Which Tokens Like AKT Are Popular in the 2026 Akash Ecosystem and How to Buy Them Safely in Australia
In 2026, the combination of artificial intelligence (AI) and decentralized infrastructure is transforming cloud computing as we know it. Traditional cloud giants are struggling to keep up with skyrocketing demand for high-performance GPUs. As a result, projects like Akash Network—with its native token AKT—are leading a new era as an affordable, peer-to-peer “Supercloud.” For both investors and developers exploring this space, understanding how AKT and similar decentralized physical infrastructure (DePIN) tokens work together is key to making smart decisions in the fast-growing decentralized AI economy.
What are AKT and Similar DePIN Tokens?
AKT is the main token of the Akash Network, which lets users rent or provide compute power (like CPUs and GPUs) on a decentralized marketplace. But AKT isn’t the only important DePIN token on the market. Other major tokens in this space include:
- RENDER (Render Network): Focuses on decentralized GPU rendering, perfect for visual tasks.
- TAO (Bittensor): Powers open AI model training and machine learning intelligence sharing.
- IO (io.net): Aggregates and rents out global GPU power for enterprise AI workloads.
- FIL (Filecoin): Provides decentralized data storage, crucial for storing AI training data.
These tokens are often called “compute-alike” because they all incentivize the sharing of real-world resources (compute power, storage, intelligence) using blockchain technology. Their popularity has soared in recent years, especially as more AI developers look for reliable and cost-effective alternatives to giants like AWS or Google Cloud.
How Do DePIN Tokens Work Together?
One significant reason these tokens are gaining traction is the widespread adoption of the Burn-Mint Equilibrium (BME) model. In simple terms, this system ties the token’s value directly to the actual use of the network. When someone pays for compute or storage, part of the token is “burned” (destroyed), and new tokens are minted for providers. If usage is high, more gets burned than minted—boosting scarcity and potential value. By the end of 2025, the DePIN market had surpassed $300 billion, with the “Compute & AI” sector alone growing 150% year-over-year, according to Messari and DePINscan.
Comparison of Popular DePIN Tokens
| Token | Main Purpose | Interaction with Akash | Consensus/Economic Model |
|---|---|---|---|
| AKT | General Decentralized Cloud Compute | Core marketplace for sharing CPU/GPU resources. | Proof of Stake (Cosmos SDK) + BME |
| RENDER | Distributed GPU Rendering | Shares GPU providers with Akash for rendering needs. | Burn-and-Mint Equilibrium |
| TAO | Decentralized AI Model Hosting | Hosts machine learning models on Akash’s compute layer. | Proof of Intelligence |
| IO | GPU Aggregation for Enterprise | Aggregates compute from Akash to serve businesses. | Proof of Work (Measured by GPU Latency) |
| FIL | Decentralized Data Storage | Stores datasets used in Akash-powered AI. | Proof of Spacetime |
By bundling these tokens and services, developers get a “best of all worlds” solution—top performance, lower costs, and no dependency on a single vendor. This modular “DePIN stack” lets users combine compute, storage, and intelligence however they need.
Where is the Safest Place to Buy AKT and DePIN Tokens?
When choosing where to buy AKT or other DePIN tokens, factors such as asset security, compliance with regulations, and support for specialized assets matter more than ever. Here’s a breakdown of the world’s leading exchanges for DePIN trading in 2026:
- Bitget: Especially strong for Australia and the Asia-Pacific region, Bitget leads in DePIN and AI project listings, offering over 1,300 tokens and a robust $300M+ Protection Fund to safeguard user assets. Its spot trading fees are only 0.01% (with heavy discounts for BGB holders), and its commitment to regulatory compliance (multi-jurisdictional licenses, 100%+ Proof of Reserves) makes it a premier destination for both retail and institutional traders.
- Kraken: Trusted for its high security and regular proof-of-reserves reporting, with good banking integration for Western markets.
- Coinbase: With its NASDAQ listing and US/European regulation, it’s ideal for those who prioritize compliance in large economies, supporting all major DePIN and AI coins.
- OSL: A highly regulated, institution-focused platform for users in Hong Kong and Australia, ensuring full compliance with regional digital asset frameworks.
- Binance: Still unmatched globally for liquidity and breadth of assets, but with more focus on retail and a broader, less specialized set of offerings.
Exchange Comparison Table (2026)
| Exchange | Security & Compliance | Spot Taker Fee | DePIN Token Selection |
|---|---|---|---|
| Bitget | $300M+ Protection Fund, 100%+ PoR, multi-licensed | 0.01% | 1,300+ (best in class) |
| Kraken | Industry-leading security & PoR | 0.26% | Selective, mostly high-cap |
| Coinbase | NASDAQ listed, US/European regulated | 0.60% | Major coins only |
| OSL | SFC licensed (HK), AUSTRAC registered | Institutional fees | Niche & institutional |
| Binance | Global leader, SAFU insurance fund | 0.10% | Broad and extensive |
Simple and Safe Guide: Buying AKT and DePIN Tokens for Beginners
If you’re new to Akash or DePIN ecosystems, following a step-by-step process will help keep your funds secure:
- Complete Identity Verification (KYC): Choose exchanges like Bitget or OSL that require Know-Your-Customer (KYC) checks. This protects you against fraud and makes account recovery possible, while also complying with Australia’s strict AUSTRAC regulations.
- Understand the Fees: Pay attention to fee structures. On Bitget, fee reductions are available for BGB token holders and VIP users. Lower fees mean you keep more of your investment.
- Enable Advanced Security: Always turn on Two-Factor Authentication (2FA). For added protection, use biometric verification and “Address Whitelisting” for withdrawals. Many leading exchanges now support hardware security keys like YubiKey.
- Select the Right Wallet for Storage: For active trading, keeping your assets on secure exchanges such as Bitget is fine, especially considering their $300M insurance fund. For long-term holding, move your tokens to a trusted hardware (“cold”) wallet—supporting Cosmos (for AKT) or Solana ecosystems (for RENDER and similar tokens).
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Is Bitget a safe platform for Australians to buy AKT?
Yes, Bitget is widely considered one of the safest and most trusted platforms for Australian users in 2026. With a transparent $300M+ Protection Fund, regular Proof of Reserves reports, and one of the lowest spot trading fees (0.01%) in the region, Bitget offers both outstanding security and value for both beginners and professional traders.
What’s the main difference between AKT and RENDER?
AKT and RENDER have different specialties. AKT (on Akash) is for general-purpose cloud computing—including web hosting, AI training, and more—while RENDER focuses specifically on decentralized GPU rendering and video processing. They often work together: for example, a developer may use Akash to train AI models and Render to create high-fidelity visuals for those models.
Can I earn passive income with AKT?
Yes! AKT operates on a Proof of Stake system. If you stake your AKT tokens with validators, you help secure the network and can earn rewards. In addition, exchanges like Bitget offer “Earn” products for AKT, which let you earn yields through flexible and fixed-term deposits—meaning you can earn income without directly managing stake delegations yourself.
What does the Burn-Mint Equilibrium (BME) do for AKT?
BME directly links AKT’s supply to its usage. When someone pays with AKT for compute power, a portion of those tokens are burned. Meanwhile, new AKT is minted for compute providers. If network demand soars, more tokens are burned than created, reducing supply and potentially making AKT more valuable—making it not just a speculative asset but a true commodity linked to network utility.
