How has XRP managed to outperform Ethereum despite the latter’s entrenched position in the institutional investment landscape? Since July 2024, XRP’s price has surged by an impressive 552%, vastly outpacing Ethereum’s modest 6.34% gain over the same period. Year-to-date, XRP rose approximately 49%, climbing from $2.08 to $3.10, while Ethereum’s increase was a more restrained 9.5%, moving from around $3,432 to $3,630. Even in the last 30 days, XRP’s 45% return closely followed Ether’s 52%, indicating renewed momentum in both markets. XRP’s current price near $3.20 is notable given its target of doubling to $6.40, a level it has yet to reach, contrasting with Ethereum’s historical high aspirations around $7,400.
Ethereum’s strength has traditionally rested on substantial institutional investments, exemplified by firms such as BlackRock and Bit Digital holding over $4.4 billion in ETH. Additionally, U.S.-based Ethereum ETFs saw inflows exceeding $2 billion in a single week in July 2025, including a record $727 million in one day, which has helped constrain Ethereum’s public float and support its price. Conversely, XRP’s recent performance has been primarily driven by retail investors and concentrated whale accumulation rather than institutional inflows. The ongoing resolution of XRP’s legal challenges with the SEC is anticipated to attract more institutional interest, potentially altering its market dynamics in the near future. This shift is evident as XRP surpassed Ethereum to become Coinbase’s second-largest revenue source in Q2 2025, reflecting increased trading activity and investor confidence in regulated assets. Despite this, Ethereum’s recent rally fueled by new ETFs and staking dividends gives it a quicker path to doubling.
Whale accumulation plays a key role in XRP’s price action, with 2,743 wallets holding over one million XRP each, collectively accounting for nearly 4.4% of the circulating supply. This concentration has contributed to a 50% price increase during the first half of July 2025 by restricting available supply, creating upward price pressure despite relatively lower quarter-over-quarter gains compared to Ethereum. In contrast, Ethereum’s whale activity, while substantial, appears less concentrated during this period. Such supply dynamics suggest a market confidence in XRP’s medium-term appreciation potential, although investors should remain cautious given regulatory uncertainties.
Trading volume and revenue on Coinbase further illustrate XRP’s market strength, as it surpassed Ethereum as the top revenue generator in trading fees during Q2 2025. Despite Ethereum’s greater price appreciation of 38% compared to XRP’s 11% in that quarter, XRP’s higher trading fee revenue indicates more frequent or larger trades on the platform, reflecting heightened retail or speculative activity. Ethereum’s price gains have not translated proportionally into exchange fee revenue, highlighting differences in user engagement intensity. These figures underscore XRP’s prominence in active trading environments, though they also suggest volatility risks inherent in such speculative dynamics.
Both cryptocurrencies remain in robust bullish trends by mid-2025, supported by increasing liquidity and adoption. Ethereum continues to benefit from improvements in usability and transaction cost reductions, bolstering institutional capital inflows. Meanwhile, XRP is gaining traction as a token for cross-border payments, with Ripple’s ongoing product developments enhancing its practical utility. The prevailing bull market favors both assets, though their growth and adoption metrics diverge, compelling investors to weigh factors such as doubling times and regulatory catalysts when evaluating future prospects. Caution is advised, as market conditions and legal outcomes could profoundly influence these trajectories.
