Crypto airdrops are token distribution campaigns where blockchain projects reward users with free tokens for engaging early—through actions like testnet participation, social shares, or staking. While some airdrops have turned tiny investments into windfalls (e.g., Uniswap, Arbitrum), more recent drops offer similar opportunities if you're proactive. Below, we detail the best 10 crypto airdrops you can claim this year, highlighting their eligibility criteria and potential value—plus safety tips to avoid scams.

1. Berachain (BERA)

Berachain conducted one of the largest token drops of 2025, distributing roughly $678 million worth of $BERA to early users, community builders, and Bong Bear NFT holders. The snapshot included participants in Simon testnet, NFT minters, Discord contributors, and content creators.

The team purposely structured the airdrop to cover multiple early roles—technical testers, creators, and even Bera-themed NFT collectors—rewarding a broad user base for early ecosystem support, not just capital investment. As a result, it strengthened community-led momentum ahead of mainnet activity.

Eligibility & How to Claim:

• Participate in Simon/Berachain testnet activities
• Hold Bong Bear NFTs at snapshot time
• Engage on Discord or contribute content

2. Kaito AI (KAITO)

Kaito AI, an upcoming AI-powered protocol, has allocated approximately $200 million for its token drop targeting early Genesis NFT holders, social community participants (via Binance Yaps), and content creators. The multi-channel eligibility aim is to reward those who actively shape the ecosystem from inception.

By aligning the airdrop with cross-platform metrics—on-chain interaction, social growth, and engagement—Kaito fosters a strong foundation of committed users. If you hold one of their Genesis NFTs or were active in their early channels, you could be in line for a significant allocation.

Eligibility & How to Claim:

• Hold Kaito Genesis NFT
• Participate in Binance Yaps or designated community programs
• Follow tasks announced by Kaito team

3. Story Protocol (IP)

Story Protocol distributed around $190 million in tokens to those who tested early releases and contributed to its decentralized storytelling platform. As a network focused on content metadata and licensing, Story rewarded early testers, developers, and engaged contributors—encouraging community curation.

Writers, creators, and testers who used the protocol’s alpha builds or contributed to documentation likely qualify. If you participated in trial early access or helped shape its content strategy, you're in a strong position to claim.

Eligibility & How to Claim:

• Join testnet and provide feedback
• Contribute stories/meta-data to their repositories
• Monitor official claim links post-launch

4. Solayer Labs (LAYER)

Solayer Labs offered a approximately $123.6 million airdrop targeting users of its synthetic asset platform. By prioritizing active DeFi participants—traders, liquidity providers, and early testers—the drop was designed to incentivize early liquidity and platform usage.

Since synthetic protocols rely heavily on liquidity and usage, rewarding this contributor base solidifies foundational growth. If you used Solayer's test platform for synths, derivatives or contributed governance feedback, keep an eye out for claim eligibility.

Eligibility & How to Claim:

• Use Solayer’s testnet for synthetic asset activities
• Provide liquidity or trade synthetic tokens
• Stay active in governance/take part in DAO snapshots

5. Plume Network (PLUME)

Plume’s airdrop of about $112 million was structured around a commitment-based design, offering participants the choice between instant micro‑airdrops or upfront commitments in exchange for larger long-term tokens. Participants could qualify via testnet activity, faucet use, or referrals—rewarding various levels of engagement.

This distinct structure encouraged building stakes and commitment, while testnet users or community builders earned eligibility points. By offering instant or deferred allocations, Plume rewarded both casual participants and dedicated early adopters.

Eligibility & How to Claim:

• Testnet usage and faucet interactions
• Refer others through official codes
• Choose early or deferred claim tiers

6. Pudgy Penguins ($PENGU)

Pudgy Penguins conducted the largest Web3 token launch to date when they dropped the $PENGU token, reportedly one of the biggest airdrops ever. With over 88.8 billion tokens, distribution covered NFT holders, non-transferable Soulbound Tokens, and even physical-product buyers—bringing community-first value to the brand.

The launch capitalized on their cross-media presence—plush toys sold in retailers, animated shows, and partnerships like Ledger hardware wallets—giving utility beyond digital collectibles. If you held Pudgy NFTs or engaged in Pudgy-related ecosystem activities pre-snapshot, you're eligible.

Eligibility & How to Claim:

• Hold official Pudgy Penguins NFTs
• Engage with SBTs like truePengu or penguPins
• Use Pudgy toys linked to QR codes in Pudgy World

7. Pump.fun

Pump.fun is a Solana-based memecoin generator earning early airdrop promises. Built on a bonding-curve model, founders hinted at rewarding early interaction before a public token launch during their AMA in January 2025.

Given its community-first approach in building memecoins, early users interacting with the platform—creating tokens, bridging Solana funds—may qualify once project's token goes live.

Eligibility & How to Claim:

• Use Pump.fun to create or swap memecoins on Solana
• Complete bonding-curve interactions
• Bridge and interact with the platform early

8. Phantom Wallet

Phantom, the leading Solana wallet, is expanding to multi-chain and rumored to prepare a native token airdrop. With $118 million in funding, including a16z and Paradigm, they appear to incentivize long-term users across multiple chains.

Solana users who traded NFTs, staked, swapped, bridged assets, or used Phantom’s smart features early are likely to be included in snapshot eligibility.

Eligibility & How to Claim:

• Use Phantom for swaps, stake, and NFT minting
• Interact across Solana and new chains via Phantom
• Hold Phantom-compatible wallets at snapshot

9. Blast (Layer 2)

Blast is a Layer‑2 blockchain offering on‑chain yield; early users are earning points toward an upcoming token drop. By bridging ETH and using dApps built on Blast, users accumulate eligibility through a points‑based system.

This incentive reinforces early adoption and appetite for Blast’s ecosystem before public token launch. If you already bridge or interact with Blast dApps, you should monitor your point balance carefully.

Eligibility & How to Claim:

• Bridge ETH to Blast
• Use any Blast-native dApps
• Accumulate usage points, await token snapshot

10. DeBank & Earnifi Style Drops

Platforms like DeBank and Earnifi operate as airdrop trackers—automatically scanning wallet activity across DeFi, NFTs, L2s—then notifying users with potential rewards. While not issuing tokens themselves, they help users claim from dozens of partner projects.

These tools are invaluable hunting assistants for retroactive airdrops similar to Uniswap or Arbitrum. They ensure you won’t miss a drop if your wallet has eligible activity.

How to Use Them:

• Connect wallets to Earnifi, DeBank, Airdrops.io
• Monitor point scores and eligibility trackers
• Follow claims links for supported projects

Conclusion

Crypto airdrops present a risk-free way to earn tokens—sometimes worth hundreds or thousands of dollars—by engaging early with emerging blockchain platforms. The top 10 airdrops above range from major ecosystem launches (Berachain, Pudgy) to volunteer participation campaigns (Plume, Pump.fun) and multi-chain wallets (Phantom), all sharing a common theme: engagement matters.

Best practices:

• Use a separate wallet for airdrops
• Never share private keys or send funds
• Only interact with verified contracts
• Monitor snapshots and claim deadlines

With the right setup and consistent participation, these airdrops offer one of the most straightforward paths to earning free crypto while shaping the foundations of Web3.