The cryptocurrency market is experiencing a bull market at the beginning of 2024. In this article, we reveal our 17 best crypto picks for 2024.
Written by: Anatol Antonovici | Updated June 14, 2024
Reviewed by: Mike Martin
Fact checked by: Ryan Grace

In this article, we highlight large-cap cryptocurrencies such as Bitcoin, Ethereum, BNB Chain, and Solana, which constitute more than 80% of the total cryptocurrency market cap. Additionally, we explore the AI, DeFi, NFT, and gaming sectors, which are currently the fastest-growing areas within the blockchain industry.
The best way to invest in crypto is to build a diversified crypto asset portfolio that includes investments in both Bitcoin and various altcoins. Now, here are the best cryptos for 2024!
Table of Contents
🍒 tasty takeaways
- Layer 1 Coins: BTC, ETH, BNB, SOL
- DeFi Coins: UNI, STX, INJ
- AI Coins: GRT, RNDR, ROSE, TAO
- NFT Coins: IMX, ORDI, FLOW
- Gaming Coins: SAND, AXS, ILV
Summary
Coin | Market Cap | Sector |
---|---|---|
BTC | $1.3t | Base Layer |
ETH | $417.8b | Smart Contracts |
SOL | $66.7b | DeFi/Gaming |
BNB | $89b | Smart Contracts |
GRT | $2.3b | Data Indexing |
RNDR | $3.1b | Graphics Rendering |
ROSE | $805.2m | Privacy/AI |
TAO | $2.2b | Decentralized Network |
UNI | $6.3b | Decentralized Exchange |
STX | $2.9b | DeFi/Smart Contracts |
INJ | $2.6b | DeFi |
IMX | $2.7b | NFT/Gaming |
ORDI | $982.2m | Bitcoin NFTs |
FLOW | $1.1b | NFT/Gaming |
SAND | $889m | Virtual World |
AXS | $1b | Blockchain Game |
ILV | $352.4m | Blockchain Game |
Best Layer 1 Coins
Large-cap cryptocurrencies are leading the trend in the crypto industry and are the driving force behind the current bull market. The top five coins collectively represent 84% of the total cryptocurrency market capitalization, with Bitcoin alone accounting for more than a 50% share.
1. Bitcoin (BTC)
- Name: Bitcoin
- Token: BTC
- Blockchain: Bitcoin
- Type: Layer 1
After the US Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) approved the first Bitcoin spot exchange-traded funds (ETF) in 2024, Bitcoin (BTC), the largest cryptocurrency by market cap, is trading at its highest level since March 2022. It is now awaiting the next halving event, which could potentially support a return to its all-time high (ATH).
This crypto is a favorite for first time crypto investors.
🍒 Bitcoin Halving: Price Prediction, Dates, History & Charts
2. Ethereum (ETH)
- Name: Ethereum
- Token: ETH
- Blockchain: Ethereum
- Type: Layer 1
Ethereum (ETH), the second largest crypto by market cap, remains the leading player in decentralized finance (DeFi).
Since Ethereum serves as the foundational layer for numerous decentralzied applications, it benefits from the growth in all sectors gaining traction, such as NFTs, AI coins, meme coins, and GameFi.
Unlike bitcoin (BTC), ether is a proof-of-stake coin. This allows investors to earn an extra yield on their ETH coins.
3. Solana (SOL)
- Name: Solana
- Token: SOL
- Blockchain: Solana
- Type: Layer 1
Solana was the fastest-growing blockchain in 2023, and it will likely continue to compete with Ethereum throughout 2024. The rapid growth of the decentralized network has been driven by DeFi, gaming apps, and the recent launch of Jupiter DEX.
Though not as developed as Ethereum, Solana does lower transaction fees and faster transaction speeds when compared to Ethereum.
4. BNB Chain
- Name: BNB Chain
- Token: BNB
- Blockchain: BNB Chain
- Type: Layer 1
Binance’s BNB Chain has a vibrant ecosystem of Web3 dapps, benefiting from the rising trends in AI and NFTs. Under the “One BNB” initiative, the decentralized network has set major goals for this year, targeting DeFi, AI, and gaming. The Binance coin, BNB, is poised to benefit from the growing ecosystem.
Level 1 Coins Comparison
Source: TradingView
Best AI Coins
AI coins have outperformed the crypto market, with leading projects gaining over 200% (such as GRT and OCEAN) and even 600% (FET and AGIX) in 2023.
The rapid adoption of OpenAI’s ChatGPT app highlighted the huge demand for AI tools, including blockchain-based democratic solutions.
5. The Graph (GRT)
- Name: The Graph
- Token: GRT
- Blockchain: Ethereum
- Type: Data indexing
6. Render (RNDR)
- Name: Render
- Token: RNDR
- Blockchain: Ethereum
- Type: Infrastructure
Render is a decentralized ecosystem that incentivizes crypto miners willing to rent out their GPUs. Creators can use the GPU cycles for different tasks, such as rendering and streaming digital content. Last year, Render implemented a proposal to use the network’s computation power for AI and machine learning tasks.
7. Oasis (ROSE)
- Name: Oasis
- Token: ROSE
- Blockchain: Oasis
- Type: Layer 1
Oasis is a leading player in AI. This layer 1 chain supports open finance and responsible data economy, hosting finance decentralized applications (dapps) that empower communities through privacy and data control.
Oasis has been collaborating with AI industry leaders to promote the “Responsible AI” initiative.