Introduction
Want to make money while you sleep? DePIN, or Decentralized Physical Infrastructure Networks, might be your answer. In 2026, many cool apps let you earn passive income by sharing your resources like internet, storage, or even driving data. This article will guide you through some of the best DePIN apps to help you earn extra cash effortlessly.
DePIN projects are revolutionizing how we utilize everyday resources. Instead of letting your extra bandwidth or storage sit idle, you can contribute to a network and get rewarded with crypto tokens. It’s like renting out your spare room, but for the digital age. These apps are user friendly, making it easy for anyone to participate and start earning.
Best DePIN Apps for Passive Income in 2026
Here are some top DePIN apps that can help you generate passive income in 2026:
-
Grass: Sharing Your Internet for AI
What it is: Grass lets you earn money by sharing your unused internet bandwidth. It’s a simple way to monetize something you already pay for.
How it works: You install the Grass app, and it runs in the background, using your extra bandwidth. This bandwidth is then used for AI training and other research purposes. In return, you get paid in Grass tokens.
Earning potential: The amount you earn depends on how much bandwidth you share. Users with faster internet connections can potentially earn more. Grass: Harvesting Idle Bandwidth Gold is a good resource to learn more. Consider Grass: Bandwidth Sharing Rewards if you want to learn more about the rewards you can get.
Why it’s great: It’s super easy to set up and requires minimal effort once installed. Plus, you’re contributing to important AI research. Grass: Bandwidth Sharing Revolution is changing the world.
Related Links: Grass: Monetize Bandwidth for AI
-
Filecoin: Renting Out Your Extra Storage
What it is: Filecoin is a decentralized storage network where you can rent out your unused hard drive space.
How it works: You become a storage provider on the Filecoin network. People can then store their files on your hard drive, and you get paid in Filecoin tokens for providing this service. Filecoin: Rent Out Your Extra Storage is a good place to start.
Earning potential: Earnings depend on the amount of storage you provide and the demand for storage on the network. More storage means more potential income.
Why it’s great: It helps utilize your unused storage space and contributes to a more decentralized internet. Filecoin: Decentralized Storage Revolution is here.
Related Links: Filecoin: Decentralized Data Storage
-
Hivemapper: Mapping the World and Getting Paid
What it is: Hivemapper pays you to collect street-level imagery using a dashcam.
How it works: You install a Hivemapper dashcam in your car and drive around. The dashcam automatically captures images of the streets, which are then used to create a decentralized map. You earn HONEY tokens for contributing to the map.
Earning potential: The more you drive and the more unique the areas you map, the more you can earn. Driving in areas with less existing map coverage can be particularly lucrative.
Why it’s great: You get paid to do something you might already be doing driving. Plus, you’re helping to build a valuable resource a decentralized map. Make sure to read a Hivemapper Review 2026: Legit or Scam? before you start
-
DIMO: Sharing Your Car Data
What it is: DIMO allows you to earn by sharing data from your car.
How it works: You connect your car to the DIMO network using a DIMO device or compatible car software. DIMO collects data about your car’s performance, location, and usage. You get paid in DIMO tokens for sharing this data.
Earning potential: The more data you share and the more active you are on the network, the more you can earn.
Why it’s great: It allows you to monetize your car data and contribute to the development of new automotive technologies. Before you start, you should read DIMO Review 2026: Legit or Scam?.
Related Links: DIMO: Data Driven Mobility
-
io.net: Sharing GPU Power
What it is: io.net lets you rent out your GPU power for AI and machine learning tasks.
How it works: You connect your GPUs to the io.net network. Researchers and companies can then use your GPUs for their computational needs, and you get paid in IO tokens.
Earning potential: The more powerful your GPUs and the more available they are, the more you can earn. Demand for GPU computing power is growing rapidly, so there’s significant earning potential.
Why it’s great: It allows you to utilize your GPUs when you’re not using them for gaming or other tasks, turning them into a passive income source. Read io.net Review: The DePIN Giant for AI GPU Compute before getting started.
Related Links: io.net: Decentralized GPU Power, io.net: Decentralized GPU Compute Network
-
Arweave: Decentralized Data Permanence
What it is: Arweave is a decentralized data storage network focused on permanent data storage.
How it works: You can earn by providing storage space on the Arweave network. Users pay to store data permanently, and you receive AR tokens for maintaining the data.
Earning potential: Earnings depend on the amount of storage you provide and the demand for permanent data storage.
Why it’s great: It supports permanent data storage, which is crucial for various applications, and allows you to earn passive income.
Related Links: Arweave: Decentralized Data Storage
-
WiFi Map: Share and Earn
What it is: WiFi Map allows you to share your Wi-Fi network and earn rewards.
How it works: You share your Wi-Fi hotspot with other users through the WiFi Map app. When others use your hotspot, you earn rewards in the form of tokens or other incentives.
Earning potential: The more users connect to your hotspot, the more you can earn.
Why it’s great: It’s a simple way to monetize your existing Wi-Fi connection and help others stay connected.
-
Helium Network: Decentralized Wireless Connectivity
What it is: Helium Network is a decentralized wireless network that allows you to earn by providing network coverage.
How it works: You deploy a Helium hotspot, which provides wireless coverage for IoT devices. You earn HNT tokens for providing this coverage and for transferring data over the network.
Earning potential: Earnings depend on the location of your hotspot and the amount of data transferred over the network. Hotspots in areas with high IoT device density tend to earn more.
Why it’s great: You’re helping to build a decentralized wireless network and earning passive income in the process. Helium Mobile: Connectivity Rewards are significant.
Related Links: Helium Mobile: Decentralized Wireless Network
-
Storj: A Decentralized Cloud Storage Network
What it is: Storj is another decentralized cloud storage network where you can rent out your unused storage space.
How it works: Similar to Filecoin, you become a storage provider on the Storj network. Users can store their files on your hard drive, and you get paid in STORJ tokens for providing this service.
Earning potential: Earnings depend on the amount of storage you provide and the demand for storage on the network.
Why it’s great: It provides a secure and decentralized alternative to traditional cloud storage and allows you to earn passive income.
-
Roam: Earn Crypto Sharing Your Wi-Fi
What it is: Roam allows you to earn cryptocurrency by sharing your Wi-Fi network with others.
How it works: You make your Wi-Fi network available to other Roam users and earn crypto tokens when they connect and use your network.
Earning potential: The more people use your Wi-Fi, the more you can earn.
Why it’s great: It’s an easy way to monetize your existing Wi-Fi connection and help others stay connected while earning crypto.
Earning Proof
While exact earning amounts vary based on individual circumstances and network conditions, many users have reported significant passive income from these DePIN apps. For example, some Hivemapper users have earned hundreds of dollars per month simply by driving their usual routes. Filecoin and Storj storage providers can earn a steady income based on the amount of storage they provide. Grass users are seeing earnings proportional to their bandwidth contribution, and io.net users are capitalizing on the high demand for GPU computing power.
It’s important to remember that earnings can fluctuate, and it’s crucial to research each app thoroughly and understand the potential risks and rewards before participating. Always check DePIN Projects List for more information.
Conclusion
DePIN apps offer exciting opportunities to earn passive income by leveraging your existing resources. Whether it’s sharing your internet bandwidth with Grass, renting out your storage space with Filecoin or Storj, mapping the world with Hivemapper, or sharing your car data with DIMO, there’s a DePIN app for everyone. By participating in these networks, you can not only earn extra income but also contribute to the development of a more decentralized and efficient internet. Explore these options, do your research, and start earning passive income with DePIN apps in 2026. Don’t forget to check Best DePIN Apps for Passive Income in 2026 for more options!