Top 6 Affordable Cryptos Under $1 to Invest in Now: Helium, Golem, Zcash & Creditcoin

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Are you tired of overhyped cryptocurrencies that demand hefty prices before delivering any results? Often, the most promising investment opportunities can be found in the less explored realm beneath the $1 mark. This is where numerous impactful cryptocurrencies lie in wait, ready for investors who recognize their potential beyond mere price tags. So, why is it crucial to pay attention now? The notion that lower prices equate to lower quality is misleading; savvy investors can reap significant rewards by getting in early on projects with hidden momentum.

Top Affordable Cryptocurrencies Under $1 to Consider Now

This article highlights four impressive low-cost cryptocurrencies that offer more than just budget-friendly prices: Helium, Golem, Zcash, and Creditcoin. These digital currencies are not simply riding trends; they are built on practical functionalities that tackle real-world blockchain challenges, positioning them for sustained success. These projects are actively contributing to decentralized computing, ensuring privacy in transactions, transforming credit networks, and fostering an interconnected blockchain ecosystem.

1. Helium (HNT)

Helium empowers individuals to set up Hotspots—devices that create networks and generate HNT coins—rather than relying on traditional telecom infrastructure. This innovative and cost-effective solution addresses the limitations of conventional networks, particularly in underserved regions. In January 2024, Helium partnered with Telefónica, a major telecom operator, to establish mobile hotspots in Oaxaca and Mexico City. This collaboration marks a significant step toward broader adoption, leveraging Helium’s decentralized network to enhance mobile coverage in these areas. Currently, its market capitalization stands at around $786 million, with a maximum supply of 223 million HNT coins and a circulating supply of approximately 179.6 million. Despite a notable recovery from its all-time low of $0.1132 in April 2020, it remains approximately 92% below its peak of $54.88 in November 2021, indicating both resilience and room for further growth.

Exciting news! AT&T subscribers can now access the community-driven Helium Network across the United States. By utilizing Helium’s decentralized network, AT&T is extending coverage to thousands of new locations, powered by individual contributions from across the country.

Helium is also taking proactive steps to expand its ecosystem through strategic partnerships. Collaborations with companies like T-Mobile and Dish Network facilitate the integration of Helium’s network with existing telecom infrastructures, further solidifying its market position.

2. Golem (GLM)

Golem enables the execution of high-demand tasks, such as CGI rendering, scientific calculations, and machine learning, by harnessing the idle computing power of users worldwide. This platform disrupts traditional centralized cloud computing services by creating a peer-to-peer marketplace where users can monetize their unused hardware, thereby democratizing access to computational resources.

Golem’s market capitalization is approximately $277 million, reflecting a moderate level of investor interest and market activity. To address the global GPU resource shortage—especially pertinent in the AI sector—Golem recently formed a partnership with GamerHash AI. This collaboration aims to transform gaming technology into valuable assets for complex calculations by utilizing the idle GPU capacity of gamers for AI tasks.

3. Zcash (ZEC)

Zcash distinguishes itself from other cryptocurrencies by employing zero-knowledge proofs, specifically zk-SNARKs, to ensure complete anonymity. This technology allows transactions to be validated without revealing any details about the sender, recipient, or transaction amount. Its robust privacy features empower users to choose between transparent and shielded transactions, catering to diverse preferences ranging from complete transparency to stringent privacy.

Since its inception, Zcash has experienced significant volatility; it reached an all-time high of $5,941.80 on October 29, 2016, before plummeting to a low of $16.04 on July 5, 2024. This price fluctuation highlights the challenges faced by privacy-centric cryptocurrencies. Recently, Zcash integrated with the Intents stack of the NEAR Protocol, enabling users to execute free cross-chain swaps between ZEC and other major cryptocurrencies, such as BTC, ETH, SOL, and NEAR, without the need for KYC procedures.

4. Creditcoin (CTC)

Creditcoin aims to create a transparent and equitable credit history for individuals who lack access to conventional banking services by storing credit transaction histories on a public blockchain. This approach establishes immutable records of credit transactions, offering borrowers a clear and verifiable credit history, particularly valuable in regions with limited banking options. By fostering trust between non-bank lenders and traditional financial institutions, Creditcoin could enhance credit accessibility for those without formal banking relationships.

With a market capitalization of approximately $273 million and a 24-hour trading volume of about $36 million, these figures indicate a healthy level of investor engagement and market activity. Partnerships with established players in the blockchain and fintech sectors, including traditional lending organizations and decentralized finance (DeFi) platforms, have further solidified Creditcoin’s credibility and utility. These collaborations expand Creditcoin’s user base and enhance its integration into a wider array of financial services.

5. Fantasy Pepe (FEPE)

Fantasy Pepe is making waves in the cryptocurrency realm by merging the viral nature of meme culture with the excitement of fantasy football. This innovative project features an AI-driven fantasy football league, allowing users to manage teams using meme-inspired NFTs and engage in prediction markets, all within a gamified platform. The FEPE presale raised nearly $200,000 within its first 24 hours, indicating significant interest in the project.

Starting at a price of $0.0003, the token will increase every few days throughout the presale. Early investors can stake their FEPE tokens for an impressive 1,385% annual percentage yield (APY), which is dynamically adjusted based on demand. The unique blend of AI technology, meme culture, and fantasy sports makes FEPE an attractive option for investors seeking exposure to innovative, community-focused cryptocurrencies.

6. Notcoin (NOT)

Notcoin introduces users to the Web3 ecosystem by integrating blockchain technology with gaming. Developed by Open Builders, it is a tap-to-earn game that allows players to earn tokens simply by tapping their screens on Telegram. Notcoin addresses the complexity and apprehension often associated with entering the cryptocurrency market by simplifying the experience through a straightforward game embedded within a widely used messaging app, promoting user interaction and understanding of blockchain technology.

As of April 24, 2025, Notcoin is priced at approximately $0.00215. It reached an all-time high of $0.029045 on June 2, 2024, before dipping to a low of $0.001954 on March 9, 2025. Additionally, Notcoin unveiled a new feature called “Explore” on July 5, 2024, allowing users to discover and engage with various Web3 projects directly within the Telegram interface, simultaneously earning Notcoin tokens. This initiative aims to enhance the value and appeal of the Notcoin platform by integrating users into the broader Web3 ecosystem.

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