Top 9 memecoins to invest in January 2026

Memecoins tend to sit in an odd place in crypto. They aren’t built around complex technology or long-term roadmaps, yet they continue to draw attention, trading volume, and active communities. Born out of a sensational internet joke or a shared reference often turns into something people rally around, even if only for a short period of time. That collective interest is what gives memecoins their momentum. 

More than anything, memecoins reflect the social side of crypto. They move on sentiment, timing, and community participation rather than utility alone. For some users, they’re a way to engage with the market without taking it too seriously. For others, on the other hand, it’s an entry point into the space itself. While they come with clear risks and volatility, memecoins continue to matter because they show how much of crypto is driven by people, not just protocols. Here are the top 9 memecoins to invest in January 2026. 

1. Useless (USELESS)

USELESS has been one of the more talked-about memecoins to start 2026, following a sharp price move that quickly put the memecoin on traders’ radars. Within the first week of the new year, USELESS climbed an approximate 78%, reaching roughly $0.1118. The move reflects the kind of speculative interest and shifting sentiment that often drives memecoins, especially during periods of increased market activity.

The recent rally has kept USELESS firmly in the spotlight, with many traders keeping a close eye on whether interest can hold after such a fast move. If momentum continues, the token could push toward the $0.13 range, though, like most memecoins, its direction will likely come down to sentiment rather than fundamentals.

2. Cheems (CHEEMS)

Cheems is one of the few memecoins that’s managed to stick around long enough to evolve. Originally launched on Solana back in 2021, the project has since moved chains twice, eventually settling on BNB Chain to tap into deeper liquidity and a wider user base. That shift acted as a reset of sorts, helping the memecoin regain attention while keeping its original meme-driven identity intact. 

The differentiating factor that sets Cheems apart is that it hasn’t relied purely on jokes and hype. Alongside a large holder base, the project has been developing small but tangible community-focused ideas, ranging from NFTs and games to DAO-style participation. It’s still very much a memecoin at heart, but one that has shown an ability to adapt, survive market cycles, and remain relevant when interest in the sector returns.

3. APEMARS (APRZ)

APEMARS is still very much in its early phase, running through a presale rather than trading openly on major markets. That puts it in a different category from most established memecoins, as it’s more about timing and early interest than price history or long-term data. 

Like many presale meme projects, APEMARS is a project that includes phased pricing, a growing holder base, and supply controls designed to manage how many tokens stay in circulation over time. At this stage, it’s more about drawing attention mainly from people who like getting in early, before a project becomes widely visible.

4. Pepe (PEPE)

Pepe launched back in 2023, which already makes it old by memecoin standards. But that’s also part of why it still matters. Rather than flashing into existenceand disappearing just as fast, PEPE has become a reference point people still come back to when meme cycles heat up. 

Part of that comes down to familiarity. The Pepe meme didn’t start in crypto, and that recognition still carries weight. PEPE continues to see steady trading activity, has deep liquidity thanks to major exchange listings, and remains visible across crypto Twitter and online communities. It’s less about utility or long-term vision and more about momentum, visibility, and timing, which is often exactly what keeps a memecoin alive long after its launch year.

5. Simon’s Cat (CAT)

Simon’s Cat is a memecoin that brings a globally recognised brand attached to it, something most meme tokens don’t do. Built on BNB Chain, the token is backed by the official Simon’s Cat IP, a cartoon franchise with over 1.6 billion YouTube views and millions of followers worldwide. That familiarity has translated into traction on-chain too, with more than 277,000 holders since launch.

The project has rolled out simple games, NFTs, and Telegram mini-app features, while also supporting real-world cat rescue initiatives, giving the community a cause to rally around. Partnerships with players like Floki’s TokenFi and DWF Labs have helped CAT continue to be a notable player and visible within the BNB Chain.

6. Cat in a Dog’s World (MEW)

MEW launched on Solana in 2024 to push back against the flood of dog-themed coins and build something around a cat-centric ideology instead. That idea clicked. The token has stayed active on-chain, with a market cap around $92 million and daily trading volume close to $27 million, putting it among the more liquid meme projects on Solana.

What makes MEW interesting is that most of its liquidity is permanently burned, the full supply is already in circulation, and a portion was airdropped directly to the Solana community. It’s also one of the most-swapped meme tokens on Phantom, which says a lot about where the attention actually is. MEW still runs on meme energy, but it’s backed by real usage and visibility rather than just short-term hype. 

7. CZ’s Dog (BROCCOLI)

BROCCOLI showed up in early 2025 after Changpeng Zhao casually dropped the name of his dog. That brief moment on X was enough to spark a wave of memecoins, briefly overwhelming  BNB Chain’s four.meme launch platform. Most of those copies faded quickly, but BROCCOLI remained the token the community stood by, largely because it gained traction first and stayed visible in the market. 

BROCCOLI’s DNA is as memecoin as it gets. There’s no real utility, and its relevance is closely tied to community energy and its association with one of crypto’s most recognisable figures. That link is what keeps the token in conversations, especially on the BNB Chain.

8. Baby Doge (BABYDOGE)

Baby Doge has been around longer than most memecoins still getting attention today. Launched in 2021 on Binance Smart Chain, it arrived during the first big Dogecoin spin-off wave and, unlike many from that era, never fully disappeared.  

A lot of that comes down to how the project positioned itself early on. Baby Doge leaned heavily into community and charity, pairing meme culture with regular donations and automatic token burns built into every transaction. Over time, that created a loyal base that keeps the token active on social platforms, even when the broader meme market cools off. Its low per-token cost also continues to pull in newer users who want exposure to memecoins without committing large amounts of capital.

9. Official Trump (TRUMP)

Official Trump is a much newer entry compared to many long-running memecoins, launching on Solana in 2025. Even so, it has managed to stay relevant into 2026 by tapping into the ongoing real-world political narrative that constantly feeds attention and speculation. 

The token’s momentum is closely tied to Donald Trump’s public visibility. Political headlines, rallies, and election-cycle developments tend to spill straight into trading activity, keeping TRUMP active during moments when news drives market sentiment. That volatility, while risky, is also what keeps traders’ attention, especially those looking to capitalise on short-term moves rather than long-term conviction.

Final thoughts

While memecoins may be fleeting, the overall concept of community-driven, culture-packed tokens has proven to be a lasting part of crypto. Their appeal comes from the stories, hype, and connections they create as much as from potential gains. That said, anyone interested should do their own research. Read up on each coin, stay updated on news and pricing, and understand the risks before putting any money in.

Disclaimer. Readers are encouraged to do their own research. Ambcrypto is not liable for any outcomes related to the use of information, products, or services mentioned. This content may include affiliate or partner links.