XRP’s Meteoric Rise: Will It Shatter the $5 Barrier in 2026?

Forget the slow grind—XRP is back in the spotlight, and the whispers aren't just about recovery. They're about a moonshot.

The $5 Question

That's the number on every trader's screen. Five dollars. It's not just a price target; it's a statement. Hitting it would mean a seismic shift, a validation that cuts through the regulatory fog and market noise that has dogged this asset for years. The path there isn't about hoping—it's about catalysts.

Beyond the Hype Cycle

Real utility drives real value. Watch for institutional adoption in cross-border settlements, where speed and cost matter more than a fund manager's crypto skepticism. Major exchange relistings or new on-ramps could flood the zone with liquidity. And let's be honest—a favorable regulatory clarity moment, the kind that makes lawyers cheer and shorts panic, could light the fuse. This isn't speculation; it's a checklist for a breakout.

The Cynic's Corner

Sure, Wall Street will call it a 'speculative asset' right up until their quarterly reports show a line item for digital asset gains—then suddenly, it's 'strategic exposure.' Some things never change.

Bottom line: The pieces are moving. Whether they click into place for a run to five bucks depends on execution, not excitement. The market's watching, wallets are open, and 2026 looks anything but quiet.

XRP Coin’s Phenomenal Journey in 2025

Despite monumental developments, XRP Coin, which reached ATH in 2025, didn’t fully reflect these advancements in its price. In March, being included in the Digital Asset Reserve list gave XRP its first advantage of being US-based. Initially considering relocating to Dubai under Gensler, the company found itself in a drastically different environment when TRUMP took office.

The inclusion in the Digital Asset Reserve resulted in a 30% rise in XRP, though its gains were constrained by the reserve’s limitation to seized assets. By May 8, Ripple’s protracted legal saga concluded. The SEC adopted a crypto-friendly management strategy and dismissed nearly all cryptocurrency cases.

In the last quarter, XRP Coin received ETF approval, witnessing a net inflow of $1.06 billion over 24 consecutive days, showcasing an impressive appetite for XRP even as other cryptocurrencies experienced declines.

XRP Coin’s Future Prospects in 2026

In March 2025, the XRP Ledger exceeded 600,000 daily active addresses but later plummeted to 45,000. By December 18, the figure dipped to 38,500. Ripple, unlike Solana, doesn’t aim to be a network focused on individual users. Internal company debates have previously highlighted this positioning. The CTO emphasized their capability to serve as a financial hub, spotlighting areas like Real World Assets (RWA).

In 2026, XRP Coin’s trajectory will hinge on general market sentiment. Currently, it remains 40% below its ATH, while many other altcoins have suffered declines exceeding 90%, leaving room for further drops in XRP’s value.

In December, XRP lost its 50-week exponential moving average (SMA) at $1.87, falling below the psychological level of $2. Despite having maintained this region for an extended period, XRP found itself gradually pulled to deeper lows as Bitcoin remained in a narrow range. A reversal in this trend and surpassing $2 is essential for recovery. Should the decline persist, the November 21 low of $1.8 and subsequent testing of $1.61 could occur, with the 200-day EMA at $1.38 below it.

Peter Brandt previously pointed towards a target below $1 for XRP Coin in 2026, considering it a double-top prospect. However, bullish analysts like Chad Steingraber believe a range of $5 to even $10 is possible.

In 2026, sustained closes above the downtrend line are crucial for the $6 target. The $1.63 level has been a notable support on the rise. Previously serving as resistance at the end of 2024, this area needs to transition to a point where selling subsides. A breach of this key zone in 2026 could extinguish dreams of reaching $6, instead steering efforts below $1. Conversely, strengthened ETF inflows and improved market sentiment could facilitate capturing $2.85, paving the path to $5.