The Best Cryptocurrency to Buy With $100 Right Now
Looking to dip your toes into cryptocurrency with a modest budget? If you have just $100 to invest, the crypto market offers plenty of opportunities, but choosing the right one can make all the difference. In today’s volatile landscape, Solana (SOL) stands out as the
What Makes Solana the Top Pick for Small Investors?
Solana isn’t just another altcoin; it’s a Layer 1 blockchain that’s been dubbed an “Ethereum killer” since its 2020 launch. Over the past six years, it has delivered massive gains in four years, surging more than 86% each time. Highlights include a mind-blowing 11,171% jump in 2021 and 919% in 2023. Sure, it’s had brutal downturns—like a 94% crash in 2022—but that’s the nature of high-reward crypto plays.
Right now, with Solana down 35% year-to-date amid broader market shifts (while Bitcoin is only off 6%), it’s undervalued and primed for a rebound. For $100, you could snag about 0.8 SOL directly or invest in low-cost ETFs for easier exposure. This mid-range pricing—far from Bitcoin’s lofty heights or penny cryptos—makes it perfect for beginners.
| Year | Solana Performance |
|---|---|
| 2021 | +11,171% |
| 2022 | -94% |
| 2023 | +919% |
| 2024-2025 YTD | -35% |
Solana’s Technological Edge: Speed That Powers the Future
What sets Solana apart? Blistering speed. While Ethereum’s core chain historically managed 15-30 transactions per second (TPS), Solana has demoed up to 1 million TPS. Recent upgrades have only widened this gap, making Solana ideal for high-volume apps like decentralized finance (DeFi), NFTs, and gaming.
DeFi users are flocking to Solana for its low fees (fractions of a cent per transaction) and lightning-fast confirmations. Crypto whales like Cathie Wood of ARK Invest have praised its disruptive power. A 21Shares report notes Solana’s ecosystem generated nearly $3 billion in revenue over the last 12 months—outpacing early Ethereum—from trading, DeFi, and even emerging AI integrations.
- Key Advantages:
- 1M+ TPS capability
- Ultra-low gas fees
- Thriving DeFi TVL (total value locked)
- Diversified revenue streams including AI dApps
This tech isn’t hype; it’s driving real adoption. Developers are building everything from meme coin launchpads to enterprise-grade solutions on Solana, fueling network growth.
New Solana ETFs: The Easiest Way to Invest $100
For those wary of direct crypto custody, spot Solana ETFs are a game-changer. Recently launched, these funds track SOL’s price and are available in traditional brokerage accounts—no wallet needed. Better yet, staking ETFs offer passive income by locking SOL to secure the network, yielding 5-7% APY historically.
Take the Bitwise Solana Staking ETF (BSOL), trading at just $17 per share. With $100, you could buy nearly 6 shares, gaining spot exposure plus staking rewards. Fees are competitive (under 1%), making it far safer and simpler than spot trading on exchanges like Binance or Coinbase.
- Direct Buy: Use $100 on Coinbase or Kraken to buy ~0.8 SOL.
- ETF Route: Buy BSOL or similar via Fidelity/Vanguard for hands-off investing.
- Staking Bonus: Earn yields while holding long-term.
These ETFs are drawing institutional money, which could propel SOL higher as inflows grow.
The Risks: Why Solana Isn’t for the Faint-Hearted
Volatility is Solana’s middle name. The 2022 FTX collapse hammered it, sparking fears of network failure. Today, concerns linger over its meme coin dominance—platforms like Pump.fun drive volume but invite regulatory scrutiny and speculative bubbles.
Macro factors like interest rates and Bitcoin halving cycles also sway SOL. If meme hype fades, short-term dips are possible. However, Solana’s fundamentals—growing developer activity, Firedancer upgrades for reliability, and mobile initiatives like Saga phone—mitigate these risks.
Pro Tip: Only invest what you can afford to lose. Diversify with 20-30% in SOL alongside BTC/ETH.
2026 Outlook: Why Solana Could Double Your $100
Analysts eye 2026 as Solana’s breakout year. With ETF momentum, DeFi expansion, and AI/blockchain convergence, SOL could revisit $300+. Historical patterns suggest 86%+ gains when it rebounds. If you buy at $125, a double to $250 turns $100 into $200—minus fees.
Broader catalysts:
- Potential U.S. crypto regulations favoring Layer 1s
- Web3 gaming boom on Solana
- Increased institutional staking
Final Thoughts: Seize the Opportunity
In a sea of high-flyers and hype coins, Solana offers the best blend of upside, accessibility, and innovation for $100 investors. Whether direct or via ETFs, now’s the time to position before the next bull run. Do your research, manage risks, and watch Solana redefine high-speed blockchain investing.
Ready to buy? Start small, stay informed, and let Solana’s speed carry you forward.
