In the fast-moving world of cryptocurrency, altcoins have captured investor interest thanks to their incredible returns. Some coins have delivered shocking ROI numbers, even outpacing traditional assets by thousands of percentage points. In this guide, we break down the top-performing altcoins, highlighting their ROI and growth potential. Along the way, you’ll get real, practical advice on how to think about altcoin investing with clarity and caution.
1. Solana (SOL) delivered a 13,000% ROI from January 2021 to November 2021
Solana’s meteoric rise in 2021 came from a mix of innovation and good timing. Built as a fast, low-fee blockchain capable of handling thousands of transactions per second, Solana quickly became a go-to for developers.
As Ethereum gas fees surged, projects flocked to Solana for efficiency and cost-effectiveness.
This growth wasn’t just technical. Solana built a strong community, pulled in funding from major investors, and saw a boom in NFT projects hosted on its network.
So what’s the takeaway? Timing matters, but utility drives long-term value. When evaluating a new altcoin, ask: does this coin solve a real problem in crypto? Is it faster, cheaper, or more secure than what’s already out there?
If you’re considering investing in something like Solana, dig into the technology. Look at developer activity, ecosystem growth, and partnerships. These give early signals that a project might have real staying power.
Also, get in early — but never blindly. Track trends, join project communities, and look for signs of adoption, not just hype.
2. Avalanche (AVAX) surged over 3,000% in ROI in 2021
Avalanche proved that speed and scalability matter. It was one of the first networks to deliver sub-second finality — meaning transactions confirmed in the blink of an eye. Investors took notice, and the price followed.
AVAX also stood out for its approach to decentralization and its strong focus on DeFi applications. With protocols like Trader Joe and Pangolin making headlines, Avalanche offered real use cases.
For investors, Avalanche showed that smart contract platforms are still in demand. But what can you do with this insight?
Start by evaluating the DeFi ecosystem of any blockchain you’re watching. Is it active? Are real users using it, or is it just speculation? Use blockchain explorers to track transaction volume and user growth. This will help you spot signs of rising adoption before prices take off.
Also, pay attention to incentives. Avalanche used liquidity mining and developer grants to attract users and builders.
These growth tactics often result in short-term price boosts, and while they may not be sustainable forever, they can create powerful investment windows.
3. Polygon (MATIC) posted a 14,000% gain in 2021 alone
Polygon made Ethereum faster and cheaper. That’s it. And that simplicity is what made it so successful. By acting as a scaling solution for Ethereum, it provided a huge performance boost when people needed it most.
The result? An explosion in adoption. DeFi platforms, games, and NFT projects moved to Polygon in droves.
So how can you spot the next MATIC?
Focus on complementary projects. Instead of competing with giants like Ethereum, look for coins that make them better. If a new coin helps speed up Ethereum, reduce fees, or improve usability, it’s worth researching.
Also, pay attention to developer traction. Polygon became the go-to platform because it was easy to integrate. Projects that simplify things for developers often win in the long run.
Another tip: follow the gas fees. When Ethereum gets expensive, people look for alternatives. And that shift can often predict the next high-performing altcoin.
4. Terra (LUNA) reached over 12,000% ROI before its collapse in 2022
LUNA was a lesson in both explosive gains and painful crashes. It delivered over 12,000% returns — and then lost it all. The collapse of its algorithmic stablecoin, UST, wiped out billions.
But before the crash, Terra offered huge utility in payments, savings (via Anchor Protocol), and DeFi applications. This wide usage is what pushed it to the top.
So what can investors learn here?
High ROI often comes with high risk. Especially with coins tied to experimental technologies like algorithmic stablecoins. Before investing, always dig into how a system works. If it seems too good to be true — like 20% interest rates — it probably is.
Another red flag is over-reliance on one product. Terra’s ecosystem heavily depended on UST. When that failed, the whole system came crashing down.
Moving forward, stay cautious of projects that promise stability without backing assets. And always diversify. Never go all-in, even if a coin seems like the next big thing.
5. Chainlink (LINK) had a 700% ROI from March 2020 to May 2021
Chainlink carved out a niche as a data bridge. It brings real-world data into smart contracts — something Ethereum and other chains can’t do alone.
This utility drove strong demand, and LINK became a core building block in the DeFi world.
Want to spot a potential Chainlink-style opportunity?
Look for infrastructure coins — projects that make other blockchains better. These aren’t flashy, but they’re essential. If a coin helps other platforms work smarter or more securely, it has long-term potential.
Also, watch partnerships. Chainlink grew fast because it was adopted widely across the crypto world. The more integrations a platform has, the more sticky it becomes.
Finally, dig into token usage. In Chainlink’s case, LINK is required to pay for data feeds. This creates demand, especially as the ecosystem grows.
6. Cardano (ADA) surged 2,500% from early 2020 to its peak in 2021
Cardano gained fame as a more academic, carefully researched blockchain. Its growth was slower, but methodical. When it finally introduced smart contracts, the market rewarded it with a big price spike.
What’s important here is the power of community. Cardano had one of the strongest and most loyal followings in crypto. Even when progress was slow, the belief stayed strong.
As an investor, this teaches you to track more than code. Community matters. If thousands of people are actively supporting, promoting, and building on a coin, that’s a big strength.
Also, be patient. Some projects move slower but are building for the long run. Don’t ignore a coin just because it hasn’t exploded yet.
To identify promising slow-burn coins, follow GitHub activity, watch developer conferences, and read the roadmap. If the team is hitting milestones, the market will catch up eventually.
7. Fantom (FTM) posted a 19,000% ROI in 2021
Fantom caught fire in 2021 due to its blazing-fast performance and low fees. It positioned itself as an Ethereum alternative, but with better scalability and throughput.
Much of its rise came from DeFi. Projects like SpookySwap and SpiritSwap gained traction, and users followed.
So what made Fantom stand out?
First, it solved a user problem: Ethereum was too slow and expensive. Fantom offered an immediate fix.
Second, it focused on compatibility. Fantom supported Ethereum’s tooling, making it easy for developers to migrate over.
Want to apply this?
Look for coins that solve pain points. Especially those focused on cost, speed, and simplicity. Bonus points if they’re easy for developers to use.
Also, track TVL (Total Value Locked) on DeFi platforms. Rapid increases in TVL usually signal growing user trust — and often precede price gains.
8. The Graph (GRT) grew over 1,300% within weeks of its 2020 launch
The Graph is another quiet giant. It allows blockchain data to be indexed and queried — think of it like Google for blockchain.
This back-end functionality doesn’t make headlines, but it’s crucial for dApps to work.
The early ROI shows how valuable infrastructure can be. Investors who understood its role made big gains.
When scouting for coins, don’t ignore the backend. If a coin helps developers build better or faster, that’s a big plus. Look at whitepapers to understand what problem it solves.
Also, see who’s using it. The Graph had early adoption from platforms like Uniswap. That real-world use gave it legitimacy.
For your own portfolio, consider mixing infrastructure coins with user-facing ones. The combination can add both growth and stability.
9. Cosmos (ATOM) gained over 900% ROI between 2020 and 2021
Cosmos stood out by tackling a big problem — blockchain isolation. It allowed different chains to talk to each other using its Inter-Blockchain Communication (IBC) protocol. This idea of interoperability caught on, and ATOM saw major price growth.
When you look at Cosmos, you’re seeing the early stages of a multi-chain future.
As more projects launch their own chains, being able to connect them becomes crucial.
The lesson here is to look beyond hype and into architecture. Cosmos wasn’t trying to be just another smart contract platform — it was offering something foundational to the entire ecosystem.
For investors, think about what makes a coin different. If it’s solving something no one else is tackling, it may have untapped potential. Also, follow developer ecosystems like Cosmos SDK.
The more chains that use it, the more value flows back to ATOM.
Finally, don’t underestimate the importance of narrative. The “internet of blockchains” vision resonated with people, and that helped fuel the rise.
10. Arweave (AR) saw over 2,000% ROI in 2021
Arweave took on the challenge of permanent storage. Instead of renting space like traditional cloud storage, Arweave stores data forever — and you pay just once. This idea clicked during the NFT boom, as people wanted reliable, unchangeable storage for digital art.
The ROI it delivered was tied to that real-world need. Platforms like Solana even used Arweave to store blockchain data.
So how can you find the next Arweave?
Look for coins that don’t just create tokens — but reinvent business models. Pay-once storage was a powerful twist that gave Arweave an edge.
Also, monitor integration. When other major chains adopt a project’s tech, that usually leads to massive upside.
One more tactic: stay alert to emerging trends. Arweave surged alongside NFTs. If you see a new trend forming — like AI or identity on-chain — try to spot the infrastructure that supports it.
11. Aave (AAVE) increased 6,000% between 2020 and early 2021
Aave was one of the first real DeFi powerhouses. It let users lend and borrow crypto without banks, and it did it in a user-friendly way. The rise of DeFi in 2020 made Aave a key player — and the price followed.
Aave also introduced innovations like flash loans, which let users borrow without collateral if the loan is repaid instantly. This caught the attention of developers and brought a lot of buzz.
If you’re looking for similar upside, track innovation in DeFi. A project that brings something new — not just a copy of existing protocols — can have a major edge.
Also, follow the security record. Aave earned trust by staying secure and transparent. This led to big money flowing in.
For tactical moves, watch new governance proposals on DeFi forums. Big feature launches often signal incoming growth and user interest.
12. Helium (HNT) showed over 2,500% ROI in 2021
Helium came from an unexpected angle — it wasn’t just another finance coin. It created a decentralized wireless network for IoT devices, powered by people running hotspots.
That uniqueness gave it a massive edge. Investors loved that it had real-world utility and a way for users to earn tokens by setting up devices at home.
If you’re scouting for coins like Helium, look for real-world infrastructure plays. Projects that offer something tangible — like networks, hardware, or data — often have staying power.
Another angle is the token earning model. Helium allowed passive income, which draws attention fast. Watch for projects with solid incentives for everyday users.
Also, follow regulatory signals. As Helium expands into 5G, it faces more scrutiny. So for any real-world altcoin, keep an eye on legal developments.
13. ThorChain (RUNE) rose 5,000% during 2020–2021
ThorChain solved a huge crypto problem: swapping assets across chains without using a centralized exchange. It made real cross-chain DeFi a reality.
That technical feat powered RUNE’s incredible rise. As users moved between Bitcoin, Ethereum, and other chains seamlessly, the demand for RUNE soared.
If you want to spot similar coins, focus on cross-chain solutions. The more connected the blockchain world becomes, the more valuable these projects get.
Another tip is to track trading volume. ThorChain attracted serious liquidity, which helped price appreciation. Volume and liquidity are strong indicators of rising interest.
Also, follow the recovery. After a hack, ThorChain rebuilt trust — and users returned. That resilience is rare and worth watching in any project.
14. VeChain (VET) delivered 4,500% ROI from March 2020 to April 2021
VeChain focused on supply chain management — helping businesses track goods from production to sale using blockchain.
It partnered with major firms in logistics, retail, and even healthcare. That real-world use is what made its growth so strong.
The key here is enterprise adoption. Coins that focus on solving corporate pain points can sometimes fly under the radar — until a major partnership launches them into the spotlight.
To follow this strategy, look at announcements, whitepapers, and case studies. If a coin is working with Fortune 500 companies, it deserves a closer look.
Also, examine how easy it is for businesses to use. VeChain made onboarding simple, which sped up adoption.
15. Harmony (ONE) returned over 6,000% ROI in 2021
Harmony hit the sweet spot between speed, security, and scalability. It introduced sharding to improve performance and positioned itself as a developer-friendly chain.
Its explosive growth came from user adoption and developer excitement — not hype alone.
If you’re looking for the next Harmony, track L1 ecosystems with strong UX for builders. Fast transactions, cheap fees, and EVM compatibility are a winning combo.
Also, watch for launchpads and NFT projects. Harmony’s NFT boom played a big role in its rise.
Check social channels and developer forums for signs of activity. A growing ecosystem usually points to strong future demand.
16. Axie Infinity (AXS) posted an ROI of over 24,000% in 2021
Axie Infinity made crypto gaming mainstream. Its play-to-earn model let users earn AXS by battling creatures — and it took off across the world, especially in countries like the Philippines.
That enormous ROI wasn’t just from gameplay — it was the result of building an entire economy around digital ownership.
To spot future AXS-level returns, look into new gaming models. Is the game fun? Is the tokenomics sustainable? And most importantly, does the community love it?
Also, be aware of scalability issues. Axie later faced challenges with gas fees and had to launch its own chain. So watch for teams building infrastructure alongside games.
Gaming coins move fast, but they also burn out if hype fades. Pick ones with long-term roadmaps and strong player retention.
17. Decentraland (MANA) grew 4,000% during the 2021 metaverse boom
Decentraland exploded as interest in the metaverse took off. It let users buy virtual land, build experiences, and trade assets in a decentralized world. When Facebook rebranded to Meta, attention flooded into projects like MANA.
The project was early to the virtual real estate scene, and early believers saw incredible ROI. But this wasn’t just luck — it was tied to a strong narrative around digital identity and ownership.
For investors, the lesson is clear: follow emerging narratives. If you see tech giants shifting focus, look for native crypto projects already working in that space. They often benefit first.
Also, look at user engagement. MANA’s growth was supported by active development and real in-world activity. High ROI tends to follow real usage, not just speculation.
To play this space, keep tabs on tech trends — like AR/VR, gaming, and AI — and find the crypto projects closest to them. Timing is everything when narratives shift.
18. Sandbox (SAND) gained over 15,000% ROI between 2020 and 2021
Sandbox hit the market with a full-blown ecosystem — avatars, virtual land, games, and partnerships with big brands like Adidas and Atari. It positioned itself not just as a game, but as a platform for user-generated content in the metaverse.
The crazy ROI came from a mix of NFT demand, brand excitement, and investor speculation. But even after the hype cooled, Sandbox retained an active builder community.
The key takeaway here is to evaluate ecosystems. Does the coin exist on its own, or is it part of a larger virtual world? Projects that offer a platform for others to build on can scale much faster.
Also, keep an eye on licensing deals. When crypto games link up with major brands, that can drive huge user influxes. But the opposite is also true — if partnerships dry up, the momentum can fade.
Watch for updates, land sales, and new game launches — these tend to drive spikes in interest.
19. Gala Games (GALA) spiked over 30,000% in 2021
Gala Games didn’t focus on a single title — it built an entire suite of blockchain games. This diversified approach set it apart from one-hit wonders.
Investors loved the idea of a gaming ecosystem where users owned their items and earned tokens while playing. That helped GALA go from near-zero to tens of thousands of percent in ROI in under a year.
For your strategy, consider platforms over individual games. If a coin supports multiple games or apps, it spreads risk and boosts upside.
Also, look at how teams handle growth. Gala aggressively expanded partnerships and development, keeping investor excitement alive.
Another smart tactic? Monitor new game announcements and beta test launches. These are often early signals of a coming hype cycle.
20. Zilliqa (ZIL) delivered over 2,000% ROI in 2021
Zilliqa’s rise came from its early use of sharding — a method to improve blockchain scalability. As Ethereum’s congestion grew, alternative L1s like ZIL got fresh attention.
ZIL also made a smart pivot toward NFTs and gaming in 2021, bringing in new users.
So what can we learn here?
Tech edges matter — especially ones that tackle big bottlenecks like speed or throughput. But you also need relevance. Zilliqa adapted its messaging and ecosystem to align with what the market wanted.
Track both factors: technical strength and market positioning. If a coin has good tech but poor timing, it may sit dormant. But if it adjusts with the market, it could pop.
Also, follow community funding initiatives. Zilliqa used grants to grow its ecosystem — a proven move for long-term traction.
21. Enjin Coin (ENJ) gained 3,000% ROI in the first half of 2021
Enjin was all about digital assets — long before NFTs were cool. It helped developers build and manage virtual goods across games, creating a common standard.
That head start paid off when NFTs exploded. ENJ surged as users realized it had real tools in place already.
So how do you use this?
Track early movers. If a project has been quietly building in a now-hot sector, it could be primed for massive returns. ENJ didn’t change its mission — the world just caught up to it.
Also, evaluate token utility. ENJ was actually used in minting NFTs, giving it strong built-in demand. That kind of native usage can make a big difference in price movement.
22. Chiliz (CHZ) returned 2,000%+ ROI in Q1 of 2021
Chiliz brought crypto to the sports world. Through its Socios platform, it let fans buy tokens to interact with their favorite teams. That unique angle created a whole new market.
Its early partnerships with global football clubs gave it instant credibility and access to millions of fans.
The lesson? Niche markets matter. Coins that target passionate, underserved communities — like sports fans — can grow fast.
Look for projects with strong branding, good UI, and fan engagement strategies. These are the drivers of adoption in consumer-focused crypto.
Watch for new partnership announcements — especially with big sports teams or leagues. These often trigger fast investor reactions.
23. Kusama (KSM) had an ROI of over 5,000% during the 2020–2021 cycle
Kusama is the testbed for Polkadot. It’s where new features go live first. That might sound risky — but in crypto, early access often means early profits.
Developers loved Kusama’s flexibility and speed. And investors followed, seeing it as a way to front-run Polkadot innovations.
What’s your move?
Look for testnet or canary networks with real tokens. These are often undervalued, but they benefit from the same tech improvements as their mainnet counterparts.
Also, track parachain auctions and governance updates. These events have historically moved Kusama’s price significantly.
24. Tezos (XTZ) reached nearly 1,000% ROI from 2020 to 2021
Tezos introduced formal verification — a fancy way of making smart contracts safer. That appealed to high-security industries like finance and law.
Its steady, upgrade-friendly protocol also gave it a slow but strong climb.
For smart investors, this highlights a less flashy but important point: security matters. As regulators push into crypto, coins like Tezos may gain favor.
Also, follow upgrade roadmaps. Tezos had regular, successful upgrades — something many blockchains struggle with.
Safety-first projects often see slower growth, but they can have strong staying power. Don’t overlook them.
25. Internet Computer (ICP) dropped over 90% from launch, showing negative ROI
ICP launched with huge hype — and an even bigger crash. While the tech was ambitious, the tokenomics and launch strategy were flawed.
This is a cautionary tale. Not every big idea turns into big returns.
So what should you do?
Study token unlock schedules. ICP suffered from a massive supply dump. If early investors can sell quickly, expect volatility.
Also, watch for community sentiment. Even great tech needs believers. If a project loses its base, recovery is hard.
Use tools like CoinGecko to monitor unlocks, and avoid buying right after a heavily hyped launch.
26. Filecoin (FIL) peaked at over 500% ROI before a major correction
Filecoin offered decentralized storage using a marketplace model. Users could rent out unused hard drive space in exchange for FIL tokens. It was seen as a core part of the “Web3” infrastructure and received a lot of attention after its mainnet launch.
The initial ROI was strong — but it faded quickly as supply hit the market and demand took longer to materialize.
For smart investors, this shows the importance of pacing. If a coin promises long-term utility, the price action might not reflect that right away. Be prepared for slower growth and look at adoption metrics, not just price.
Also, monitor supply dynamics. Filecoin had a large number of tokens released over time, and that can weigh on the price.
If you’re tracking coins like Filecoin, focus on usage stats. Are people storing data? Are storage providers active? These fundamentals often show up before price rebounds.
27. NEAR Protocol (NEAR) surged over 4,000% in 2021
NEAR made a name for itself as a high-performance Layer 1 with sharding, fast finality, and developer-friendly tools. It wasn’t flashy, but it was fast and reliable — and that combination delivered serious returns.
NEAR also did well with community engagement and ecosystem funding. It launched a massive grant program that attracted builders and helped boost token value.
So what’s the play here?
Look for projects that focus on builders, not just users. Developer activity is one of the best early signs of long-term growth. NEAR nailed that by giving grants, launching a simple SDK, and creating great documentation.
Check GitHub commits, track ecosystem funds, and see if teams are actually shipping products. If builders are building, the users (and ROI) will follow.
28. Render (RNDR) saw an ROI of over 1,500% in 2021
Render took a unique approach to blockchain utility — decentralized GPU rendering. It let artists and creators rent processing power to render digital art, animations, and VR content.
That real-world use case, paired with the NFT boom and 3D creator explosion, made RNDR one of the surprise stars of 2021.
What’s the angle here?
Find coins solving high-demand, niche problems. GPU rendering was a bottleneck in the creator economy — and RNDR gave a way out.
Also, track tech trends. As AI, VR, and the metaverse expand, demand for render power is rising. RNDR fits right in that narrative, and more users equals more demand.
Watch for projects that support creatives or solve resource-heavy challenges. These often get overlooked — until they suddenly don’t.
29. Immutable X (IMX) gained over 500% ROI shortly after its launch
Immutable X took on Ethereum’s NFT congestion by launching a Layer 2 scaling solution focused on zero gas fees. It was tailor-made for NFT platforms and had a clean, eco-friendly narrative.
It also got major early partnerships — including with GameStop, which sparked extra investor interest.
So what can you do with this info?
Study niche Layer 2s. If a project specializes in NFTs, gaming, or payments and fixes a known Ethereum issue, it might have serious upside.
Also, watch for launch timing. IMX rode the NFT boom at exactly the right moment. Timing matters as much as tech.
Follow partnerships and product integrations. These tend to lead price moves, especially for L2 tokens.
30. Pepe Coin (PEPE) spiked over 10,000% in its first weeks in 2023
Pepe Coin came out of nowhere, powered by meme culture and social momentum. It didn’t have utility — just vibes. And it worked.
This kind of meme coin run is unpredictable, but there are still patterns.
First, watch social media. Twitter, Telegram, and Reddit often show early hype before a coin moves. If you’re seeing the same coin trending across platforms, it might be time to take a closer look.
Second, manage risk. Meme coins can make you rich — or leave you broke. Never go all-in. Set stop-losses and take profits when you can.
Also, get in early or not at all. Once a meme coin hits the mainstream, the big gains are usually gone.
wrapping it up
Altcoins are where crypto’s biggest wins — and biggest risks — live. As you’ve seen from these top performers, explosive ROI is possible, but not without doing your homework. Every coin has a story, and the more you understand that story, the better your decisions will be.
