![Cardano [ADA] vs. XRP: Which ‘sleeping giant’ will hit $5 first?](https://engamb.b-cdn.net/wp-content/uploads/2025/12/Gladys-20-1000x600.webp "Cardano [ADA] vs. XRP: Which ‘sleeping giant’ will hit $5 first?")
At the start of 2025, the market saw renewed optimism, with a pro-crypto SEC and administration in the U.S. Investors flocked into altcoins in search of the next big opportunity.
But despite the investor pileup, Cardano and XRP remained “sleeping giants.”
Even though both altcoins claim strong fundamentals and a supportive community, which holds more upside potential?
What upside potential does XRP claim?
With the Ripple vs. SEC war largely forgotten, XRP recorded massive growth in adoption and network usage.
In fact, its network activity has remained steady through 2025. XRPL’s chain transactions hovered around 1.6 million, with frequent spikes to 1.9 and 2 million.
Source: Artemis
Additionally, Daily Active Users have stabilized above 20k over the past three months, sitting at 21k at press time. Such stability in transactions and addresses indicates strong network usage, a clear sign of sustainable growth.
Coupled with that, on-chain stablecoin supply jumped 168% to $243.5 million over three months, further reflecting strong network usage.
Besides XRP’s network activity, the altcoin also saw the approval of a Spot ETF. The approval opened doors for institutional investors and individuals alike.
In fact, XRP Spot ETFs recorded net daily inflows for 17 consecutive days since its launch. As a result, net total assets surged to $945.4 million, nearly reaching $1 billion.
Source: Sosovalue
Daily net inflows indicated that investors have bought more into the ETFs, a clear sign of market confidence. These two aspects position XRP well for further growth if market conditions turn favorable for a rally.
Does Cardano have the strength to rally?
Cardano’s on-chain activity has remained relatively low through 2025. YTD, the altcoin’s network activity has been below expectations.
According to Dune Analytics, Cardano’s monthly trade volume plummeted from 900 million to 3 million in 2025, until the 9th of December.
Source: Dune
Declining volume indicates ADA has experienced a period of low interest and activity, with users taking a step back.
Low Active Addresses and Chain Transactions further validated these market conditions. According to Artemis, Daily Active Users plunged to 17k, while Chain Transactions dipped to 23k.
Source: Artemis
In fact, through 2025, both these metrics have remained below 100k, and below 50k since August. Such a decline reflects ADA’s inability to attract new users, thus affecting the coin’s real demand.
XRP vs. ADA: A comparative analysis
XRP recorded a massive uptick between 2024 Q4 and 2025 Q2, recording a high of $3.6 in July. Since this, XRP has traded within a descending channel, falling to $2.08 at press time.
Despite these struggles, XRP’s fundamentals remain strong. With legal clarity in place and the approval of its first ETF,the altcoin is well-positioned for further growth.
Source: TradingView
If the bearish trend across the market reverses, XRP needs only 2.5x to reach $5. This fate looks highly probable in the short to mid-term, and could get so by mid-2026 if crypto markets see another bullish reversal.
On the other hand, Cardano [ADA] has struggled to maintain strong demand with weakened fundamentals through 2025. Since hitting $1.14 in March, the altcoin struggled to hold above $1.
Source: TradingView
Even during the 2024 uptick, the market peaked at $1.3. In fact, it has held below $1 since August, currently at $0.46.
To reach $5, ADA needs to record 10x from current rates. In the short term, this target seems unlikely, but it’s logically realistic in 2027.
Therefore, XRP is highly likely to reach $5 first, unless the market changes.
Final Thoughts
- ADA and XRP are both primed for a breakout towards $5 in the near future.
- XRP records strong fundamentals, and the recent ETF gives it an upper hand to reach $5 first.