13 Best Cryptocurrencies Under $1 to Watch
By Erica
The cryptocurrency market offers numerous investment opportunities, even for those on a tight budget. As of 2025, there are several crypto assets under $1 that hold promise for substantial growth. These budget-friendly crypto investments are ideal for new and seasoned investors looking to diversify their portfolios with high-potential low-price cryptos.
In this article, we explore the top crypto under $1 with potential, providing updated insights on why they’re worth watching or investing in. If you're searching for cheap crypto coins to invest in this year, you’re in the right place.
1. VeChain (VET)
- Price: ~$0.04
- Sector: Supply Chain
VeChain is a Layer 1 smart contract platform that has carved a niche in enterprise-focused blockchain solutions. Its dual-token model (VET and VTHO) supports efficient transaction management. VeChain has achieved meaningful partnerships with global brands such as Walmart China and BMW, enabling real-world asset tracking and supply chain verification. Additionally, the platform is working closely with governments in China and Europe to implement blockchain for food safety and carbon emissions management.
2. Stellar (XLM)
- Price: ~$0.11
- Sector: Cross-border Payments
Stellar is designed to simplify and reduce the cost of cross-border transactions. By enabling low-cost currency transfers, Stellar serves both individual users and financial institutions. The Stellar Development Foundation has partnered with IBM to develop blockchain-based solutions for financial infrastructure, including stablecoin deployments in countries lacking banking services. Its fast transaction finality and nominal fees make it an appealing option among affordable altcoins to buy now.
3. Hedera (HBAR)
- Price: ~$0.09
- Sector: Enterprise dApps / Web3
Hedera stands out with its Hashgraph consensus mechanism, which offers faster transactions and more energy efficiency than traditional blockchains. It has the backing of a powerful governing council including Google, IBM, and Boeing. As more enterprise-grade dApps and DeFi platforms deploy on Hedera, the HBAR token gains utility. It’s also notable for achieving carbon-negative status, making it a frontrunner among low-cost crypto with high upside.
4. Shiba Inu (SHIB)
- Price: ~$0.000023
- Sector: Meme Coin / DeFi
Shiba Inu began as a meme coin but has rapidly evolved into a serious DeFi contender. The project has introduced ShibaSwap, a decentralized exchange, and is developing Shibarium, its own Layer 2 blockchain. With a passionate community and an increasing number of listings on major exchanges, SHIB continues to capture the attention of both retail and institutional investors. Despite its volatility, its community-driven growth suggests potential among penny cryptocurrencies to watch.
5. Algorand (ALGO)
- Price: ~$0.17
- Sector: Smart Contracts / DeFi
Algorand is known for its fast finality, minimal fees, and environmentally friendly Pure Proof-of-Stake mechanism. It has been chosen by El Salvador as the blockchain infrastructure for their national Bitcoin wallet and was the official blockchain partner of FIFA during the World Cup. Its technology also supports numerous CBDC pilots, cementing its reputation as one of the best cheap cryptocurrencies.
6. Render (RNDR)
- Price: ~$0.93
- Sector: Decentralized Computing / AI
Render allows artists and developers to access distributed GPU power for 3D rendering and AI processing. Its relevance is growing with the rise of the metaverse and AI-driven graphics. Mentions during Apple Vision Pro demos and the integration of AI modeling have accelerated RNDR’s adoption. Despite approaching the $1 threshold, Render’s utility places it among cheap crypto coins to invest in.
7. Reserve Rights (RSR)
- Price: ~$0.0036
- Sector: Stablecoin Infrastructure
RSR supports the Reserve Protocol, which facilitates asset-backed stablecoins to combat inflation in developing nations. The protocol is already in use in Latin America, helping locals preserve wealth amid economic instability. As stablecoins gain global traction, RSR is well-positioned to grow as part of the infrastructure backing these innovations.
8. Celo (CELO)
- Price: ~$0.78
- Sector: Mobile DeFi
Celo focuses on mobile-first DeFi, aiming to bring blockchain services to smartphone users globally. It allows users to send crypto using phone numbers instead of wallet addresses. Backed by investors like a16z and Deutsche Telekom, Celo is launching a new initiative to increase crypto access in Africa and Southeast Asia.
9. XDC Network (XDC)
- Price: ~$0.045
- Sector: Trade Finance
XDC is tailored for enterprise use in trade finance, combining public and private chain functionality. It is one of the few networks compliant with ISO 20022 standards, making it appealing to banks and financial institutions. With integrations in blockchain-based invoice financing platforms, XDC remains a practical option for long-term adoption.
10. IOTEX (IOTX)
- Price: ~$0.046
- Sector: Internet of Things (IoT)
IOTEX bridges smart devices with blockchain, offering decentralized control and data privacy. Devices like the Ucam and Pebble Tracker illustrate how consumers can own and monetize their data. Its innovations align with the growing intersection of AI and the Internet of Things.
11. Verasity (VRA)
- Price: ~$0.006
- Sector: AdTech / eSports
Verasity is tackling video ad fraud using blockchain technology. Its patented Proof of View system ensures that content and advertising metrics are verified on-chain. The platform has integrated with Brightcove and participated in major esports events, increasing adoption potential.
12. Chromia (CHR)
- Price: ~$0.23
- Sector: Gaming / Web3
Chromia supports relational blockchain architecture, allowing for high-performance Web3 games and dApps. It backs popular titles like My Neighbor Alice and Mines of Dalarnia and provides a SQL-based coding framework to attract mainstream developers.
13. AllianceBlock Nexera (NXRA)
- Price: ~$0.086
- Sector: DeFi / TradFi Integration
NXRA connects decentralized finance protocols with traditional financial markets. As tokenization of real-world assets gains pace, AllianceBlock is building compliant gateways that may appeal to institutional investors entering DeFi.
Final Thoughts
Finding cryptocurrencies under $1 with real potential can be a rewarding strategy—especially in a market where innovation often precedes price. From cheap crypto coins worth holding long-term to the next big crypto under $1, these projects demonstrate strong use cases, passionate communities, or enterprise-level support.
If you’re looking to trade or invest in these coins, platforms like Bybit offer up to 100x leverage and bonuses for new users. For those who prefer spot investing, exchanges like BloFin and WEEX provide low-fee access.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. What’s the best cheap crypto to buy?
VeChain (VET), Hedera (HBAR), and Algorand (ALGO) are strong contenders due to their strong utility, enterprise partnerships, and network activity.
2. Can I invest in crypto with less than $1?
Yes. Most crypto exchanges offer fractional purchasing, allowing you to buy crypto even with amounts well under $1.
3. Which low-cost cryptos could explode in value?
Shiba Inu (SHIB), Render (RNDR), and XDC are gaining momentum due to new tech developments and adoption trends.
4. Are there any good altcoins under $1?
Definitely. XLM, VET, and HBAR are considered among the most stable and promising altcoins under $1 to buy today.
5. What’s the next big cryptocurrency under $1?
Several projects stand out, but IOTEX and Celo could gain strong attention as real-world use cases and accessibility grow in emerging markets.
