CoinMeta data: According to Cryptorank data, the crypto categories that performed best in 2026 were launchpad, GameFi, and meme coins, with average returns of 1,221%, 1,060%, and 282% respectively. The average returns for liquid, staking, AI, blockchains, currencies, infrastructure, exchanges, and DEFI were 139%, 121%, 91%, 83%, 76%, 74%, and 70% respectively. This statistic only includes projects with a market capitalization of over $100 million. Cryptorank indicates that September became the best month for altcoins so far in 2026, with market breadth reaching a high for the year.