2 small cap ASX shares that analysts rate as buys

Here are two highly rated small cap shares…

Investing in the small side of the share market carries more risk than other areas.

But if your tolerance for risk allows for it, having a bit of exposure to this side of the market could be a boost for a balanced portfolio.

This is due to the potential returns on offer from promising small caps. If you can catch a small cap before it becomes a mid cap or even a large cap, the returns could be sensational.

With that in mind, here are two small cap ASX shares that analysts rate highly:

Airtasker Ltd (ASX: ART)

The first small cap ASX share that has been named as a buy is Airtasker.

It is growing online marketplace for local services with an estimated total addressable market of $600 billion across Australia, the UK, and the US.

Morgans is a big fan of the company. This is due to this significant market opportunity and its attractive business model. The broker also highlights that the company is operating in a market that is in the early stages of ecommerce adoption. It feels this puts Airtasker in a great position to benefit as the shift accelerates.

At the end of July, the broker retained its add rating with a trimmed price target of $1.25. This is more than double the current Airtasker share price.

PlaySide Studios Limited (ASX: PLY)

Another small cap ASX share that has been tipped as a buy is PlaySide Studios.

It is one of the largest video game developers in the ANZ region. Playside has developed a portfolio of games independently and in collaboration with studios such as Disney, Pixar, Warner Bros, and Nickelodeon.

In addition, over the last couple of years, the company has signed a number of work for hire deals with games publishing giants including 2K Games and Activision Blizzard. This could see the company work on some major titles for these gaming giants, which has the potential to give its reputation a huge boost and support further work for hire contract wins.

Last week, analysts at Ord Minnett retained their speculative buy rating and 85 cents price target. Based on the latest Playside share price of 67.5 cents, this implies potential upside of 26% for investors.

Motley Fool contributor James Mickleboro has no position in any of the stocks mentioned. The Motley Fool Australia's parent company Motley Fool Holdings Inc. has recommended Airtasker Limited. The Motley Fool Australia has no position in any of the stocks mentioned. The Motley Fool has a disclosure policy. This article contains general investment advice only (under AFSL 400691). Authorised by Scott Phillips.

More on Small Cap Shares

Male hands holding Australian dollar banknotes, symbolising dividends.
Small Cap Shares

This ASX small-cap share is predicted to deliver market-beating returns

The smallest stocks can deliver big returns.

Read more »

three children wearing superhero costumes, complete with masks, pose with hands on hips wearing capes and sneakers on a running track.
Broker Notes

3 ASX small-cap shares to buy amid sector weakness: experts

The ASX Small Ords Index has tumbled 14% in 2026 vs. a 1% fall for the broader ASX All Ords.

Read more »

Small girl giving a fist bump with a piggy bank in front of her.
Small Cap Shares

An ASX small-cap share to buy for its bright future

Investors can get excited about this stock.

Read more »

Man with a surprised expression on his face as he looks at his computer screen.
Small Cap Shares

Could this exciting growth stock be set to triple? Morgans thinks it can

This stock is a must watch.

Read more »

Hand stacking increasing piles of rocks.
Small Cap Shares

Why investors should be targeting ASX mid-caps and ASX small-caps after earnings season: Expert

A new report suggests there is upside for smaller equities.

Read more »

A police officer points their detector at a speeding car.
Small Cap Shares

Why is this ASX small cap up 160% to get an ASX 'speeding ticket'?

Let's take a look.

Read more »

Five young boys wearing small caps sit on a bench together watching a baseball game.
Small Cap Shares

2 ASX small-cap shares to buy and 1 to sell: Experts

The ASX Small Ords Index is down 9% in 2026 versus a 2% bump for the broader ASX All Ords.

Read more »

$50 Australian dollar note on top of a plant pot.
Small Cap Shares

This profitable ASX small-cap just posted record results

This unglamorous operator is building a surprisingly attractive growth engine.

Read more »