Unpacking the Viral X Post on DePIN Passive Income

On March 26, 2025, hitesh.eth shared a compelling post on X that caught the attention of crypto enthusiasts: a breakdown of the top 5 Decentralized Physical Infrastructure Networks (DePIN) projects offering passive income with an impressive potential return on investment (ROI) of up to 450% in a year. The post, which includes a detailed table, highlights projects like Chirp, Xnet, and Hivemapper, sparking conversations about the opportunities and risks of earning through DePIN devices. Let’s dive into the details and explore what this means for anyone looking to dip their toes into this emerging space.

What Are DePIN Projects?

DePIN, or Decentralized Physical Infrastructure Networks, is a blockchain-based concept where individuals contribute physical devices—like dashcams, GPS stations, or computing hardware—to a decentralized network. In return, they earn crypto tokens as rewards. Think of it as a way to monetize everyday devices by helping build infrastructure for mapping, computing, or connectivity, all while supporting a decentralized ecosystem. The appeal? It’s a relatively low-effort way to generate passive income, as highlighted by hitesh.eth’s post.

Breaking Down the Top 5 DePIN Projects

The table shared in the X post lists five DePIN projects, their investment costs, daily estimated income, ROI after a year, and the number of devices in use. Here’s a closer look:

• Chirp: With a $90 investment, you can earn $11 daily, leading to a 4.5x ROI in a year. It has 464 devices in operation.
• Xnet: A $280 investment yields $9.87 daily, with a 4.3x ROI and 1205 devices.
• Hivemapper (Car)​: For $318, you can earn $2.82 daily, offering a 3.2x ROI with 8037 devices.
• GEODNET - Triple: A $964 investment brings in $6.04 daily, with a 2.65x ROI and 14706 devices.
• GEODNET - Double: At $399, you earn $2.57 daily, with a 2.35x ROI and 14706 devices (same network as Triple).

These numbers are eye-catching, but the post includes a disclaimer: “Daily Est. Income and ROI are dynamic and will change based on the token price.” This highlights a key risk—token price volatility—which we’ll explore later.

Why Hivemapper Stands Out

Among the projects listed, Hivemapper generated significant buzz in the thread. Hivemapper allows users to earn HONEY tokens by installing a dashcam in their car to contribute to a decentralized mapping network. According to Hexaspot, a Hivemapper distribution partner, the setup takes just 20 minutes, and the dashcam automatically collects and uploads imagery while you drive. With 8037 devices already in use, it’s one of the more established projects on the list.

A user, @_nonfungible, asked hitesh.eth about his experience with Hivemapper. Hitesh.eth replied that he doesn’t own a car but suggested checking YouTube for real user reviews. Meanwhile, DePIN Scan notes that Hivemapper users can earn around $800 monthly, making it a solid option for those with a vehicle.

The Catch: Token Price Volatility

The thread also reveals a critical consideration for DePIN investments. @tranerx1981 asked about the catch, to which hitesh.eth responded, “The catch is the token prices are dynamic. So the reward might go up or down based on overall PA on token.” This means that while the estimated daily income looks promising, it’s tied to the value of the project’s token, which can fluctuate wildly in the crypto market. For example, if Chirp’s token price drops significantly, that $11 daily income could shrink, impacting the overall ROI.

Another user, @Crypto_Jargon, shared a cautionary tale: “Tried it with Hive back in the day, wouldn’t recommend it unless you are really early.” This suggests that timing matters—joining a DePIN project early, before token prices peak or the network becomes saturated, may yield better returns.

GEODNET: A Deeper Dive

GEODNET, which appears twice in the table (Triple and Double), is another notable project. It’s a blockchain-powered RTK (Real-Time Kinematic) network for GPS, rewarding users for setting up satellite reference stations. According to GEODNET’s official site, participants earn GEOD tokens through mining and staking, with the network boasting 14706 devices. The “Triple” and “Double” likely refer to different device tiers or reward multipliers, as GEODNET offers up to 4x rewards for early adopters in certain regions.

Is DePIN Right for You?

Hitesh.eth’s post paints an enticing picture of passive income through DePIN, but it’s not without risks. Here are a few things to consider:

• Upfront Costs: Investments range from $90 (Chirp) to $964 (GEODNET - Triple). Ensure you’re comfortable with the initial expense.
• Token Volatility: As hitesh.eth noted, rewards depend on token prices, which can be unpredictable.
• Timing: As @Crypto_Jargon pointed out, being an early adopter may yield better results.
• Device Requirements: Some projects, like Hivemapper, require specific hardware (e.g., a car and dashcam), while others, like GEODNET, need more technical setups.

If you’re new to DePIN, start with research. @mikewho_eth asked hitesh.eth if he’s running any devices and recommends them for starters, to which hitesh.eth clarified, “Just sharing data, research.” This underscores the importance of doing your own due diligence before jumping in.

The Bigger Picture: DePIN’s Growing Appeal

DePIN is gaining traction as a way to earn passive income in the blockchain space. A Messari report from January 2025 highlights the sector’s potential, noting its innovative tokenomics and incentive mechanisms. Additionally, DePIN Scan points out that projects like Hivello and Gradient offer earnings of $200 monthly by providing computer resources, showing the diversity of opportunities in this space.

Hitesh.eth’s post taps into a broader trend: the intersection of physical devices and decentralized networks, offering a new way to generate income. While the 450% ROI is an exciting prospect, it’s clear from the thread that success depends on understanding the risks, timing your entry, and choosing the right project for your circumstances.

Join the Conversation

What do you think about DePIN as a passive income opportunity? Have you tried any of these projects, or are you considering jumping in? Share your thoughts in the comments below, and let’s keep the conversation going!