Three artificial intelligence chatbots have offered differing outlooks on which AI-related altcoin will perform best in the final quarter of 2026: Bittensor (TAO), Internet Computer (ICP), and NEAR Protocol (NEAR).
The AI-focused cryptocurrency sector has grown to a combined market capitalization of nearly $25 billion in recent years.
The Case for NEAR Protocol
ChatGPT selected NEAR Protocol, citing several potential Q4 catalysts. The chatbot pointed to growing token usage, rising trading volume, and new project collaborations including the integration of Robinhood Chain into near.com and NEAR's Intents cross-chain trading layer. ChatGPT also highlighted the launch of the first US spot NEAR ETF by Bitwise in late September, which generated cumulative net inflows of approximately $80 million following its debut.
Perplexity agreed with ChatGPT's assessment, stating that NEAR has the strongest combination of an AI-agent narrative, concrete Q4 roadmap milestones, greater liquidity, and a less crowded valuation compared to its competitors. However, Perplexity noted that NEAR posted a 110% monthly price increase, raising the risk of a sharp correction. As of the article's writing, NEAR traded around $4.95, with $6 identified as a major technical barrier.
Gemini's Alternative View
Google's Gemini chatbot diverged from the consensus, selecting Bittensor (TAO) instead. Gemini characterized TAO as a high-beta asset likely to deliver sharper percentage gains during bull markets. The chatbot cited TAO's institutional access through vehicles such as Grayscale's Bittensor Trust and certain European ETPs. TAO traded just over $270 at the time of writing, up 16% in the previous month, with Gemini setting a Q4 bullish target of $350 to $450, contingent on Bitcoin's performance.
Internet Computer Viewed as Weakest
Both ChatGPT and Perplexity were less bullish on Internet Computer. Perplexity stated that ICP "looks like the laggard of the three unless its inflation-reduction and enterprise/AI adoption story becomes more tangible."
