7 Top Cryptos to Invest in 2026: Our Picks

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When I bought my first bitcoins in 2013, one BTC cost less than a tank of gas. Today, the price hovers around €55,000, and according to the latest figures, over 2 million Dutch people are investing in crypto. I’ve witnessed that journey from “crazy internet money” to a serious asset class up close—and that’s exactly why I get the same question every week: Kevin, which crypto should I buy right now?

Honest answer: there’s no holy grail. However, there are coins that, based on technology, adoption, and track record, I believe offer the most promise for 2026. In this article, I’ll share my selection of 7 cryptos to invest in, along with the opportunities, risks, and what I personally look for in each one. No unsubstantiated hype—just the down-to-earth perspective of someone who’s survived a few bull and bear markets.

Why You'll (Still) Be Watching Crypto in 2026

The market has matured in recent years. Research showed that 74% of Dutch and Belgian crypto investors were in the black on their investments (source: Crypto Insiders). Add to that the fact that banks and fintech companies are integrating crypto services and that the European MiCA legislation is finally providing clarity and protection, and you can see why the influx shows no signs of stopping.

Growth in the Netherlands and Europe

The number of Dutch investors has risen to more than 2 million. What strikes me most is that it’s no longer just individual investors: more and more institutional players are getting involved, from banks that offer wallets to companies that integrate blockchain into their payment processes. Not sure where to safely store your coins yet? Then start by reading my overview of the best crypto wallets —security comes before returns.

The trends I'm keeping an eye on for 2026

As far as I’m concerned, a few developments will shape the coming cycle: the tokenization of real-world assets (RWA), Layer 2 solutions that make transactions faster and cheaper, the cross-pollination between AI and crypto, and interoperability between blockchains (think Polkadot and Cosmos). Stablecoins and potential central bank digital currencies (CBDCs) are playing an increasingly important role in this context. In short: not a single narrative, but multiple tracks running in parallel.

Opportunities and Risks — Keep Both in Mind

I’m enthusiastic, but I’m no dreamer. The market remains volatile, as the 2021–2023 cycle painfully demonstrated. Diversifying and doing your own research aren’t clichés—they’re rules for survival. Regulations and taxes can eat into your returns—so always check the tax rules for crypto in the Netherlands before you get started. And protect yourself: use a hardware wallet, 2FA, and cold storage. It’s boring advice, but it’ll save you a lot of trouble.

The 7 Cryptocurrencies to Buy, According to Crypto-Gids

Which projects do I think deserve a spot on your radar for 2026? I evaluate each cryptocurrency based on innovation, adoption, future prospects, and the risk-reward ratio. This isn’t a ranking from “best to worst”—it’s about which cryptocurrency suits which type of investor.

Ethereum (ETH)

To me, Ethereum is still the cornerstone of the smart contract world. By mid-2026, ETH is trading around €1,550–€1,600—significantly lower than its 2024 peak—while the market waits to see if Layer 2 growth and institutional adoption will turn the tide.

Its strength lies in the ecosystem: countless dApps, NFT platforms, and DeFi protocols run on it. Moreover, since the transition to Proof-of-Stake, the network has become much more sustainable. If you want to capitalize on innovation and infrastructure, ETH is a logical core asset.

Advantages:

• Largest ecosystem after Bitcoin
• Sustainable since the transition to Proof-of-Stake
• Standard Infrastructure for DeFi and NFTs

Disadvantages:

• Competition from other smart contract platforms
• Scalability Under Pressure During High Network Load

Want to learn more? Check out my in-depth Ethereum (ETH) analysis.

Bitcoin (BTC)

If there’s one cryptocurrency I always start with, it’s Bitcoin. Digital gold, with the largest market capitalization and a proven track record. By mid-2026, the price will be hovering around €55,000, within the same range as in previous years.

Its scarcity (capped at 21 million), global acceptance, and decentralized structure make BTC popular among both retail and institutional investors. For those seeking stability and a long-term investment, I believe this is the cornerstone of any portfolio.

Advantages:

• Proven track record and high safety standards
• Globally accepted and highly liquid
• Ultimate store of value (“the gold of the internet”)

Disadvantages:

• High energy consumption
• Little innovation compared to newer projects

Solana (SOL)

Speed and low costs: that’s Solana in a nutshell. The network processes up to 65,000 transactions per second, making it a favorite for scalable dApps, NFTs, and blockchain gaming. By mid-2026, SOL will be trading around €65–€70, a significant increase compared to 2024.

I’ll be honest: the network outages in 2022–2023 were a setback. But the ecosystem’s recovery and growth since then have been impressive. For anyone who believes in scalability, SOL should be on the shortlist.

Advantages:

• Lightning-fast transactions and minimal fees
• Fast-growing NFT and gaming ecosystem
• Innovative proof-of-history technology

Disadvantages:

• History of Network Outages
• Discussion on Centralization

Curious about the current Solana price and recent ETF inflows? Check out my comprehensive Solana (SOL) page.

Cardano (ADA)

Cardano is the quiet student in the class: everything is scientifically grounded and peer-reviewed. By mid-2026, ADA will be trading at around €0.14, making it an accessible entry point for those who believe in sustainability and compliance.

The network runs on an energy-efficient proof-of-stake protocol that prioritizes regulatory compliance and scalability. Real-world applications, such as identity management and microfinance in Africa, demonstrate that it is more than just theory.

Advantages:

• Energy-efficient and low transaction costs
• Strong academic foundation and a focus on compliance
• Roadmap Focused on Global Adoption

Disadvantages:

• Fewer dApps than Ethereum
• Slow progress due to thorough testing

Learn more about my Cardano (ADA) analysis.

Chainlink (LINK)

Chainlink is the invisible glue of DeFi. It connects smart contracts to real-world data—essential for insurance, price feeds, and the supply chain. By mid-2026, the price will be around €7.

LINK provides price data to major platforms such as Aave and Synthetix, and collaborates with organizations such as SWIFT and Google. If you believe that blockchain and the “real” world are becoming increasingly intertwined, then this is the coin for you.

Advantages:

• Essential to the DeFi ecosystem
• Collaborations with major institutions
• A strong community and continuous innovation

Disadvantages:

• Depending on broader DeFi adoption
• Emerging competition from other oracles

Want to know why banks like SWIFT and Fidelity use Chainlink even though the price barely moves? Check out my in-depth Chainlink (LINK) page.

Polkadot (DOT)

Polkadot solves a problem that the entire industry is grappling with: blockchains that don’t communicate with each other. Through parachains, DOT enables networks to work together. By mid-2026, the price will hover around €0.70–€0.80, significantly lower than in previous cycles.

With over 350 active projects (including Moonbeam and Acala), the ecosystem is a force to be reckoned with. The downside: it’s technically complex and stands or falls with the success of those parachains. A coin for the tech optimist with patience.

Advantages:

• Solution for Blockchain Interoperability
• Fast and Scalable Architecture
• More than 350 active projects

Disadvantages:

• Technical Complexity
• Depending on the success of parachains

Want to know what the new JAM Protocol means for Polkadot and why the price is lagging so far behind the technical advancements? Check out my in-depth Polkadot (DOT) page.

Binance Coin (BNB)

BNB is the token of the world's largest exchange, and it never ceases to amaze me with its resilience. By mid-2026, the price will be around €500, significantly higher than in 2024.

You use BNB for transaction fees, staking, NFTs, and DeFi on the BNB Chain. Regular token burns keep the supply tight. The main concern is the dependence on Binance itself and the regulations surrounding it.

Advantages:

• Large, active community
• Many use cases within the Binance ecosystem
• Discounts on fees and periodic token burns

Disadvantages:

• Heavy reliance on a single platform
• Regulatory uncertainty

Want to learn more about the BNB burn mechanism? Check out my detailed BNB page.

👉 Create a Binance account here

Comparison Table: 7 Cryptocurrencies to Buy in 2026

Here's How to Build a Portfolio That Can Withstand Any Challenge

Choosing a good cryptocurrency is step one. Building a portfolio that can weather a bear market is step two—and most people underestimate that second step. After three cycles, I can say this with confidence.

“Buy low, mine high.” — a saying I once picked up during my interview with Mitchell Weijerman that perfectly sums up why patience pays off in this market: buy when no one else wants to, and cash in when everyone else is euphoric.

The criteria I personally look for

Before I add a coin to my portfolio, I look at: Does the project solve a real problem? Is there actual adoption? How strong are the team and the community? What about regulations and energy consumption? And is there enough liquidity to easily buy and sell? No single coin scores perfectly on everything—it’s all about balance. I actually go into more detail on these criteria in my article about the most promising cryptos of 2026.

Diversification is your safety net

I’ll say it again, because it’s the most important lesson: diversify. A mix of BTC, ETH, SOL, ADA, LINK, DOT, and BNB covers various sectors and technologies. Allocating a portion to stablecoins gives you a safety net in case the market crashes. During the 2022–2023 bear market, a diversified portfolio demonstrably outperformed putting all your eggs in one basket.

My 5 Rules of Thumb for Smart Investing in 2026

1. Start with a core portfolio of BTC and ETH, and build around it with growth coins.
2. Diversify your investments and use dollar-cost averaging instead of investing everything at once.
3. Store your coins in a hardware wallet—not on the exchange.
4. Rebalance periodically and take profits when the market becomes euphoric.
5. Keep learning and stay critical; never let FOMO push you to click the buy button.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the most promising cryptocurrency right now?

Based on innovation, adoption, and growth potential, I believe Ethereum, Solana, and Cardano are among the most promising names for 2026, along with emerging projects in the RWA and AI spaces. But “most promising” depends on your risk profile—I’ve compiled my complete, up-to-date list of the most promising cryptos for 2026, including some lesser-known names.

Are crypto investments safe?

Crypto remains risky due to its volatility, and even the strongest projects are not immune to hacks or scams. In the first half of 2025, investors worldwide lost over $2.5 billion to attacks and scams (source: CoinDesk). Protect yourself by using a reliable exchange, a hardware wallet, 2FA, and always doing your own research (DYOR).

How are cryptocurrencies taxed in the Netherlands?

In the Netherlands, cryptocurrencies fall under Box 3, and you must report their value to the tax authorities annually. There’s an important difference between investing and active trading, so be sure to keep accurate records. I’ve covered this in full detail in my guide to crypto taxes.

What role do regulations play?

Growing all the time. The European MiCA legislation requires exchanges to be more transparent and makes it harder for scammers. That’s good news: greater protection means a more stable environment, and that actually helps legitimate projects.

Conclusion

After more than ten years in this market, my belief is simple: you don’t get rich by picking *the* one winner, but through a diversified portfolio, ironclad discipline, and patience. As far as I’m concerned, Bitcoin and Ethereum form the core; Solana, Cardano, Chainlink, Polkadot, and BNB add growth and diversification across various sectors. Combine that with a hardware wallet, dollar-cost averaging, and periodic rebalancing, and you’ll be better prepared than 90% of newcomers.

The crypto world is changing at lightning speed, so keep educating yourself. Follow my latest crypto news and analysis, and invest based on a plan rather than on a hunch.

About the author: I'm Kevin, active in crypto since 2013 and founder of Crypto-Gids.nl since 2016.

Disclosure: This article contains affiliate links to exchanges. You can read more about how we operate in our editorial guidelines.

Disclaimer: Nothing on this website constitutes financial advice. Investing in cryptocurrency involves risks, and you may lose (part of) your investment. Always do your own research (DYOR) and never invest more than you can afford to lose.