Key Takeaways:
- XRP is up 5.04% in 2025, while Solana is down over 20%.
- XRP overtook Solana in market cap, now ranking third with $128.6B.
- XRP ETF approval could arrive by Q4 2025, giving it further edge.
XRP has surprised the crypto world in 2025 with a strong performance that has seen it outpace Solana both in price gains and market capitalization. The token is now up 5.04% year-to-date, while Solana has tumbled over 20%, triggering viral reactions from key figures in the industry.
XRP Outshines Solana in Year-to-Date Performance
The year began with XRP soaring 46% in January, fueled by renewed investor confidence. Although it saw a dip of 29.3% in February and a modest drop in March, it rebounded strongly in April with a 4.98% gain. Despite a minor decline in May, XRP has continued its upward trend, now trading at $2.19.
Solana, in contrast, began the year with a 22.3% surge but faltered with a massive 36% drop in February and a further 15.7% dip in March. While it clawed back some value in April and May, June saw another decline, pulling SOL down to $150.72.
The stark difference led Helius CEO Mert Mumtaz—a prominent Solana supporter—to post a cryptic “It’s Over” message, fueling speculation about Solana’s weakening momentum.
dont let this distract you from the fact that XRP has been much, much higher than SOL this whole year
— mert | helius.dev (@0xMert_) June 30, 2025
we can not win against this, we do not have the technology
it's over
Market Cap Reversal: XRP Overtakes Solana
XRP’s steady performance has led it to reclaim its position as the third-largest cryptocurrency by market capitalization, now valued at $128.6 billion. Solana, once ranked fourth, has slipped to sixth place with a market cap of $80.4 billion, sitting below Binance Coin (BNB).
Even more impressively, XRP has recorded a staggering 360.5% increase over the past year—surpassing Bitcoin, Ethereum, and Solana, the latter of which has managed only a 6.8% gain in the same period.
Ecosystem Strengths and ETF Speculation
XRP continues to benefit from its strong use case in cross-border payments, while Solana is still recognized for its speed and efficiency. However, recent comments from Mumtaz hinted that Solana may lack the technological edge to remain competitive against XRP, despite his usual bullish stance on SOL.
With Ripple settling its lawsuit with the SEC, regulatory clarity around XRP has improved dramatically. Several XRP spot ETF filings are now under active SEC review, with some analysts projecting approval by Q4 2025.
Also Read: $703M in XRP Moved by Ripple Partner SBI — Could This Signal Japan’s First XRP ETF?
Meanwhile, Solana ETFs are also in the pipeline. Although no U.S. approvals have occurred yet, Canada has greenlit Solana-based ETF products, keeping the door open for future momentum.
Despite Solana’s ecosystem potential, XRP currently dominates in price, market cap, and regulatory positioning. While some argue that the ETF race remains open, XRP’s trajectory in 2025 has firmly placed it ahead—for now.
Disclaimer: The information in this article is for general purposes only and does not constitute financial advice. The author’s views are personal and may not reflect the views of Chain Affairs. Before making any investment decisions, you should always conduct your own research. Chain Affairs is not responsible for any financial losses.
I’m a crypto enthusiast with a background in finance. I’m fascinated by the potential of crypto to disrupt traditional financial systems. I’m always on the lookout for new and innovative projects in the space. I believe that crypto has the potential to create a more equitable and inclusive financial system.
