Ripple’s XRP is emerging as one of the strongest contenders in the crypto market, stunning analysts and investors alike by outperforming Ethereum (ETH) in price growth for six consecutive months. Once seen as a slower-moving altcoin, XRP is now gaining serious traction, fueling speculation over whether it could eventually dethrone Ethereum as the world’s second-largest cryptocurrency by market cap.

XRP’s impressive turnaround began in November 2024, when the token surged by 160% in a single month. This surge wasn’t just a fluke—it marked the beginning of a sustained rally that continued with 18.5% growth in December, 45.3% in January, 4.3% in February, 19.6% in March, and 14.3% in April. During this period, Ethereum struggled to keep up, allowing XRP to steadily close the gap.

At the center of this bullish run is Ripple’s victory in its long-running legal battle with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC). The four-year lawsuit, which cast a shadow over XRP for years, was finally dropped, giving Ripple a major win and restoring investor confidence. The statement triggered a wave of buying activity, pushing XRP’s price as high as $3 before stabilizing around $2.10, with a market capitalization of $122.14 billion.

But legal clarity isn’t the only tailwind behind XRP’s performance. The possibility of XRP exchange-traded funds (ETFs) introducing by the end of 2025 is another key driver. With 18 XRP ETFs currently in development, demand for the token is expected to rise significantly. These ETFs would effectively reduce the circulating supply by locking up XRP in institutional investment products, which could fuel further price appreciation.

Adding to investor optimism is the changing regulatory environment in the U.S. Since Donald Trump’s return to the presidency, crypto regulations have become clearer and more favorable. This newfound clarity is prompting institutional players and retail investors alike to take a fresh look at XRP as a potentially less risky asset with real-world utility, particularly in cross-border payments.

Financial institutions have also taken notice. Geoffrey Kendrick, Head of FX Research at Standard Chartered, recently made headlines by stating that XRP could overtake Ethereum by 2028, citing its growing adoption in global payment networks as a major catalyst. XRP’s native integration with financial services and RippleNet gives it practical utility that few other tokens can match.

While XRP still trails Ethereum in total market cap—$122.14B versus Ethereum’s $198.94B—the gap is narrowing. If current trends continue, the possibility of XRP overtaking ETH in the coming years is no longer just wishful thinking; it’s a scenario that is gaining credibility among analysts.

XRP’s recent performance is also attracting retail investors, who are looking for high-upside assets in a more regulated environment. The combination of legal clarity, potential ETF exposure, and rising adoption makes XRP one of the most compelling altcoins in the market right now.

Despite its success, XRP still faces challenges. Ethereum remains dominant in smart contract applications, DeFi, and NFTs. However, XRP’s strength lies elsewhere—its focus on global money transfers, banking infrastructure, and institutional finance gives it a distinct advantage as the crypto market continues to mature.

In summary, XRP’s six-month streak of outpacing Ethereum is more than just a hot streak—it reflects deep changes in market perception, legal status, and adoption potential. With a legal win behind it, ETFs on the horizon, and institutional confidence rising, XRP is now firmly on the radar as a serious challenger to Ethereum’s dominance.