1. BlockDAG: Visual Smart Contracts With Real Infrastructure Behind Them

BlockDAG is changing the way people interact with smart contracts. Its Low-Code Smart Contract Builder allows contracts to be created through a visual interface that doesn’t require any coding knowledge. Users drag components, set logic through dropdowns, and deploy with a single click. This model is a game-changer for entrepreneurs, content creators, and businesses that want to digitize assets or launch NFTs without the need to hire specialized developers.

What makes this tool credible is the infrastructure supporting it. BlockDAG’s hybrid DAG + Proof-of-Work consensus allows for throughput ranging from 2,000 to 15,000 TPS, while maintaining mining-based security. The live testnet confirms compatibility with the builder and supports wallets, miner integration, and explorer tracking. Importantly, contracts deployed through the low-code builder are validated the same way Solidity contracts are, balancing usability with security.

BlockDAG’s adoption story is also significant. Nearly $420 million has been raised, over 312,000 holders are already engaged, and over 20,000 X-series miners have been shipped worldwide. Despite batch 30 pricing being at $0.03, buyers can still access coins at a locked rate of $0.0015, creating a real arbitrage window. For anyone considering the best crypto to invest in now, BlockDAG (BDAG) combines usability, speed, and long-term growth potential.

2. XRP: Strength in Payments, Limited Progress in Accessibility

XRP remains focused on building reliable infrastructure for global payments and institutional adoption. Its XRP Ledger is fast, scalable, and has secured partnerships with financial institutions across Asia, Latin America, and the Middle East. These partnerships reinforce XRP’s position in international settlements and remittances.

Yet when it comes to opening up smart contracts to everyday users, XRP is less effective. While the Ledger includes smart contract capability through Hooks and sidechains, the process is still developer-heavy. There are no low-code options, and documentation often feels too complex for newcomers. This positions XRP more as an enterprise infrastructure provider than as a tool for broad Web3 adoption. For those seeking the best crypto to invest in now with a focus on user-friendly smart contract deployment, XRP does not currently lead the way.

3. Solana: High-Speed Chain With a Steep Learning Curve

Solana is often praised for its unmatched transaction speed and very low fees. Its Proof-of-History combined with Tower BFT enables thousands of transactions per second, making it a natural choice for NFT platforms, DeFi projects, and games that demand real-time blockchain activity. Solana has also made inroads into mobile adoption with integrations in hardware and apps.

The main limitation comes with accessibility. Solana’s contracts are written in Rust, a language with a high learning curve for developers new to Web3 or migrating from Ethereum. Even with improved tooling, onboarding remains complex for non-technical creators. While Solana continues to scale performance, it hasn’t solved the problem of making contract deployment accessible to the average user. This gap is precisely where BlockDAG’s low-code approach offers a forward-looking alternative.

4. Pi Network: Expanding Community Without Full Utility

Pi Network’s primary strength is its large and growing community. With tens of millions of participants and a simple tap-to-mine model, Pi has introduced many people to crypto for the first time. Its mobile-first approach has built a strong foundation of users waiting for mainnet expansion.

But in terms of contract utility, Pi Network is not ready. Its ecosystem remains in early-stage development, and while plans for smart contract support exist, there are no user-friendly tools for deployment. There’s no low-code or drag-and-drop builder, and most activity still takes place in a controlled pre-mainnet environment. For those learning about crypto, Pi provides a gateway. For developers or creators ready to launch applications, it does not yet deliver.

Which is the Best Crypto to Invest in Now

As smart contracts evolve, the best crypto to invest in now will be those that remove complexity and expand usability. XRP is focused on financial institutions, Solana prioritizes performance at the expense of simplicity, and Pi Network is still working toward functionality. BlockDAG, however, has already introduced a working low-code builder linked to a live testnet, proving that user-first design and robust infrastructure can exist together.

With nearly $420 million raised, 26.6 billion coins sold, and an ROI since Batch 1 at 2900%, BlockDAG is showing it can combine technical credibility with mainstream accessibility. At its locked price of $0.0015, it remains a compelling option. For those looking at the best crypto to invest in now for Q4, BlockDAG stands out as the project shaping the next stage of smart contract adoption.