Ever since the crypto markets rose above the bearish influence early this year, the other sectors like DeFi, AI, and a few more have gained momentum. AI, like DeFi, has added nearly $5 billion to the market cap with a significant increase in volume. The AI tokens are once again separating from the broader altcoin market, while many remain within a range-bound consolidation. In the times when the AI tokens are attracting short-term flows, rotation capital, and speculative interest, here are the top 5 cryptos dominating trader attention.
Chainlink (LINK)
LINK remains one of the most actively traded AI-linked assets, consistently drawing high spot and derivatives volume. Price action shows repeated reactions around major resistance zones, suggesting active distribution and accumulation cycles rather than trend exhaustion. Traders continue to monitor the LINK price for range breaks and volatility expansion, especially during broader market moves.
The weekly chart of LINK suggests the price is preparing for a strong bullish move, as the selling pressure seems to have dropped to a large extent. Moreover, the weekly MACD is also heading towards a bullish crossover that may ignite a strong upswing. As the 200-day is offering a strong base since the middle of November 2025, the probability of a deeper correction is lower, and hence a small push could elevate the Chainlink price beyond the first target at $25.
Bittensor (TAO)
TAO price has established itself as a momentum-driven AI leader, often moving ahead of the broader AI basket. Recent price behavior shows sharp directional moves followed by controlled consolidations—a structure favored by swing traders. Any breakout from compression zones tends to trigger aggressive continuation bids.
The TAO price underwent a parabolic recovery and reached the crucial price range, which had been one of the strongest support zones. Although the price is not yet secured in the range, the technicals suggest a breakout is on the horizon. The RSI has dropped, but the CMF surged above 0 and remains sustained above the range. This suggests liquidity remains within the crypto and hence, after some accumulation, the token may revive its upswing to $310 initially and chase higher targets.
Render (RNDR)
RNDR continues to trade with a clean technical structure, respecting key moving averages and prior demand zones. Pullbacks have been met with consistent buying interest, indicating traders are rotating into dips rather than chasing tops. RNDR remains one of the more technically reliable AI names in the current market.
The Render price has been trading under extreme bearish influence since Q4, 2025. The current bullish push seems to have halted the bearish trend, but the reversal is yet to be validated. Besides, the OBV has remained elevated and displayed a notable upswing at frequent intervals. Additionally, the RSI has halted the descending trend and is attempting a bullish reversal. Therefore, the bullish possibility may remain elevated until the token upholds the $0.01 support and reclaims $0.012. This could push the price above $0.015, which may help the token to enter the bullish range.
Virtuals Protocol (VIRTUAL)
VIRTUAL has emerged as a fast-moving AI momentum token, frequently seeing sharp impulsive moves followed by shallow retracements. Volume spikes suggest active short-term participation, making it attractive for momentum and breakout traders, though volatility remains elevated.
The start of 2026 has been extremely bullish for the Virtual Protocol price as the bulls flipped the ongoing bearish trend. However, they failed to rise above the 200-day MA, which is believed to be a strong resistance. The support just below $1 at $0.99 could prevent a deeper pullback, and as the technicals are slowly turning bullish, a notable upswing could be on the horizon. A rise above the 200-day MA at $1.42 may initiate a strong upswing to new highs.
Artificial Superintelligence Alliance (FET)
FET is currently trading in a tight consolidation range, a structure that often precedes expansion. Volume has been compressing, suggesting traders are waiting for a directional cue. A clean break above range highs could invite trend-following entries, while failure may trigger quick downside liquidity grabs.
The FET price has initiated a rebound from the support of the descending parallel channel, but the token continues to remain under bearish influence. The volume has exploded, which may raise the volatility of the token. Interestingly, the DMI is set to undergo a bullish crossover, which suggests the buying pressure is about to overpower the selling pressure, hinting towards the beginning of an uptrend. However, the fear of a pullback may persist until the price secures the average range of the channel at around $0.4.
What This Means for AI Token Traders
AI tokens are no longer moving as a single narrative. Price action shows selective strength, with liquidity flowing only into names holding structure and volume. LINK and TAO continue to act as liquidity anchors, while RNDR and VIRTUAL remain momentum-driven trades.
For traders, the edge lies in timing, not the theme. Compression, breakouts, and failed moves matter more than headlines. As long as these tokens show relative strength against BTC, upside attempts stay valid. A loss of structure, however, would quickly shift the setup from continuation to distribution.
