XRP Price Prediction: Can XRP Really Catch Up to Ethereum by 2030?

The question of whether the XRP price can realistically catch up to the ETH price by the end of the decade is a recurring one. While it sounds ambitious on the surface, recent analyst forecasts have made the discussion feel less hypothetical and more worth revisiting.

Currently, there is a significant gap between the two cryptocurrencies. XRP is trading around $2.10 with a market capitalization just over $127 billion. In contrast, Ethereum is priced near $3,100, with a valuation around $375 billion. This leaves a difference of approximately $250 billion, which is a substantial amount.

How Much Would XRP Need to Move?

From a purely numerical perspective, the XRP price does not require an unrealistic surge to enter the same valuation conversation as Ethereum. A rally of about 217% would elevate XRP to the $6.60 range, pushing its market capitalization close to $400 billion. Several analyst models indicate that such a move is achievable within the next few years.

Forecasting platforms like Changelly project XRP reaching the $6 range as early as April 2028. Telegon offers similar targets around 2027, while Standard Chartered has presented even more optimistic outlooks, suggesting a potential XRP price of $10 by that same timeframe. If any of these projections materialize, XRP would begin to approach Ethereum's current valuation range.

However, a key challenge is that XRP rarely experiences significant price movements in isolation. Large-cap cryptocurrency assets tend to rise collectively, which complicates the notion of XRP catching up while Ethereum's valuation remains static.

Ethereum Isn’t Standing Still Either

The future trajectory of the ETH price represents a significant wildcard in this comparison. Most forecasts do not assume Ethereum will remain stagnant. Changelly, for instance, projects ETH to reach approximately $14,673 by January 2030, which would represent a gain of roughly 470% from its current price. This would elevate Ethereum's market capitalization to around $1.76 trillion.

Telegon's estimates fall within a similar range, anticipating ETH to trade between $12,296 and $15,131 by 2030. Even with strong performance from XRP, Ethereum's projected growth is likely to maintain a substantial valuation gap between the two assets.

Consequently, for XRP to truly close the gap, it would need to significantly outperform Ethereum, not merely experience a general market rally. Some proponents of XRP express even more ambitious views, citing forecasts that suggest XRP could reach $100 by 2030.

Such a price point would imply a market capitalization exceeding $6 trillion, positioning XRP far ahead of current Ethereum projections. It is not surprising that many analysts consider these targets to be overly optimistic, particularly given that XRP still needs to solidify its position at much lower price levels, such as $10.

Meanwhile, supporters of Ethereum are equally confident in their long-term outlooks. Projections, such as those from Tom Lee suggesting an ETH price of $62,000, indicate that Ethereum could maintain a considerable lead irrespective of XRP's performance.

So, Can XRP Catch Ethereum?

The prospect of XRP surpassing Ethereum by 2030 is an ambitious one, and the path to achieving it is fraught with challenges. While the XRP price may possess potential for growth, the ETH price is also expected to appreciate, thereby preserving a wide valuation disparity. At present, this discussion remains more of a long-term speculative exercise than an indicator of an imminent "flippening."