Irys (IRYS) is the native token of the Irys network, a programmable datachain designed for permanent data storage and verifiable computation. The project was previously known as Bundlr Network, a Layer 2 built on Arweave that specialized in bundling transactions to make Arweave storage faster and cheaper. In 2024, Bundlr rebranded to Irys and launched as an independent Layer 1 blockchain, moving beyond pure storage to offer a general-purpose programmable data layer where computation can be proven against stored data. The key distinction from other storage networks is that Irys combines storage and execution in a single system, enabling smart contracts to read and write permanent data without relying on external oracles or bridges.
For a longer-horizon price view, see the Irys price forecast. For context on the broader decentralized storage market, see the market overview. For comparison with another storage-adjacent infrastructure token, see Enjin Coin (ENJ).
IRYS price today
IRYS price reflects early-stage price discovery for a token that completed its transition from Bundlr to the independent Irys mainnet in 2024. The main trading pairs are IRYS/USDT and IRYS/ETH. The live data card on this page refreshes every 60 seconds. Price volatility is typical for a recently launched layer-1 token where market structure (liquidity depth, institutional positioning) is still forming.
What tends to move IRYS:
Mainnet adoption metrics. Total data stored, number of active uploaders, and transaction throughput are the key fundamentals. Rising storage activity means rising IRYS fee demand.
Developer integrations. Each new dApp or protocol that integrates Irys for permanent storage is a demand catalyst. Announcements of integrations with AI data pipelines and Web3 gaming studios are particularly watched.
Decentralized storage narrative. Irys emerged from the Arweave ecosystem. When the decentralized storage sector gains attention, IRYS benefits from the association even as an independent chain.
AI and data provenance use cases. Irys has positioned data provenance (verifiable proof of when and by whom data was stored) as a key use case for AI training datasets and content authenticity. AI market sentiment affects this positioning.
BTC and altcoin market conditions. As a small-to-mid-cap layer-1, IRYS amplifies broad market moves.
The figures in the price card are live. Analysis below uses levels at page load.
The Irys datachain differs from pure storage networks (Arweave, Filecoin) and from pure computation chains (Ethereum, Solana) by merging both into a single system. Data stored on Irys is permanent and content-addressed. Smart contracts on Irys can reference that stored data directly, execute computation against it, and produce verifiable proofs — without retrieving the data off-chain and feeding it back in via oracles. This is the core architectural claim that distinguishes Irys from its predecessors.
Permanent storage layer. Data uploaded to Irys is stored with economic guarantees of permanence, using an endowment model where a one-time payment funds storage indefinitely.
GraphQL data querying. Irys provides a GraphQL API for querying stored data by transaction ID, wallet address, tags, and timestamps, making on-chain data accessible to applications without custom indexers.
Programmable execution. Smart contracts on the Irys chain can read stored data as a first-class input. This enables use cases like verifiable AI training pipelines, content authenticity proofs, and decentralized publishing.
IRYS token economics. Uploaders pay for storage in IRYS. The fees are distributed to the network’s node operators who provide storage and validation.
Bundlr legacy. The Bundlr Layer 2 on Arweave provided the initial user base and developer relationships. Many projects that used Bundlr for Arweave uploads have migrated or are migrating to the Irys chain.
From Bundlr to Irys: the rebrand and chain launch
Bundlr launched in 2021 as a Layer 2 on top of Arweave that solved two problems: Arweave’s native upload experience was slow and expensive for high-volume use cases, and it lacked support for paying with non-AR tokens. Bundlr introduced bundles (batching multiple Arweave transactions into one), instant confirmations backed by an economic guarantee, and multi-currency payment support. This made Bundlr the default upload layer for most Arweave ecosystem projects.
The rebrand to Irys in 2024 and the independent layer-1 launch represented a strategic expansion. Rather than remaining a service layer for Arweave, the team chose to build a chain where storage and computation coexist. The Bundlr brand was retired; BUNDLR token holders were migrated to IRYS through a token conversion event. The Arweave community had mixed reactions to the departure from a pure Arweave Layer 2 model, but the Irys chain attracted its own developer ecosystem through 2024.
Use cases: AI data provenance and Web3 applications
Irys has pursued two main application narratives beyond generic storage: AI data provenance and Web3 infrastructure for games and media.
AI training data provenance. Irys allows AI labs and data providers to store datasets with cryptographic proof of origin, timestamp, and chain of custody. As regulatory and liability scrutiny of AI training data grows, provenance infrastructure has real demand.
Content authenticity. Publishers and journalists can store original content on Irys at publication time, creating a verifiable timestamp that proves when content existed and who uploaded it. Useful for combating deepfakes and misinformation.
NFT media permanence. Many NFT projects store metadata and media on IPFS, which is not permanent. Migrating NFT media to Irys creates permanent on-chain storage that survives IPFS node failures.
DePIN data storage. Decentralized physical infrastructure projects need reliable long-term data storage. Irys is targeting DePIN protocols as a storage backend.
Gaming asset storage. Game studios building on-chain asset registries need cheap, permanent storage for item metadata and ownership history. Irys’s cost model is competitive for high-volume gaming applications.
How to buy Irys (IRYS)
IRYS is a relatively new token. Exchange availability has grown since the 2024 mainnet launch but remains more limited than established tokens.
Check current listings. IRYS is listed on exchanges including Gate.io, MEXC, and Bybit as of 2025. Exchange coverage is expanding. Check our exchange ratings for up-to-date listing data.
Complete KYC verification. Standard government ID and liveness check on regulated platforms.
Fund your account. Stablecoin deposits are fastest and cheapest for newly-listed tokens.
Place the order. Use limit orders for small-cap tokens to avoid paying wide spreads.
Self-custody options. IRYS is EVM-compatible; MetaMask and Ledger work for self-custody. The official Irys documentation specifies the chain configuration needed to add the network. Test with a small transfer first.
Risks of holding Irys
IRYS combines early-stage token risks with the competitive dynamics of a storage infrastructure market that has not yet found its dominant design.
Early-stage adoption. The chain is new and storage adoption takes time. If developer adoption does not reach meaningful throughput levels, the IRYS fee economy cannot sustain the network.
Storage market competition. Filecoin, Arweave, Storj, and emerging alternatives all compete for decentralized storage demand. Irys’s differentiation is programmable computation on stored data, but proving the use case at scale takes time.
Token launch volatility. Recently launched layer-1 tokens typically experience high volatility in the first 12–24 months as initial unlock schedules play out.
AI narrative sensitivity. Part of the IRYS price has been driven by AI data provenance narratives. If the AI sector narrative rotates, IRYS loses that tailwind regardless of fundamental adoption.
Arweave ecosystem dependency. Irys operates independently but its initial user base came from the Arweave ecosystem. A bifurcation event or competitive move from Arweave could affect the developer base.
This page provides information only and does not constitute investment advice. Consult a licensed professional before making financial decisions.
Analysis last updated:
Irys price analysis
Irys (IRYS) trades at $0.012581 with a 24-hour volume of $2.77M and a market capitalization of $25.17M. The asset is currently ranked #714 among all tracked cryptocurrencies.
In the last 24 hours, the IRYS price has risen +0.04%. On a seven-day window, Irys has retraced +3.01%, showing mixed signals between the short and medium term. Short-term moves are often amplified by liquidity, news flow, and derivatives positioning, so confirm signals across multiple indicators before acting.
Irys's all-time high of $0.086008 was set on May 15, 2026. The current price sits +85.37% below that peak. Distance from the all-time high is a common reference point when evaluating long recoveries and macro support or resistance.
How to buy Irys
Buying Irys (IRYS) is a five-step routine once you have picked the right venue and pair. The steps below mirror what most investors do today.
Pick a reputable exchange. Choose a platform that lists IRYS with deep liquidity, transparent fees, and a clean security record. Our top-rated exchanges guide compares the leading venues side by side.
Create and verify your account. Complete the exchange's KYC process — most platforms require a government-issued ID and a short identity check. It is a one-off step that usually takes a few minutes.
Fund your account. Deposit fiat via bank transfer or card, or use a stablecoin like USDT or USDC. Stablecoin deposits settle the fastest and cost the least.
Place a buy order. Open the IRYS/USD or IRYS/USDT pair, then execute a market order for instant fills or a limit order at your preferred entry.
Secure your IRYS. For long-term holdings, move tokens to a non-custodial wallet — a hardware device for highest security, or a reputable software wallet for frequent access.
You can also use the Irys converter above to estimate how much IRYS you would get for a given dollar amount before placing the order.
Is Irys a good investment?
Whether Irys is a good investment depends on your goals, time horizon, and tolerance for volatility. Like all cryptocurrencies, IRYS carries real market risk: prices can rise or fall sharply in a day, and past performance is not a reliable indicator of future returns.
Potential strengths
Ranked #714 by market cap with an established trading history and active exchange coverage.
Ongoing ecosystem development and community engagement, reflected in BNB Chain Ecosystem and Layer 1 (L1) activity.
Key risks to consider
Volatility: 5–15% intraday moves are common across crypto markets.
Regulatory uncertainty: policy changes in major jurisdictions can meaningfully affect price and access.
Liquidity and custody risk: not all exchanges are equally safe, and self-custody requires careful key management.
This page provides data and analysis for educational purposes only. It is not financial advice. Always do your own research, diversify, and never invest more than you can afford to lose.
FAQ
Common questions about Irys
What is Irys and what does it do?
Irys is a programmable datachain that combines permanent data storage with on-chain computation. Data stored on Irys is content-addressed and permanent, backed by an endowment model. Smart contracts on Irys can read stored data directly and execute verifiable computation against it. Key use cases include AI data provenance, content authenticity proofs, NFT media permanence, and Web3 application storage.
What was Bundlr and how is it related to Irys?
Bundlr was a Layer 2 network built on top of Arweave that launched in 2021. It solved Arweave's upload speed and cost problems by batching transactions into bundles and supporting multi-currency payments. Bundlr rebranded to Irys in 2024 and launched as an independent layer-1 blockchain, expanding from pure storage to programmable execution. BUNDLR token holders were migrated to IRYS through a conversion event.
How does permanent data storage on Irys work?
Uploaders pay a one-time fee in IRYS tokens. This fee funds an endowment that covers perpetual storage costs over time. Data is content-addressed (identified by a hash of its content), so it cannot be altered after upload. The economic model is similar to Arweave's endowment design, where a single payment is intended to cover storage costs indefinitely as hardware costs decline.
What is the IRYS token used for?
IRYS is the native token of the Irys network. Uploaders pay storage and computation fees in IRYS. Node operators providing storage and validation earn IRYS as network rewards. The token is also used for governance participation in network parameter decisions.
How does Irys differ from Arweave and Filecoin?
Arweave provides permanent storage only, with no native computation layer. Filecoin provides retrievable storage with economic incentives but is not designed for permanent storage or on-chain computation. Irys combines permanent storage with programmable execution in a single system, allowing smart contracts to reference and compute against stored data without external oracles.
What are Irys use cases for AI?
Irys is being positioned as infrastructure for AI data provenance: verifiable cryptographic proof of when training datasets or model weights were stored, by whom, and in what state. As regulatory scrutiny of AI training data increases, provenance infrastructure has real commercial value. Irys also allows AI outputs to be timestamped and authenticated for content authenticity purposes.
Is Irys EVM compatible?
Yes. Irys is EVM-compatible, meaning Solidity contracts can be deployed with familiar tooling. This allows developers already working on Ethereum, Polygon, or similar chains to build on Irys without switching languages or developer tools. EVM compatibility also means standard Ethereum wallets like MetaMask and Ledger can hold IRYS tokens.
Where can I buy IRYS?
IRYS is listed on Gate.io, MEXC, Bybit, and several other exchanges as of 2025. Exchange coverage is expanding as the project matures post-mainnet. For the most current listing status, check the official Irys website or aggregators like CoinGecko.
