As 2026 begins with strong price action across both major coins and presale markets, many market watchers are again raising a familiar question: what are the best cryptos to buy right now? Recent weeks show a clear divide between established digital assets showing renewed strength and one presale project that is reshaping how early access works. This mix of stability and urgency is shaping how buyers approach the market at the start of the year.

Bitcoin and Ethereum are once again showing leadership, supported by positive sentiment, steady institutional interest, and broader economic signals. Alongside them, BlockDAG (BDAG) has brought back its early presale price at $0.001, placing it in a limited-time position that many buyers see as unusually time-sensitive. Together, these three names represent very different paths for those tracking the best cryptos to buy right now.

Below is a closer look at how Bitcoin, Ethereum, and BlockDAG compare as 2026 moves into a critical period for crypto participation.

Bitcoin (BTC): Trading Near $97K With Fresh Institutional Support

Early 2026 has seen Bitcoin reclaim attention as the main asset many traders are watching. By the second week of January, BTC moved back near the $97,000 level, gaining close to 4% within days. This upward move is often linked to easing inflation pressure in the U.S., steady ETF inflows, and a renewed role for Bitcoin as a hedge during periods of global uncertainty.

Large financial players continue to expand exposure through regulated products, which adds confidence for smaller market participants. At the same time, price behavior shows a solid base forming, with swings staying relatively controlled and long-term holders remaining steady rather than selling into strength.

As clearer rules continue to develop across the U.S. and other key regions, Bitcoin is positioned to gain from a more defined regulatory path. Although its growth may not mirror the earliest cycles, Bitcoin still sets the pace for the wider market. For those considering the best cryptos to buy right now with a focus on stability, BTC continues to hold a leading role.

Ethereum (ETH): Steady Progress With Weekly Gains Around 5%

Ethereum may not be dominating headlines, yet its recent performance speaks clearly. ETH has added roughly 5% over the past week, extending a pattern of higher lows supported by rising trading activity. This steady climb suggests ongoing confidence without excessive speculation.

A key factor behind Ethereum’s strength is its central role in smart contracts, decentralized finance, and app development. Even with competition from other Layer 1 networks, ETH still leads in total value locked and overall developer engagement, reinforcing its importance in the ecosystem.

Planned updates throughout 2026 aim to improve efficiency and continue lowering costs, which could help sustain longer-term growth. Institutional interest is also expanding, with ETH increasingly included alongside BTC in regulated fund offerings. Within discussions about the best cryptos to buy right now, Ethereum often represents a balance between established use cases and future network improvements.

BlockDAG (BDAG): Presale Ending at $0.001 as Jan 26 Approaches

Away from the moves in Bitcoin and Ethereum, BlockDAG is following a very different path that has drawn significant attention.

Rather than moving forward with higher pricing, BlockDAG has reopened its early pricing at $0.001 per coin, matching what the earliest buyers paid months earlier. This time, however, the timeline is short. The presale is ending on January 26, with demand suggesting it could close sooner. With a set post-presale price of $0.05, this creates a fixed 50x price difference between the current presale level and the next phase.

This structure is not presented as a trial phase. BlockDAG has already completed liquidity planning and market preparation, while outlining clear public milestones. Presale funding has now passed $445 million, with 2.3 billion coins remaining in the current allocation. The active presale batch is 36, and the special price remains locked at $0.001 during this final window.

From a performance angle, BlockDAG highlights throughput of up to 1,400 transactions per second, placing it among faster EVM-compatible Layer 1 networks preparing to go live. The roadmap has been clearly shared, and supply details are fixed, which many buyers view as reducing uncertainty during the closing phase of the presale.

At this price point, BlockDAG presents a rare reset that is only available for a short time. For those scanning beyond established names and weighing timing as a key factor, BDAG is frequently mentioned among the best cryptos to buy right now due to the approaching cutoff date and defined price shift.

Final SAy

For participants deciding how to position themselves in early 2026, the choice is not always about picking one path over another, but understanding how each option fits a broader plan.

• Bitcoin continues to act as a large-scale hedge supported by growing institutional interest.
• Ethereum strengthens its role as the backbone for decentralized activity through steady progress.
• BlockDAG offers a limited presale window with a clear end date, fixed pricing, and a defined transition after January 26.

When reviewing the best cryptos to buy right now, all three attract attention for different reasons. Bitcoin and Ethereum bring experience and resilience. BlockDAG brings urgency, timing, and a presale phase that is nearing its conclusion. Once January 26 passes, this specific entry point will no longer be available, marking the close of a short and closely watched opportunity.

Presale: https://purchase.blockdag.network

Website: https://blockdag.network

Telegram: https://t.me/blockDAGnetworkOfficial

Discord: https://discord.gg/Q7BxghMVyu