Market News

7 Cheap Cryptocurrencies to Buy in Nigeria Under ₦2,000 

Nathaniel Luz
January 13, 2026
0

7 Cheap Cryptocurrencies to Buy in Nigeria Under ₦2,000 

If you’re asking, “What is the best cheap crypto to buy now?” You're part of a growing wave of Nigerian investors looking for accessible ways into crypto.

While large coins like Bitcoin and Ethereum are expensive per unit, many projects trade well under ₦2,000 (≈ $1–$2), making them appealing options for both newcomers and long-term investors aiming for high growth.

This article breaks down 7 cryptocurrencies you can buy cheaply, what they do, their current market prices, and how they fit different investing styles.

Important: Cheap does not mean safe. Many low-priced tokens are higher risk. Always research thoroughly before investing.

What Makes a Cheap Cryptocurrency Valuable?

Many people equate cheap with good value but price alone doesn’t tell the full story. A token priced at ₦0.50 is not necessarily a better deal than one priced at ₦1,500.

Here’s what really matters when evaluating a cheap coin:

Price vs. Market Cap

A coin’s unit price tells you nothing unless you know its market cap (price × circulating supply). A ₦0.04 coin could already have a huge valuation, while a ₦1,500 coin with limited supply might have more real growth room. Always check both. 

Real-World Use Cases and Adoption

Projects that solve real problems like cross-border payments or data indexing are more likely to sustain demand over time. 

Development Team & Technology

Active development, clear workflows, and real code updates are stronger indicators than social media hype.

Trading Volume and Liquidity

A coin with no volume will be hard to buy or sell at any price, even if it looks cheap.

Community Support & Partnerships

A strong community and strategic alliances often provide momentum during market cycles. 

Total vs. Circulating Supply

Huge future token unlocks can dilute price growth quickly, even if the current price is low.

Important: Cheap price does NOT mean cheap investment. Focus on percentage gains potential, not just coin quantity.

Market Snapshot (Approximate Current Prices)

Here are some prices near the time of writing, so you know where these coins stand:

Coin

Price (USD)

Approx NGN

Shiba Inu (SHIB)

$0.000025

₦0.04

Dogecoin (DOGE)

$0.16

₦240

Tron (TRX)

$0.28

₦420

VeChain (VET)

$0.06

₦90

Stellar (XLM)

$0.43

₦640

Cardano (ADA)

$1.09

₦1,630

Polygon (MATIC)

$0.61

₦910

※ 

USD → NGN conversion uses recent data: ~$1 ≈ ₦1,500. Crypto Currency Money Converter
All coins here are currently under ₦2,000 per unit or equivalent.

What Makes the Best Cheap Crypto to Buy?

Before we dive into the coins, a quick primer:

  • Cheap price ≠ low risk. Some tokens are low-priced but also low utility.
  • Utility matters. Coins used in real networks (payments, apps, contracts) tend to be less speculative.
  • Community & adoption fuel growth. A strong user base means more liquidity and interest.

Now let’s break down the coins.

1. Shiba Inu (SHIB) — Meme Power with Ecosystem Ambitions

Shiba Inu is one of the most talked-about inexpensive tokens in crypto.

What it does:
Originally a meme coin inspired by Dogecoin, SHIB has expanded into an ecosystem with:

  • Shibarium Layer-2 network
  • NFT marketplace
  • Burn programs to reduce supply

Why it attracts buyers: Its very low price makes people feel like a small investment could return big gains if adoption grows.

Risks:

  • Still heavily sentiment-driven
  • High total supply means gains are relative

Best for: Community-driven investors with higher risk tolerance.

2. Dogecoin (DOGE) — The Original Meme Coin With Staying Power

Dogecoin pioneered the meme coin category and is still one of the biggest low-priced coins by market cap.

What it does:

  • Decentralized currency
  • Used for tipping and microtransactions
  • Supported by a massive global community

Why some believe it can grow: DOGE has been discussed for integration into social apps and micro-payment systems — and it’s widely held by retail traders.

Risks:

  • Utility remains limited compared to smart contract coins
  • Price often depends on social sentiment

Best for: Speculative investors who enjoy community-led assets.

3. Tron (TRX) — Cheap, Fast Chain for Payments and Stablecoins

Tron is one of the most efficient blockchains for cheap transactions and stablecoin flows.

What it does:

  • Hosts DeFi, NFTs, and stablecoins
  • Very low fees
  • Fast block times

Why it could grow: Tron processes a lot of stablecoin transfer volume and positions itself as a cheap, mass-adoption network.

Risks:

  • Competitive blockchain environment
  • Leadership controversies have affected sentiment

Best for: Users who want practical utility plus low unit cost.

4. VeChain (VET) — Enterprise Use Cases in Supply Chains

VeChain focuses on solving real business problems.

What it does:

  • Tracks products in supply chains
  • Verifies the authenticity of goods
  • Works with enterprise partners

Why price may appreciate: Real-world adoption by brands and logistics companies supports long-term demand.

Risks:

  • Slow growth compared to mainstream tokens
  • Less retail social hype

Best for: Investors focused on real utility and gradual growth.

5. Stellar (XLM) — Cross-Border Payments Built for Speed

Stellar enables cheap international transfers, especially for emerging markets.

What it does:

  • Payment network for fast transfers
  • Partnerships with financial institutions

Why it may grow: As global remittances expand, Stellar’s use case strengthens, especially in Africa.

Risks:

  • Competes with Ripple (XRP) and other payment chains
  • Adoption pace varies by region

Best for: Users seeking real use-case tech under a low price.

6. Cardano (ADA) — Smart Contracts With Research Backing

Cardano combines academic rigor with decentralized app capability.

What it does:

  • Smart contracts
  • Decentralized apps (dApps)
  • Identity and governance solutions

Why it may appreciate: Cardano’s disciplined development approach brings strong institutional partners and African blockchain initiatives.

Risks:

  • Slow development can frustrate traders
  • Not always the fastest innovator

Best for: Long-term holders who prefer fundamentals over hype.

7. Polygon (MATIC) — Ethereum Scaling Built Into One Token

Polygon is a leading Layer-2 scaling solution for Ethereum.

What it does:

  • Reduces fees and congestion for Ethereum apps
  • Hosts many DeFi and game-fi projects

Why it may rise: As Ethereum usage grows, Polygon’s scaling solutions become more necessary.

Risks:

  • Competes with other Layer-2 and scaling solutions

Best for: Investors who want exposure to Ethereum growth without high costs.

Cheapest Cryptocurrency That Will “Explode”

Many beginners chase the idea of the cheapest cryptocurrency that will skyrocket, especially when it reaches certain price thresholds. While tokens like SHIB, VET, and TRX are often discussed as low-entry options, you should treat “explosion” claims as speculative and not guaranteed. No investment comes with assured returns, especially in crypto.

This pattern appears across multiple reputable lists of sub-$1 tokens that could see strong performance due to utility or narrative shifts.

Best Practices on Buying Cheap Crypto Now

If you decide to invest in cheap coins, use the following practical strategies:

  • Buy and hold: Avoid checking prices daily — long-term perspective matters.
  • Secure your private keys: Always hold assets in secure wallets where possible.
  • Dollar-cost average (DCA): Buy small amounts monthly to reduce timing risk.
  • Reinvest small profits: Grow your holdings prudently.
  • Hold through volatility: Crypto swings are normal.
  • Set target exit prices: Have a plan before you buy.

Cheap Crypto vs. Bitcoin Investment (₦10,000 Example)

Bitcoin (BTC)

  • 0.00015 BTC from ₦10,000
  • Lower risk, proven track record
  • Historically 2–3× potential in cycles
  • Easier to hold mentally

Cheap Crypto Portfolio

  • Spreads ₦10,000 across multiple coins
  • Higher risk but potentially 5–20× moves
  • Requires deeper research and risk management

Both approaches can work — your choice depends on your risk tolerance and goals.

Risks of Cheap Cryptocurrency & How to Manage Them

High Volatility

Cheap tokens jump and drop faster than large caps.

Lower Liquidity

Low trading volume can trap funds.

Project Failure Risk

Many cheap coins never deliver real tech.

Market Manipulation

Whales and bots can skew prices.

How to manage:

  • Never invest more than 10% of your net worth
  • Diversify across multiple projects
  • Use stop-loss orders where possible
  • Take profits regularly
  • Do not use personal funds needed for essentials

Red Flags: Cheap Crypto to Avoid

Watch out for:

  • Anonymous teams
  • No working product or roadmap
  • Only available on obscure exchanges
  • Guaranteed return promises
  • Hype-only social campaigns
  • Recent launch with no track record
  • Copycats with no differentiation
  • Poor documentation or no GitHub activity

These signals often precede failure.

When to Sell Your Cheap Crypto

An exit strategy is as important as buying:

  • Take partial profits when price targets hit
  • Use stop-losses to cut risk
  • Hold more if fundamentals improve
  • Don’t panic sell on small dips
  • Stick to disciplined thinking

Where to Buy Cheap Crypto in Nigeria

You can purchase these coins on major crypto exchanges and local platforms that support Naira deposits and withdrawals using bank transfers or card payments. Look for trusted platforms with strong security and local support rather than obscure exchanges.

FAQs 

What is the best cheap crypto to buy now?

There’s no single “best,” but affordable tokens like ADA, MATIC, XLM, and TRX combine real use cases with accessibility.

What cheap crypto will explode in 2025?

No coin can be guaranteed to explode, but tokens with strong ecosystems (MATIC, ADA, TRX) may offer growth potential if adoption increases.

Which crypto will boom?

Projects that solve real problems, not just price arbitrage.

What is the best cheap crypto to buy for the long term?

Ethereum scaling (Polygon), smart contracts (Cardano), and real-world utility (VeChain) are often cited as long-term low-priced candidates.

Is cheap crypto safe?

Cheap coins can be riskier than large-cap projects. Always do your own research (DYOR), study use cases, and consider your risk tolerance.

Should I only buy coins under $1?

Not necessarily. Some coins above $1 (like ADA) have strong fundamentals — price alone doesn’t define value.

Final Thoughts

Looking for the best cheap crypto to buy now means striking a balance between low entry cost and strong fundamentals.

Whether you’re hunting for a potential breakout (“next penny cryptocurrency to boom”) or building a long-term basket of solid tokens, this list gives you a practical starting point.

Store your crypto profits on the YDPay app — a simple, secure way to safeguard gains and manage your holdings as your portfolio grows.

No items found.
Nathaniel Luz
Nathaniel Luz is the Head of Operations at YDPay. He oversees day-to-day operations, focusing on smooth service delivery and regulatory alignment. He is passionate about building efficient processes that strengthen user trust and support YDPay’s mission of making crypto exchanges reliable and accessible.
Based in Lagos
Testimonial People
250+ Reviews
StarStarStarStarStar
Join 2,000+ subscribers

Stay in the loop with market trends.

Great! You have been added to YDPay’s mailing list.
Oops! Something went wrong while submitting the form.