The emergence of NFTs, or non-fungible tokens, has brought about a revolution in the field of digital art and collectibles. These unique digital assets are recorded on a blockchain and provide proof of ownership for particular items, allowing creators and collectors to buy and exchange them. If you find yourself asking the question ‘What NFTs should I buy?’, this article will help you to identify high-potential NFTs by analyzing aspects like rarity and platform popularity, making it a must-read for all NFT investors.
What Is an NFT, Actually?
An NFT, or non-fungible token, is a digital asset that represents ownership or authenticity of a unique item, like artwork, music, game asset, or virtual real estate. Unlike interchangeable cryptocurrencies like Bitcoin, each NFT is distinct and non-exchangeable on a one-to-one basis.
For more details, see this dedicated article.
Best NFTs to Buy in 2024
Obviously, the “greatness” of an NFT art piece is subjective. With so many NFTs projects out there, it can be hard to narrow down the list of the best NFTs to buy to just fourteen titles.
Here is our list of the best NFT collections in 2024:
CryptoPunks
Bored Ape Yacht Club (and The Bored Ape Kennel Club)
Mutant Ape Yacht Club
NodeMonkes
Bitcoin Puppets
Gods Unchained Cards
GigaBuds
Pudgy Penguins
Invisible Friends
Mad Lads
Stepn
Moonbirds
Silks
CryptoPunks
CryptoPunks, developed by Larva Labs in 2017, has grown to become a well-known and successful NFT collection. There are only 10,000 CryptoPunks available. Therefore, they can be considered scarce assets. CryptoPunks are individualized, with various combinations of characteristics such as hairstyles, beard styles, and accessories.
CryptoPunks
CryptoPunks, one of the earliest and most established NFT projects, was launched in 2017. Having helped pave the way for the explosion of NFTs in the past, it has become a staple of the NFT community. Even in 2024, CryptoPunks still dominate NFT sales charts and some of the most-sought after digital items.
The 8-bit design of the CryptoPunks is a well-recognized feature within the NFT sector; it has served as a reference for many of their successors. CryptoPunks have gained popularity due to their distinct and playful designs, making them recognizable among NFT projects.
CryptoPunks, being one of the oldest NFT projects, has a significant place in the history of NFTs. CryptoPunks are an iconic representation of the emergence and growth of digital art and collectibles, making ownership a symbol of involvement in the early stages of NFTs.
Overall, CryptoPunks is a noteworthy NFT project because of its restricted quantity, collectible and tradable attributes, iconic designs, and status in the NFT sector. It has become a valuable and prestigious asset to own in the NFT world and has helped pave the way for the explosion of NFTs in recent years.
Bored Ape Yacht Club (and The Bored Ape Kennel Club)
Bored Ape Yacht Club (BAYC) and The Bored Ape Kennel Club (BAKC) are two NFT projects created by Yuga Labs. They both have gained popularity in the NFT community.
The Bored Ape Yacht Club NFT collection consists of 10,000 hand-drawn apes, each with distinct characteristics and personalities. The artwork of the apes has become renowned in the NFT space. BAYC is a community-driven project that provides members access to exclusive events and experiences. BAYC fosters a strong sense of community, with its members regularly engaging in collaborations and various initiatives.
The Bored Ape Yacht Club
The Bored Ape Yacht Club apes have gained value due to their rarity and limited availability, as is the case with many NFT projects. Certain apes have achieved high prices in the NFT market, being sold for millions of dollars.
Like BAYC, the Bored Ape Kennel Club features a collection of 10,000 unique hand-drawn characters. However, in this project, the characters are portrayed as dogs instead of apes. Each dog has its own unique characteristics and personality, just like the apes in BAYC.
The Bored Ape Kennel Club
The Bored Ape Kennel Club is a project that focuses on the ownership of digital pets and encourages the fun and joy associated with it. The club allows members to participate in dog shows and other community events, and each canine has its own backstory and personality traits.
Ownership of a Bored Ape from BAYC grants access to additional experiences and events within BAKC, the companion project. The collaboration between the two projects has resulted in a strong sense of community.
Bored Ape Yacht Club and The Bored Ape Kennel Club are two distinct non-fungible token projects that have gained recognition within the NFT sector. The characteristics of these NFTs, including playfulness, exclusivity, and increased demand from the community, have contributed to them becoming highly valued and popular.
Mutant Ape Yacht Club (MAYC)
The Mutant Ape Yacht Club (MAYC), launched by Yuga Labs in 2021, quickly emerged as the top NFT collection, surpassing the $1 billion mark in value. Featuring 20,000 unique NFTs, half of which were airdropped to BAYC holders, MAYC showcases apes with distinctive mutations, differentiating them from the original BAYC collection. These designs have become popular as social media profile pictures.
The 10,000 newly minted Mutant Apes generated $96 million within just an hour of their release, sold through a Dutch auction starting at 3 ETH. The collection’s immediate sell-out highlighted its high demand. Following the public sale, BAYC holders had the opportunity to “mutate” their apes.
With a current floor price of almost 1.9 ETH (approximately $6,600), MAYC has captivated investors, offering access to exclusive NFT projects and promising high returns. This has positioned MAYC as an attractive investment opportunity in the NFT space.
NodeMonkes
NodeMonkes, launched by DigiPrimates Labs in late 2023, has quickly established itself as a major NFT collection, achieving a valuation in the hundreds of thousands of dollars. This collection features 10,000 unique digital tokens, each representing intricately designed primate characters portrayed in a pixelated art style.
An example of a NodeMonkes NFT
On December 23, 2023, NodeMonkes sold out within 30 minutes of a Dutch auction at 0.04 Bitcoins, raising approximately 240 Bitcoins. Initially rejecting a $5 million investment to be a Free Mint project, NodeMonkes changed its sales strategy multiple times, causing dissatisfaction among early Ordinals players who valued “fairness” and “sincerity.” This led to Dr. Jin Dog resigning from his position as NodeMonkes Mod.
The project addressed concerns by depositing minting revenue into a multi-signature wallet managed by various prominent figures in the industry. Despite a Discord hack on December 24, the team established a new server after three weeks and held a Sotheby’s auction where a piece sold for $9,525.
Currently, NodeMonkes is the most popular Bitcoin Ordinals collection and a top 5 NFT collection overall.
Bitcoin Puppets
Bitcoin Puppets, launched by an anonymous creator known as “The Puppetmaster,” is now one of the world’s most popular NFT collections. It features 10,001 unique digital tokens, each representing hand-drawn primate characters with various outfits, poses, and facial expressions.
Despite being launched quite recently, in early 2024, this Bitcoin Ordinals collection has already managed to cultivate quite the community, with many supporters and, of course, memes. The current floor price of these tokens is 0.15 BTC and it is one of the top 10 collections in the market.
Pudgy Penguins
Pudgy Penguins is a well-received NFT project that has seen success among the NFT community. It contains 8,888 hand-drawn penguins, each with its own distinct characteristics. The penguins are designed in a charming and cute art style, which has become iconic in the NFT world.
Pudgy Penguins
Pudgy Penguins is a community-based project that grants members access to experiences and events unavailable to the public. Its community has experienced significant growth, becoming a close-knit group that often works together on various projects and initiatives.
One of the unique features of Pudgy Penguins is the project’s commitment to environmental activism. Each sale of Pudgy Penguin products generates a donation to environmental organizations, which contributes to the purpose and impact of the project.
The rarity and scarcity of the Pudgy Penguins have supported their success, as is common with many NFT projects. Penguins have been in high demand, with some being purchased for high sums of money.
The project has also added utility to the NFTs, which is not that common in NFT projects. Pudgy Penguin holders have the opportunity to join a loyalty program that offers access to upcoming drops, merchandise, and other initiatives.
Pudgy Penguins is an NFT project that has been attracting attention from the NFT community. Its success can be attributed to its mix of unique qualities, focus on community engagement, commitment to environmental activism, scarcity, and utility.
Invisible Friends
Invisible Friends is an NFT collection that belongs to the Random Character Collective NFT ecosystem and has attracted attention in the NFT community. It was designed by Markus Magnusson, who also worked on the Garbage Friends NFTs. This artist both drew and animated a collection of 5,000 non-fungible tokens. The NFTs in this collection also have 3D versions, which were designed by Magnusson in collaboration with Nguyen Nhut.
Invisible Friends
Each Invisible Friend has its own backstory, personality, and outfit. The project is unique in that the characters are invisible, and only their clothing and accessories are visible. The concept of invisible characters adds an element of mystery and intrigue to the collection, making it more interesting and engaging for collectors and investors.
Invisible Friends NFTs can grant their users exclusive access to events and merchandise available only for members. Besides, they give priority access to various NFT collections and even free airdrops.
For example, all genesis Invisible Friends NFT art holders will be able to receive the special edition Kith Friends, who will change their clothes (and accessories!) as time goes by in accordance with the latest Kith designs.
All in all, the Invisible Friends collection’s limited supply, personalization, community-oriented approach, and interactive experience all add to the value and engagement of the product.
Mad Lads
Known for its vibrant, artistically rich digital art, Mad Lads is the most popular NFT collection on the Solana blockchain. Each NFT features a unique character with a distinct story, making the collection highly appealing. It’s supported by Coral, a prominent NFT platform on Solana, and has a mint price of 3 SOL.
What sets Mad Lads apart from other NFT projects is its commitment to interactive experiences and rewards. This innovative approach has garnered significant investor interest and trust.
At the time of writing, the price floor of the Captainz NFT was 2.89 ETH, with a 24-hour sales volume of 44.68 ETH. The collection has a total of 9,999 NFTs minted.
Mad Lads is celebrated for its dynamic and imaginative artwork, strong community of collectors, and seamless integration with Solana’s fast, low-cost blockchain. As the collection gains more attention, it continues to attract a growing number of NFT enthusiasts, drawn by its unique charm and the potential for future development within the Mad Lads ecosystem.
Stepn
Stepn is a fitness app that combines physical activity with blockchain technology for a unique experience. The app offers rewards to users who complete physical challenges while tracking progress with a blockchain-backed system. The project has additionally developed an NFT collection permitting users to receive and accumulate distinctive NFTs as they complete their fitness challenges.
Stepn
NFTs have utility in the STEPN ecosystem. Users can obtain NFTs through completion of fitness challenges. Then, they can use them to access exclusive rewards and experiences within the app. The app’s NFT collection has a limited supply, making them rare and valuable. NFTs are unique and represent a fitness challenge accomplished by the user.
These NFTs are designed to be collectible, with each NFT representing a badge of honor for the user’s fitness achievements. This adds a new dimension of value to the NFT and creates a sense of community and engagement.
Stepn NFTs are designed by a team of talented artists, making them aesthetically pleasing and visually appealing. This adds to the overall value of the NFT collection. Stepn’s combination of physical activity with blockchain rewards and collectible NFTs creates a compelling and engaging user experience.
Moonbirds
Moonbirds uses a fully on-chain NFT platform, enabling the entire project’s activity — from creation to trading — to take place within a single chain. This offers increased security and transparency for buyers and sellers. The images are rendered directly from the Ethereum blockchain smart contracts, which enables Moonbird NFT holders to access a new dimension of customization.
Moonbirds
The total supply of this NFT collection is equal to 10,000 units, all of them fully unique and complete with custom backgrounds made by either the in-house Moonbirds artist Justin Mezzell or one of the artists the platform collabs with, like XCOPY and Des Lucréce.
Each Moonbirds NFT art depicts an owl with distinct fur, eye, and beak. Their accessories and expressions also vary.
Moonbirds is one of the most successful NFT art projects. In addition to looking great, it also offers some utility. Moonbirds NFT holders can get access to exclusive drops, invites to real-life events, and participation in the Lunar Society. Members of this community can receive exclusive rewards and benefits.
The Captainz
The Captainz (CAPTAINZ) NFT collection, which debuted on January 4, 2023, is a notable entry in the NFT market. This collection is part of the broader Memeland metaverse, an initiative by the popular meme platform 9GAG, aiming to connect fans with influencers and brands.
Initially, the announced price for minting a Captainz NFT stood at 1.069 ETH, and during the minting event, 9,169 of these NFTs were available for acquisition.
At the time of writing, the price floor of the Captainz NFT was $10,783.58, with a 24-hour sales volume of 27.73 ETH. The collection had a total of 9,999 NFTs minted, held by 3,990 unique owners, and boasted a total market cap of $107,824,981.
Holders of The Captainz enjoy exclusive benefits, such as partner discounts, early access to content, and immersive experiences of real-world events. These NFTs also play a critical role in the governance of the Memeland metaverse, allowing holders to vote on significant decisions within the Memeland DAO (decentralized autonomous organization). This collection transcends being just digital art; it integrates utility, governance capabilities, and potential for collaboration within the Memeland universe.
Silks
Silks is a blockchain game that allows players to acquire and race virtual horses for rewards. The game also has its own NFT collections, including Silk’s Genesis Avatars, Silk’s Genesis Horses, and Silk’s Genesis Land NFTs.
Silk’s Genesis Avatars are unique virtual characters that can be used to traverse and investigate the game environment. Avatars have individual traits and attributes that allow them to take various actions in the game.
Silk’s Genesis Avatars
Silk’s Genesis Horses are non-fungible tokens (NFTs) that simulate virtual racehorses that can be owned, trained, and raced. Each horse has its own distinct attributes and characteristics that can be used to enhance racing performance and increase its value.
Silk’s Genesis Horses
Silk’s Genesis Land NFTs provide virtual land within the game world for players to own and develop. The land can be utilized for constructing structures, planting crops, and undertaking other activities that can lead to revenue and enhance the value of the land NFT.
Silks is an innovative project that combines horse-race elements with the opportunity to earn tangible rewards through NFT ownership and gameplay.
How to Choose What NFTs to Buy
There are now hundreds, if not thousands NFT projects on any given NFT marketplace. So how does one choose which one(s) they should buy? Well, there are a few ways to narrow down your list of the best NFTs to buy, no matter what type of investor you are.
Rarity
One of the key factors that can influence the value of an NFT is its rarity. NFTs that are one-of-a-kind or part of a limited edition series are often more valuable than those widely available. Consider looking for NFTs that have a limited supply or are otherwise unique.
Popularity
The value of an NFT can be affected by the popularity of its associated asset. Investing in NFTs connected to popular artists, musicians, other cultural figures, or products with a devoted following could provide good potential returns. To gauge the asset’s popularity, check out that collection’s NFT sales and the number of unique owners it has.
Utility
Certain NFTs may be useful in addition to serving aesthetic or cultural purposes. An NFT can provide access to exclusive content, experiences, games, or platforms. When looking for NFTs, seek out those that offer practical utility, as these are more likely to remain valuable in the long term.
Personal preference
When selecting NFTs to invest in, consider your personal interests. Likewise, when purchasing NFTs, think of those that fit your own taste and have personal value.
Liquidity
When considering which NFT art piece you want to get, contemplate its availability: can you easily sell this particular asset? Be careful not to purchase assets that aren’t liquid.
Before investing in an NFT, it is important to do research and weigh up the potential risks and rewards. Besides, it is crucial to assess your financial situation and investment goals.
How to Buy NFTs?
The key to buying NFTs lies in two main steps: choosing the right NFT piece and selecting a suitable NFT marketplace. While the purchase process is generally straightforward, it varies slightly depending on the marketplace you opt for. Additionally, having a reliable NFT wallet is crucial for these transactions. For guidance on top crypto wallet choices, refer to our curated list of the best NFT wallets compiled by us in the hope to simplify your journey into the world of NFTs.
Where to Buy NFTs: How to Find a Good NFT Marketplace?
Non-fungible tokens can be acquired from a range of online NFT marketplaces. Among these platforms, some of the most popular include OpenSea, Nifty Gateway, and Rarible — all known for their extensive collections and user-friendly interfaces. Each marketplace offers a unique selection of digital assets, ranging from art and music to virtual real estate and collectibles.
Although there are quite a few NFT marketplaces out there, not all of them are equally good. Always beware of scammers and read reviews before you buy or sell NFTs. Checking Discord communities also may be worth your time.
For those seeking guidance on where to start, we have compiled a comprehensive list of the best NFT marketplaces, detailing their features and specialties.
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Why Invest in NFTs?
There are quite a lot of reasons why traders, crypto investors, and the general public get interested in NFTs. Here are some of them.
Scarcity and uniqueness. NFTs are characterized by their uniqueness and limited quantity, creating a digital asset that is singular in nature. Demand for NFTs can soar as fans and collectors scramble to get their hands on them, driving the value sky-high.
Access to new markets. NFTs grant investors opportunities to invest in markets such as digital art, music, and gaming. Investing in NFTs presents an opportunity to capitalize on early adoption and potential growth in these markets.
Transparency and authenticity. NFTs are made traceable and verifiable through blockchain records, allowing market participants to have clarity and assurance. With NFTs, investors can verify the ownership and provenance of the asset, which can result in increased value and reduced risk of fraud.
Potential for high returns. NFTs have the potential to generate high returns. NFTs have been known to fetch millions of dollars, and there is an increasing network of people interested in collecting or investing in rare examples of these assets.
Creative and cultural significance. Non-fungible tokens (NFTs) are commonly linked to creative and cultural productions, including art, music, and video games. Investing in NFTs can support creators and promote the development of digital art and culture.
Low barrier to entry. NFTs are arguably a lot easier to get into than traditional crypto tokens and coins. They can be a profile picture or a digital asset that you own. Besides, as NFT marketplaces typically have more user-friendly interfaces, they are easier to use than an average cryptocurrency exchange.
The Risks and Benefits of Investing in NFTs
We’ve already touched on some of the benefits you can get if you buy NFTs. However, it’s worth noting that investing in NFTs can also come with risks, such as the potential for high volatility and the lack of regulation in the industry. Put your money where your mouth is and do the research — it’s the key to making smart investments that fit your specific needs and goals.
Here are some of the key risks you should be on the lookout for when you buy NFTs.
High volatility. The value of NFTs may be subject to rapid changes due to varying market demand, the popularity of the associated asset, and other variables. Investing in NFTs has the potential to cause large fluctuations in value, which can pose a risk for those who are not well-prepared.
Lack of liquidity. The NFT market is still relatively new, so the number of available platforms and marketplaces keeps growing. However, they may not possess the same level of liquidity as other established markets. Selling an NFT can be challenging, particularly during periods of low demand or market downturns.
Lack of regulation. The NFT market is largely unregulated, which may carry different levels of risk for investors. Investors should be aware that there is a risk of fraud, scams, and other forms of market manipulation in less regulated markets, and they may not have the same legal protections and recourse.
Cultural and aesthetic risk. This one is very much unique to NFT art projects. The value of an NTF is usually determined by the cultural or aesthetic relevance of the associated asset — for example, digital artwork or music. If the cultural or aesthetic value of the asset decreases, it could potentially cause risks for investors.
What Is the Best Way to Sell NFTs?
Selling NFTs that you purchased as an investment involves a strategic approach to maximize your returns. Here’s how you can effectively sell NFTs in the secondary market:
Timing the Sale: Timing is crucial. Monitor the market to sell when demand is high. Keep an eye on trends, news, and community sentiment around the NFT or its category. Selling during a peak in interest can maximize your returns.
Choose the Right Marketplace: Select a marketplace where your type of NFT is popular. Platforms like OpenSea, Rarible, or Foundation are common choices. Consider where buyers for your specific NFT might be most active.
Set a Competitive Price: Research recent sales of similar NFTs to set a competitive price. Consider using auction formats if the NFT is rare or highly sought after, as it may fetch a higher price than a standard sale.
Create an Attractive Listing: Ensure your listing stands out. Include high-quality images, a detailed description of the NFT, its rarity, any special attributes, and its history (e.g., previous owners, any notable mentions).
Leverage Rarity and Scarcity: If your NFT is rare or part of a limited series, highlight this in your promotion. Scarcity can drive up demand and price.
Understand and Utilize Smart Contracts: Some NFTs have smart contracts that offer royalties on secondary sales. Understanding these can be a selling point, especially if they provide ongoing value.
Stay Informed about Market Trends: The NFT market is dynamic and can change rapidly. Stay updated on broader market trends, as well as trends specific to the type of NFT you are selling.
Consider Gas Fees and Taxes: Be mindful of gas fees when listing on Ethereum-based platforms and factor in these costs. Besides, be aware of any tax implications from your sale based on your local regulations.
Selling NFTs as an investment requires not only an understanding of the market but also effective marketing and networking skills. Stay active in the crypto community, keep abreast of market trends, and position your NFT attractively to potential buyers to maximize your investment returns.
FAQ
How to find a good NFT marketplace?
Although there are quite a few NFT marketplaces out there, not all of them are equally good. Always beware of scammers and read reviews before you buy or sell NFTs. Checking Discord communities also may be worth your time.
The most popular NFT marketplace in the world is OpenSea, which is probably the most reliable and trustworthy one. Many NFT tokens are also sold on their own exclusive marketplaces. Overall, it’s hard to say if there’s one best site to buy NFTs; sometimes, it depends on what NFT assets we’re talking about.
What are the best NFT projects to buy in 2024?
The NFT industry is full of interesting projects these days, from ones that feature memorable memes and beautiful pieces of art to others that provide their holders with unique utility and opportunities. Some popular collections that have gained attention and traction in the past include CryptoPunks, Bored Ape Yacht Club, Board Ape Kennel Club, Art Blocks, etc.
However, instead of simply looking for the best NFTs, it can be more efficient to ask yourself: What NFT should I buy? And make the decision based not only on possible profitability but also on your personal preference.
What’s the cheapest NFT that has some potential?
There are a lot of cheap NFTs with good potential on the market. However, discovering them can sometimes be like looking for a needle in a haystack: it can be quite hard to gauge the potential of the NFT art collection.
PixelBeasts and autoRAD are some of the premier cheap collections that are usually mentioned by NFT enthusiasts. We list more interesting yet not-that-pricey projects in this article.
Is the NFT boom over?
Technically, yes — NFTs are currently not at their peak. However, that doesn’t mean that the market is over or that there’s no point in investing in NFT digital art anymore. There are still profits to be made in the niche for those that can find collections with good potential.
Also, one of the main benefits NFTs have over other crypto assets is that they have intrinsic value as an art piece by design.
What are the most popular NFTs?
There are a lot of popular NFT projects out there. The Bored Ape Yacht Club is probably the most well-known one. This project also has a successful native cryptocurrency called ApeCoin. You can check out our APE price prediction here.
Disclaimer: Please note that the contents of this article are not financial or investing advice. The information provided in this article is the author’s opinion only and should not be considered as offering trading or investing recommendations. We do not make any warranties about the completeness, reliability and accuracy of this information. The cryptocurrency market suffers from high volatility and occasional arbitrary movements. Any investor, trader, or regular crypto users should research multiple viewpoints and be familiar with all local regulations before committing to an investment.
