TAO vs. ICP vs. NEAR: Which AI-Related Altcoin Will Perform the Best in Q4? (3 AIs Speculate)

Artificial Intelligence (AI) has emerged as one of the most popular and widely adopted technologies in recent years, and cryptocurrencies in that niche now have a combined market capitalization of nearly $25 billion. Well-known altcoins in that sector include Bittensor (TAO), Internet Computer (ICP), and NEAR Protocol (NEAR). See which of these could post the most substantial price gains in the final quarter of 2026 (according to three AI-powered chatbots). ChatGPT picked NEAR because it has several potential Q4 catalysts aligning together. First, the platform highlighted growing token usage and rising trading volume. Then, it moved to the new collaborations of the project, noting the integration of Robinhood Chain into near.com and its NEAR Intents cross-chain trading layer. The chatbot also outlined that the cryptocurrency combines confidential AI, privacy, and cross-chain finance, positioning it for a strong rally in an eventual bull run and giving it an edge over competitors. Last but not least, it mentioned the launch of the first US spot NEAR ETF. The product saw the light of day toward the end of September and was introduced by Bitwise. The investment vehicle has generated a cumulative net inflow of almost $80 million so far, after a solid debut day and less impressive performance in the following weeks. Perplexity shared ChatGPT’s thesis. It said NEAR has the strongest combination of an AI-agent narrative, concrete Q4 roadmap milestones, greater liquidity, and a less crowded valuation than TAO. “TAO could outperform if its demand-based emission reforms and subnet activity accelerate sharply. ICP looks like the laggard of the three unless its inflation-reduction and enterprise/AI adoption story becomes more tangible,” it added. At the same time, Perplexity reminded that NEAR has posted a 110% monthly price increase, raising the risk of a sharp correction. As of this writing, the asset trades around $4.95 (per CoinGecko), and the chatbot sees $6 as a major psychological and technical barrier. “NEAR got rejected there, and analysts identify a weekly close above roughly $6 as the confirmation needed for a broader continuation; until that happens, the market is in a conservative or consolidation phase rather than a confirmed breakout,” it concluded. Google’s chatbot didn’t align with the predictions above and picked Bittensor (TAO). It argued that it functions as a high-beta asset, which tends to deliver sharper percentage gains during bull markets. According to Gemini, TAO holds a “distinct advantage” in institutional access, with Grayscale’s Bittensor Trust and certain European ETPs giving traditional capital a direct route into the asset’s ecosystem. As of this writing, the token is worth just over $270, up 16% in the last month. Gemini said the most realistic bullish target for TAO