As traders search for the top crypto to buy in 2026, three very different stories are playing out at the same time. Arbitrum (ARB) is absorbing a 96 million token unlock worth $19.6 million, putting short-term pressure on price. Internet Computer (ICP) is rallying on talk of a 70% inflation cut, but the change isn’t live yet.
Meanwhile, Zero Knowledge Proof (ZKP) is moving into Phase II of its live auction, locking daily supply at 190 million tokens and burning what isn’t claimed. In a market where supply shocks can crush or create opportunity, timing now matters more than narratives. For investors chasing real upside, this contrast is impossible to ignore.
Arbitrum (ARB): Volatility From Token Unlock
On January 16, 2026, Arbitrum released 96 million ARB tokens into circulation. This $19.6 million DAO Treasury unlock has triggered renewed market attention. At ~$0.20–$0.21, ARB is sitting near a key threshold. Analysts suggest that a drop below $0.20 could lead to further downside, while a breakout above $0.24 may attract fresh buyers.
Short-term pressure is expected as early holders may liquidate unlocked tokens. This supply shock adds uncertainty for new buyers. While Arbitrum remains one of Ethereum’s most used Layer-2 networks, the current situation adds friction to price momentum. It’s not clear whether ARB can hold value against competing L2 tokens that are showing more aggressive burn or redistribution mechanisms.
Arbitrum may recover long term, but in early 2026, the risk-to-reward ratio is skewed. With selling pressure incoming and no deflationary mechanics in place, ARB is facing a resistance-heavy quarter ahead. It does not currently rank among the top cryptocurrencies to buy in 2026 for upside stability.
Internet Computer (ICP): Inflation Cuts Ahead
Internet Computer is preparing its “Mission70” whitepaper. The proposal is expected to reduce network inflation by 70%, a major shift in its tokenomics. The move is designed to cap unnecessary supply growth while preserving staking and governance incentives. While details are still pending, it’s clear that ICP is moving toward a tighter monetary policy.
Recent price activity has responded positively. ICP gained nearly 36% in the past seven days and now trades near $4.30 to $4.40. That uptick is driven in part by investor speculation around future supply tightening. However, it’s also a sign that confidence is slowly returning after months of stagnation.
While this inflation cut could help long-term holders, it’s not yet active. Until it’s implemented and supported by stronger use-case metrics, ICP remains in a transition phase. It’s worth tracking, but investors looking for high-velocity ROI should view it as a secondary option in their 2026 portfolio allocation.
Zero Knowledge Proof (ZKP): 190M Supply Cap Changes Everything
Zero Knowledge Proof (ZKP) is entering Phase II of its live Initial Coin Auction (ICA). This marks a clear structural change in how tokens are distributed and how future value is secured. In Phase II, the daily supply is capped at 190 million $ZKP. Any unclaimed tokens from this cap are automatically burned.
This isn’t just a supply cut. It’s a shift in how ranking and rewards are earned. In Phase I, accumulation was open-ended. In Phase II, the competition tightens. Early participants now hold ranked positions. New participants must fight for less daily allocation and fewer opportunities to climb.
The burn mechanics mean every unused coin reduces the total supply permanently. The longer you wait, the smaller the pool becomes. That creates a deflationary flywheel, as supply shrinks, while demand accelerates based on fixed daily caps.
ZKP’s model favors those already holding. Reward modeling and leaderboard data suggest that early-phase buyers could see potential ROI between 100x and 10,000x depending on their locked-in position and future network scale. Unlike other tokens that dilute over time, ZKP reinforces scarcity the longer you delay.
If you’re looking for the top crypto to buy in 2026 with built-in structural advantages, ZKP is not a hype coin. It is a system-level shift toward verifiable, deflation-based value creation with direct consequences for entry timing.
Supply Pressure or Scarcity Play?
ARB is under pressure from a token unlock. ICP is planning to cut supply, but it’s not live. ZKP is already living and shifting into a more competitive and deflationary phase. For traders chasing the top crypto to buy in 2026 with potential ROI upside, the answer lies in scarcity and timing.
ZKP offers a countdown-based advantage. The 190M daily cap and automatic burn events will not wait for market sentiment to catch up. Every unclaimed coin shrinks the pool. In crypto, shrinking supply often signals the next value leg up. In ZKP, it’s designed into the system from the start.
For now, ZKP stands alone in turning supply mechanics into a functional reward structure with ROI asymmetry that favors action over hesitation.