage, don’t have a notable development team or a credible roadmap, or have already been abandoned. To sum it up, if a cryptocurrency has an extremely low market capitalization, there’s probably a very good reason for it.
Meanwhile, the cryptocurrencies we have featured in this article are readily available on several crypto exchanges, have sufficient liquidity to trade, and are still in active development. We made sure to pick cryptocurrencies from various sectors of the cryptocurrency market such as decentralized finance, privacy, real-world assets, layer 1, AI and decentralized computing, and of course, meme coins.
The best low market cap crypto in 2024
Now that we’ve explained what we paid attention to when choosing the best low market cap crypto, let’s get started with our picks for the best low market cap cryptocurrencies in 2024.
1. Raydium (RAY) – A leading decentralized exchange on Solana
Raydium is a project on the Solana blockchain which provides all of the features one would expect from a cutting-edge DeFi platform. Raydium enables token swaps, yield farming, liquidity pools and a launchpad named AcceleRaytor, which allows users to back new projects on the Solana network and receive tokens in return.
What sets Raydium apart is the fact that it serves as Automated Market Maker (AMM) while also offering the traditional benefits of an orderbook-based exchange. This hybrid model enables Raydium to provide on-chain liquidity to a central limit order book, which connects its users and liquidity pools to the liquidity and order flow of the OpenBook ecosystem.
Raydium also has native token called RAY, which holders can stake to earn a portion of the protocol’s transaction fees and gain access to the AcceleRaytor launchpad. Additionally, the Raydium team is developing a governance structure that will allow RAY token holders to influence significant decisions about the protocol’s future direction and development.
2. Cat in a dogs world (MEW) – Meme coin on the Solana blockchain
Cat in a dogs world (MEW) is a meme token on the Solana blockchain. Like most of the other meme tokens and coins that have seen success recently, MEW does not have a roadmap and the team behind isn’t planning on giving the token any additional utilities (at least publicly).
MEW has a token supply of 88.8 billion, which is perhaps a reference to the number 8 being associated with luck and prosperity in Chinese culture. The token’s name is a reference to the current state of the meme crypto landscape, where the majority of tokens and coins use a dog as their mascot.
Although not much can be said about MEW from a fundamental perspective, the token has achieved considerable popularity. MEW has been listed by major cryptocurrency exchanges such as KuCoin, Bybit and OKX and is one of the most actively-traded tokens on Solana-based decentralized exchanges.
3. iExec RLC (RLC) – Disrupting the cloud computing industry with blockchain
iExec RLC is a blockchain-based project that aims to disrupt the cloud computing industry by creating a decentralized marketplace for computing resources. The project utilizes blockchain technology to enable users to buy, sell, and trade computational power, data, and applications securely and efficiently.
At its core, iExec RLC focuses on providing a decentralized infrastructure where individuals and organizations can share their idle computing resources. This approach not only maximizes resource utilization but also allows users to monetize their unused processing power. By harnessing the power of the blockchain, iExec RLC ensures transparency, security, and reliability in the marketplace.
iExec’s solution enables the monetization of AI assets. At the same time, the creators of these assets can retain ownership and keep valuable information confidential. Thanks to confidential computing, a machine can run an AI model without its administrator being able to access the code that is running. Notably, the iExec project is a member of Intel's AI Builder Program.
4. NYM (NYM) – Privacy-enhancing technologies powered by a token economy
Nym is a project that’s leveraging a cryptocurrency-based incentive system to create a worldwide network of nodes that enable users to browse the web and interact with applications while preserving their privacy. Nym is positioning itself as a better alternative to other privacy-enhancing technologies like Tor and VPNs.
The Nym is working on a full-stack solution for privacy that leverages a mixnet, which is designed to prevent metadata from being seen by outside observes. The data Nym protects includes the user's IP address, the device they are using, their location, and so forth.
Users can benefit from Nym’s privacy technologies via NymVPN, which makes it possible to choose between different privacy tech based on the user prioritizing speed or privacy. Users who require maximum privacy can opt for the 5-hop mixnet, while users who prioritize performance can choose a 2-hop secure WireGuard decentralized VPN.
Nym features the NYM token, which helps maintain the decentralization of the Nym network, and is also used to incentivize mixnet node operators and Nym blockchain validators to provide their services. The token also prevents spam attacks, as it makes spamming the Nym network economically unfeasible.
5. ZetaChain (ZETA) – Blockchain platform for interoperable DApps
ZetaChain is a project that makes it possible for developers to create decentralized applications (DApps) that operate on multiple blockchain platforms. The chain is equipped with smart contracts capable of managing assets, data, and liquidity across multiple blockchain networks, including those that do not support native smart contract functionalities, such as Bitcoin.
ZetaChain’s omnichain smart contracts can monitor and react to events across various blockchain networks. These smart contracts function as a unified source of truth, maintaining a consistent state of assets and data across all connected chains.
The unique design of ZetaChain allows it to connect to any blockchain or layer, for example the Ethereum mainnet, as well as any layer 2 blockchains on top of it (for example Arbitrum and Optimism). According to the ZetaChain team, the overarching goal of the ZetaChain blockchain is to enable a seamless web3 experience where users don’t have to concern themselves with bridging assets between blockchains or switching between them.
6. Centrifuge (CFG) – Connecting RWAs with DeFi
Centrifuge is a protocol that is designed to connect the realms of real-world assets (RWA) and decentralized finance (DeFi).
Centrifuge makes it possible for businesses to access capital through a decentralized system without requiring any intermediaries such as banks. Meanwhile, lenders gain access to a diverse range of options to earn yield which is backed by productive real-world assets such as real estate, invoices, revenue-based financing and other sources.
The Centrifuge protocol has been used to tokenize more than 1,400 assets, and has financed more than $550 million in assets.
The Centrifuge protocol has a native token called CFG, which serves multiple roles. It allows holders access to the protocol’s governance process, and is also used for fee payments on Centrifuge Chain, a custom blockchain designed specifically for real-world asset financing.
7. Celo (CELO) – Mobile-focused blockchain for efficient payments
Celo is a blockchain platform designed with a strong focus on mobile accessibility, enabling quick and seamless payments globally.
One of Celo's most unique features is its ability to use mobile phone numbers as public keys. Instead of managing lengthy and complicated cryptocurrency addresses, users can simply rely on phone numbers. This innovation also allows Celo assets to be sent to individuals who do not yet have a cryptocurrency wallet.
The Celo blockchain has experienced remarkable growth in the adoption of stablecoins. Its rapid expansion has positioned it as a rising competitor to Tron, which has been a leading platform for stablecoin transactions.
The increasing demand for stablecoin transactions on Celo is fueled by applications like Minipay and Valora, which target users in developing regions where traditional banking access is limited. Celo's advancements in this area have even earned the project recognition from Ethereum's creator, Vitalik Buterin.
This is amazing to see. Improving worldwide access to basic payments/finance has always been a key way that ethereum can be good for the world, and it's great to see @Celo getting traction. See also their recent posts: * @Celo becoming an Ethereum L2: https://t.co/08U7G7q69s *… https://t.co/Qq7vcmZ6e3
— vitalik.eth (@VitalikButerin) September 25, 2024
8. Ravencoin (RVN) – PoW blockchain that enables issuance of custom tokens
Ravencoin is a cryptocurrency project that debuted in early 2018 as a fork of Bitcoin. Its blockchain is designed to enable the streamlined creation and transfer of various digital assets. Ravencoin supports a wide range of use cases, including the issuance of tokenized securities like stocks, digital collectibles, fungible tokens, and representations of physical assets like gold bars, among others.
To create a new crypto asset on the Ravencoin network, users must burn a specific amount of RVN tokens. The assets created on the platform can be customized with various attributes, such as decimal precision, fungibility, and other parameters, allowing for tailored solutions to specific use cases.
Ravencoin differs from Bitcoin in several key ways, including a significantly faster block time (1 minute versus 10 minutes) and a much higher maximum supply (21 billion compared to 21 million). It also employs the KAWPOW mining algorithm, which is resistant to ASIC mining hardware, ensuring that mining RVN remains accessible to those using standard consumer-grade computers.
How to find low market cap crypto?
Our article features only a handful of small cap cryptocurrencies that we believe have strong potential for the future. Of course, there are hundreds of other low cap coins on the market that could potentially be compelling, and there are various tools you could use to find them.
On CoinCodex, you can perform a customized search which will find cryptocurrencies that fit specific criteria. You can use the “Customize” option on our frontpage to filter through the thousands of cryptocurrencies we list.
For example, here’s how you can find cryptocurrencies that have a market cap in a specific range. We chose the $10 million - $50 million range, but you can pick whichever range you’re interested in.
Another way to potentially find low market cap crypto with potential is to use crypto whale tracker tools, which will allow you to see what kind of cryptos large cryptocurrency holders are holding and trading.
There’s also a lot of overlap between new cryptocurrencies and low market cap cryptocurrencies. To help you get started, we provide a comprehensive guide on how to buy new cryptocurrencies before they’re listed on exchanges.
What is considered low market cap crypto?
There is no clearly defined market cap range for what is considered a low market cap cryptocurrency. In this article, we focused on cryptocurrencies that are outside of the crypto top 100, and have a market cap roughly between $100 million and $500 million.
These cryptocurrencies are relatively small compared to coins such as Bitcoin and Ethereum, but don’t suffer from some of the most common issues associated with micro-cap cryptocurrencies, such as poor liquidity and low project quality.
Is low market cap good in crypto?
A low market capitalization can be either good or bad, depending on the context. The biggest advantage of low market cap cryptos is higher potential upside. However, just because a coin has a tiny market cap doesn’t mean it will see a huge price increase in the future.
For example, a cryptocurrency with a $10 million market capitalization will be able to see a 10x price much more easily than Bitcoin, which is already valued at over $1 trillion. On the other hand, the cryptocurrency with a $10 million market capitalization could just as easily see a devastating crash that would render it practically worthless.
When evaluating a cryptocurrency, it’s important to ask yourself why the cryptocurrency has the market capitalization that it does – is it actually a compelling project that’s not properly valued by the market, or is the market cap small simply because it’s a low quality project?
The bottom line
Hopefully, our list of the best low market cap crypto has helped you identify some interesting opportunities in the rapidly growing cryptocurrency market. If you would also like to explore more cryptocurrencies, make sure to take a look at our list of the best crypto to buy now.
