As of 2024, here are five popular cryptocurrencies widely considered strong investment options:

1. Bitcoin (BTC): Bitcoin remains a top choice due to its established status and widespread adoption. With the upcoming 2024 halving event, which typically reduces supply and can drive demand, it’s expected to experience increased interest as a store of value and inflation hedge.

2. Ethereum (ETH): Ethereum continues to lead in decentralized finance (DeFi) and smart contracts, enabling a diverse ecosystem of applications. Its recent move to a proof-of-stake consensus mechanism has enhanced its efficiency and appeal, particularly in sectors like NFTs and DeFi.

3. Binance Coin (BNB): As the native token of Binance, BNB is valuable within the Binance ecosystem, covering trading fees and offering various utilities. BNB has shown resilience and adaptability, though it's worth noting ongoing regulatory scrutiny related to Binance’s operations.

4. Solana (SOL): Known for its high transaction speed and low fees, Solana is a favorite for developers and investors in DeFi and NFT applications. It is often dubbed an "Ethereum killer" due to its rapid growth and unique technology that makes it an efficient platform for high-throughput applications.

5. Cardano (ADA): Cardano is popular for its eco-friendly proof-of-stake model and scientific approach to blockchain development. Its scalability and focus on academic rigor make it a promising platform, especially as it expands its smart contract functionality.

These coins are part of a growing digital asset market, but like all investments, they carry risks and require careful consideration of each project's long-term viability and technological strengths​​​​​​​​.