From Bitcoin to Ethereum, Tether to Dogecoin, there are hundreds of cryptocurrencies in the market. If you're just getting started with cryptocurrency investments, then the sheer number of digital currencies can make you feel overwhelmed. Additionally, the steep cost of Bitcoin (around $30,000) and Ethereum (around $2000) makes it difficult for beginner investors to invest in these super popular cryptocurrencies. 

Worry not; to help you make the right choice, we have done the heavy lifting for you. In this post, we list the top 10 cryptocurrencies that are affordable but have the potential to become the next big thing in the world of cryptocurrencies. These are slightly less popular digital coins that are best suited for smaller investors. 

Top 10 Affordable Digital Coins that have the Potential to become Good Investments in 2021

  1. Dogecoin 

Current Value: $0.2109 

At around just Rs. 50, analysts consider Dogecoin one of the most viable investment options for 2021. 

In May, Elon Musk appeared in a TV show and spoke about Dogecoin, which was started in 2013 as an elaborate joke. Following this conversation, the value of Dogecoin soared ten-fold times but has since then dropped by 40%. Dogecoin has grown in prominence to become one of the top promising cryptocurrencies for 2021. The market value of Dogecoin has risen to an all-time high of a whopping $80 billion. 

  1. Ethereum 

Current Value: $2096.77 

If you're looking to invest in a popular cryptocurrency, but Bitcoin is out of your investment budget, then the second-best choice is Ethereum. It's the second-largest cryptocurrency in the world in terms of market capitalisation and was produced in 2015. The Ethereum blockchain is one of the widely used and involves innovative technologies like Smart Contracts. 

While buying Ethereum is not cheap, crypto-analysts believe that it's worth the investment, as the coin has the potential to grow further. Because of the early success of Ethereum, the blockchain is credited for paving the way for Decentralised Finance (Defi). 

  1. VeChain 

Current Value: $0.07628 

If you're looking for a cheap digital coin to invest in, then VeChain may be the best answer for you. The VeChain currency is based on the VeChain Thor Blockchain. It's a blockchain specifically designed for handling supply chain management and various business processes with the help of distributed ledgers. 

  1. XRP (Ripple) 

Current Value: $0.6235

XRP, popularly known as Ripple, is another popular cryptocurrency that came into the spotlight in 2017. The reason for its popularity is that – it's the favourite currency of global banking corporations and is silently changing the way banks transfer and receive payments. 

It's the first digital crypto-coin used by mainstream financial institutions and is likely to be adopted by several other financial institutions in 2021. Crypto-analysts believe that 2021 is a great time to invest in Ripple as the rates are low compared to other popular digital currencies. 

  1. ADA (Cardano) 

Current Value: $1.58

ADA (Commonly known as Cardano) is a public, open-sourced blockchain and is the third-most-popular cryptocurrency following Bitcoin and Ethereum. It was built by Charles Hoskinson, the co-founder of Ethereum. 

Cardano has potential because it aims to position itself as a direct competitor against Ethereum. It seeks to provide long-term solutions overcoming the current challenges of decentralised finance. Cardano has seen several ups and downs since its debut in 2017, but it hit an all-time high recently. The value of Cardano has grown by an incredible 1750% in the last year alone. So, strike while the iron is hot and make an intelligent investment while Cardano is still affordable in 2021. 

  1. XLM (Stellar Lumen) 

Current Value: $0.30 

Stellar Lumen (XLM) is the cryptocurrency of the open-source blockchain payment system Stellar. The primary objective of XLM is to provide a platform for cheap transactions in emerging markets. 

Crypto-analysts believe that XLM has long-term value, and the blockchain allows for the easy building of assets. The blockchain design makes it easy for investors to launch tokens and build crypto exchanges, which is a huge advantage. Additionally, it's one of the most user-friendly cryptocurrencies, which increases its appeal. 

  1. EOS 

Current Value: $4.15 

It's one of the most practical blockchains right now and provides the perfect ecosystem for developing Distributed Apps (Dapps). The highlight of EOS is that its blockchain can eliminate transaction fees via its unique structuring. It's highly scalable and competes with major transaction networks like Visa and MasterCard in terms of transactions per second. 

With the Dapp market increasing in value in 2021, the utility of EOS is likely to increase significantly this year. While EOS has been lagging behind other altcoins, analysts believe that it has the potential to reach $80 by 2023. 

  1. Polygon 

Current Value: $1.01

Polygon is an Ethereum-compatible blockchain, and it provides a framework for creating a network of interlinked blockchains. It uses an innovative sidechain that overcomes the problems plaguing Ethereum. The Polygon project aims to resolve blockchains' interoperability and scaling challenges and seeks to eliminate the constraints of other similar projects like the Cosmos and Polkadot. 

  1. Monero 

Current Value: $247

Monero is a liquid cryptocurrency designed to enhance the privacy of users. It uses an innovative technology that ensures that the crypto wallet address is never made public on the blockchain. The source of funds is hidden in every transaction using sophisticated cryptography techniques. While the technology may seem a bit restrictive, that's indeed the most significant advantage of Monero as it values privacy over others. 

  1.  NEO

Current Value: $58

Developed in China, NEO aims to be the Chinese Ethereum. But, unlike Ethereum, NEO is more centralised and doesn't use too many nodes to make a decision. Like Ethereum, it supports intelligent contracts that apply to a wide array of audiences. It's highly liquid and promises to be one of the most popular emerging cryptos in 2021. 

***Note that the prices listed here are indicative. Cryptocurrencies are highly volatile, and the prices are likely to change. 

Wrapping Up

If you’re just getting started with crypto investments on a small budget, then these ten digital currencies are the right choice for you, as they have the potential to grow and do not cost much. However, keep in mind that cryptos are highly volatile, and it's not possible to predict market trends. So, make sure to do your research and find the best crypto investments that best match your portfolio. 

 

FAQs

  1. How to buy crypto in India? 

You can buy your preferred cryptocurrency via crypto exchanges like Coinbase, BuyUCoin, WazirX and CoinDCX. 

  1. What is the cost of one Bitcoin in Indian Rupee? 

The current cost of 1 Bitcoin in Indian rupees is Rs. 24,61,103.85. However, note that cryptos are volatile, and the prices fluctuate daily. 

  1. Is it legal to buy cryptocurrencies in India? 

In India, it’s not illegal to buy and trade digital currencies. But they are not yet regulated. 

  1. Is crypto a good investment in 2021? 

Yes. The cryptocurrency market is getting bigger day by day. Besides Bitcoin and Ethereum, dozens of other digital coins show huge potential, making them the right choice for small investors. 

  1. Which crypto has the best future? 

When it comes to predicting the future, it’s not possible. But what investors can do is make intelligent guesses based on market trends and other factors. The ten crypto coins listed in this article are promising and show the potential to make it big in the coming years.