As market participants search for the top crypto to buy in 2026, three clear paths are forming at the same moment. Arbitrum (ARB) is handling a fresh release of 96 million coins valued near $19.6 million, adding near term stress to price action. Internet Computer (ICP) is gaining attention after announcing plans for a 70% inflation cut, although this change has not yet gone live.
At the same time, Zero Knowledge Proof (ZKP) is advancing into Phase II of its live presale auction. Daily supply is now fixed at 190 million coins, with any unused amount permanently removed. When supply timing becomes more important than stories, this contrast becomes hard to overlook. For those tracking the top crypto to buy in 2026, structure and timing now outweigh promises.
Arbitrum (ARB) Faces Price Swings From Unlock Pressure
Market focus shifted on January 16, 2026, when Arbitrum added 96 million ARB coins into active circulation. This $19.6 million DAO Treasury release immediately drew trader attention. With ARB trading around $0.20 to $0.21, price action is sitting at a sensitive zone. Analysts note that slipping under $0.20 could open the door to further weakness, while strength above $0.24 may encourage renewed demand.
Short-term stress remains likely as early holders may choose to sell newly unlocked supply. This added volume creates hesitation for fresh buyers entering now. Although Arbitrum continues to rank among Ethereum’s busiest Layer 2 networks, the current supply event weighs on momentum. Compared to other Layer 2 projects using burn or redistribution systems, ARB currently lacks similar balance tools.
Over a longer horizon, Arbitrum may stabilize, but early 2026 presents a difficult setup. With added supply entering the market and no active deflation method in place, the risk versus reward profile remains uneven. For traders assessing the top crypto to buy in 2026, ARB currently struggles to offer stability driven by scarcity.
Internet Computer (ICP) Prepares a Major Inflation Adjustment
Attention has returned to Internet Computer as its team prepares the Mission70 whitepaper. This proposal outlines a plan to reduce network inflation by roughly 70%, representing a major shift in how supply grows. The goal is to limit excess issuance while still supporting staking and governance systems. Although final details are pending, the direction points toward tighter control.
Price movement has reacted positively in recent sessions. ICP has climbed close to 36% over the past week and now trades near $4.30 to $4.40. This rise reflects growing interest tied to expectations of future supply limits. It also suggests renewed confidence following an extended period of sideways movement.
Despite this progress, the inflation cut has not yet been activated. Until the changes are implemented and backed by stronger network usage data, ICP remains in a transition stage. It remains one to watch, but those focused on the top crypto to buy in 2026 with fast-moving upside may treat ICP as a secondary option rather than a core choice.
Zero Knowledge Proof (ZKP) Locks Supply With a 190M Daily Cap
A different model is now unfolding as Zero Knowledge Proof (ZKP) enters Phase II of its live presale auction. This step introduces a firm daily distribution limit and reshapes how access is earned. Under Phase II rules, only 190 million coins are available each day. Any portion not claimed is removed permanently.
This change goes beyond reducing supply. It alters how ranking and rewards are determined. During Phase I, accumulation faced fewer limits. In Phase II, competition increases as early participants already hold established ranks. New entrants must compete for more limited daily access and fewer chances to advance.
Because unused coins are burned, the total supply continues to shrink over time. Delaying entry reduces available allocation as each day passes. This creates a steady scarcity loop where fixed supply meets growing demand within the live network, infra, and presale auction system.
Data from reward models and ranking tables indicate that early phase participants may see potential returns ranging from 100x to as high as 10,000x, depending on position and future network scale. Unlike models that expand supply, Zero Knowledge Proof (ZKP) strengthens scarcity the longer participation is delayed. Proof pods are already delivering, adding further weight to the live network setup.
For those evaluating the top crypto to buy in 2026 based on structure rather than hype, Zero Knowledge Proof (ZKP) presents a time-driven design where entry timing directly shapes outcome. Its presale auction is live now, supported by active infra, shipping proof pods, and fixed daily limits.
Final Say
Each project highlights a different supply reality. ARB is working through the unlock pressure. ICP is planning tighter issuance, but has not yet applied it. Zero Knowledge Proof (ZKP) is already operating under live presale auction rules that enforce scarcity daily. For those seeking the top crypto to buy in 2026 with meaningful upside, timing and structure remain decisive.
Zero Knowledge Proof (ZKP) operates on a countdown effect. The 190M daily cap and automatic burns move forward regardless of sentiment. Each unused coin reduces future access. In digital markets, shrinking supply often signals the next value phase, and here it is built directly into the system.
At present, Zero Knowledge Proof (ZKP) stands apart by turning supply control into a working reward structure that favors early action over delay. For anyone comparing the top crypto to buy in 2026, this live presale auction framework deserves close attention.