Top decentralized physical infrastructure crypto projects: the best DePIN solutions for investors in 2024-2025

Why DePIN is Conquering the Crypto Industry: An Overview of the Most Promising Projects

The sector of decentralized physical infrastructure networks (DePIN) is rapidly transforming the Web3 landscape by combining blockchain technology with real-world infrastructure. According to analysts, by November 2024, the total market capitalization of the top DePIN projects exceeded $32 billion, with daily trading volume reaching nearly $3 billion. Investment giants like VanEck and Borderless Capital actively position DePIN as a key trend to attract the next billion users to the Web3 ecosystem.

Borderless Capital even established a dedicated fund, DePIN Fund III with a capital of $100 million, focusing on global expansion of projects in this segment. This article will analyze leading crypto projects in the DePIN sphere that are redefining blockchain architecture and decentralized internet.

What the DePIN Abbreviation Means and Why It Matters

Decentralized physical infrastructure networks (DePIN) create a bridge between the digital capabilities of distributed ledgers and tangible infrastructure — energy grids, wireless communication networks, and distributed data storage systems.

The operation mechanism of DePIN is based on tokenized rewards, which motivate network participants to contribute their physical resources. The result is the creation of a reliable, transparent, and cost-effective infrastructure free from single points of failure.

Current Achievements in the DePIN Ecosystem

• Mass adoption in industry: DePIN solutions are actively integrated into energy systems, electric vehicle fast-charging networks, and IoT device management, demonstrating the ability to reduce operational costs and expand access to services

• Innovative solutions from industry leaders: Projects like U2U Network develop modular blockchain architectures compatible with EVM and optimized for DePIN, ensuring faster and more secure operations

This trend signifies a paradigm shift in the infrastructure sector, paving the way for more sustainable, affordable, and inclusive resource management solutions.

Hardware Decentralization as the Foundation of the DePIN Ecosystem

Distribution of physical network infrastructure components (antennas, access points, data processing servers) among multiple independent participants is a cornerstone of DePIN architecture. Such a structure eliminates centralized vulnerability points and limits control concentration.

Examples illustrating this model:

• Helium Network: The Helium Mobile service has attracted over 335,000 active users, demonstrating practical scalability of a decentralized wireless infrastructure model with participant rewards

• Meson Network: The network ecosystem supports over 59,000 nodes-contributors globally, functioning as a decentralized marketplace for excess bandwidth transfer, reducing costs and improving accessibility

This architecture provides greater reliability and democratization, allowing individual participants to earn compensation for resource contributions and enhancing the system’s resilience.

How Crypto Projects in DePIN Operate

Integrating physical infrastructure with blockchain technology enhances security, scalability, and performance. The decentralized management model distributes authority and control, creating a more resilient and fair infrastructure.

A practical example: in the energy sector, DePIN enables solar panel owners to sell excess electricity directly to neighbors or return it to the main grid, using blockchain to ensure operational security.

Key Components of DePIN Architecture

• Blockchain infrastructure: Provides an immutable transaction ledger and automates processes via smart contracts

• Tokenization mechanism: Incentivizes participation through rewards in digital assets, exchangeable or used to acquire services within the ecosystem

• Interoperability: Ensures seamless interaction of DePIN projects with other blockchain networks and traditional infrastructure systems

This approach simultaneously expands access to basic services and ensures more environmentally friendly and cost-efficient resource distribution.

Competitive Advantages of DePIN Crypto Projects

System Security and Reliability

Decentralized blockchain-based architectures minimize risks of centralized control, prevent single points of failure, and guarantee continuous service.

Scalability and Operational Efficiency

Projects like Filecoin and Arweave utilize distributed nodes for efficient large-scale data storage. According to reports, the Arweave ecosystem processed 28 billion operations in Q3 2023 and supports over 130 active applications, confirming scalability potential.

Cost Reduction and Increased Accessibility

Projects such as U2U Network employ tokenized incentive mechanisms to build infrastructure networks without requiring large initial capital investments, fostering greater inclusivity.

Cross-Platform Compatibility and Innovation

Platforms like Streamr focus on integrating decentralized real-time data exchange with enhanced cross-platform interoperability.

As of November 2024, the market capitalization of the DePIN segment exceeds $32 billion, indicating significant investment potential supported by growing interest from venture funds and corporate sectors.

Top DePIN Crypto Projects: What to Choose in 2024-2025

1. Internet Computer (ICP) — Computing Revolution

The Internet Computer (ICP), developed by the DFINITY Foundation, redefines cloud computing by enabling hosting of web services directly on a public blockchain. Instead of relying on centralized data centers, it uses a global distributed network of independent compute nodes, creating a “world computer” with enhanced security and scalability.

Developers can deploy decentralized applications without traditional IT infrastructure, fully aligning with DePIN principles and fostering a resilient, open ecosystem.

In 2024, ICP introduced updates Tokamak, Beryllium, and Stellarator, expanding network capabilities. However, market data shows a decline: as of December 2025, ICP’s price is $3.03 with a negative change of -72.92% over the year, and a market cap of $1.65B.

Development through 2025 focuses on integrating AI features and expanding cross-chain interoperability, including synergy with Solana, positioning ICP as a leader in decentralized computing.

2. Bittensor (TAO) — AI for the Masses

Bittensor is an open-source decentralized protocol combining blockchain and machine learning into a collaborative network. Its architecture allows collective training of AI models, rewarding participants with TAO tokens based on the informational value of their contributions. This mechanism fosters a P2P AI marketplace and democratizes access to machine learning resources.

In 2024, Bittensor implemented Proof of Intelligence technology and a decentralized Mixture of Experts architecture, expanding AI service collaboration. As of (December 2025), TAO is valued at $222.70 with a market cap of $2.14B and an annual decline of -55.45%.

Plans for 2025 include further protocol improvements and diversification of applications across industries.

3. Render Network (RENDER) — Decentralized Rendering

Render Network connects creators needing rendering compute power with owners of unused GPUs. The platform monetizes excess computing resources for 3D graphics, animation, and VR content, democratizing access to high-performance computing.

In 2024, Render migrated from Ethereum to Solana with a rebranding of the token RNDR → RENDER. Current data (December 2025): price $1.27, market cap $661.20M, with an annual decline of -83.10%.

The 2025 strategy aims to develop infrastructure and expand applications in film, gaming, and virtual reality.

4. Filecoin (FIL) — Decentralized Storage

Filecoin operates as a P2P data storage network, allowing users to store and retrieve information in a distributed manner. The platform creates an open marketplace where storage providers and clients make direct deals with guarantees of long-term data preservation and verification.

In 2024, the launch of Filecoin Virtual Machine (FVM) opened new use cases, including smart contracts and decentralized payments. Current (December 2025): $1.24 per token, market cap $906.26M, with a yearly decline of -1.19%.

Development in 2025 focuses on expanding Ethereum compatibility and implementing decentralized agents.

5. Shieldeum (SDM) — Web3 Cybersecurity

Shieldeum is a platform for protecting the crypto ecosystem and Web3 business using DePIN and AI. Services include app hosting, data encryption, threat detection, and computational tasks. The $SDM token serves as a means of payment, a motivation for node operators, and participation in DAO governance.

In 2024, Shieldeum launched applications for Windows, Mac, Linux, Android, and iOS, attracting $2 million USDT for infrastructure testing.

In 2025, plans include expanding security offerings, entering new markets, and developing a BNB Layer-2 chain.

6. The Graph (GRT) — Blockchain Data Indexing

The Graph provides a decentralized indexing protocol organizing access to blockchain data. Developers create open APIs (subgraphs) to facilitate data queries and dApp development. The GRT token incentivizes indexers, curators, and delegators.

As of (December 2025): price $0.04, market cap $390.60M, with a decline of -83.64% over the year. The Graph supports multiple networks: Ethereum, NEAR, Arbitrum, Optimism, Polygon, Avalanche, Celo, Fantom, and Moonbeam.

2025 Roadmap:

• Expanding data transfer services beyond subgraphs
• Improving developer tools
• Optimizing indexer performance
• Integrating composite data
• Protocol evolution and sustainability

7. Theta Network (THETA) — Streaming Reimagined

Theta Network optimizes video streaming via blockchain, allowing users to share bandwidth and computing resources. Its dual-token model: THETA for governance, TFUEL for transactions and rewards.

Current data (December 2025): price $0.27, market cap $266.40M, with a decline of -88.73% over the year.

In 2024, EdgeCloud was introduced — a revolutionary solution for edge computing, combining cloud and edge for video, multimedia, and AI applications.

2025 plans include launching the third phase of EdgeCloud as an open marketplace for edge nodes.

8. Arweave (AR) — Eternal Data Storage

Arweave designs a permanent data storage network via blockchain. Instead of a linear chain of blocks, it uses a blockweave structure where each block links to multiple previous blocks, ensuring efficiency and redundancy.

The SPoRA consensus mechanism requires miners to prove access to random historical blocks, incentivizing long-term data storage.

In November 2024, a protocol update 2.8 was released with a new packaging format, increasing efficiency and energy savings. Current (December 2025): $3.47, market cap $226.93M, with a yearly decline of -79.81%.

Development in 2025 focuses on expanding the decentralized application ecosystem and developer tools.

9. JasmyCoin (JASMY) — IoT Meets Blockchain

JasmyCoin, created by Japanese company Jasmy Corporation, integrates blockchain with IoT to enhance data sovereignty and security. Founded by former Sony executives, the platform creates a decentralized data marketplace where users have full control and can monetize personal data.

Current (December 2025): price $0.01, market cap $299.64M, with a decline of -84.43% over the year (contrasting with 366% growth previously).

The 2025 strategy includes partnerships with IoT device manufacturers and demonstrating practical benefits.

10. Helium (HNT) — Wireless Revolution

Helium creates a decentralized wireless network for long-range IoT devices. Participants set up hotspots, provide network coverage, and mine HNT. The model promotes IoT applications in agriculture, logistics, and environmental monitoring.

The network runs on Solana, increasing scalability and speed. In 2024, Helium integrated 5G and launched subnets (IOT, MOBILE), exchangeable for HNT.

Current (December 2025): price $1.50, market cap $279.85M, with a decline of -79.71% over the year.

2025 plans include improving Proof-of-Coverage and expanding global coverage.

11. Grass Network (GRASS) — Internet Monetization

Grass Network enables users to earn from unused bandwidth, using excess for web data collection needed for AI training. Running a Grass node provides passive income.

In 2024, the platform attracted over 2 million users. The GRASS token was launched via a massive airdrop on October 28, 2024: 100 million tokens distributed among 1.5 million addresses.

Current (December 2025): price $0.30, market cap $129.41M, with a decline of -87.62% over the year.

2025 aims to expand infrastructure and decentralize AI data collection.

12. IoTeX (IOTX) — Machine Platform

IoTeX combines blockchain and IoT to create a secure inter-machine interaction ecosystem. Roll-DPoS consensus ensures high throughput and low latency.

In 2024, IoTeX 2.0 was launched with modular infrastructure for DePIN. The ecosystem includes 230+ dApps and 50+ DePIN projects.

Current (December 2025): price $0.01, market cap $68.51M, with a decline of -81.43% over the year.

2025 targets connecting 100 million devices and unlocking trillions of dollars in real-world value.