DePIN: Top crypto projects in decentralized infrastructure that will change the market in 2025-2026

The decentralized physical infrastructure sector (DePIN) is experiencing rapid growth, becoming one of the most dynamic niches in the cryptocurrency market. Against the backdrop of increasing interest from investors and developers in decentralized solutions, DePIN crypto projects demonstrate the potential for full-scale adoption across various industries. According to recent data, the sector’s total market capitalization exceeds $32 billion, indicating significant influence of these decentralized platforms on the global crypto landscape.

Major investment funds actively support the development of this direction. In September 2024, Borderless Capital launched a dedicated DePIN Fund III with $100 million in capital, focusing on accelerating the global expansion of the most promising decentralized projects. This move underscores professional investors’ confidence in the long-term potential of the DePIN ecosystem.

What is Decentralized Infrastructure DePIN?

Decentralized physical infrastructure (DePIN) bridges the traditional gap between blockchain’s digital capabilities and real-world infrastructure needs. Unlike centralized systems, DePIN crypto projects combine energy networks, wireless communications, and data storage systems, using tokenized incentives to reward network participants.

Key features of DePIN:

• Hardware decentralization: Distributing physical components among numerous independent participants eliminates single points of failure and minimizes centralized control. Examples include Helium Mobile with over 335,000 users and Meson Network with 59,000+ node contributors worldwide.

• Blockchain architecture: Immutable transaction records and smart contracts ensure automation and transparency of operations in decentralized networks.

• Tokenized economy: Cryptographic tokens serve as tools to attract resources, incentivize participants, and create open service markets.

Evolution of the DePIN Market: Current State and Outlook

As of November 2024, the DePIN sector’s market capitalization reached over $32 billion, with a daily trading volume of about $3 billion. Experts forecast that by 2028, the market could expand to $3.5 trillion, driven by growing demand for high-performance streaming, online content delivery, and reliable data storage solutions.

The advantages of decentralized DePIN crypto projects over traditional centralized systems are becoming increasingly evident:

• Enhanced security: Distributed architecture reduces vulnerabilities associated with centralized management.
• Scalability: Projects like Filecoin and Arweave demonstrate effective storage of vast data volumes, with Arweave’s ecosystem processing over 28 billion transactions in Q3 2023.
• Cost reduction: Decentralized models eliminate the need for expensive centralized infrastructure.
• Inclusivity: Participants can monetize unused resources (bandwidth, computing power, storage).

Leading Decentralized Crypto Projects in the DePIN Market

1. Internet Computer (ICP) — Next-Generation Computing Platform

Developed by DFINITY Foundation, Internet Computer positions itself as a global computer for deploying fully decentralized applications. Unlike cloud services with centralized data centers, ICP uses a distributed network of independent data processing nodes, ensuring high security and decentralization.

Key achievements in 2024:

• Launch of updates Tokamak, Beryllium, and Stellarator, improving network performance
• Planned integration with Solana for cross-network interoperability
• Addition of AI capabilities to the platform

Current metrics (February 2026):

• Price: $2.16 (change -4.04%)
• Market cap: $1.18 billion

2. Bittensor (TAO) — Decentralized AI Marketplace

Bittensor combines blockchain and artificial intelligence, creating a hybrid machine learning network where participants collaboratively train models and earn TAO tokens based on the informational contribution.

Innovations in 2024:

• Integration of Proof of Intelligence and decentralized Mixture of Experts architecture
• Expansion of AI services and network collaborations

Current metrics (February 2026):

• Price: $175.30 (change -5.47%)
• Market cap: $1.68 billion

3. Render Network (RENDER) — Decentralized Graphics Processing

Render Network connects creators with owners of unused GPUs, offering scalable solutions for 3D rendering, animation, and VR content. In 2024, the project migrated from Ethereum to Solana to increase speed and reduce fees.

Ecosystem developments:

• Migration to Solana with rebranding of token RNDR to RENDER
• Expansion of support in major crypto exchanges (1:1 swap ratio)

Current metrics (February 2026):

• Price: $1.43 (change -1.55%)
• Market cap: $739.79 million

4. Filecoin (FIL) — Decentralized Data Storage

Filecoin creates an open marketplace for storage services, where providers and users enter direct contracts. The launch of Filecoin Virtual Machine (FVM) opened new possibilities for smart contracts and applications, with over $200 million in locked value.

Achievements in 2024:

• Deployment of FVM for Ethereum-compatible smart contracts
• Ecosystem expansion of decentralized storage solutions

Current metrics (February 2026):

• Price: $0.92 (change -1.98%)
• Market cap: $690.39 million

5. The Graph (GRT) — Decentralized Blockchain Indexing

The Graph offers tools for indexing and querying blockchain data via subgraphs, simplifying the development of decentralized applications. It supports multiple networks including Ethereum, Polygon, Arbitrum, and Optimism.

Roadmap through 2025:

• Entering the information services market beyond subgraphs
• Enhancing developer tools and indexer performance
• Creating tools for composite data and knowledge graphs

Current metrics (February 2026):

• Price: $0.03 (change -1.74%)
• Market cap: $284.56 million

6. Theta Network (THETA) — Decentralized Video Streaming

Theta Network addresses the high costs of delivering video content by enabling users to share bandwidth. The network uses dual tokens: THETA for governance and TFUEL for payments.

Innovations in 2024:

• Launch of EdgeCloud, combining cloud and edge computing
• Support for applications in video, media, and AI

Current metrics (February 2026):

• Price: $0.19 (change -3.32%)
• Market cap: $191.80 million

7. Arweave (AR) — Permanent Blockchain Storage

Arweave offers a unique solution for permanent data storage using blockweave structure and SPoRA consensus mechanism. In November 2024, protocol update 2.8 was released with a new packaging format that improves efficiency and energy use.

Ecosystem growth:

• Over 130 active projects within the ecosystem
• Increased scalability due to new packaging format

Current metrics (February 2026):

• Price: $1.97 (change -0.10%)
• Market cap: $129.14 million

8. JasmyCoin (JASMY) — Blockchain for IoT

JasmyCoin, developed by Tokyo-based Jasmy Corporation (founded by Sony alumni), integrates blockchain with IoT devices to ensure user data sovereignty. The project aims to create a decentralized data marketplace where users control their information.

Strategic partnerships:

• Collaborations with NVIDIA and Ripple (rumored)
• Integration with leading IoT device manufacturers

Current metrics (February 2026):

• Price: $0.01 (change -3.61%)
• Market cap: $280.35 million

9. Grass Network (GRASS) — Monetizing Internet Traffic for AI

Grass Network enables users to earn passive income by sharing unused bandwidth. The network collects public web data for AI training, creating high-quality datasets.

Achievements in 2024:

• Over 2 million users in beta stage
• Launch of GRASS token via a large airdrop (100 million tokens on October 28, 2024)
• Deployment of decentralized governance mechanisms involving the community

Current metrics (February 2026):

• Price: $0.18 (change -3.63%)
• Market cap: $86.30 million

10. IoTeX (IOTX) — Modular Infrastructure for DePIN

IoTeX combines blockchain and IoT, utilizing Roll-DPoS consensus for high throughput and low latency. In 2024, IoTeX 2.0 was launched with modular infrastructure supporting verifiable DePIN projects.

Ecosystem development:

• Over 230 dApps
• More than 50 DePIN projects built on the platform
• Infrastructure modules (DIM) and modular security pools (MSP)

Goals for 2025:

• Connect 100 million devices
• Unlock trillions of dollars in real-world value

Current metrics (February 2026):

• Price: $0.01 (change -1.57%)
• Market cap: $50.67 million

11. Helium (HNT) — Decentralized Wireless Network

Helium provides long-range connectivity for IoT devices via a decentralized hotspot network on Solana blockchain. The use of subnet tokens (IOT, MOBILE) diversified the ecosystem and incentivized specific network actions.

Development in 2024:

• Integration of 5G to support more device types
• Introduction of subnet tokens for various use cases

The project shows high activity in the decentralized wireless solutions sector.

12. Shieldeum (SDM) — DePIN Security

Shieldeum is a Web3 cybersecurity platform leveraging DePIN to protect crypto users and Web3 enterprises. It offers app hosting, data encryption, threat detection, and high-performance computing via specialized servers.

Development in 2024:

• Building applications for Windows, Mac, Linux, Android, and iOS
• Raising $2 million USDT for node testing

Plans for 2025:

• Expanding security product lineup
• Launching BNB Layer-2 blockchain dedicated to node operation

Challenges and Obstacles in DePIN Crypto Project Development

Despite growing optimism, the DePIN sector faces significant challenges:

• Technical complexity: Integrating blockchain with physical infrastructure requires specialized knowledge in security, scalability, and interoperability. Ensuring seamless communication between decentralized systems and real assets remains critical.

• Regulatory uncertainty: DePIN projects are subject to regulations governing both digital and physical assets, necessitating compliance across jurisdictions.

• Mass adoption requirements: DePIN crypto projects must demonstrate clear advantages over traditional systems in cost, efficiency, and usability.

Investment Outlook and Long-Term Strategy

The sector’s growing capitalization (over $32 billion) and active funding from major investors confirm that DePIN crypto projects are moving from experimental to mass adoption phases. The main growth driver is the potential of decentralized solutions to attract the next billion Web3 users, especially in areas where centralized systems are inefficient or inaccessible.

Projects that balance technological innovation, practical application, and financial sustainability are likely to become market leaders in the coming years. Investors are advised to study the ecosystem, evaluate individual project mechanisms, and consider the long-term prospects of decentralized physical infrastructure networks.

Conclusion

The DePIN sector shows unprecedented potential to transform digital infrastructure. From computing platforms (Internet Computer) to storage solutions (Filecoin, Arweave) and specialized systems (Helium, Theta Network), crypto projects in this niche offer innovative approaches to solving traditional centralized system problems. As the DePIN crypto market continues to expand, new opportunities emerge for participants, investors, and developers, fostering a more fair, secure, and decentralized ecosystem based on blockchain technology.