The crypto market in 2025 has shifted in ways that differ from past cycles. Institutional adoption, new ETFs, and real-world use cases are shaping investor strategy as the industry looks toward 2026. Analysts say that picking discounted altcoins with solid fundamentals may offer better long-term prospects than chasing short-term price moves.

Here are some of the key altcoins that experts are watching as potential long-term holdings through 2026.

Ethereum (ETH): Layer-1 Anchor With Broad Utility

Ethereum remains one of the most significant altcoins to consider for 2026. After facing criticism for high fees and slower transaction times, the network’s recent Fusaka upgrade has improved scalability and reduced costs, helping to renew confidence among developers and investors alike. Institutional interest continues to grow, supported by growing decentralized finance (DeFi) activity and tokenization efforts.

These developments suggest that Ethereum’s role as a foundational blockchain for smart contracts, DeFi and real-world assets could help sustain demand as the broader market evolves.

Sui (SUI): Discounted But Developing

Sui has drawn attention for its steady progress despite weaker market conditions. Analysts note that institutional players are increasingly interested in the project, and the network has been expanding its stablecoin offerings and work on blockchain-based payment solutions. Sui is also exploring real-world asset tokenization, including use cases like supply-chain tracking for critical materials.

With its price still well below prior highs, many see SUI as a discounted altcoin with room to grow if adoption and development continue into 2026.

Bittensor (TAO): AI-Driven Crypto Innovation

Bittensor stands out for its unique approach to combining artificial intelligence and blockchain. Instead of traditional mining, Bittensor rewards participants for performing useful AI-related tasks on the network. Recently, the project went through a halving event, which reduced the rate of token supply growth. Although TAO’s price dipped after the halving, analysts believe that long-term demand could rise as interest in AI applications across crypto continues.

For investors seeking exposure to AI and crypto together, Bittensor is frequently mentioned as one of the top altcoins to watch for 2026.

Ondo Finance (ONDO): RWA Focused and Positioned for Growth

Ondo Finance operates in the expanding real-world asset (RWA) sector, an area attracting growing attention from institutional capital. Tokenization of traditional assets like bonds and securities has gained regulatory momentum, which could accelerate adoption of RWA-centric blockchain projects.

Although ONDO’s price remains under pressure, its focus on RWA fundamentals positions it as a long-term play should tokenization continue to integrate with traditional finance throughout 2026.

Conclusion

Choosing discounted altcoins with strong fundamentals may offer a more resilient investment strategy as the crypto market enters 2026. Ethereum’s upgraded infrastructure, Sui’s ongoing development, Bittensor’s AI-centric model, and Ondo Finance’s real-world asset focus provide compelling narratives for investors looking beyond short-term trading.

As always, potential investors should do detailed research and consider risk tolerance before allocating capital to any crypto asset.