Since Donald Trump’s victory in the 2024 U.S. presidential election, crypto markets have surged. The total value of all cryptocurrencies has hit a new all-time high of $4.2 trillion, riding on the back of Trump’s pro crypto stance and regulatory shifts that have changed the game for blockchain innovation in the U.S.
Bitcoin remains the king of crypto with a market cap of $2.3 trillion, but XRP has been the breakout star gaining more than 500% since the election. As we head into the final quarter of the year, let’s break down which of these two assets has the stronger case for long-term investors.
Why XRP (Ripple) Is Gaining Ground.
Ripple Labs, the company behind XRP, has revolutionized how global banks transfer money. Its Ripple Payments network leverages blockchain to settle international transactions in seconds a huge leap forward compared to traditional banking systems that can take days and incur hefty fees. XRP plays a core role in this system. It acts as a universal bridge currency, letting banks send XRP tokens instead of converting between local currencies. This dramatically cuts costs, with transaction fees as low as 0.00001 XRP literally a fraction of a cent.
But XRP’s journey hasn’t been without controversy.
In 2020, the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) sued Ripple, arguing that XRP should be classified as a security. This threatened to put Ripple under intense regulatory scrutiny and hamstring its business. That cloud finally cleared in August 2024, when a judge ruled that XRP is not a security under most conditions. But the SEC filed an appeal which many feared could drag on for years.
Then came the 2024 election. Shortly after taking office, President Trump nominated crypto-friendly Paul Atkins to head the SEC. In a dramatic policy shift, the agency dropped several lawsuits against crypto firms including its appeal against Ripple. On August 7, 2025, the case was officially closed. With the legal saga behind it, XRP has a clear runway for adoption. Banks, payment processors, and fintech companies are now free to scale up their use of Ripple’s technology without fear of regulatory backlash.
Why Bitcoin Still Reigns Supreme.
Bitcoin (BTC) doesn’t need a company behind it and that’s part of its appeal. It’s the world’s first truly decentralized digital asset, with no central authority controlling it. With a fixed supply of 21 million coins, Bitcoin is often referred to as “digital gold” a hedge against inflation and economic uncertainty. Unlike XRP, Bitcoin isn’t tied to any particular use case. It doesn’t power a payments network or serve as a medium of exchange in a defined ecosystem. Instead, its value comes from trust, scarcity, and security.
This makes it incredibly resilient and regulators have treated it that way. The SEC has already approved dozens of spot Bitcoin ETFs, making BTC easily accessible to retail and institutional investors alike. It also helps that Bitcoin is seen as safer in terms of custody. ETFs reduce the need to self-store coins in digital wallets, which can be vulnerable to hacks or human error.
Big-Time Predictions for BTC.
Bitcoin bulls have never been shy about their optimistic forecasts. Cathie Wood of ARK Invest predicts that Bitcoin could soar to $2.4 million by 2030, representing an impressive 2,000% increase from its current price of around $115,000. Meanwhile, Michael Saylor, formerly of MicroStrategy and now with Strategy, envisions Bitcoin revolutionizing the financial system by 2046, with its value skyrocketing to an astonishing $21 million per coin an 18,600% gain. While these targets may seem extraordinarily ambitious, they highlight the strong belief in Bitcoin’s potential as a powerful long-term store of value.
So… Which Is the Better Buy in 2025?
XRP presents significant potential for growth due to its practical real-world utility, which is now supported by clearer regulatory guidance. Designed specifically for banks, XRP is faster and more cost-effective than many alternatives. With the SEC stepping back, the path for wider adoption looks promising. Meanwhile, Bitcoin continues to hold its position as the gold standard of cryptocurrency. It is the safest and most widely accepted digital asset, enjoying strong institutional support and global recognition.
Verdict: It Depends on Your Risk Profile
If you’re looking for a speculative growth play, XRP could deliver outsized gains as Ripple expands its global footprint. If you prefer a proven, long-term store of value, Bitcoin remains a solid foundation for any crypto portfolio. In reality, savvy investors might consider holding both using Bitcoin as a stability anchor and XRP for higher growth potential.
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