In recent years, airdrops were about social likes and simple referrals. Now, the focus has shifted to engagement and ecosystem contribution. According to CoinStats data, the total value of airdrops increased by 225% from 2023 to 2024. Analysts predict figures will reach nearly $1.43 billion by 2025.
Projects across Layer-1s, L2s, DePINs, gaming, and wallets are lining up token launches, so now we'll recognize which drops are legitimate, which are noise, and how to act safely.
What are crypto airdrops?
A crypto airdrop occurs when a project distributes tokens for free or at nearly free prices to users. Commonly, it's a part of its launch or growth strategy. It serves as marketing and reward, whereby the project builds awareness and gives early adopters an incentive to stay involved.
There are several forms of rewards. A project might reward:
- users of its testnet,
- those who provide liquidity,
- ones who hold certain tokens or NFTs,
- members who engage in governance or social tasks.
Airdrops might convert “points” earned by actions into tokens later, meaning when the token drops, you get a piece of the pool.
Why do projects do this? A token launched to a few holders is at risk of centralization and limited network effect, while distribution can help bootstrap liquidity, spread awareness, and better align incentives among builders and users.
For this new wave of crypto airdrops, the criteria are shifting to meaningful engagement rather than some arbitrary tasks. The presence of strong on-chain activity, real product usage, or sustained user behavior is becoming a filter for which the latest crypto airdrops succeed and which fade.
Top upcoming airdrops in 2025–2026
Here are the projects worth watching. Each entry frames what is confirmed, the eligibility cues we know, and how to prepare.
MetaMask (Mask token)
MetaMask (MASK Token) is a popular self-custodial wallet developed by ConsenSys that has more than 30 million users, and, as of September 2025, the CEO has acknowledged that a token launch is coming sooner than expected.
Eligibility hints: Because MetaMask has already deployed its own stablecoin – mUSD, and upgraded via integrations (e.g., with the L2 network Linea) the token may reward users active in wallet interactions, swaps, bridging, or engagement with MetaMask’s recent features. Reports show that mUSD's market presence has already grown, with its market capitalization standing at $49 million.
MetaMask hasn’t shared its official airdrop rules yet, but previous reward campaigns and similar events offer a few strong hints. Likely factors include:
- Frequent DApp interactions, such as DeFi, NFTs, or Web3 games
- Long-term wallet activity, not just newly created accounts
- Participation in MetaMask Rewards Season, where points might convert into tokens
The more of these boxes you tick, the higher your chances of being eligible when the airdrop goes live — though none of these are officially confirmed.
Reasons to keep an eye: When a wallet with tens of millions of users plans a token, even a modest reward per user can ripple widely.
Caveat:
- Snapshot dates, criteria, and distribution mechanics are still unannounced.
- Proceed cautiously.
Monad (Mon)
Monad (MON), a new high-performance Ethereum-compatible Layer-1 raised around $225-244 million and launched testnet phases in early 2025.
Eligibility signals: Users interacting with Monad’s testnet (trading, bridging, staking), minting “Monad Cards”, or using connected dApps stand a better chance. Here is the on-chain guide to claiming test tokens and joining ecosystems.
Notable factors: A new chain built from the ground up, big backing, and clear testnet activity make it a strong candidate for the best crypto airdrops of 2025. Additionally, native token MON will go live on several major trading platforms on November 24.
Wear caution:
- Interacting on testnets always carries risk (bugs, loss of funds).
Linea (L2 Network)
Linea, built by ConsenSys, zkEVM layer-2 is gaining traction. Public hints suggest a token launch could precede MetaMask’s. L2Beat data shows it is one of the top 10 Ethereum Layer 2 solutions, with approximately $1.08 billion stored on the network.
Eligibility signals: Bridging assets to Linea, deploying contracts, and using dApps within the ecosystem.
The project matters because: Scaling Ethereum remains one of the largest structural themes in crypto.
Caution:
- This is more speculative than confirmed.
- Treat it as part of the “likely” bucket rather than fully guaranteed.
Axiom Exchange
Axiom Exchange, which launched in 2024 under the Y Combinator accelerator program, has gained significant attention for merging Web2-style usability with the speed and efficiency of Solana’s high-performance infrastructure. In February 2025 alone, the platform attracted over 4.3 million visitors, highlighting strong user adoption.
Eligibility:
- Actively trade on Axiom to earn tiered points and SOL cashback.
- Complete “quests” featured on the rewards dashboard.
- Engage with referral campaigns, as past programs have rewarded users with significant point multipliers.
Worst to pay attention: Its growth trajectory suggests strong backing and continuous development, while its ties to Hyperliquid open the door to cross-platform rewards.
Caveat:
- The airdrop remains unconfirmed.
- Avoid third-party claim portals or speculative “AXIOM token” websites until official communication.
GRASS (Season 2)
GRASS built on Solana, has already seen 1.5 million+ addresses claim via app usage, bandwidth sharing, and node participation. On-chain shows over 1.5 million addresses have claimed GRASS, making it the largest Solana airdrop to date. According to Dune reports, by early November, 82.75% of the total GRASS supply (approx. 64.8 million tokens) had been claimed by 1.83 million addresses.
Eligibility: Installing the app, running nodes, and sharing bandwidth/data.Relevant because: DePIN (decentralised physical infrastructure networks) are no longer fringe; serious funds are flowing, and this series of “new crypto airdrops” may reward ground-level contributors.
Caveat:
- Equipment costs.
- Location dependencies.
- Regulatory localities.
B3 (Gaming Layer-3 on Base)
B3, built by ex-engineers from a major exchange and built atop the Base ecosystem, B3 issued early airdrops and is actively onboarding players.
Eligibility: The B3 Points Program rewards users for being active in its ecosystem. Points earned through these actions could later be converted into tokens:
- Go to the official B3 Points page and review the campaign details.
- Connect the wallet.
- Register a username and create an avatar.
- Complete activities and challenges listed on the campaign page to earn points.
- Check your progress on the leaderboard and invite friends using your referral link for extra bonuses.
The more consistently you engage across the B3 network, the more points — and future rewards — you’re likely to collect.
Consider cons: Game to airdrop is a mechanism many missed early; for users in that space, this offers an accessible path.
Caveat:
- Gaming airdrops can be heavy on time input.
- May reward activities that need consistent engagement.
Meteora
Meteora has quickly become one of the most important DeFi protocols on Solana, sitting among the top ten in total value locked, around $768,25 million at the time of writing.
The platform simplifies liquidity pool creation through its Dynamic Liquidity Market Maker, that optimizes pricing and reduces slippage for liquidity providers.
Eligibility:
- Provide liquidity to Meteora pools, ideally with consistent activity.
- Focus on pairs that generate higher trading fees, such as volatile or trending assets (memecoins can qualify but carry higher impermanent loss risk).
- Continue liquidity provision into Season 2, since the team has confirmed that the total fees generated will play a key role in determining airdrop points.
Might be interesting: It’s one of the few Solana projects actively refining liquidity infrastructure. The DLMM model allows traders to create automated liquidity strategies similar to Uniswap v3, but with better fee control and less friction.
Caveat: Since Meteora is still fine-tuning its reward model for Season 2, future allocations might differ from initial assumptions.
Abstract Chain
Abstract Chain is an upcoming Layer 2 blockchain built by Igloo Inc., the creators of Pudgy Penguins.
Eligibility:
- Actively use the dApps built on the Abstract chain; gain XP by consistently doing on-chain activities.
- Earn badges whether by completing quests or simply interacting with the ecosystem.
- Consider holding the PENGU memecoin or a Pudgy Penguins NFT to receive the XP boost and benefit from the future reward multipliers.
Worth watching: Its integration with zkSync and EigenDA provides strong technical foundations, additionally, Pudgy Penguins connection gives it a ready-made community.
Caveat: The token airdrop remains unconfirmed, and reward mechanics may shift depending on user growth and product direction.
How to track and manage airdrops efficiently
Keeping up with airdrop crypto means more than watching dashboards. Here are practical tools and habits worth building:
- Use dedicated calendar trackers and aggregator sites; search for crypto airdrop calendars to get ahead.
- Use separate wallet addresses for testnet and farming playlists, keeping production wallets clean for long-term holdings.
- Set reminders for snapshot dates. Many projects close snapshots quietly and move on; missing the window removes the chance entirely.
- Cross-check official project channels. If a token list is circulating but there’s no announcement on the project site, treat it as speculative.
- Track performance of past airdrops:
- How many tokens were distributed?
- What was the average value?
Understanding past best crypto airdrops gives clues to future standards.
Recommended Tools
- Earnifi — Lets you plug in your wallet address and checks if you’re eligible for unclaimed airdrops.
- AirdropScan — Monitors wallet addresses across networks for airdrop eligibility and sends alerts.
- CoinLaunch — Aggregator with in-depth listings of ongoing and upcoming airdrops, scored by a custom metric to help prioritize.
- Airdrops.io — Popular airdrop aggregator listing confirmed and speculative airdrops across many chains.
- AirdropBob — Calendar-style site dedicated to upcoming and ending airdrops, helps with finishing tasks before snapshot deadlines.
- Coindar — Crypto event calendar that includes airdrop snapshots and other protocol events you might want to monitor.
Security tips for airdrop hunters
A few practical habits:
- Never connect your main wallet to an unknown link.
- Keep your test wallet separate from your trading one.
- Read those permissions carefully before signing anything.
- Be cautious with unsolicited DMs from “airdrop managers” or fake admin accounts, if you’re using Telegram or Discord. Legitimate projects announce everything publicly.
Conclusion
Many participants take part in multiple verified airdrops each year, carefully choosing those backed by proven roadmaps and audited smart contracts. As crypto airdrops in 2025 continue to expand in both volume and value, this approach can provide exposure to promising ecosystems with low financial risk.
The concept of free, fair distribution remains one of the few equalizers in crypto. Well-designed airdrops reward curiosity, early adoption, and genuine engagement instead of speculative capital.
With upcoming crypto airdrops 2026 already surfacing from protocols like OpenSea’s SEA token, and Rainbow Wallet’s RNBW token, airdrops remain one of the most direct ways to participate in crypto innovation without betting your savings on speculation.
Matvii Diadkov
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