Bitcoin and Ethereum have been losing ground in 2026, with BTC down more than 22% year to date and ETH falling around 33%. Against this backdrop, analysts are turning their attention to alternative projects, with XRP standing out in particular. Unlike the largest cryptocurrencies, XRP is viewed as having a more practical use case, which could support it during periods of market instability.

XRP is trading near $1.48, almost 50% below its recent highs. However, the token is used for cross-border settlements through Ripple’s network, enabling banks to process international transfers in seconds and at lower costs. Interest in the project increased after reports that SWIFT is testing blockchain technology and as Ripple continues expanding partnerships with financial institutions.

Solana and Avalanche are also considered promising alternatives due to high transaction speeds and the growth of the DeFi sector. Nevertheless, experts see XRP as the more resilient option amid volatility, as its value is supported not only by market expectations but also by real-world application within financial infrastructure.