One Of The Biggest Problems With DePIN Right Now
DePIN is an amazing crypto niche, especially for passive income. However, there is one real issue holding it back. Many DePIN projects will make you wait months for payment, sometimes even years. Airdrops are often ongoing in the DePIN sector. However, they are usually issued seasonally, which is why I have often spoken so highly of Silencio. This particular DePIN, built on Peaq, issues rewards monthly to users.
I am sure most DePIN enthusiasts wish this were the case for all DePIN projects. What’s worse is that not all projects survive, never mind succeed. Early users can wait months for a payment that never arrives. The good news is that there are other Web2 alternatives to DePIN applications, especially in the bandwidth-sharing niche. Many of these services have been around for years and have a good track record regarding payment and customer support.
These applications can become much more viable for users with access to multiple Wi-Fi connections. The same is true of DePIN projects like Grass. Connecting multiple Wi-Fi networks will significantly boost earnings. And yes, you can connect multiple services to a single Wi-Fi network. For example, I have multiple DePIN projects running on the same Wi-Fi network. The platforms I will address have all paid me in the past.
These Apps Pay You Just For Sharing Your Internet
Do bandwidth sharing applications still pay in 2026? The short answer is yes, they do. How much? It depends a lot on your uptime and the size of your network. What still makes this an attractive idea in 2026 is that it is entirely passive. For example, you are not spending time on surveys or utilizing platforms like Fiverr or survey sites to generate income; once installed, it’s entirely passive.
Any idea that is passive and requires only a few minutes to set up will eventually prove viable, even if the earnings are low to moderate. Earnings compound over time, especially if you have a large network. This can be achieved by using multiple Wi-Fi networks and building a strong referral base. You can do this across multiple services, ultimately multiplying your income. Many of these platforms pay in crypto, which is great.
How To Earn With Honeygain (Passive Income Guide)
Honeygain is the leading bandwidth sharing application and has been operational for several years. It has a strong user base and is considered a safe, trusted service for users who wish to share their unused bandwidth. It’s quick and easy to install and runs in the background as long as your PC is on. Use my link and get $3 credited to your account. I would not suggest replacing DePIN applications with services such as Honeygain. However, I would suggest complementing them with Web2 alternatives.
In this way, you can secure both revenue streams with one offering immediate payment once the threshold has been reached. Honeygain also offers a daily bonus in the form of a honey pot, unlocked once you have shared 1MB, which is easily attained. Honeygain also offers crypto payments, making it an effortless way to stack more sats.
What Are The Best Alternatives To Honeygain?
Pawns.app is another solid earner that has paid me several times. It runs and operates the same as Honeygain, and is equally easy to install. Pawns.app also offers payment in crypto. New users also receive $1 upon registration when using this link. It’s another great passive earner, which, once installed, will keep earning in the background. In certain instances, DePIN can pay more than traditional platforms.
This is, however, not always the case. For example, Grass was an incredibly viable airdrop. However, Nodepay was a bit of a disappointment, and users would have made more running these applications. As I say, creating a synergetic effect by using both Web2 and Web3 is a good idea. Using old devices as dedicated “miners” is another good idea. This way, earnings are maximized by running 24/7.
Peer2Profit is another option and also offers payment in crypto. At one stage, it was paying significantly higher than all the others. Withdrawal thresholds are not that high, depending on the cryptocurrency you select for payment. Last time I checked, POL was the lowest. Another option worth exploring is PacketStream. It has also been around for several years and offers payment via PayPal.
Bandwidth sharing and DePIN applications are among the easiest and lowest-barrier-to-entry opportunities to get involved in. Compared to other passive income opportunities, they are accessible to anyone with an internet connection. They are a good way to start your journey, and even expand over time. For example, staking or lending requires capital. The same is true of DeFi.
Final Thoughts
This particular earning opportunity is an easy and accessible option that anyone can use, and even maximize. It all depends on your willingness to share your unused bandwidth. Many DePIN projects, such as Grass, operate on the same principle. If you are interested in DePIN alternatives, check out my recent article addressing DePIN in 2026. Passive income in crypto is still possible in 2026. You have to set it up and get started.
At this point, I am not really relying on DePIN for a consistent income, but am focusing on alternative avenues, and this is one of them. I view DePIN as an annual income source, with ultimately higher payouts. I suggest forming a hybrid system of both DePIN and Web2 alternatives. In this way, you secure both forms of income over the longer and shorter term. All the best! See you next time!