Best NFT Projects Under $100: The Complete Guide
Comprehensive Guide of Best NFT Projects Under $100
NFTs have emerged as a transformative force in the digital economy, enabling unique ownership of digital assets such as art, music, virtual real estate, and gaming items on blockchain networks. While high-profile collections like Bored Ape Yacht Club often command prices in the thousands or millions, the market also includes numerous projects priced under $100, offering an accessible entry point for collectors, investors, and enthusiasts.
This analysis focuses on identifying and evaluating the best NFT projects under $100, considering factors such as price, utility, community engagement, and potential for growth. The goal is to provide a comprehensive guide for those looking to enter the NFT space without significant financial commitment, while acknowledging the inherent volatility and risks.
NFTs are built on blockchains like Ethereum, Solana, and Polygon, with each token representing a unique asset verified by cryptographic means. The appeal of NFTs under $100 lies in their affordability, allowing individuals to diversify their digital portfolios, participate in emerging communities, or explore utility-driven projects like gaming and domain services. However, the market’s speculative nature means prices can fluctuate, and not all projects succeed, necessitating careful research and risk management.
Methodology and Selection Criteria
Criteria for selection included:
- Price: Floor price under $100, ensuring accessibility.
- Utility: Practical applications (e.g., domain names, gaming) or community perks (e.g., exclusive events, airdrops).
- Liquidity: Indicated by total sales volume, suggesting ease of buying and selling.
- Community and Engagement: Strength of community, as seen in user numbers or social media activity.
- Artistic or Thematic Appeal: For art-based projects, the aesthetic and uniqueness of the NFTs.
Projects were cross-referenced across sources to identify overlaps and ensure relevance, with a focus on those mentioned in the most recent articles to reflect current market conditions.
Detailed Analysis of Selected Projects
The following table summarizes the selected NFT projects under $100, with key details on price, utility, and where to buy. These projects were chosen to represent a mix of utility, gaming, art, and community-driven collections, catering to diverse interests.
| Project Name | Floor Price (USD) | Blockchain | Utility/Description | Total Volume (ETH, where available) | Where to Buy |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| ENS: Ethereum Name Service | $0.24 | Ethereum | Maps human-readable names to Ethereum addresses, practical for crypto transactions | 98,772 | OpenSea, ENS |
| Sorare | $7.50 | Ethereum | Fantasy football game with digital player cards, large community (4.3M users) | Over $4 billion (platform-wide) | Sorare |
| Axie Infinity | $2 | Ethereum | Blockchain game with virtual pets (Axies) for battling and earning, play-to-earn | Not specified | Ronin |
| PixelBeasts | $8.66 | Ethereum | 80s-style pixelated animal art, collectible for aesthetic value | Not specified | OpenSea |
| Secret Society of Whales | $29.91 | Ethereum | PFP project with unique whale NFTs, community perks like events and merchandise | Not specified | OpenSea |
ENS: Ethereum Name Service
ENS, launched in May 2019, is a decentralized naming service on Ethereum that allows users to create human-readable names (e.g., “yourname.eth”) linked to their wallet addresses, simplifying cryptocurrency transactions. Each ENS name is an NFT, making it a practical and collectible asset. With a floor price of $0.24 (0.0001 ETH), it’s one of the most affordable options, and its high total volume (98,772 ETH) indicates strong liquidity. While popular names can be more expensive, there are many options under $100, making it ideal for those seeking utility alongside investment potential. You can buy ENS names on OpenSea or the official ENS website.
Sorare
Sorare, a fantasy football platform, has attracted over 4.3 million users and partnerships with major leagues like La Liga and Serie A. Players collect digital cards of real-world footballers, each an NFT, and compete in leagues. The cheapest cards start at around $7.50 (0.003 ETH), making it accessible for sports enthusiasts. The platform’s large community and high total sales volume (over $4 billion platform-wide) suggest potential for value growth, especially for cards of popular players. Sorare is available for purchase on its official website, Sorare website.
Axie Infinity
Axie Infinity is a blockchain-based game where players collect, breed, and battle virtual creatures called Axies, each an NFT. The game operates on a play-to-earn model, allowing players to earn tokens (AXS, SLP) through gameplay. While some Axies can be expensive, the cheapest are priced around $2, as noted in recent analyses, making it possible to start playing without a large investment. Axie Infinity appeals to gamers interested in NFTs with real utility, and you can buy Axies on the Ronin marketplace or OpenSea. Note that prices can vary, so check current listings for availability under $100.
PixelBeasts
PixelBeasts, created by artist Yohei Nakajima, is a collection of 80s-style pixelated animal NFTs, each unique and suitable for use as profile pictures (PFPs) or art collecting. With a floor price of $8.66 (0.0053 ETH), it’s an affordable entry into digital art, appealing to those who appreciate retro aesthetics and simplicity. The project’s artistic value lies in its nostalgic appeal, making it a great choice for collectors on a budget. PixelBeasts can be purchased on OpenSea.
Secret Society of Whales
Secret Society of Whales is a PFP project featuring 10,000 unique whale NFTs, each with different colors, accessories, and expressions. Holders gain access to a community with perks like exclusive events, merchandise, and potential future airdrops. With a floor price of $29.91 (0.0183 ETH), it’s a budget-friendly option for those interested in community-driven projects. The project’s active social media presence and Discord community suggest potential for value growth, and it’s available on OpenSea.
Additional Considerations and Market Trends
The NFT market in 2025 continues to evolve, with a focus on affordability and utility driving interest in projects under $100. Recent trends show increased adoption of layer-2 solutions like Polygon for lower transaction fees, as seen with projects like Courtyard.io (not included in the final list but noted at $7.71 on Polygon).
However, the market remains volatile, with prices subject to fluctuation based on community sentiment, broader crypto market trends, and project developments. For example, while Axie Infinity has a strong play-to-earn model, its NFT prices can vary widely, and recent analyses suggest the cheapest Axies are around $2, though this should be verified on marketplaces.
Community engagement is a key factor, with projects like Sorare and Secret Society of Whales benefiting from large user bases and active Discord servers. Artistic appeal, as seen in PixelBeasts, also plays a role, catering to collectors who value aesthetics over utility. ENS stands out for its practical application, aligning with the growing need for user-friendly blockchain interactions.
How to Buy NFTs and Associated Risks
To purchase NFTs from these projects, follow these steps:
- Set Up a Wallet: Use a wallet like MetaMask for Ethereum-based NFTs or Phantom for Solana-based ones, ensuring compatibility with the project’s blockchain.
- Buy Cryptocurrency: Purchase ETH or other required tokens on exchanges like Coinbase or Binance, then transfer to your wallet.
- Browse Marketplaces: Visit platforms like OpenSea or project-specific sites (e.g., Sorare) to find NFTs under $100. Filter by price to ensure affordability.
- Make Your Purchase: Connect your wallet, select the NFT, and complete the transaction, noting potential gas fees (especially on Ethereum, which can vary).
Risks include market volatility, where prices can drop suddenly, and lower liquidity for some projects, making it harder to sell. Scams are also a concern, so verify project authenticity by checking official websites, social media, and community engagement. Always invest only what you can afford to lose, treating NFTs as a long-term, speculative investment rather than a guaranteed profit.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can sub-$100 NFTs provide significant returns?
Yes, some affordable NFTs have delivered substantial returns, but this shouldn’t be your primary expectation. Value is more likely to come from utility, community access, and enjoyment. Many successful projects started at low price points before gaining recognition. Focus on projects with strong fundamentals rather than speculating purely on price appreciation.
How do gas fees impact affordable NFT purchases?
Gas fees can significantly impact the true cost of NFTs, especially on Ethereum where fees might exceed the NFT’s price. Consider projects on layer-2 solutions (Polygon, Immutable X) or alternative blockchains (Solana, Tezos) where transaction costs are much lower. Many marketplaces now also offer gas-free minting options or batched transactions to reduce costs.
Are free NFT mints worth pursuing?
Free mints can provide value but require careful research. While they eliminate upfront costs, they often attract “mint and flip” behavior that destabilizes the project. Look for free mints from established teams with clear utility plans rather than anonymous projects. Remember that even free mints require gas fees, and many quality projects charge reasonable minting fees to fund development.
How can I spot potential scams in the low-cost NFT market?
Watch for red flags including anonymous teams without track records, unrealistic promises, copied artwork, excessive hype without substance, and pressure tactics creating false urgency. Legitimate projects maintain transparency about their team, roadmap, and tokenomics. Always conduct your own research and avoid impulsive purchases based solely on social media promotion.
Should I buy multiple lower-priced NFTs or save for one higher-valued piece?
This depends on your goals. Diversifying across several promising projects reduces individual project risk and allows you to experience different communities and utilities. However, single higher-valued NFTs from blue-chip projects often retain value better during market downturns and may offer superior benefits. Consider building a portfolio that includes both approaches as your collection grows.
Conclusion
The NFT market offers a wealth of opportunities for those looking to invest under $100, with projects like ENS, Sorare, Axie Infinity, PixelBeasts, and Secret Society of Whales providing diverse options for utility, gaming, art, and community engagement. These projects cater to a range of interests, from practical applications to collectible art, making them suitable for beginners and seasoned collectors alike.
However, the market’s volatility necessitates caution, with a recommendation to invest only what you can afford to lose and conduct thorough research. By following the outlined steps for purchasing and understanding the risks, you can navigate the NFT space responsibly and potentially reap rewards from this dynamic digital frontier.
