**Crypto Market in February 2026: Top 5 Altcoins to Watch Right Now**

As we move into February 2026, the crypto market is in a holding pattern. After a wild 2025 where Bitcoin nearly hit $125,000, it’s now cooling off and hovering around $90,000. While everyone was waiting for another big “altcoin season,” what we’re seeing instead is a selective bounce — some coins are recovering, but many are still far below their all-time highs.

If you’re looking to buy low and hold for the long run, this might be the perfect time. Several promising altcoins are trading at deep discounts — over 70% down from their previous peaks. Here are five altcoins to keep an eye on this month.

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**1. Polygon (POL)**
Polygon, previously known as MATIC, has rebranded to POL but hasn’t caught up in price yet. It’s currently sitting around $0.12, way down from its all-time high of $2.92.

Polygon is crucial for helping Ethereum scale. Its new tech — AggLayer and zk-EVM — makes Ethereum faster and cheaper to use. If Ethereum continues to dominate DeFi, Polygon could see a big price jump. This could be a good buy for those interested in blockchain infrastructure.

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**2. Cardano (ADA)**
Cardano is trading near $0.35 right now, a steep drop from its $3.10 peak. Critics say it’s slow to develop, but the project is pushing forward with its Voltaire phase, which brings decentralized governance — basically letting users vote on upgrades and changes.

With more institutions looking into Proof-of-Stake (PoS) networks that are eco-friendly, Cardano’s long-term potential remains strong. For patient investors, ADA at this price could be a great entry point.

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**3. The Sandbox (SAND)**
The Metaverse hype has faded, and so has The Sandbox’s price. Right now, SAND is around $0.15 — down more than 95% from its $8.44 high.

Despite the drop, The Sandbox is still active and building partnerships in gaming and fashion. If the Metaverse or GameFi trend picks up again, SAND could bounce back hard.

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**4. Internet Computer (ICP)**
Internet Computer has had a rollercoaster ride since launch, but it’s finding a new groove in 2026. Trading at about $3.45, ICP is still far from its launch-day highs but is gaining attention for its unique tech.

ICP runs smart contracts at web speed and is making moves in AI and decentralized physical infrastructure (DePIN). As Ethereum gas fees continue to rise during busy times, ICP’s speed and cost-efficiency could make it stand out.

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**5. Decentraland (MANA)**
MANA is another Metaverse token that has taken a big hit. Now priced at $0.16 — down heavily from its past highs — it’s seen as a high-risk, high-reward investment.

As VR and AR hardware become more mainstream through companies like Apple and Meta, Decentraland offers a decentralized alternative to corporate virtual worlds. That makes MANA an interesting option if you believe in Web3 metaverses.

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**Protect Your Investments**

If you’re buying altcoins at these low prices hoping for big gains later, don’t forget about security. Long-term holders should consider using cold storage wallets instead of leaving funds on exchanges. This helps protect your assets from hacks or platform failures.

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Stay alert to market trends and keep checking in for updates as the crypto market continues to evolve this year.