NEAR Price Surges, But Momentum Quickly Fades
As the crypto market enters January 2026, NEAR Protocol (NEAR) briefly stole the spotlight with a sharp 5.7% intraday rally, reaching $1.73 before retreating slightly. This surge underscores the delicate balance between short-lived momentum and the lack of sustained market confidence. NEAR’s price took off after the U.S. market opened, briefly spiking to $1.73 before sellers took control, dragging it back into the $1.68–$1.70 range. The token saw an intraday gain of 5.7% at its peak, but the excitement was short-lived as the rally fizzled out. Trading volume was notably higher, about 47% above its 30-day average, suggesting some interest, but not broad accumulation.
The most significant volume spike came when 6.41 million NEAR tokens were traded. This spike wasn’t driven by sustained buying momentum but rather a quick reversal from session lows, signaling opportunistic traders positioning themselves rather than any large-scale commitment. While NEAR briefly saw some upside, it failed to break through key resistance levels, indicating that its rally wasn’t backed by solid, long-term buying.
NEAR Faces Resistance at $1.73–$1.74
On the technical front, NEAR remains stuck in a range, repeatedly getting rejected above crucial resistance levels. The $1.73–$1.74 range continues to cap the rally, and despite some price action above these levels, it hasn’t managed to sustain momentum. Primary support lies between $1.66 and $1.67, where NEAR saw a strong reversal in previous sessions. Immediate support around $1.71–$1.72 continues to hold, but the price action is still volatile and lacks clear directional strength.
Until NEAR can decisively close above $1.74 with strong volume pushing beyond recent peaks, it’s safe to say that the market is treating this as a range-trading asset. The volume behavior backs up this thesis of consolidation. Without a breakout accompanied by sustained buying, NEAR’s price will likely remain trapped within its current range.
ZKP’s Hardware-Backed Crypto Approach Is Turning Heads
On the other hand, Zero Knowledge Proof (ZKP) is gaining traction, not for its price swings, but for its innovative hardware-backed approach. This new narrative is changing how early-stage crypto infrastructure is being assessed, positioning ZKP as a key player to watch in the evolving market landscape. Zero Knowledge Proof (ZKP) is making waves in the crypto world with its innovative hardware-backed model, offering a major departure from the software-only frameworks seen in most early-stage crypto projects. ZKP integrates dedicated physical hardware to support verifiable computation, making sure that tasks are executed correctly without exposing sensitive data. This architecture combines the power of hardware and cryptography, offering a new trust model that goes beyond traditional software consensus.
What makes ZKP unique is its ability to anchor computation to physical systems capable of generating zero-knowledge proofs of work performed. This model is especially powerful for use cases involving sensitive data, AI workloads, and any application that demands verified computation. The hardware-backed approach elevates ZKP above speculative token launches, offering users more confidence that the project’s execution is grounded in tangible infrastructure.
Hardware-Backed Crypto Signals the Future of Crypto in 2026
As the crypto market matures, investors are becoming increasingly skeptical of projects built solely on promises of future technology. ZKP stands out in 2026 because it emphasizes infrastructure readiness, not just a roadmap or code repository. By incorporating verifiable compute tied to physical devices, ZKP is addressing the industry’s demand for real-world use cases and functional systems.
The hardware deployment adds a layer of security and raises the barriers for imitation, which positions ZKP as a leader in long-term commitment and sustainable growth. While hardware introduces higher costs and complexities, it also reduces speculative risk.
With the ZKP whitelist now live and growing in participation, the focus is shifting toward the project’s infrastructure rather than short-term price fluctuations. As the market looks for the best crypto to buy now, ZKP is emerging as a top contender, poised to capitalize on its readiness and real-world appeal.
Final Thoughts
NEAR’s 5.7% surge highlights how quickly momentum can shift, but it also underscores the volatility of a market still awaiting broad confirmation. While the token displayed some independent strength, repeated resistance and moderate volume suggest that consolidation is the prevailing market structure for now.
Zero Knowledge Proof (ZKP) stands apart by focusing on physical infrastructure and verifiable execution, rather than relying solely on market charts. By embedding privacy directly into its system and anchoring computation to real devices, ZKP positions itself as a standout in 2026. As capital becomes more selective, this distinction may prove essential for identifying the best crypto to buy now.