Bitcoin, Ethereum or Ripple: Which cryptocurrency is likely to impress in 2026?
The crypto market remains in flux. Investors are faced with the question of which of the three largest cryptocurrencies could be the most convincing in 2026.
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• Franklin Templeton launches XRP ETF, calls XRP “fundamental building block” for global payments infrastructure
• Ethereum Fusaka upgrade aims to improve scalability through PeerDAS and higher gas limit
• Analyst Van Code: Bitcoin, Ethereum XRP solve different problems and do not compete directly
XRP: ETF wave provides institutional tailwind
In November 2025, Ripple became the focus of investors. Franklin Templeton launched its XRP ETF (XRPZ) on NYSE Arca on November 24, according to a CoinDesk note. The asset manager described XRP as a “fundamental building block” for the global payment infrastructure. Roger Bayston, head of digital assets at Franklin Templeton, said XRP serves as a powerful incentive mechanism for decentralized networks. The ETF gives investors regulated access without the operational complexity of direct token custody.
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Franklin Templeton joins a growing group of providers. Bitwise, Grayscale and Canary Capital have also launched XRP ETFs. Most notably, in the first few weeks of launch, XRP ETFs saw inflows of over $422 million, according to DL News, while Bitcoin ETFs experienced outflows of $2.5 billion over the same period. The ETF launches were made possible by the settlement of the legal dispute between Ripple and the SEC in August 2025, in which Ripple accepted a penalty of $125 million. CoinDCX sees XRP in a price range between $3.50 and $4.50 in 2026, while CoinCentral sees even $6 to $10 as realistic if institutional adoption continues.
Ethereum: Fusaka upgrade aims to improve scalability
Ethereum is working on an important technical milestone. With the so-called Fusaka upgrade, the Ethereum Foundation plans to significantly improve network scalability. As per the official blog, the block gas limit is set to increase from 45 to over 60 million units, which would allow more transactions per block. The core is PeerDAS (Peer Data Availability Sampling), a new network protocol that is intended to reduce bandwidth requirements for nodes and reduce costs for Layer 2 networks.
As part of the Fusaka roadmap, so-called “Blob Parameter Only” forks are to follow, which will gradually increase the blob capacity from 6 to up to 21 blobs per block. According to estimates from development teams, Ethereum could achieve transaction speeds of up to 12,000 TPS by 2026.
Standard Chartered has raised its Ethereum price target to $7,500, while Cryptonews expects a consolidation around $7,125 in 2026 with support at $4,350 and resistance at $9,900.
Bitcoin: Institutional Adoption as a Long-Term Driver
Bitcoin remains the anchor of many institutional portfolios despite short-term fluctuations. According to ARK Invest’s “Big Ideas 2025” report, CEO Cathie Wood expects a Bitcoin price of between $700,000 and $750,000 by 2030 in the base scenario, and even up to $1.5 million in the optimistic case. This forecast is based on growing institutional allocations, Bitcoin’s role as “digital gold” and rising demand from emerging markets as an inflation hedge.
The estimates for 2026 are more conservative. CoinDCX expects a trading range between $105,000 and $135,000, while CoinPedia is more optimistic about $150,000 to $230,000. Analysts point to the aftermath of the 2024 Bitcoin halving, which further exacerbated the supply shortage. Standard Chartered also believes a price target of $200,000 is realistic. Unlike XRP and Ethereum, Bitcoin currently lacks short-term catalysts such as new ETF launches or major technical upgrades – the investment thesis is based more on long-term scarcity and institutional adoption.
Different roles, different opportunities
The three cryptocurrencies serve different functions and complement each other rather than compete. Analyst Vincent Van Code told CoinEdition that Bitcoin, Ethereum and XRP were never intended to compete with each other – each cryptocurrency solves a different problem. Bitcoin serves primarily as a store of value, Ethereum as a programmable infrastructure for decentralized applications, and XRP positions itself as a bridge for cross-border payments. The decision for one of the three cryptocurrencies depends largely on the individual investment goal. While XRP benefits from ETF momentum, Ethereum could score points in the longer term with its planned upgrade. Bitcoin remains the anchor for investors seeking long-term appreciation through scarcity.
D. Maier / editorial team finanzen.net