Home Guides Best Crypto Airdrops to Claim in September 2025

Best Crypto Airdrops to Claim in September 2025

Created: Author Image Otar Topuria, Crypto Editor

Fact-Checked By: Julia Sakovich, Senior Editor

36 mins

The best crypto airdrops in September 2025 include Hyperliquid Season 2, Snorter Bot, LayerZero V2, and the Monad testnet, offering potential rewards ranging from $2,000 to over $100,000 for qualified participants.

In this guide, we provide step-by-step qualification strategies, safety protocols, and our methodology,  designed to help readers understand how to assess potential opportunities in  2025.

Crypto airdrops are free token distributions where blockchain projects reward early supporters. Today’s most valuable airdrops target users who provide liquidity, test new protocols, or make meaningful contributions to decentralized systems. In some cases, participants have earned between $500 and $5,000 per qualified airdrop, although outcomes vary widely.

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Best Crypto Airdrops in 2025 – Editor’s Picks

Bitcoin Hyper (HYPER)
  • First Bitcoin Layer 2 enabling fast, low-cost transactions
  • Fixes Bitcoin’s speed and fee limitations with near real-time performance
  • Enables a Bitcoin-native DeFi ecosystem
Launch
May 2025
Meta
Meme, Bitcoin L2
Maxi Doge (MAXI)
  • Degen meme coin inspired by max-leverage trading
  • A tribute to high-risk hustle — fueled by sweat and conviction
  • Ethereum-born, culture-driven, aiming for multichain
Launch
July 2025
Meta
Meme, Community, Deflationary
PepeNode (PEPENODE)
  • Build your own virtual meme coin mining rig.
  • 100% virtual and requires no additional computing power.
  • Top miners get additional bonuses in Pepe, Fartcoin, and other meme coins.
Launch
August 2025
Meta
Meme, Mine-to-Earn, Play-to-Earn
Wall Street Pepe (WEPE)
  • Dual-chain design with Ethereum and Solana integration
  • Exclusive Alpha Chat community and trading utilities
  • NFT ecosystem, gamified quests, and loyalty rewards
Launch
August 2025
Meta
Meme
Snorter Bot (SNORT)
  • Fastest meme coin sniper on Solana and EVM
  • Multichain Telegram bot with lowest fees and instant execution
  • Snipe new tokens before bots and whales
Launch
May 2025
Meta
Meme, Multichain, Trading Bot
Best Wallet Token (BEST)
  • Exclusive in-app access to vetted crypto presales
  • Staking rewards with an annual percentage yield (APY) of up to 152%
  • Upcoming Best Card enables crypto spending at millions of merchants with cashback
Meta
November 2024
SUBBD (SUBBD)
  • AI-Powered Virtual Influencers
  • 20% APY Staking Rewards
  • VIP perks: livestreams, BTS content, credits, and more.
Launch
April 2025
Meta
AI, Payments, Content

 

Crypto Airdrops Key Takeaways

  • Hyperliquid Season 2 has 42% of the total token supply still allocated for future distributions, with $265 million in total value locked (TVL)
  • Snorter is trending because it dedicates 10% of its total token supply to airdrops, offering consistent rewards to early users and community members while riding the surge in Telegram trading bot adoption.
  • LayerZero V2 dominates cross-chain infrastructure with 75% market share across 80+ blockchains, reserving 15.3% of total ZRO supply (153 million tokens).
  • Monad testnet participants access the largest Series A funding round in crypto history at $225 million, led by Paradigm, targeting 10,000 TPS
  • Pump.fun leads Solana’s memecoin ecosystem with $710 million revenue from 10.6+ million tokens launched, explicitly promising to “reward the earliest users”

Best New & Upcoming Crypto Airdrop List in September 2025

  1. Hyperliquid Season 2 – World’s largest perpetual DEX distributing 38.88% future emissions to active traders and stakers.
  2. Snorter Token – Telegram trading bot token with 10% of total supply allocated to airdrops for early users and community promoters.
  3. LayerZero V2 – Cross-chain protocol distributing 30% of ZRO tokens to genuine users across 70+ blockchains.
  4. Monad Testnet – EVM-compatible L1 with $225 million Paradigm funding, rewarding February 2025 testnet participants.
  5. Abstract Chain – Pudgy Penguins’ L2 blockchain with XP points system and potential PENGU holder bonuses.
  6. Meteora Jupiter – Solana’s 10th largest DeFi protocol launching MET token for liquidity providers.
  7. Farcaster Protocol – Decentralized social media with $180 million a16z funding, rewarding active Warpcast users.
  8. Pump.fun Native Token – Solana’s leading memecoin launchpad with $710 million revenue, launching native token.
  9. Axiom Exchange – Y Combinator-backed Solana trading platform with points-based cashback program.
  10. Arbitrum Drip – Earn airdrops through borrowing and lending USDC on Arbitrum lending protocols

Best Crypto Airdrop Reviews and Analysis

We’ve analyzed each project’s fundamentals, tokenomics, and reward potential to help you prioritize your airdrop farming efforts. Let’s begin:

1. Hyperliquid Season 2 – Perpetuals Trading Powerhouse

Hyperliquid is the leader in decentralized perpetuals trading, that processed over $300 billion in volume since launch and accounted for 35% of the total perpetual DEX market. Their first airdrop created the largest-ever token distribution by market cap, with HYPE tokens reaching a $6.2 billion valuation.

Hyperliquid season 2 project

Hyperliquid season 2. Photo: Hyperliquid

Why it’s trending:

  • 42% of the total token supply is still allocated for future airdrops, with $610 million TVL, creating low competition
  • First airdrop recipients averaged $50,000+ rewards, with some earning six-figure amounts for active trading
  • HyperEVM launch enables DeFi participation without requiring professional trading experience
  • The platform maintains 99.9% uptime with sub-10ms latency and 200,000 orders per second throughput
  • Unified Layer 1 blockchain eliminates bridging risks between trading and DeFi applications

Airdrop Quick Facts:

Who It’s For Perpetual traders, DeFi users, HyperEVM ecosystem participants, and stakers
Potential Rewards $5,000–100,000+ based on Season 1 precedent and ecosystem activity
How to Qualify Trade on Hyperliquid, stake HYPE (2.2% APR), interact with HyperEVM protocols, and provide liquidity
Effort Level Medium to High (trading requires capital, but HyperEVM interaction is accessible)
Airdrop Date Q3–Q4 2025 (estimated based on ecosystem development)
Total Reward Pool 42% of the remaining supply is available for future distributions
How to Claim Direct wallet distribution to qualified addresses based on on-chain activity
Community Size 500K+ active traders / 270k+ X followers / Growing HyperEVM ecosystem

2. Snorter Token – Telegram Trading Bot with Built-in Airdrops

Snorter is a meme coin with a built-in Telegram trading bot, designed for fast, automated token trades and bot-enabled DeFi strategies. The project puts community first, with 10% of all tokens set aside for airdrops that reward the people who join early and help build the ecosystem.

Snorter’s focus on automation and ease of use makes it appealing for airdrop hunters who want exposure to both meme-driven growth and functional utility. With Telegram bots becoming a core trend in 2025, Snorter is well-positioned to capitalize on the expansion of that sector.

snorter token tokenomics

Snorter allocates 10% of its total supply to airdrops, ensuring consistent community rewards. Source: Snorter Token

Why it’s trending:

  • 10% of the total token supply is allocated to airdrops
  • Telegram bots are surging in popularity, and Snorter sits right at the center of that trend
  • Early airdrop campaigns target both active Telegram traders and community promoters
  • Token utility connects automated trading with reward-based participation
  • Viral meme + bot adoption narrative creates strong potential for early growth

Airdrop Quick Facts:

Who It’s For Meme coin investors, Telegram bot traders, early community promoters
Potential Rewards TBD (based on allocation, 10% of total supply dedicated to airdrops)
How to Qualify Use Snorter bot features, participate in Telegram community campaigns, complete promo tasks
Effort Level Low to Medium (social participation and light on-chain activity)
Airdrop Date Ongoing in 2025 (phased distributions)
Total Reward Pool 10% of total supply reserved for airdrops
How to Claim Direct wallet distribution via Telegram bot and community-linked addresses
Community Size Growing Telegram base / 20k+ early followers / Expanding bot user activity

3. LayerZero Season 2 – Cross-Chain Infrastructure Leader

LayerZero accounts for 35% of cross-chain messaging activity, connects over 80 blockchain networks and processes over $100 billion in asset transfers.

With $684 million in monthly transfer volumes and only 23.8% of the total ZRO supply distributed in Season 1, the upcoming Season 2 airdrop gives active users another chance at rewards.

LayerZero Foundation website. Photo: LayerZero

Why it’s trending:

  • 15.3% of the total ZRO supply (153 million tokens) is reserved specifically for Season 2 community distributions
  • Protocol usage dropped significantly post-Season 1, creating larger reward pools for remaining active participants
  • Major institutional partnerships with Tether, PayPal, and Circle validate long-term protocol adoption
  • Omnichain Fungible Tokens (OFTs) are gaining traction as the standard for cross-chain asset transfers
  • Ultra-Light Nodes technology eliminates traditional bridging risks and intermediary dependencies

Airdrop Quick Facts:

Who It’s For Cross-chain DeFi users, bridge users, multi-chain developers, and governance participants
Potential Rewards $2,000–15,000 based on genuine cross-chain activity patterns and Season 1 precedent
How to Qualify Bridge assets via Stargate/Jumper, use LayerZero-powered apps, hold/stake ZRO tokens, and participate in governance
Effort Level Medium (requires understanding multiple blockchains and consistent cross-chain activity)
Airdrop Date Q2 2025 (officially targeted by LayerZero Foundation)
Total Reward Pool 15.3% of the 1 billion ZRO supply is designated for future community distributions
How to Claim Expected snapshot-based distribution through the LayerZero interface to qualified wallets
Community Size 1.28M+ Season 1 recipients / 2M+ unique addresses

4. Monad – High-Performance EVM-Compatible Layer 1

Monad is a project that wants to solve Ethereum’s scalability limitations and maintain full EVM compatibility and true decentralization. With $225 million in Series A funding led by Paradigm and promises of 10,000 TPS with 1-second block times, early testnet participants position themselves for potentially substantial rewards.

Unlike competitors that require expensive specialized infrastructure, Monad processes transactions in parallel on standard consumer hardware.

Monad project

Monad airdrop website. Photo: Monad

Why it’s trending:

  • Largest Series A funding round in crypto history ($225 million) signals massive institutional expectations
  • Technical innovations like parallel execution, superscalar pipelining, and MonadDB solve core blockchain bottlenecks
  • Testnet launched February 19, 2025, with a growing developer ecosystem and weekly new task additions
  • Consumer-grade hardware node requirements promote genuine decentralization, unlike other high-performance chains
  • Paradigm’s track record includes investments in Uniswap, Compound, and other successful airdrop projects

Airdrop Quick Facts:

Who It’s For Testnet participants, developers, early ecosystem adopters, DeFi users, and NFT creators
Potential Rewards $5,000–25,000+ (speculative based on funding size and institutional backing)
How to Qualify Deploy contracts on testnet, use DeFi protocols, mint NFTs, participate in games, complete Layer3 campaigns
Effort Level Medium to High (requires technical knowledge for optimal participation and sustained engagement)
Airdrop Date Mainnet launch + TGE (Q4 2025 estimated based on testnet progression)
Total Reward Pool TBD (typically 10-15% for community in VC-backed projects)
How to Claim Expected snapshot-based distribution to testnet participants via the foundation structure
Community Size 100K+ testnet users / 1.3+ million X followers / Growing developer ecosystem

5. Abstract Chain – Consumer-First Blockchain Experience

Abstract is Pudgy Penguins’ expansion into blockchain infrastructure, that targets mainstream adoption through simplified user experiences and cultural influence. Built on zkSync’s ZK Stack with innovative features like the Abstract Global Wallet (email-based wallet creation), Abstract wants to remove traditional crypto barriers.

The mainnet launch in January 2025, with the XP points system and badge collections signals imminent token distribution opportunities.

Abstract chain airdrop

Abstract Chain. Photo: Abstract

Why it’s trending:

  • Pudgy Penguins’ cultural influence and mainstream brand recognition drive consumer adoption beyond typical crypto circles
  • Abstract Global Wallet eliminates seed phrase complexity through email + 2FA authentication, targeting Web2 users
  • ZK Stack infrastructure provides Ethereum security with significantly lower costs and higher throughput
  • The XP points system and badge collections launched in January 2025 suggest imminent token distribution events
  • Major partnerships with Gate.io (Red Bull NFT collection) and Dinero (absETH staking) validate ecosystem growth

Airdrop Quick Facts:

Who It’s For Pudgy Penguins holders, mainstream crypto adopters, zkSync ecosystem users, GameFi participants
Potential Rewards $1,000–8,000 with potential PENGU holder bonuses and early adopter multipliers
How to Qualify Earn XP through ecosystem usage, collect badges, bridge assets, trade on Vertex, and participate in GameFi
Effort Level Low to Medium (user-friendly interface designed for mainstream adoption and beginners)
Airdrop Date Q3 2025 (following XP accumulation period and badge system completion)
Total Reward Pool TBD (points system suggests tiered distribution based on engagement levels)
How to Claim Abstract Dashboard interface using XP point conversion and badge verification
Community Size 300K+ PENGU holders / 670K+ X followers / Growing consumer user base

6. Meteora – Solana’s Dynamic Liquidity Market Maker

Meteora is Solana’s 2nd-largest DeFi protocol with over $800 million in TVL. It specializes in innovative Dynamic Liquidity Market Maker (DLMM) technology, an advanced approach to automated market making.

The Jupiter-owned protocol has confirmed the upcoming MET token launch, with forum discussions indicating points allocation based on fee generation and TVL contributions. This can be a significant opportunity for liquidity providers in the rapidly expanding Solana DeFi ecosystem.

Meteora airdrop project

Meteora airdrop. Photo: Meteora

Why it’s trending:

  • Confirmed MET token launch with allocation based on liquidity provision fees and TVL contributions
  • The Dynamic Liquidity Market Maker model delivers more efficient capital utilization than traditional AMMs
  • $800 million TVL positions Meteora as a major DeFi protocol with institutional-grade liquidity depth
  • Volatile asset pair strategies generate higher fees but require sophisticated risk management approaches

Airdrop Quick Facts:

Who It’s For Solana DeFi users, liquidity providers, yield farmers, and Jupiter ecosystem participants
Potential Rewards $500–5,000 based on fee generation and TVL contribution metrics
How to Qualify Provide liquidity in DLMM pools, generate trading fees, and maintain consistent TVL contributions
Effort Level Medium to High (requires capital deployment and understanding of impermanent loss risks)
Airdrop Date Q3-Q4 2025 (estimated based on forum discussions and Jupiter ecosystem timing)
Total Reward Pool TBD (forum hints suggest points-based distribution tied to fee generation)
How to Claim Expected distribution through the Meteora interface based on accumulated points/activity
Community Size Jupiter ecosystem users / Growing Solana DeFi participant base / 150K+ protocol interactions

7. Farcaster Protocol – Decentralized Social Media on Optimism

Farcaster is a decentralized social network built on Ethereum and Base L2, with $150 million in funding from top-tier investors, including a16z, Paradigm, and Coinbase Ventures.

The protocol lets users maintain control of their data and social connections through a decentralized identity system, while Warpcast provides a familiar X-like experience. With recent Solana integration and growing ecosystem features, early users could qualify for potential governance token rewards.

farcasrer X page

Farcaster Protocol. Photo: Farcaster / X

Why it’s trending:

  • $150 million funding from premier crypto investors validates long-term potential and sustainability
  • Decentralized social infrastructure addresses Web2 platform censorship and data ownership concerns
  • Recent Solana chain integration expands cross-chain functionality and mini-app ecosystem
  • Power Badge system and verification features create engagement-based community tiers
  • Frame technology enables interactive mini-applications within social posts, pioneering social-DeFi integration

Airdrop Quick Facts:

Who It’s For Social media users, Web3 adopters, content creators, and decentralized social advocates
Potential Rewards $1,000–6,000 based on engagement levels, Power Badge status, and platform activity
How to Qualify Maintain active Warpcast usage, earn Power Badge, complete verifications, use mini-apps, and spend WARPS
Effort Level Low to Medium (requires consistent social engagement and content creation)
Airdrop Date Q3–Q4 2025 (estimated based on ecosystem maturity and funding timeline)
Total Reward Pool TBD (typical Web3 social platforms allocate 15-25% to community)
How to Claim Expected distribution through the Warpcast interface based on verified account activity
Community Size Growing active user base / Power Badge holders / Cross-chain participants via Solana integration / 211k + X followers

8. Pump.fun – Solana’s Leading Memecoin Launchpad

Pump.fun dominates Solana’s memecoin ecosystem as the most successful token launchpad, generating over $710 million in revenue with more than 10.6 million tokens launched since early 2024.

The platform reinvented fair token launches through its bonding curve mechanism that prevents rug pulls and eliminates crypto presales. While the team promised to “reward earliest users”, a comment in July by co-founder Alon Cohen suggesting that an airdrop won’t happen soon, has affected the price of PUMP and the optimism of holders.

Pump.fun project

Pump.fun airdrop. Photo: Pum.fun

Why it’s trending:

  • The platform generates $710 million in revenue with 10.6+ million tokens launched, demonstrating massive adoption and sustainability
  • Team explicitly promised to “reward earliest users” during October 2024 X Spaces, confirming upcoming token distribution
  • New Creator Revenue Sharing gives coin creators 50% of PumpSwap revenue, incentivizing quality project launches
  • Pump Advanced trading terminal launch with zero fees during the initial period increases user engagement
  • Bonding curve mechanism with automatic Raydium liquidity at $69K market cap ensures fair price discovery

Airdrop Quick Facts:

Who It’s For Memecoin creators, Solana traders, early platform adopters, and active community members
Potential Rewards $3,000-12,000+ based on platform revenue success and early user promise
How to Qualify Create tokens, trade actively, use the Pump Advanced terminal, maintain platform engagement, and claim a username
Effort Level Medium (requires understanding memecoin markets and consistent platform usage)
Airdrop Date Q4 2025 (estimated based on team hints and platform maturity)
Total Reward Pool TBD (significant given $710M revenue and early user commitment)
How to Claim Expected retroactive distribution based on platform activity and username claims
Community Size 10.6M+ token creators / Massive Solana trading community / Growing Pump Advanced users / 460K + X followers

9. Axiom Exchange – Top Solana Revenue Generator

Axiom is one of Solana’s highest-revenue-generating protocols, making headlines as a top DeFi performer according to DeFiLlama analytics. The Y Combinator-backed trading platform combines perpetual futures trading through Hyperliquid integration with Solana new meme coins trading, creating a comprehensive trading hub that attracted over 4.3 million visitors in February 2025 alone.

With an active points program and partnership-driven rewards system, early users position themselves for potential token distributions.

Axiom project

Axiom Exchange. Photo: Axiom

Why it’s trending:

  • Ranked among the top revenue-generating protocols on Solana with exceptional user growth metrics
  • Y Combinator backing provides credibility and technical expertise for sustainable platform development
  • Hyperliquid integration enables smooth perpetual trading with potential dual airdrop opportunities
  • Comprehensive rewards program includes cashback in SOL, plus a tiered points system similar to successful platforms
  • 4.3+ million monthly visitors demonstrate strong product-market fit and growing user adoption

Airdrop Quick Facts:

Who It’s For Solana traders, perpetual futures users, memecoin enthusiasts, Y Combinator ecosystem participants
Potential Rewards $1,000–5,000+ based on trading volume, referrals, and platform engagement
How to Qualify Complete trading quests, maintain volume thresholds, refer users, and accumulate points through activity
Effort Level Medium to High (requires capital for trading and understanding of perpetuals/memecoin markets)
Airdrop Date Q3–Q4 2025 (estimated based on points program progression and platform growth)
Total Reward Pool TBD (points system suggests merit-based distribution with trading volume weighting)
How to Claim Expected points-to-token conversion through the Axiom platform interface
Community Size 4.3M+ monthly visitors / Growing Solana trading community / Y Combinator network

10. Arbitrum Drip – Boosted Rewards for DeFi Activities

Arbirtum Drip is an initiative funded by Arbitrum DAO to reward users in ARB for supplying and borrowing ETH and stablecoins. Drip stands for ‘DeFi Renaissance Incentive Program’ and aims to get more people involved in DeFi.

Unlike some airdrops, users can see exactly how much each task will provide in rewards and claim daily via the Drip dashboard. However, users should make sure they understand the risks involved in collateral-based borrowing and lending.

Drip farming opportunities

DRIP farming opportunities. Source: ArbitrumDrip.com

Why it’s trending:

  • The total value of the airdrop is 80M ARB, which is currently worth around $40M
  • Many people hold ETH and USDC on-chain already; this is a good way to get boosted yields, airdropped in ARB.
  • Arbitrum is the third-largest Layer 2 in terms of users, according to Token Terminal
  • Season 1 is live from September to January, and there will be 4 seasons in total
  • Applicable lending protocols are established and well funded, including Aave, Morpho, Euler, and Fluid.

Airdrop Quick Facts:

Who It’s For DeFi enthusiasts or those willing to learn. DeFi loan and lending fans. People holding USDC and / or ETH.
Potential Rewards The highest return we saw is earning $0.24 per $1k lent. Users can increase rewards by reinvesting borrowed assets while staying within safe health levels.
How to Qualify Supply and Borrow USDC or ETH on platforms like Aave and Morpho
Effort Level Medium (requires understanding or learning about supplying and borrowing crypto safely)
Airdrop Date Season 1 started on September 3rd. Rewards can be claimed daily
Total Reward Pool 80M ARB across four seasons
How to Claim Claim from the DRIP dashboard
Community Size Average of 3.9 million Arbitrum Monthly Active Users, according to Token Terminal.

Latest Crypto Airdrops Comparison

In this section, we created a table of comparison so that you can easily analyze all the information from the previous segment:

Airdrop Potential Value How to Qualify Effort Level Risk Level
Hyperliquid S2 $5,000–100,000+ Trade perpetuals, stake HYPE, use HyperEVM High Medium
Snorter Token $500–3,000+ Use Snorter bot, join Telegram community, complete promo tasks Low-Medium Medium
LayerZero S2 $2,000–15,000 Cross-chain bridge usage, governance Medium Low
Monad Testnet $5,000–25,000+ Deploy/test on testnet, DeFi/gaming High Medium
Abstract Chain $1,000–8,000 Earn XP, collect badges, and GameFi Low-Medium Low
Meteora Jupiter $500–5,000 Provide DLMM liquidity, generate fees Medium-High Medium
Farcaster $1,000–6,000 Active Warpcast usage, Power Badge Low-Medium Low
Pump.fun $3,000–12,000 Create/trade memecoins, use terminal Medium High
Axiom Exchange $1,000–5,000+ Complete quests, trading volume Medium-High Medium
Arbitrum Drip $500–5000+ Borrow and Lend USDC and ETH Medium Low

Why Crypto Airdrops Are Trending in 2025

Crypto airdrops have reached an unprecedented scale in 2025. Several factors make them more valuable and accessible than ever before. According to Binance, the total value of airdropped tokens reached $26 billion before last year, and the numbers continue to grow. Let’s examine the reasons behind it.

Low-Cost User Acquisition Strategy

Projects recognize airdrops as the most effective way to bootstrap communities without traditional marketing costs. A successful airdrop can acquire 100,000+ users for under $500,000 in token distributions – far cheaper than conventional advertising channels.

Viral Community Growth

Social media integration boosts Airdrop reach exponentially. When Arbitrum distributed ARB tokens, over 42 million tokens were claimed in the first hour, creating massive organic promotion across X, Discord, and Telegram channels.

Token Distribution Innovation

Modern projects use advanced point systems and tiered rewards to ensure fair distribution. Rather than simple social media tasks, 2025 airdrops reward genuine ecosystem participation, such as DeFi protocol usage, NFT trading, and testnet contributions.

Meme Season Catalysts

The explosive growth of meme coins in 2025 has popularized airdrop mechanisms as launch strategies. Projects like Pudgy Penguins (PENGU) and BonkDTrump show us how cultural movements amplify token distributions beyond traditional crypto circles.

Layer 2 and Restaking Incentives

Ethereum’s scaling solutions and restaking protocols use airdrops to motivate early adoption. Users providing liquidity or validating transactions on new networks receive token rewards that often exceed initial investments by 10–50x.

The trend shows no signs of slowing, with venture capital firms now factoring airdrop strategies into funding decisions. Projects that successfully execute community-driven token distributions achieve higher valuations and stronger long-term sustainability.

Data Check: airdrops by the numbers

The scale is real. CoinGecko’s study of the 50 biggest airdrops tallied a combined $26.6 billion in distributed value through late 2024, with Uniswap, ApeCoin, and dYdX accounting for 45.1% of the total. In 2023 alone, airdrops totaled approximately $4.56 billion, led by Arbitrum’s $1.97 billion event. These snapshots frame why activity has accelerated into 2025.

L2 and restaking incentives, explained

Airdrops now sit inside deliberate growth systems rather than one-off giveaways. Binance Research distinguishes between two dominant templates: retroactive airdrops, which reward past usage and engagement, and engagement airdrops, which publish tasks to attract new users. Liquid restaking protocols have leaned on both. For example, ether.fi divides the distribution into seasons, with 6% of the supply allocated to Season 1 claimants and 5% to Season 2, aligning rewards with ongoing staking, LPing, and product usage.

What this means for 2025

Expect more structured, points-driven campaigns, longer claim windows, and hybrid mechanics that blend retroactive rewards with ongoing quests. Exchanges are formalizing distribution rails for listed drops, while L2s and consumer apps test donation-based claims and multi-season rewards to deepen retention. The through-line is evident in recent research and field experiments: airdrops remain a core go-to-market tool, but the winners in 2025 will couple them with measurable on-chain engagement and transparent criteria.

How We Picked These New Crypto Airdrops – Our Methodology

Our selection process when it comes to new crypto projects evaluates potential airdrops across four critical dimensions. We prioritize sustainable value creation over short-term hype.

Project Credibility – 30%

We analyze founding team backgrounds, investor quality, and technical execution capability. Projects must demonstrate real product-market fit rather than speculative promises.

For example, Hyperliquid qualified based on its proven $50+ billion trading volume and 60% perpetual DEX market share, while Monad earned inclusion through Paradigm’s $225 million Series A validation and revolutionary parallel execution technology.

Revenue and Adoption Metrics – 25%

We prioritize projects showing genuine usage and revenue generation over vanity metrics. Pump.fun’s $710 million revenue with 10.6 million tokens launched demonstrates real market demand, while Axiom’s 4.3 million monthly visitors and top Solana revenue ranking validate sustainable business models. Projects must show consistent growth patterns rather than artificial pump campaigns.

Ecosystem Innovation and Integration – 20%

Sustainable airdrop value requires clear technological advancement and ecosystem positioning. We favor projects like Eclipse’s unique Ethereum-Solana hybrid architecture, LayerZero’s 75% cross-chain market share, and Abstract’s consumer-focused blockchain experience. Innovation must solve real problems rather than create incremental improvements.

Community Engagement Quality – 15%

Raw follower counts matter less than engagement authenticity and community-driven development. We evaluate Discord activity levels, developer contributions, and organic growth patterns. Projects with established communities like Pudgy Penguins’ cultural influence or Farcaster’s $180 million institutional backing score higher than those with obvious bot activity or paid promotion campaigns.

Eligibility Transparency and Fairness – 10%

Clear qualification criteria protect participants from arbitrary requirements or post-hoc rule changes. We favor projects that publish explicit eligibility requirements and maintain consistent communication throughout campaign periods. Meteora’s fee-generation criteria provide transparent participation frameworks.

Our methodology excludes projects with anonymous teams, unclear tokenomics, or those requiring excessive upfront capital investment. We also filter out obvious cash grabs, pump-and-dump schemes, and projects with unrealistic technical claims.

What Are Crypto Airdrops?

Crypto airdrops are free token distributions that blockchain projects use to build communities, reward early supporters, and boost network adoption. Think of them as digital promotional campaigns where you receive actual cryptocurrency instead of discount coupons or branded merchandise.

Why do these projects distribute tokens? There are several strategic reasons. New protocols need users to test their platforms, provide feedback, and create initial liquidity. Rather than spending millions on traditional advertising, they allocate a portion of their token supply (typically 5-20%) directly to community members who demonstrate genuine interest and engagement.

The Evolution from Simple to Advanced

Early airdrops in 2020–2021 required basic social media tasks like following X accounts or joining Telegram groups. Today’s airdrops reward meaningful ecosystem participation: testing new features, providing liquidity, creating content, or contributing to decentralized governance decisions.

Different Distribution Models

Some airdrops distribute tokens immediately after task completion, while others use points-based systems where participants accumulate rewards over months before final distribution. Retroactive airdrops surprise existing users with tokens based on their historical platform usage.

Token Types and Values

Airdropped tokens range from governance tokens (voting rights in protocol decisions) to utility tokens (access to platform features) to pure speculative assets. Values vary dramatically: some airdrops are worth under $10, while others like Uniswap’s UNI distribution averaged $12,000 per recipient.

The key insight: legitimate airdrops create mutual value. Projects gain authentic users and community members, while participants receive early access to potentially valuable tokens without financial risk.

How Crypto Airdrops Work

As we know, the classic “cold start” problem is very natural for new startups, so these projects use airdrops as strategic tools to solve it: how do you attract users to a new platform that becomes more valuable with more participants? The mechanics are elegant in their simplicity but advanced in their execution.

  • The Bootstrap Mechanism: New decentralized exchanges need traders to create liquidity, but traders won’t use exchanges without existing liquidity. Airdrops break this cycle by promoting early participants with future token rewards. As the platform grows, those tokens appreciate in value, creating a win-win dynamic.
  • Community Building Through Ownership: When users receive tokens, they become stakeholders in the project’s success. This psychological shift transforms casual users into active community members who promote the platform, provide feedback, and contribute to its growth. Token holders often receive governance rights, letting them vote on protocol upgrades and strategic decisions.
  • Marketing Amplification: Successful airdrops create viral marketing campaigns. When Arbitrum announced its ARB token distribution, the news spread organically across crypto X, Discord servers, and Telegram groups. Participants naturally promote projects they’ve received tokens from, generating awareness that traditional advertising couldn’t achieve.
  • Network Effects Acceleration: Each new participant makes the platform more valuable for existing users. DeFi protocols become more efficient with deeper liquidity pools. Social networks become more engaging with larger user bases. Gaming platforms become more competitive with active player communities.
  • Tokenomics Integration: Modern airdrops integrate carefully with long-term tokenomics. Rather than dumping tokens immediately, projects often implement vesting schedules, staking requirements, or utility mechanisms that encourage holding. This approach maintains token value while rewarding genuine supporters over speculators.

The most successful airdrops balance immediate rewards with long-term value creation, ensuring both projects and participants benefit from sustainable growth rather than short-term speculation.

How to Get Crypto Airdrops

Success in airdrop farming requires strategy, patience, and understanding of what projects actually value in their community members. Random task completion won’t maximize your rewards: you need systematic approaches that demonstrate genuine ecosystem engagement.

Step 1: Research Project Fundamentals

Start with projects that solve real problems and have credible teams. Check founding member backgrounds on LinkedIn, review investor lists for reputable VCs, and analyze whether the project addresses genuine market needs. Skip anything with anonymous teams or unrealistic promises.

Step 2: Identify Qualification Criteria Early

Most valuable airdrops reward historical platform usage rather than short-term task completion. Join project Discord servers, follow official X accounts, and subscribe to newsletters to understand qualification requirements before they’re announced. Early users typically receive larger allocations.

Step 3: Engage Authentically Across Multiple Touchpoints

Don’t just complete minimum requirements. Participate in Discord discussions, provide thoughtful feedback on testnet features, and engage meaningfully with community content. Projects increasingly filter out obvious airdrop farmers who show no genuine interest.

Step 4: Maintain Consistent Activity Levels

Many airdrops reward sustained engagement over time rather than one-time participation. Set weekly reminders to interact with protocols, maintain minimum balances where required, and complete any ongoing quests or points systems. Consistency often matters more than intensity.

Step 5: Use Dedicated Wallets for Safety

Never connect wallets containing significant funds to airdrop campaigns. Create separate wallets specifically for airdrops, funded with only small amounts needed for transaction fees. This protects your main holdings from potential smart contract vulnerabilities or phishing attempts.

Step 6: Track Your Participation

Maintain spreadsheets documenting which airdrops you’ve joined, required tasks completed, and important dates. Many participants miss distribution deadlines or forget to claim rewards because they lose track of their various campaign participations.

Step 7: Understand Tax Implications

Airdropped tokens constitute taxable income in most jurisdictions at fair market value when received. Keep detailed records of token receipt dates and values for accurate tax reporting. Consider consulting tax professionals for significant airdrop earnings.

Where to Find the Best Crypto Airdrops

To discover high-value airdrops, you need to monitor multiple information sources and understand where projects announce opportunities first. The crypto community moves fast, and early participants typically receive better rewards than late adopters.

Start with primary sources: project websites, official X accounts, Discord servers, and Telegram groups. Projects announce airdrops through these channels first, often hours or days before crypto news sites pick up the information. Enable notifications for promising projects you’re tracking.

Also, websites like Galxe and Zealy aggregate ongoing campaigns with detailed task breakdowns. These platforms often partner directly with projects to host official airdrop campaigns, providing legitimacy verification and streamlined participation flows.

Don’t forget to follow respected crypto analysts, project founders, and community leaders who share early airdrop opportunities. Accounts like @DefiIgnas, @Coin_Bureau, and project-specific thought leaders often highlight upcoming distributions before mainstream awareness.

Monitor major DeFi platforms like Uniswap, Aave, and Compound for partnership announcements. New protocols often airdrop tokens to users of established platforms, creating opportunities for those already active in DeFi ecosystems.

Track portfolios of top crypto VCs like Paradigm, a16z, and Coinbase Ventures. Their portfolio companies frequently conduct airdrops as user acquisition strategies, and VC backing adds credibility to token distributions.

Join the testnet Discord servers and GitHub repositories for projects in development. Testnet participants often receive the most generous airdrop allocations, as projects value users who help identify bugs and provide feedback during critical development phases.

Monitor new Layer 2 solutions, blockchain bridges, and cross-chain protocols. These infrastructure projects typically conduct airdrops to bootstrap liquidity and encourage early adoption of their networks.

Crypto-focused subreddits like r/CryptoCurrency and r/ethtrader discuss emerging opportunities. Telegram groups dedicated to airdrop hunting share real-time updates, though, verify information through official channels to avoid scams.

Best Crypto Wallets for Claiming Airdrops

Choosing the right wallet setup is crucial for airdrop success, as different campaigns require various blockchain compatibility, security features, and user experience capabilities. Your crypto wallet choice can determine both eligibility for certain airdrops and the safety of your rewards.

  • BestWallet: Emerging as a solution for modern airdrop hunters, Best Wallet combines multi-chain support with unique tokenomics that directly benefit airdrop participants. The wallet’s main feature is the native BEST token, which eliminates gas fees for holders and provides additional airdrop rewards through its own points program. BestWallet’s trading features and access to new token launches make it valuable for users who want to capitalize on airdrop rewards.
  • MetaMask: The gold standard for Ethereum-based airdrops, supporting thousands of ERC-20 tokens and most DeFi protocols. Its browser extension smoothly integrates with the airdrop platforms. MetaMask’s widespread adoption means most projects design their interfaces with MetaMask compatibility in mind.
  • Phantom Wallet: Essential for Solana ecosystem airdrops, which have grown in 2025. Phantom’s sleek interface and mobile app make it perfect for Solana DeFi protocols like Meteora and gaming platforms. It’s built-in swap functionality helps manage received tokens efficiently.
  • Margex Wallet: Integrated directly with the Margex exchange, this wallet is suitable for users who want to combine airdrop participation with active trading. It supports popular blockchains, ensures fast access to funds, and benefits from Margex’s security infrastructure. For traders who frequently move between airdrops and margin trading, Margex Wallet provides a seamless setup.
  • Zengo: A non-custodial wallet with advanced keyless security, Zengo is ideal for airdrop hunters who value both safety and simplicity. With support for multiple blockchains, it allows users to claim airdrops across ecosystems without worrying about seed phrases. Its 24/7 in-app recovery system and Web3 integration make it a reliable option for managing airdrop rewards and long-term holdings.
  • Rainbow Wallet: Currently running its own points program with potential token conversion, making it a dual-purpose choice. Rainbow’s Ethereum focus and beautiful user interface attract projects targeting mainstream adoption. Its NFT gallery features are appealing to projects that combine airdrops with NFT distributions.
  • Trust Wallet: Multi-chain support across 70+ blockchains makes Trust Wallet ideal for cross-chain airdrop strategies. Its mobile-first design and built-in DApp browser enable participation in campaigns across multiple ecosystems without switching between different wallet applications.
  • Rabby Wallet: Advanced users prefer Rabby for its superior transaction simulation and multi-chain management. Its clear transaction previews help avoid malicious contracts, while support for multiple Ethereum-compatible chains captures more airdrop opportunities.
  • Base App: Self-custody option from the major exchange, offering institutional-grade security with a user-friendly design. Projects often trust Base App’s verification systems, and its integration with the Coinbase exchange simplifies token management and selling processes.

For comprehensive wallet comparisons and additional security tips, check our article about the best crypto wallets.

Risks of Claiming New Crypto Airdrops

While airdrops offer exciting earning potential, they come with several risks that can result in financial losses or compromised security. It’s essential that you understand these risks:

Phishing Scams and Fake Websites

Scammers use look-alike domains and pixel-perfect clones of airdrop sites to steal keys or push malicious approvals. In 2024, wallet drainers linked to phishing scams stole approximately $494 million, according to ScamSniffer. In August 2025 alone, victims lost approximately $12 million, including a $1.54 million theft via a batch transaction phishing scam.

How to avoid: Always open links from official channels and bookmark the real URL.

Malicious Smart Contracts

Some airdrops require you to sign approvals that grant unlimited spending to a draining contract. Chainalysis classifies these “drainers” as purpose-built phishing toolkits for Web3; losses from such techniques surged across 2024 and 2025.

How to avoid: Revoke unneeded allowances after any interaction.

Wallet Drainer Attacks

Advanced kits trick users into signing a single “verification” that authorizes asset transfers. A recent wave abused new batch-transaction flows (e.g., EIP-7702) and drained seven-figure sums from a handful of victims in August 2025.

How to avoid: Use transaction simulation and check requested permissions before signing.

Worthless Token Distributions

Fake “airdrop” tokens can be used to funnel users to phishing sites, and many giveaway tokens never list or accrue liquidity. Treat unsolicited airdrops as suspect and verify details on the project’s official channels before interacting.

How to avoid: Ignore random tokens, don’t connect to unknown sites, and check only official channels.

Tax Reporting Complications

In several jurisdictions, airdrops are taxable when received. The IRS states that airdropped crypto can be considered ordinary income at fair market value when you have dominion and control; HMRC similarly treats many airdrops as income, depending on the circumstances. Keep precise records.

How to avoid: Track every airdrop’s date, value, and source using reliable record-keeping tools.

Farming Penalties and Retroactive Disqualifications

Airdrop farming demands significant time and gas with uncertain payoff, especially as sybil filters expand. Linea, for example, excluded ~517k addresses from eligibility; LayerZero’s program reduced allocations for self-reported sybils to 15%.

How to avoid: Prefer published-rule campaigns, one wallet per project, log usage, avoid bots.

Identity and Privacy Exposure

Some campaigns ask for KYC, social links, or emails, which can later be used for phishing. Past breaches such as the Ledger customer data leak and the OpenSea email list exposure led to persistent targeted scams.

How to avoid: Use burner email and dedicated wallets, skip KYC, submit only via verified domains.

Pros and Cons of Crypto Airdrops

Below, we created a comparison table to see the characteristics more clearly:

Pros

  • Zero Financial Risk: Legitimate airdrops require no upfront investment, letting you earn crypto without risking existing capital
  • High Return Potential: Successful airdrops can yield thousands of dollars in rewards, with some participants earning $50,000+ from single campaigns
  • Early Access to Innovation: Airdrops provide firsthand experience with cutting-edge blockchain technology and emerging crypto trends
  • Community Building: Token ownership creates genuine stakes in project success and access to exclusive community features
  • Educational Value: Participating teaches practical crypto skills like wallet management, DeFi interactions, and blockchain navigation
  • Portfolio Diversification: Free tokens add crypto exposure without requiring investment decisions or capital allocation

Cons

  • Significant Time Investment: Meaningful airdrop participation requires consistent engagement over months with uncertain outcomes
  • High Scam Prevalence: An estimated 60% of airdrops are scams designed to steal funds or harvest personal information
  • Unpredictable Value: Most airdropped tokens lose value quickly or never achieve tradeable market prices
  • Tax Complexity: Each token receipt creates taxable events requiring detailed record-keeping and professional tax guidance
  • Security Vulnerabilities: Connecting wallets to unknown projects exposes holdings to smart contract exploits and phishing attacks
  • Opportunity Cost: Time spent airdrop farming could be invested in proven income strategies or skill development

Conclusion – Are Crypto Airdrops Worth It in 2025?

Crypto airdrops in 2025 are a double-edged opportunity that can generate returns for strategic participants while posing some risks for the unprepared. Our analysis suggests they’re absolutely worth pursuing, but only with proper education, security precautions, and realistic expectations.

Consider your opportunity cost carefully. If you’re new to crypto, learning fundamental analysis or DeFi strategies might generate better returns than airdrop farming. However, airdrops provide excellent passive earning opportunities for those already active in crypto ecosystems.

We recommend that you focus on the 10 airdrops highlighted in this guide. These projects combine strong fundamentals with significant reward potential and transparent qualification criteria.

FAQ

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References

Otar Topuria

Otar Topuria

Crypto Editor, 20 posts

I’m a crypto writer and analyst at Coinspeaker with over three years of experience covering fintech and the rapidly evolving cryptocurrency landscape. My work focuses on market movements, investment trends, and the narratives driving them, helping readers what is happening in the markets and why. In addition to Coinspeaker, my insights and analyses have been featured in other leading crypto and fintech publications, where I’ve built a reputation as a thoughtful and reliable voice in the industry.

My mission is to demystify the crypto markets and help readers navigate the noise, highlighting the stories and trends that truly matter. Before specializing in crypto, I worked in the IT sector, writing technical content on software development, digital innovation, and emerging technologies. That made me something of an expert in breaking down complex systems and explaining them in a clear, accessible way, skills I now find very useful when it comes to unpacking the intricate world of blockchain and digital assets.

I hold a Master’s degree in Comparative Literature, which sharpened my ability to analyze patterns, draw connections across disciplines, and communicate nuanced ideas. I’m particularly passionate about early-stage project discovery and crypto trading, areas where innovation meets opportunity. I enjoy exploring how new protocols, tokens, and DeFi projects aim to disrupt traditional systems, while also evaluating their potential risks and rewards. By combining market analysis with forward-looking research, I strive to provide readers with content that is both informative and actionable.

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