The meme coin market has soared over 5% to reclaim $83 billion valuation for the first time since July. Top candidates like Shiba Inu (SHIB) and Dogecoin (DOGE) are in the limelight, with both giants breaking out of multi-month trading ranges and set to rally. However, a new wave of meme tokens is gaining traction beyond these giants, boasting strong communities, exchange listings, and even institutional attention. For investors scanning the horizon, here are the top 5 meme coins to watch right now. Little Pepe (LILPEPE) Little Pepe is quickly emerging as a top contender in the meme coin sector. Unlike Dogecoin and Shiba Inu, which rely solely on hype, LILPEPE blends meme culture with real utility. Its presale has already raised over $25.5 million, with 15.7 billion tokens sold, putting it far ahead of most early-stage meme projects. The project is building a meme-only launchpad, creating a sustainable ecosystem that ties growth back to the LILPEPE token. Additionally, it’s designed with sniper-bot resistance, zero buy/sell taxes, and near-zero fees, all of which make it a trader-friendly asset. Here’s why Little Pepe is a must-watch: Massive presale success: With Stage 13 now live, LILPEPE is closing on the final stages of its presale. Strong fundamentals: unique utilities, a Certik-audited smart contract, and tier-1 CEX listings in view. Community incentives: Stage 12-17 presale investors can tap into its newly introduced Mega Giveaway , which promises over 15 ETH in rewards. With a launch price of $0.003, early buyers at $0.0022 have clear upside before trading even begins. Should the dots connect, analysts believe Little Pepe is a meme coin with 100x potential this cycle. Pump.fun (PUMP) Pump.fun (PUMP) is a meme coin that has doubled as a launchpad for Solana-based tokens. Its recent surge in popularity comes after Binance listed PUMP with a seed tag , instantly spiking the price by nearly 10%. Its market cap now hovers around $2 billion, with daily trading volumes above $500 million. PUMP Price Chart | Source: CoinGecko The seed tag signals risk but also reflects the potential of early-stage meme rallies. PUMP benefits from Binance exposure and Solana’s strong meme coin ecosystem, giving it a runway for future growth. PUMP is a top meme coin to watch for investors seeking massive gains this cycle. Bonk (BONK) Bonk has carved out its place as Solana’s flagship meme coin. It recently cleared a key milestone when its ETF application, filed through Rex-Osprey, survived the SEC’s 75-day review window . That brings BONK closer to becoming one of the first meme coins with an ETF in the U.S., a huge credibility boost. BONK’s price surged 23% this week, outpacing other Solana meme tokens despite a broader monthly decline. Its community remains highly active, and ETF speculation draws fresh interest from retail investors. BONK Price Chart | Source: CoinGecko The coin has faced corrections in recent years, but its strong community base and expanding market presence keep it firmly in the conversation as one of the top meme coins to watch. Pudgy Penguin (PENGU) Pudgy Penguin (PENGU) is riding high on momentum after a 20% weekly price surge and a 359% spike in trading volume. Built on Solana, it has captured attention thanks to its unique branding and strong narrative. Traders are eyeing a potential breakout if it can sustain above $0.045. PENGU Price Chart | Source: CoinGecko One key driver is speculation around a spot PENGU ETF , with analysts suggesting approval odds are high. It could unleash a new wave of mainstream demand for PENGU if approved. With Solana meme tokens attracting liquidity again, PENGU is positioning itself as a community favorite and an ETF-driven play this cycle. Rekt (REKT) Rekt (REKT) is one of September’s most surprising meme coin performers, delivering a 20% rally in the past day. Trading at just $0.0000009494 appeals to speculative buyers hunting for micro-cap gems with outsized upside. REKT Price Chart | Source: CoinGecko Technical indicators suggest strong momentum. The Parabolic SAR sits below the candlesticks, pointing to an active uptrend. Analysts say REKT could push toward $0.0000053 if conditions hold, representing a huge percentage gain. Though still risky, REKT is proving that fresh meme tokens can capture investor attention and ride strong market sentiment better than established projects like Dogecoin and Shiba Inu. Beyond Shiba Inu and Dogecoin: September Top Meme Coin Watchlist The meme coin market has moved far beyond just Shiba Inu and Dogecoin. Tokens like Little Pepe, Pump.fun, Bonk, Pudgy Penguin, and Rekt are reshaping the space by combining culture, infrastructure, and exchange momentum. Among these, Little Pepe stands out for its mix of meme power, presale success, and ecosystem vision. With its Mega Giveaway fueling community hype and a launch price already set above its presale, it offers one of the clearest paths to substantial early gains. Join the Little Pepe presale today and be part of the next meme coin wave. For more information about Little Pepe (LILPEPE) visit the links below: Website: https://littlepepe.com Whitepaper: https://littlepepe.com/whitepaper.pdf Telegram: https://t.me/littlepepetoken Twitter/X: https://x.com/littlepepetoken
