Biggest Crypto Airdrops Expected in 2026: Which Projects Could Reward Early Users?

The Airdrop Landscape in 2026

Airdrops continue to be a fundamental strategy for cryptocurrency growth, serving to distribute billions in tokens to bootstrap new ecosystems and reward early community engagement. As 2025 concludes with significant advancements in Layer 2 scaling solutions and growing traction in Decentralized Physical Infrastructure Networks (DePIN), projections for 2026 indicate a substantial increase in airdrop value, potentially exceeding $1.5 billion. This growth is anticipated to be fueled by the post-halving altcoin season and an evolving regulatory landscape. Key areas driving this expansion include Layer 2 interoperability, the development of DePIN hardware networks, and the tokenization of real-world assets (RWA). Projects like LayerZero S2 and Peaq S2 are expected to offer structured points systems designed to reward verifiable contributions from users.

This guide focuses on airdrops with high probabilities of occurring, estimated between 60% and 85% based on on-chain data and community sentiment analysis. It outlines the necessary eligibility steps and provides insights into potential payout values. A strong emphasis is placed on genuine on-chain activity, as anti-sybil measures are becoming increasingly sophisticated, prioritizing authentic users over bot farms.

Why 2026 Is Poised for Significant Airdrop Activity

Following the substantial airdrop distributions in 2025, which saw over $1.2 billion distributed across various projects like GRASS (100 million tokens to 1.5 million wallets), the focus of airdrop campaigns has shifted from mere hype to rewarding tangible utility. This evolution is closely linked to the 2024 Bitcoin halving event. Bullish market forecasts for 2026, with predictions of Bitcoin reaching $120,000 and beyond, are expected to significantly increase liquidity within the altcoin market. This influx of capital is anticipated to attract approximately $3.4 billion in funding during Q3 2025 to crucial sectors such as Real-World Assets (RWA), DePIN, and Layer 2 solutions. Major themes expected to emerge include the tokenization of assets, exemplified by projects like Plume, the expansion of decentralized hardware networks like Peaq, and advancements in cross-chain interoperability spearheaded by LayerZero.

According to CoinStats, the total estimated value of these airdrops is projected to surpass $1.5 billion, with over 2 million unique addresses potentially claiming rewards. The DePIN and RWA sectors are predicted to see a notable rise in prominence. Concurrently, governments are increasingly exploring the potential of tokenized infrastructure, and the growing demand for privacy-preserving solutions in Artificial Intelligence (AI) data processing is also a significant factor. It is important to note the risks involved; increasingly stringent verification processes may exclude bot activity, but this also means that rewards are more likely to favor genuine builders and contributors, with top participants potentially receiving over $100,000.

Projects With the Highest Probability of Launching Airdrops

The following projects have been curated based on their funding rounds, active testnet participation, and signals from the broader crypto community. Probabilities are estimated using data from platforms like Polymarket and Dune Analytics, ranging from 60% to 85%.

1. LayerZero (Season 2) – Probability: 70%

   LayerZero, a prominent cross-chain interoperability protocol that has raised $173 million, is expected to launch its second season of rewards in Q1 2026, following the anticipated release of its V2 protocol. This season is designed to reward users who have bridged assets across different networks. Eligibility criteria typically involve bridging assets through the Stargate protocol and participating in testnet swaps. With a projected fully diluted valuation (FDV) of $2 billion, potential rewards could represent 10-20% of the total token supply, with high-volume participants potentially earning upwards of $100,000.

2. Peaq (Get Real Season 2) – Probability: 80%

   Peaq, a Layer 1 blockchain focused on the Internet of Things (IoT) and DePIN, has secured $15 million in funding. Its second season of rewards, "Get Real Season 2," is slated for Q1 2026 and will likely target node runners. To be eligible, users may need to deploy hardware infrastructure or complete various quests available on the Peaq portal. The project has allocated approximately $40 million for rewards, supplemented by additional subsidies. Active participants, particularly those running nodes, could potentially receive over $5,000, with rewards verified through hardware deployment.

3. Plume Network (RWA Drop) – Probability: 75%

   Plume Network is an EVM-compatible blockchain specifically designed for the tokenization of real-world assets, having raised $20 million. A significant airdrop is anticipated in Q2 2026, focusing on users involved in asset tokenization. Eligibility is expected to involve bridging assets to the Plume network, participating in testnet modules, and potentially staking the native PLUME token. With 15% of the token supply allocated for this drop and a focus on compliant RWAs, liquidity providers (LPs) could potentially earn over $50,000.

4. Movement (L2 Airdrop) – Probability: 65%

   Movement is a Layer 2 scaling solution built on the MoveVM, which has successfully raised $38 million. An airdrop is anticipated in Q2 2026, primarily targeting users who engage in cross-chain activities. Eligibility will likely require users to perform cross-chain swaps and provide liquidity on the Movement network. With $25 million allocated for the airdrop and an estimated FDV of $500 million, users who actively bridge assets could potentially receive over $10,000.

5. Jupiter (Jupuary 2026) – Probability: 75%

   Jupiter, a leading decentralized exchange (DEX) on the Solana blockchain, is expected to launch its third season of rewards, dubbed "Jupuary 2026," targeting its token stakers. To qualify, users will need to actively trade or swap assets on Jupiter and stake their JUP tokens. The project has allocated 200 million JUP tokens for this event. Users with significant trading volume are expected to be rewarded, with potential earnings of over $20,000, reflecting the ongoing rewards program for the Solana DEX ecosystem.

6. Grass (DePIN Expansion) – Probability: 85%

   Grass is a DePIN project focused on bandwidth sharing, with a significant airdrop planned post-2025, likely in Q1 2026 for its node runners. The primary eligibility requirement is to share bandwidth through the Grass application. The project aims to distribute 100 million GRASS tokens. Active participants who consistently share bandwidth could potentially earn over $10,000, contributing to the growth of the AI data marketplace.

7. Sahara AI (DePIN/AI) – Probability: 70%

   Sahara AI is a DePIN project focused on artificial intelligence, with its testnet currently live and actively rewarding data contributors. Eligibility for the airdrop will likely involve running nodes and completing various quests. The project has earmarked $30 million for rewards, with participants potentially earning over $5,000 for their contributions to AI verification processes.

8. Miden (Polygon AggLayer) – Probability: 60%

   Miden is an Ethereum Layer 2 scaling solution that is part of the Polygon AggLayer ecosystem. It is expected to allocate 10% of its total token supply for an airdrop. Eligibility criteria may include staking POL tokens and participating in the Miden testnet. With $20 million allocated for the airdrop and a focus on RWA and DeFi applications, stakers are anticipated to be rewarded.

9. Tea-Fi (SocialFi) – Probability: 65%

   Tea-Fi is a social token platform that rewards users with points for their engagement within the ecosystem. Eligibility is expected to involve posting content, interacting with other users, and completing specific quests. With a projected 15-30x return on engagement, creators and active participants could potentially earn over $10,000, capitalizing on the growing SocialFi trend.

10. Remittix (RWA Payments) – Probability: 55%

    Remittix is a project focused on RWA-based payment solutions, with rewards planned for participants of its presale. Eligibility will likely involve testing remittance transfers and potentially staking tokens. The project has allocated $15 million for rewards, aiming to facilitate tokenized payment systems.

Early User Actions to Enhance Airdrop Eligibility

To maximize your chances of receiving airdrop rewards, it is crucial to engage with projects in a verifiable manner. Sophisticated sybil detection algorithms are in place to identify and disqualify bot farms, making genuine user activity paramount.

1. Testnet Quests: Actively participate in and complete tasks provided on the testnet portals of projects like LayerZero and Peaq. These activities often earn convertible points that contribute to your eligibility.
2. Liquidity Provision and Staking: Provide liquidity on decentralized exchanges (DEXs) such as Jupiter and Plume, or stake native tokens. These actions demonstrate your commitment and often track trading volume or network participation, which are key metrics for reward distribution.
3. Node Running: Deploy and maintain hardware nodes for DePIN projects like Grass and Sahara AI. This form of contribution provides a hardware-verified proof of participation and commitment.
4. Bridging and Swapping: Engage in cross-chain activities using protocols like Movement and LayerZero. These actions prove your understanding and utilization of interoperability solutions.
5. Social Engagement: Participate in quests and community activities on platforms like Discord and Telegram for projects such as Tea-Fi and Remittix. While off-chain, this can positively influence your on-chain reputation and eligibility.
6. Presale Participation: Invest in or stake tokens during early-stage presales for projects like Tapzi. These early rounds often offer bonus multipliers and preferential treatment for future rewards.
7. Wallet Activity: Maintain consistent daily interactions with decentralized applications (dApps) using a primary wallet, such as MetaMask. Building a robust on-chain history demonstrates genuine usage.

To avoid being flagged by anti-sybil filters, it is recommended to use a single, dedicated wallet for your airdrop hunting activities. Tools like DropsTab or CoinGecko can assist in tracking your participation across various projects.

Potential Payouts from Upcoming Airdrops

The value of airdrop payouts can vary significantly based on individual activity levels and the overall success of the project. Historically, top participants in major airdrops have received rewards ranging from $10,000 to $100,000, while average payouts typically fall between $100 and $5,000. For instance, in 2025, projects like GRASS distributed tokens to millions of wallets, with some high-value wallets receiving significant amounts.

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  LayerZero S2: High-volume bridgers could potentially earn upwards of $100,000, considering 10% of the supply is allocated and the projected FDV is $2 billion.
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  Peaq S2: Node runners and active participants may receive over $5,000 from the $40 million in rewards and subsidies available.
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  Plume Network: Liquidity providers and tokenizers could potentially earn over $50,000, with 15% of the supply dedicated to this drop.
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  Movement Network: Users who actively engage in cross-chain activities might receive over $10,000 from the $25 million allocated airdrop pool.
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  Jupiter (Jupuary): Traders with significant volume on the Jupiter DEX could earn over $20,000 worth of JUP tokens from the 200 million allocation.
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  Grass Expansion: Active node operators sharing bandwidth could potentially receive over $10,000 from the 100 million GRASS tokens.
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  Sahara AI: Participants contributing data and running nodes may earn over $5,000 from the $30 million reward pool.
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  Miden Network: Stakers of POL tokens are expected to benefit from the $20 million airdrop, representing 10% of the total supply.
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  Tea-Fi: Creators and active users could potentially earn over $10,000, driven by the 15-30x potential of SocialFi engagement.
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  Remittix: Participants testing the remittance system may share in the $15 million allocated reward pool.

Collectively, these anticipated airdrops represent over $1.5 billion in potential value. To maximize returns, it is advisable to diversify participation across 3 to 5 projects, aiming for a cumulative haul that could exceed $10,000.

Networks Expected To Launch Large-Scale Rewards

The year 2026 is projected to be dominated by large-scale reward programs from Layer 2 solutions, DePIN projects, and Real-World Asset (RWA) tokenization platforms. The Ethereum Virtual Machine (EVM) and Solana ecosystems are expected to be particularly active.

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  Layer 2s and Interoperability Solutions: Projects like LayerZero and Movement are anticipated to offer significant rewards for bridging activities, with estimated airdrop probabilities around 70%.
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  DePIN Projects: Platforms such as Peaq, Grass, and Sahara AI are expected to reward users for running nodes and deploying hardware, boasting probabilities exceeding 80%.
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  RWA Tokenization Platforms: Networks like Plume and Remittix will likely offer rewards for participating in asset tokenization quests, with estimated probabilities around 75%.
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  Social and Gaming Platforms: Projects like Tea-Fi are expected to distribute tokens based on user engagement within their social or gaming ecosystems, with probabilities around 65%.
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  Wallets and DEXs: Platforms like Jupiter are anticipated to reward users based on their on-chain activity, with a particular focus expected in Q1.

Within these categories, EVM-based networks are projected to account for approximately 60% of the airdrop opportunities, while Solana-based projects are expected to drive faster, activity-based rewards, making up about 25% of the landscape.

Conclusion

The cryptocurrency airdrop landscape in 2026 is set to be significantly shaped by major initiatives like LayerZero S2, Peaq S2, and Plume Network, which collectively could distribute over $1.5 billion in value. These rewards will likely benefit participants who engage with testnets, provide liquidity, and run nodes. Early engagement can yield substantial returns, ranging from $100 to $100,000, with the rise of DePIN and RWA sectors adding significant utility to these distributions. In bull market cycles, airdrops serve as a critical mechanism for bootstrapping successful projects and rewarding early adopters. Positioning oneself strategically across L2 and DePIN ecosystems offers a strong potential for significant gains, potentially reaching 100x returns.