Top 10 Best-Performing Cryptocurrencies in April
The list of the top 10 best-performing assets for April does not include Bitcoin, Ethereum, or Solana—two AI and DePIN assets took first and fourth place.
Summary
- AI and DePIN are leading the market rotation.
- Capital is shifting toward applications and infrastructure.
- Layer 1 projects are temporarily lagging behind.
Three rotations in one list
At first glance, the list of the best-performing assets for April looks random.
However, upon closer analysis, three separate rotations toward Layer 2 projects that are driving the ranking become apparent.
The first is driven by narrative. SKY (+549%) and EDGE (+96%) are part of the AI and DePIN segment. Two assets from the same sector in first and fourth place is not a coincidence, but a signal. This shows that the sector is being revalued. The growth in SKY likely has a specific catalyst, but the movement in EDGE suggests that the momentum is not isolated.
AI and DePIN are no longer viewed as separate sectors – they are increasingly overlapping. DePIN (decentralized networks for physical infrastructure) uses crypto incentives to coordinate real-world resources such as GPU power, internet traffic, sensors, and storage. Instead of centralized cloud services, this model offers a distributed alternative that is often more accessible and cheaper.
Demand mainly comes from AI. Projects like Akash and Aethir provide GPU resources at significantly lower prices compared to services like AWS or Google Cloud. In this way, blockchain infrastructure is combined with real AI applications – from model training to data processing and security. The result is a sector that is growing not only because of hype, but because of real usage and demand.
The second rotation is related to ecosystems. JST (+42%) is a leading DeFi token in TRON, and AERO (+39.1%) is a main DEX in Base. Although they do not share a common narrative, both assets follow the growing activity in their respective networks. JST benefits from TRON’s dominance in stablecoins, and AERO from the expansion of Base as a Layer 2 network. Here, capital is not chasing short-term speculation, but real usage.
A third rotation is purely mathematical. LUNC (+104%) and PENGU (+52%) are assets with very low prices, where even smaller capital inflows lead to large percentage movements. These are typical speculative positions that appear in a recovering market, when capital seeks higher returns outside of large assets.
Memecore (+32%) remains at the end of the ranking, which suggests that the market is not yet in a late phase where meme coins dominate. So far, movement remains concentrated in infrastructure and applications.
What the Absence of Layer 1 Projects Means
Bitcoin, Ethereum, Solana, BNB, and Cardano are not present in the top 10. This does not indicate weak performance. Bitcoin rose by 14% in April, while Ethereum recovered by 8%. However, this was not enough to meet the +32% threshold required for the ranking.
Their absence is structural. When Layer 1 projects lag behind the applications and infrastructure built on top of them, it may signal that capital has already flowed through them and is now searching for the next opportunity. The growth in Layer 1 assets occurred in March and early April. In April, the market appears to have moved to the next phase—applications.
May Will Show Whether the Trend Continues
The three rotations give clear indications for May. If the AI/DePIN segment maintains its momentum, assets from this sector will remain among the leaders. Continued ecosystem growth would support JST and AERO or similar projects in удержing their positions. Meanwhile, an increase in speculative activity could bring more low-priced tokens with large percentage movements into focus.
The opposite scenario is a return to Layer 1 projects. This would mean that capital is seeking lower risk. April showed a movement toward applications. May will show whether this is a temporary effect or the beginning of a longer trend.
The information presented in this article is intended for informational purposes only and should not be interpreted as financial, investment, or trading advice. Coinspress.com does not promote or advocate for any particular investment strategy, asset, or cryptocurrency project. Cryptocurrency markets are highly volatile and unpredictable – always perform your own research and seek guidance from a qualified financial professional before making any investment decisions.
Alexander Zdravkov
Reporter at CoinsPress
Alexander Zdravkov is a market analyst and crypto journalist with interests in economics, broader financial markets and digital assets. His journey into crypto began more than four years ago, driven by a fascination with the rapid evolution of blockchain technology and the transformative potential of decentralized finance. He began analyzing market cycles and identifying emerging trends before they reach the mainstream. He holds a degree in International Relations - a background that helped shape his broader perspective on global economics, geopolitics, and the interconnected nature of modern financial markets. Whether covering the latest developments in the crypto sector or exploring broader macroeconomic themes, Alexander focuses on giving readers context rather than simply repeating headlines. During his career, he has authored more than 10,000 articles covering cryptocurrencies, traditional finance, and global market developments. His work spans everything from Bitcoin and altcoins to macroeconomic trends influencing risk assets worldwide.
