Top 3 notable DeFi tokens in 2026

After a prolonged decline, DeFi tokens still show few signs of recovery; however, 2026 could open a new chapter for this sector. Current prices remain low, ETF filings are beginning, and some major whales have quietly started buying again. While this is not yet a definitive signal of a strong growth cycle, it indicates that some DeFi tokens may recover faster if capital flows return to the market.

Below are three notable DeFi tokens in 2026, along with key price levels and reasons to watch.

Ethena (ENA): A DeFi token undervalued

Over the past year, ENA’s price has dropped by up to 79%, bringing it into an attractive range for investors if buying interest resumes.

Some positive signals have emerged. Arthur Hayes – a famous trader and also the founder of a trading platform – has started accumulating ENA. Large wallets have also shown slow but steady growth. These are not hype signals but simply evidence that interest in ENA still exists.

On the technical chart, the $0.19 level has repeatedly served as a strong support zone. If ENA can hold this level into early 2026, a move toward $0.27 could open up, representing about a 35% increase and the first resistance zone.

Breaking through this level, the next target would be $0.53 – a mid-term price zone if demand for the token remains strong.

Price movement of ENA | Source: TradingView Conversely, if $0.19 is broken, ENA could fall sharply to $0.13, making the token cheaper but also carrying higher risk. Currently, ENA is one of the DeFi tokens worth watching due to its discounted price, whale interest, and important price levels to confirm the trend.

Aster (ASTER): Is the story of the decentralized exchange still ongoing?

Aster is currently one of the most active perpetual (perpetual futures contracts) trading platforms in the market. The perpetual platform allows users to trade futures contracts without expiration constraints. High trading volume means higher fees, so activity level is very important.

Although ASTER’s price has fallen 28% over the past 30 days, the platform still maintains a top position in trading volume.

The technical chart is forming a falling wedge pattern (falling wedge) – meaning the price is moving within two converging trendlines. If the price closes above the upper resistance line, the pattern will complete, and a strong breakout could occur, with a target near $1.48. Compared to the current price around $0.69, this is an increase of over 114%.

If the price cannot break out and continues moving within the wedge, the downtrend has not truly been broken. Only if the lower support line is breached will the pattern confirm failure.

ASTER price movement | Source: TradingView ASTER is a token to watch because, despite weak price action, its technical structure remains intact. Just one explosive trading session could reverse the trend.

Additionally, the growth story of decentralized exchanges continues into 2026, especially as the number of new users expands. If this trend persists, ASTER could benefit and grow rather than continue declining.

Uniswap (UNI): The most stable veteran DeFi

Of the three tokens mentioned, Uniswap is the most stable.

UNI’s price has been nearly flat over the past 30 days, a remarkable result compared to most other DeFi tokens. Uniswap also has a clear business model: transaction fees are collected from traders, and a portion of these fees is allocated to UNI holders.

Notably, Uniswap has burned 100 million UNI (equivalent to about $596 million), helping to reduce supply and support the long-term value of the token.

Whales have also purchased an additional approximately 4.75 million UNI toward the end of the year, indicating confidence in the current price, although a strong rally is not yet confirmed.

Whale UNI | Source: Santiment On the chart, the $6.13 level is a key zone to watch. UNI has fallen below this threshold, turning it into resistance. If UNI recovers and surpasses $6.13 and maintains that level, the next target will be $8.21, about a 45% increase.

UNI price movement | Source: TradingView Uniswap is also tied to the broader market story. If Ethereum (ETH) experiences strong growth in Q1/2026, DeFi capital will typically follow ETH first, and UNI will be among the leading tokens if the market begins to recover.

In summary, 2026 promises to bring many new opportunities for DeFi tokens, especially those mentioned above with key price zones and clear market drivers. Investors should closely monitor these developments to seize potential investment opportunities.