Crypto analyst Steph Is Crypto recently drew attention to ongoing concerns about XRP’s price trajectory, echoing data shared by leading digital asset news outlet CoinDesk. The discussion highlights the significant gap between XRP’s current valuation and its highs achieved in early 2018, despite notable gains in competing cryptocurrencies over the same period.
Coindesk chart reveals performance gap
CoinDesk’s latest analysis compared the performance of major cryptocurrencies since their respective peaks in late 2017 and early 2018. The data sets out how assets like BNB, Dogecoin, and Bitcoin have not only recovered but also surpassed their previous records. According to the chart reflecting prices as of October 2026, BNB leads with a surge of 2,818% over its earlier high. Dogecoin and Bitcoin have recorded increases of 322% and 314%, respectively, while Ethereum shows a 66% gain. Zcash has climbed 38%, and Tron trades just 4.2% below its previous record.
In stark contrast, XRP stands out as the only major asset substantially below its previous high, trading at $1.33—still 62.5% under its all-time peak from January 2018.
| Asset | Performance vs. Previous High | Current Price* |
|---|---|---|
| BNB | +2,818% | — |
| Dogecoin | +322% | — |
| Bitcoin | +314% | — |
| Ethereum | +66% | — |
| Zcash | +38% | — |
| Tron | -4.2% | — |
| XRP | -62.5% | $1.33 |
DATA: XRP trades around $1.33, about 62.5% below its January 2018 peak, while Bitcoin, Ether and several other major cryptocurrencies have surpassed their previous highs.
The all-time high debate
Uncertainty remains about XRP’s precise all-time high. Some reference $3.84 as the top reached in 2018, but Ripple’s former Chief Technology Officer David Schwartz stated the true peak is $3.65, recorded in July 2025. Regardless, the token exceeded $3 in early 2018 but remains significantly below these levels today.
Mini dictionary: David Schwartz, a key figure in the development of Ripple and the XRP Ledger, played an instrumental role as the company’s CTO. His technical clarifications are often referenced within the industry.
XRP adoption versus price stagnation
Despite more than six years of development, ongoing partnerships, and institutional adoption by Ripple, XRP has not succeeded in breaking above its historical highs. Numerous price forecasts from both analysts and the XRP community have not materialized into new peaks. In comparison, Bitcoin and Ethereum not only reached but surpassed their previous record prices.
XRP remains one of the few major crypto assets still trading below its historic 2018 high, despite years of ongoing partnerships and predictions of new rallies.
Community perspectives on legal impact
Some in the XRP community blame ongoing legal pressure for the stagnant price. According to community discussions, while leading assets like Bitcoin and Ethereum have not faced the same degree of legal scrutiny, XRP’s value may have suffered due to the longstanding lawsuit filed by the US Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) against Ripple.
Others within the community advise patience, arguing that long-term investors could still see substantial returns if regulatory challenges are resolved. Some, however, describe the asset as manipulated and have encouraged holders to consider selling due to continued underperformance.
