Walrus has recently attracted significant attention, with its core appeal lying in genuine utility and remarkably low costs.

On the technical level, this project employs cutting-edge technology called Red Stuff to handle data replication. Compared to other solutions that require 20x or even 100x replication factors, Walrus only needs 4-5x to ensure data security. In other words, the cost of storing 1TB of data approaches traditional cloud services like Alibaba Cloud or AWS, but with the advantage of complete decentralization. This isn't theoretical—the mainnet has been running for nearly 10 months with over 100 nodes participating and millions of files stored. Real-world applications are already being deployed: AI datasets, gaming assets, and decentralized website construction are all using it.

The monetization model is straightforward. If you just want to store data, the price is cheaper than cloud services and you can enjoy early-stage subsidies (10% token rebates for new users). For passive income, you can stake WAL tokens to nodes and earn through storage fee sharing and network rewards—the larger the network and greater the data demand, the higher your returns. If you have servers, running nodes generates even more, with additional opportunities for governance voting and ecosystem airdrops.

Looking at price and fundamentals: current WAL price is around $0.136-$0.14, with a market cap of approximately $215M-$220M, circulating supply of 158 million, and total supply of 500 million. Daily trading volume reaches tens of millions, ranking in the global top 200. It's down over 80% from all-time highs but has rebounded over 70% from lows, currently at relatively depressed levels.

Why is there future potential? First, the Sui ecosystem is currently thriving with growing TVL, and Walrus serves as this ecosystem's "data brain." In 2026, the project plans to focus on AI data markets, private data storage, and cross-chain integration (including Ethereum, Solana, etc.). Additionally, Grayscale Funds has already launched WAL, which are positive signals. The token itself has deflationary mechanics—when storage demand surges, WAL's scarcity becomes evident. If Sui breaks into the top L1s, Walrus's value as a core infrastructure project will be repriced.

Walrus isn't just hype—the technology is genuinely solid, user adoption is increasing, and the monetization logic is sustainable. It's perfectly positioned at the intersection of AI and Web3, with a low barrier to entry. You could start with small-scale staking or storing files. Of course, volatile crypto markets are the norm, and WAL price will correlate with overall market conditions and Sui's performance. Do your own research and avoid going all-in.