Are you searching for the cheapest cryptocurrency that will explode? In the volatile world of crypto, finding the best cryptos under $1 can be a game-changer for investors looking for high-potential opportunities. With the market evolving rapidly, January 2026 presents exciting prospects for the next crypto to explode, especially among cheap cryptos to buy now.
Here’s a quick list of the best cryptos under $1 that could explode this month, including the best crypto to buy now under $1 and the best cheap crypto to buy now.
| Coin | Current Price (≈, in $ and ₹) | Market Cap / Category | Why It Might Explode (1 line) | Risk Level (Low/Med/High) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Kaspa (KAS) | $0.0516 / ₹4.66 | $1.38B / Smart Contract Platform | High-speed Layer 1 with DAG technology for superior scalability and potential adoption surge. | Medium |
| Pudgy Penguins (PENGU) | $0.01302 / ₹1.18 | $819M / Meme/Brand | Strong community and brand influence in NFTs and memes driving viral growth. | High |
| Hedera (HBAR) | $0.1306 / ₹11.76 | $5.58B / Smart Contract Platform | Enterprise-grade network with partnerships and real-world use cases in supply chain and finance. | Medium |
| Plasma (XPL) | $0.1923 / ₹17.45 | $398M / Smart Contract Platform | Layer 2 solution with efficient scaling and potential for 100x gains from ecosystem expansion. | High |
| Pump.Fun (PUMP) | $0.002425 / ₹0.2177 | $1.43B / Solana Ecosystem | Meme coin launchpad fueling the next wave of viral tokens on Solana. | High |
| Shiba Inu (SHIB) | $0.000009252 / ₹0.0008342 | $5.45B / Meme Token | Ongoing token burns and ecosystem developments like Shibarium boosting utility. | High |
| VeChain (VET) | $0.01274 / ₹1.15 | $1.10B / Smart Contract Platform | Enterprise adoption in supply chain tracking with major partnerships. | Medium |
While cryptocurrencies under $1 may seem like a cheap crypto to buy or the cheapest cryptocurrency to buy, the unit price doesn’t always indicate true value—factors like circulating supply and market cap matter more. This guide focuses on cheap cryptos under $1 with strong fundamentals or narratives that could lead to explosive growth.
Many investors hunt for the next crypto to hit $1, but reaching that milestone depends on supply dynamics and overall market cap growth. Low-price tokens often have massive supplies, requiring significant demand to pump prices.
Kaspa is a proof-of-work Layer 1 blockchain using blockDAG technology for faster transactions than traditional blockchains.
KAS could explode in January 2026 due to its scalability advantages, increasing adoption in DeFi and payments, and potential exchange listings boosting visibility as a crypto under $1 that will explode.
Key risks include market volatility and competition from other L1s like Solana.
Pudgy Penguins is a meme token tied to the popular NFT collection, leveraging community and branding in the crypto space.
PENGU could explode with viral marketing, NFT integrations, and meme coin hype cycles, positioning it as the best cheap crypto to buy now for high-risk rewards.
Key risks: High volatility from meme trends and potential hype fade.
Hedera is a distributed ledger for enterprises, offering fast, low-cost transactions via hashgraph consensus.
HBAR stands out as a cheap crypto to buy now with enterprise partnerships and real-world applications in supply chains, potentially exploding from regulatory clarity and adoption.
Key risks: Competition from Ethereum and slower retail hype.
Plasma is a Layer 2 scaling solution aimed at efficient, low-cost transactions on blockchain networks.
XPL could see 100x potential from L2 boom, integrations with major chains, and DeFi growth as the next crypto to explode under $1.
Key risks: Technical hurdles and dependency on base layer success.
Pump.Fun is a Solana-based platform for easy meme coin creation and launches.
PUMP could explode with the next meme coin supercycle, platform upgrades, and increased user activity on Solana.
Key risks: High speculation and reliance on meme trends.
Shiba Inu is a meme token with an expanding ecosystem including Shibarium Layer 2.
SHIB could explode from token burns reducing supply, metaverse developments, and community-driven hype as a crypto under $1 that will explode.
Key risks: Oversaturated meme market and price manipulation.
VeChain focuses on blockchain for supply chain management and enterprise solutions.
VET could boom with global supply chain digitization, partnerships, and sustainability initiatives.
Key risks: Adoption barriers in traditional industries.
“New penny crypto” refers to recently launched low-cap tokens with explosive potential but high risks.
Crypto markets can dip due to macro factors like interest rates, Bitcoin dominance, or negative news events pulling the entire sector down.
Even in bearish phases, cheap altcoins under $1 can pump on specific narratives like upgrades or partnerships. However, practice risk management—diversify and size positions small to weather volatility.
The cheapest cryptocurrency that could explode in 2026 might be low-cap gems like PUMP or SHIB, driven by meme hype and ecosystem growth. Always assess risks. Mudrex: Is Crypto a Good Investment?
KAS or XPL could be the next crypto to explode under $1, thanks to scalability and L2 narratives. Monitor catalysts closely.
Yes, some cheap cryptos have achieved 1000x gains historically, but it’s rare and high-risk—depends on adoption and market conditions.
Bitcoin offers stability, while cheap cryptos under $1 provide higher upside potential but greater volatility—diversify based on risk tolerance.
Only invest what you can afford to lose—start small, like 1-5% of your portfolio, and use dollar-cost averaging for cheap cryptos.
Research low-cap tokens with strong teams, use cases, and community buzz—tools like CoinGecko help track the next crypto to hit $1. Mudrex: Short-Term Gains