If you’re new in the space and want to snag some free rewards for completing simple tasks, look no further than the top crypto airdrops. There are many different ways for users to obtain cryptocurrency. You can mine coins, buy them for cash, or exchange the coins that you might already have for something else.
Other methods include staking rewards and interest rates you earn from lending crypto. However, one of the most popular, consistent ways to obtain new cryptocurrencies is through airdrops. It’s an easy way to get started in the cryptocurrency industry, as most only require a wallet address, social media information, and simple tasks to complete.
What is an airdrop?
Airdrops are crypto events where issuers of digital currency distribute coins to their users. They are ‘free droppings’ awarded to existing holders of a particular cryptocurrency.
The main reasons for crypto airdrops:
- To generate excitement and create awareness.
- Reward loyal and early supporters in your network.
- As an alternative to Initial Coin Offerings (ICOs) which are banned in certain countries.
- Identify and incentivize users in a fair way.
When does a crypto airdrop occur?
- A company might hold a crypto airdrop if they’re new to space. For example, if there’s a project claiming to improve upon Bitcoin Cash, they might airdrop their token to all Bitcoin Cash holders.
- The other most common example is during a hard fork. Sticking with our Bitcoin Cash example, the network experienced a hard fork in November 2020.
- The two new blockchains became Bitcoin Cash Node and Bitcoin Cash ABC, with the former being considered the traditional asset.
- When this happened, Bitcoin Cash ABC got airdropped into wallets holding Bitcoin Cash Node, ensuring users can utilize the ABC network without issue.
Airdrops are still very much alive and well, and plenty of them take place every month. Here are some of the most notable ones to look out for in 2025.
Our top crypto airdrops in 2025
1. Alt-Layer
Alt-Layer is a protocol capitalizing on the trend of restaking. It offers a rollup as a service (RaaS) platform that allows you to deploy a rollup in minutes, and with just a few clicks. Alt-Layer supports a growing list of rollup SDKs. A few notable names are:
• Optimism
• Arbitrum
• Polygon
• ZK-Sync
Alt-Layer also offers support for shared sequencing services, data availability layers, rand estaking. It has also pioneered the invention of ephemeral rollups, a temporary rollup for applications that experience an increase in demand.
ALT is the native token of Alt-Layer. The airdrop is open to any community member who staked at least 35 TIA natively or through the LST provider MilkyWay prior to the snapshot time (see below).
2. Starknet
Developed by StarkWare, StarkNet introduces is an Ethereum layer-two. It functions as a ZK-rollup. This innovation aims to furnish DApp developers with the ability to scale their applications near infinitely, ensuring that the foundational security and interoperability features of Ethereum remain intact.
At the heart of StarkNet’s operation is the STARK Proof mechanism, which lays the groundwork for a scalable and efficient development space on Ethereum’s mainnet, encouraging the seamless creation and implementation of decentralized applications.
The opportunity to claim the token extends to a wide range of participants within the Ethereum ecosystem. This includes early adopters, contributors such as members of the Protocol Guild, authors of Ethereum Improvement Proposals (EIPs), and individual stakers. It’s not just limited to those within the web3 sphere; developers who contribute to open-source projects outside of web3 are also invited to participate.
Furthermore, StarkNet and StarkEx wallet users are eligible. In addition, the distribution welcomes developers from the broader open-source community and Ethereum stakers, all of whom have a chance to be part of this token distribution initiative.
3. Wormhole
Wormhole is a comprehensive bridge platform that facilitates not just the transfer of assets across different blockchain ecosystems, but also extends its capabilities to messaging and querying services.
This versatility enables developers to integrate Wormhole’s functionalities directly within their applications, including the use of in-app widgets for enhanced user interaction and functionality. Essentially, Wormhole acts as a multifaceted bridge that not only enhances interoperability between distinct blockchain networks but also supports a wide range of services and applications.
The Wormhole bridge has confirmed an upcoming airdrop. According to the token release schedule, 11% will be unlocked during TGE, with the remaining 6% unlocked four months later.
4. LayerZero
LayerZero is an interoperability protocol designed to enable communication and interaction between different blockchain networks. It acts as a cross-chain bridge, allowing for the transfer of assets, data, and smart contract calls between separate blockchains.
This protocol is designed to facilitate seamless user experiences and expand the capabilities of decentralized applications (dApps) by connecting previously isolated blockchain ecosystems.
LayerZero aims to provide a solution to the problem of blockchain silos by enabling true end-to-end decentralization and minimizing trust assumptions. It uses a combination of off-chain and on-chain components to ensure secure and reliable cross-chain transactions.
LayerZero announced in late 2023 that the protocol has always had the ability to support a token. While the details of its issuance have yet to be announced, a statement was released that it was likely to occur in the first half of 2024.
5. Mode
Mode is an Ethereum layer-2 blockchain tailored for rapid growth, leveraging Optimism’s OP Stack for the swift development and deployment of EVM-compatible applications. Its primary aim is to foster a flourishing ecosystem by enabling developers and users to create and use top-tier applications, rewarding them directly for their contributions through referral programs and contract-secured revenue streams.
To qualify for the Mode airdrop, participants need to engage with the network in specific ways. Eligibility is determined based on past on-chain activities spanning 150 different protocols and projects across six major categories:
• Using DeFi apps
• Holding NFTs
• Engaging with Layer2 solutions
• Participating in oprominent DeFi applications like Maker, Curve, and Yearn,
• Utilizing leverage applications
• Interacting with yield-generating platforms
Avoid getting scammed with crypto airdrops
The cryptocurrency space is consistently coming up with new ways to scam you out of your hard-earned cash. We’ve put together a list of things to watch out for.
1.) Protect your private keys
If an airdrop is asking for your private key, it’s safe to assume it’s not legitimate. Private keys are your property. They are to be kept and only to be known by the wallet’s owner. If someone else gains access to your private key, they gain access to your wallet.
2.) Careful with your personal information
Some airdrops ask for your personal information, such as your email. Now, you’ll probably need to enter personal information for legit airdrops, which is where this gets tricky.
Before signing up for an airdrop, conduct background research on the company in question. Read what others say about them on social media, and try to read the whitepaper — if there is one.
Additional tips to avoid getting scammed:
- Never send private keys to anyone.
- Do not send money to any addresses — legitimate airdrops will never ask for this.
- Go the extra mile and check if the sources are official.
Pick your favorite project
We’ve listed some of the best airdrops available now, as well as ones to look forward to in 2025. Simply pick your project of choice and follow the steps to receive some free crypto. While not confirmed, there may even be a MetaMask airdrop in 2025. Keep your eyes on the prize, but ensure to stay vigilant at all times while interacting with decentralized ecosystems and be wary of crypto scams.
Frequently asked questions
In cryptocurrency, an airdrop refers to the distribution of free tokens or coins to a specific group of individuals or the entire user base of a blockchain project. Airdrops are used for multiple reasons. However, they are typically used as a marketing strategy to create awareness, incentivize adoption, and reward community members.
To participate in airdrops, you usually need to meet certain criteria set by the project team, such as holding a specific amount of a particular cryptocurrency, being an active user on their platform, or completing certain tasks on social media channels. Some airdrops require users to sign up on the project’s website or join their community through platforms like Telegram or Discord.
Airdrops can be safe as long as they are conducted by legitimate projects. However, there are also airdrop scams that attempt to deceive users and steal their private information or funds. It’s essential to exercise caution and conduct research before participating in any airdrop. While some airdrops can be rewarding, others may distribute tokens with little to no value, so it’s important to assess the potential benefits and risks before deciding to participate.
In most cases, the result of the early stages of a project, airdrops may boast a supposed value in the thousands of dollars. However, if you can’t trade the airdropped tokens openly, the free distribution to wallet holders might become worthless.
To claim your airdrop tokens, go to your dashboard and find the Claim Airdrop button, then click on it. Once you’ve clicked the button, a message will appear on your screen providing details about your credited free tokens. Congratulations, you’ll have successfully claimed your airdrop tokens!
There are fake airdrops that aim to deceive individuals. Scammers often create fraudulent airdrop campaigns to trick users into providing personal information or sending funds. It’s crucial to verify the legitimacy of an airdrop by checking official project channels, avoiding requests for private keys or payments, and relying on trusted sources for information.
Well, it is necessary since they fall under IRS regulations, are treated as ordinary income and must be reported at their market value upon receipt, regardless of how you acquired the tokens. When it comes to crypto airdrop taxes on capital gains, they are applicable when selling, swapping, or trading the airdropped assets. It’s important to comply with tax obligations associated with crypto airdrops to ensure proper reporting.
