Top Altcoins To Stack Now Before Next Crypto Rally

While most traders are chasing meme coins and new token launches, one analyst says this is the right time to accumulate quality altcoins. He says most liquidity has shifted toward meme coins, while several major projects have pulled back to attractive levels ahead of a possible market recovery later this year. 

Here are the altcoins on his watchlist.

Hyperliquid (HYPE)

• Hyperliquid remains the analyst’s top pick despite its recent correction. HYPE has dropped from around $77 to nearly $63, but he says the network continues to grow underneath the price action.
• The main reason is the steady increase in Total Value Locked (TVL). Even with the token trading lower, more liquidity continues to enter the Hyperliquid ecosystem. He says this makes the recent decline an opportunity compared to many other projects that are seeing both price and liquidity fall.
• According to Michaël van de Poppe, Hyperliquid’s HYPE token remains technically strong and appears poised for a breakout, citing consistent revenue growth, strong price structure above key moving averages, and repeated tests of resistance. He believes a successful breakout could send the token toward the $100 level.

Bittensor (TAO)

• The analyst also remains positive on Bittensor (TAO) Price after the token slipped below $200.
• Although sentiment weakened after the Templar subnet exited the ecosystem, several other AI subnets continue recording positive TAO inflows every month. He compares Bittensor to a decentralized AI startup hub where multiple AI projects are being developed simultaneously.
• One example is Verathos (Subnet 96), an AI verification platform that has climbed 74% over the past 45 days. The project focuses on verifying AI models and building trusted AI infrastructure using idle computing power.

Also Read : Top 10 Cryptocurrencies To Watch in 2026

Near Protocol (NEAR)

• The analyst describes Near Protocol as one of the overlooked AI projects this cycle.
• After rising from around $0.96 to nearly $3, NEAR price has cooled off again. He says the project powers privacy infrastructure across several blockchain networks through Near Intents.
• He also points to Zcash, where shielded transactions increased from roughly 30% in early 2025 to nearly 60% by February 2026, with Near providing the underlying technology for those privacy features.

Venice (VVV)

• The analyst still likes Venice, although he is more cautious than before.
• The token surged from around $8.50 to over $21, but started falling after the project announced a $650 million Series A equity raise.
• He says the price could revisit the $8-$9 range before recovering if the broader crypto market improves. However, over time, more value could flow to equity holders than token holders.

Zcash (ZEC)

• Among privacy-focused cryptocurrencies, Zcash remains one of his preferred projects.
• Although the network experienced an exploit earlier this year, trading activity has remained strong. Zcash currently records higher 24-hour trading volume than Hyperliquid, trailing only TRON during the period discussed.
• He says the combination of high trading volume and continued interest in privacy-focused transactions keeps Zcash among the stronger altcoins during the current market slowdown.

• HYPE$ 80.79(1.76%)
• ZEC$ 851.15(1.27%)
• VVV$ 16.59(-4.52%)
• NEAR$ 1.99(2.22%)
• TAO$ 243.48(7.92%)