Bitcoin and Ethereum Lag Behind All-Time Highs
Bitcoin ($BTC) and Ethereum ($ETH) have both enjoyed strong rallies recently, but neither asset has returned to its all-time high (ATH) levels. As of now, Bitcoin remains 24.7% below its ATH, while Ethereum is still trailing by 33.5%.
These figures serve as a reminder that while sentiment is improving, the crypto market hasn’t fully bounced back. The recent momentum has brought optimism, yet investors remain cautious as both top coins are still far from their historic peaks.
Detailed Performance Comparison
Bitcoin’s all-time high stands around $69,000, reached in November 2021. After dipping significantly in the 2022 bear market, Bitcoin has since recovered substantially but still trades below $52,000.
Ethereum, meanwhile, hit an ATH of roughly $4,878, also in late 2021. Despite similar recovery patterns, Ethereum has lagged behind Bitcoin in relative performance, with current prices holding below $3,250.
The lagging recovery could be attributed to differing investor sentiment, ongoing concerns around regulatory clarity for altcoins, and Bitcoin’s established role as the dominant market leader.
UPDATE: Despite the recent rally, $BTC is still 24.7% below ATH, while $ETH remains 33.5% down. pic.twitter.com/eoCgjjXBbu
— Cointelegraph (@Cointelegraph) January 14, 2026
Assessing the Current Bull Market Status
While recent rallies have brought excitement, the gap from ATHs indicates that there is still substantial room for growth. Bull markets often unfold in waves, and it is possible that a full recovery may require more time or depend on external drivers. These potential catalysts could include further ETF approvals, significant macroeconomic shifts, or major adoption news.
For now, traders are observing the rebound with optimism, but the path to new historic highs may necessitate continued patience and the emergence of strong market catalysts.

