TLDR
- Crypto analyst Santiago R Santos believes XRP has a better chance than Ethereum to return to its all-time high.
- XRP is currently trading below $2 and would need to double in value to reclaim its 2018 peak of $3.84.
- Santos said Ripple’s ability to execute in tough market conditions sets it apart from other top crypto networks.
- He criticized Ethereum’s decentralized decision-making and expressed doubt about its ability to recover past highs.
- Ripple’s centralized product strategy and capital flexibility were cited as major strengths for future growth.
A new discussion by crypto analyst Santiago R Santos has brought fresh attention to Ripple and its native token, XRP. Santos stated that Ripple’s long-term strategy positions it better than Ethereum for a return to previous highs. He suggested that XRP has a better shot at regaining its all-time high even in weak markets.
XRP Holds Edge in Potential Recovery
XRP is currently priced between $1.80 and $1.88, far from its $3.84 peak in January 2018. This gap reflects more than a 100% price increase needed to reclaim that level. Despite this, Santos argued Ripple has the tools to support such a comeback.
“Ripple has a higher probability than pretty much any other crypto network in the top 10,” he said. He emphasized that Ripple’s execution capacity stands out during market downturns. This perspective highlights the platform’s operational resilience.
Santos acknowledged broader market risks, predicting a tough year for crypto and equities in 2026. However, he maintained confidence in Ripple’s ability to navigate this period. He positioned XRP as better prepared for volatility than most other assets.
Ripple’s Strategy vs Ethereum’s Model
When comparing Ripple to Ethereum, Santos expressed doubt about Ethereum’s ability to revisit its previous highs. He declared, “I’m very bearish on Ethereum reaching it all, going back to its all-time high.” His views centered on Ethereum’s decentralized decision-making structure.
He argued that Ripple’s centralized product development gives it a better chance of long-term success. According to Santos, decentralized product strategy and business development do not perform well. He stated that Ethereum’s current model lacks practical utility reflection in its market cap.
“Decentralized security but centralized product decision-making is the way to win,” he said. Ripple, in contrast, maintains a structure allowing faster decision-making and action. This enables Ripple to adapt and invest efficiently.
He also compared Ripple’s valuation to traditional financial institutions like Visa, which holds a $600 billion market cap. With Ripple’s current valuation around $188 billion, Santos believes there is growth potential. This financial gap supports his bullish outlook on Ripple’s future.
Santos praised Ripple’s ability to strategically deploy capital using XRP as a corporate tool. He claimed Ripple can acquire businesses and grow its distribution. He sees this flexibility as rare among crypto projects.
“Ripple has more breathing room to use its currency to buy real businesses,” he stated. He added that this gives Ripple more time to build. This advantage may give XRP long-term support and upside potential.
Other projects may struggle, he warned, as the market grows impatient with slow development. Ripple, by contrast, stays aggressive in business development. This approach continues to attract attention during uncertain market conditions.
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