By Key Points
- Near Protocol surpasses Solana with 3M daily active users
- Ranked #2 among Layer-1 blockchains by user activity
- Analysts eye $10.82 target, a 315% upside from current price
- Upgrades, adoption, and AI integration fuel bullish outlook
The Near Protocol has just shaken up the Layer-1 blockchain rankings.
With 3 million daily active users, it has overtaken Solana in user engagement, a milestone that has caught the attention of traders, analysts, and institutional players alike.
Even as the NEAR token trades lower in the short term, several market watchers believe it is significantly undervalued. And if projections prove accurate, NEAR could deliver one of the strongest rallies in the coming years, potentially rivaling the momentum seen during the last crypto bull run of 2025.
Near Protocol vs. Solana. Source: Token Terminal – Techtoken
Why Near Protocol’s Surge Is Turning Heads
Near Protocol’s climb to the number-two spot among all Layer-1 blockchains is more than just a vanity metric. Daily active users (DAUs) are often seen as one of the most reliable measures of blockchain adoption, and NEAR’s 3 million DAUs reflect a network with growing real-world utility.
Market analyst Lennaert Snyder emphasized that this milestone represents a notable acceleration in adoption:
“NEAR just flipped Solana in daily active users… By hitting 3,000,000 DAUs, NEAR Protocol is now ranked 2nd among all L1s.”
$NEAR just flipped Solana in daily active users. 🔥
By hitting 3,000,000 daily active users, @NEARProtocol is now ranked 2nd among all L1s. pic.twitter.com/4D4l8equln
— Lennaert Snyder (@LennaertSnyder) August 11, 2025
That’s not the only bullish signal. Technical analysts have spotted a double bottom pattern forming on the NEAR price chart. This setup, often linked to accumulation by institutional or “smart” money, could pave the way for a breakout move if the pattern plays out.
Looks like @NEARProtocol $NEAR might be setting the stage for a big move.
We’ve got a clean double bottom forming right above major support, often a sign that smart money is quietly accumulating.
If it follows the playbook on the right (The Wyckoff Strategy), the next phase… https://t.co/Xpj0vtPldc pic.twitter.com/yGnyphB35B
— CryptoBusy (@CryptoBusy) August 11, 2025
Some traders are even applying the Wyckoff accumulation model to NEAR’s chart.
This classic strategy suggests that after a period of accumulation, strong upward moves often follow, especially if combined with fundamental catalysts, much like when MetaPlanet’s massive Bitcoin purchase fueled hype in the market earlier this year (read full report).
The Case for NEAR Being Undervalued
Crypto analyst Santolita calls NEAR “one of the best asymmetric bets” in the market right now. His reasoning? A combination of innovation, adoption, and a packed upgrade roadmap.
From now until 2026, NEAR is expected to roll out:
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AI integrations to enhance network capabilities
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Institutional adoption through partnerships and enterprise tools
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Bridge expansions to connect with other blockchains
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Protocol upgrades for better speed, scalability, and developer support
With NEAR trading around $2.61, Santolita’s target of $10.82 represents a potential 315% upside.
$NEAR might be one of the best asymmetric bets right now
From here to 2026, the chart is loaded with growth catalysts, AI integration, institutional adoption, bridge expansions, and a protocol upgrade
The projection? $10.82
The question? Will you be in before the crowd? pic.twitter.com/f1g4tW39mG
— Santolita (@SantoXBT) August 11, 2025
While ambitious, this projection is based on the belief that NEAR’s current valuation does not yet reflect its actual growth potential, a sentiment similar to when Vitalik Buterin’s Ethereum holdings made headlines for signaling confidence in ETH’s long-term future (full details).
Near Protocol (NEAR) Price Performance. Source: Techtoken
Adding fuel to the optimism, NEAR is gaining traction in retail investor interest. Google Trends data shows a noticeable surge in search activity for “Near Protocol,” a signal that often precedes increased market participation.
Google Trends on $NEAR 🤯
I sense the next leg up is NEAR upon us pic.twitter.com/BPqSvkNZLo
— Kyren (@noBScrypto) August 7, 2025
DeFi researcher and podcaster Kyren sees this as a sign of a coming breakout:
“Google Trends on NEAR is soaring. I sense the next leg up is NEAR upon us.”
The combination of network growth, technical setups, and investor buzz suggests NEAR’s recent move up the L1 ranks could be more than a short-lived spike, especially if sentiment mirrors the type of retail enthusiasm that caused the Beeple NFT stunt to spark a 25% surge in Nakamigos prices.
Near Protocol Searches on Google Trends. Source: Kyren on X – Techtoken
Can NEAR Maintain Its Momentum?
While the setup looks promising, the crypto market is anything but predictable. Global macroeconomic conditions, including interest rates, liquidity availability, and regulation, still play a major role in shaping price action.
The Wyckoff model, while respected in trading circles, isn’t a magic formula. Price surges often require a supportive market backdrop.
Solana, TON, SUI, Aptos, Stellar…
You have been selected to be ABSTRACTED.
The latest upgrade to NEAR’s Chain Signatures tech adds support for EdDSA signing enabling any chain that leverages that standard to be controlled directly from your NEAR Account. pic.twitter.com/m7MGlWwEuB
— NEAR Protocol (@NEARProtocol) April 30, 2025
Just as Ethereum faced challenges when one of its core developers was detained in Turkey (story here), NEAR must also navigate potential headwinds that could disrupt its trajectory.
Still, NEAR’s fundamentals are strong. Its rising transaction count, expanding developer ecosystem, and active user base give it a competitive edge over many L1 rivals.
JUST INCASE YOU MISSED IT @NEARProtocol announces a significant collaboration with @CoinList for the PublicAI token sale, highlighting NEAR’s strategic involvement in the AI sector by leveraging its blockchain infrastructure to support decentralized AI data annotation and… pic.twitter.com/lZfALKtJqi
— PRECYPHER 👽 (@precypher_defi) August 9, 2025
If upcoming protocol upgrades deliver as promised and institutional adoption accelerates, NEAR could evolve from a Solana challenger into a dominant force in blockchain infrastructure.
For now, traders are watching closely. If NEAR’s 3M DAU milestone marks the beginning of a larger adoption wave, its current price levels could be seen in hindsight as one of the most attractive entry points of the cycle.
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