Discussions about crypto are usually centered around token prices and market trends. Let's look at a more practical side of crypto – DePIN.

DePIN – Decentralized Physical Infrastructure Networks

DePIN opens the door for individuals and businesses to contribute resources, such as GPUs or wireless hotspots, to a shared network. In return, they can earn crypto rewards.

1. Render (RENDER)

Gamers, high-performance GPUs aren't just for you. 3D rendering and visual effects require powerful hardware. AI also requires enormous computing power.

And there are two sides:
- Computing power is expensive
- Some GPU owners have unused computing capacity.

Render Network connects both sides.

It was originally focused on rendering for digital artists, and now the network has expanded into AI-related workloads.

Its RENDER token works on a burn-and-mint model: fees paid for completed jobs lead to token burns; node operators receive newly minted rewards.

Why it's interesting: RENDER has fallen around 17% over the past month, as it followed a broader selloff in the AI-related field. The costs of AI infrastructure raise worries, and this cannot but affect Render.

2. Helium (HNT)

Wireless networks are usually controlled by big telecom companies, and not everyone is happy with that. Helium brings decentralization, one of blockchain's main ideas, to wireless networks.

With Helium, people and businesses can set up their own hotspots to provide internet access for mobile users and connected devices, such as smart sensors and GPS trackers. These devices are part of what’s called the Internet of Things (IoT).

In return, hotspot operators can earn crypto rewards based on actual data traffic carried.

Why it's interesting: Helium is a great example of how decentralization works. Blockchain gives simple people a role in running wireless networks, rather than leaving everything to big companies.

3. Grass (GRASS)

Your internet connection can be useful even when you're not using it. That's the idea behind Grass.

Grass lets people share their unused internet connection through an app or browser extension. The network uses it to collect public information from websites that can help train AI models.

In return, users earn points and may receive GRASS tokens as rewards. If Render’s model requires expensive GPUs, Grass is suitable for general devices. All you need is an internet connection and a compatible device.

Why it’s interesting: You can become part of an actively growing AI industry without buying specific devices. Still, privacy & security risks apply.

4. Arweave (AR)

Internet old-timers might remember Megaupload. Back in 2012, the popular file-sharing site was shut down, and millions were left unable to access their files.

Turns out, keeping something online doesn't mean it'll stay there forever. Can decentralization prevent such cases? 

Arweave offers long-term data storage with a one-time payment. Most of this money goes into a special reserve fund, and then used to pay those who store the data over time. The idea is that storage will become cheaper in the future, so the fund should last for many years.

The network is used for applications such as NFT-related media and decentralized web content.

Why it's interesting: Arweave's idea sounds promising, but it relies on a belief that storage becomes cheaper over time. And what we see right now – AI is driving up demand for memory and storage hardware. It'll be interesting to see how this model holds up in the long run.

5. Akash (AKT)

Airbnb, but instead of renting out apartments, people rent out computing power – it’s Akash Network.

Companies and individuals with available computing resources offer them to developers who need servers or GPUs for their projects.

Developers don't need to pay fixed prices to major cloud providers for extra features they might not need. With Akash, they receive offers from different providers and choose the one that best fits their needs and budget.

Why it's interesting: Akash gives smaller providers a chance to compete with giants like Amazon and Google, and developers get more options and potentially lower prices. Keep in mind – cheaper doesn't always mean better, especially when reliability matters.

What These Projects Tell Us About DePIN

DePIN gives people a chance to build and use infrastructure without depending entirely on large players. But decentralization alone doesn't make a service better. If it's more expensive, slower, or less reliable, why would anyone choose it?

That's the real challenge for DePIN projects: proving they can offer something better than traditional services, not just a different way of running them.

For a broader look at the sector, you may see the comparison of 12 DePIN crypto projects in 2026.