XRP And SOL Still The Best Crypto To Buy Now, Or Is There A Better Altcoin For 20x Gains This Year?

XRP ETF holdings rose to $1.65 billion in early 2026, driven by $46.1 million in net inflows. This surge reflects growing institutional adoption and confidence in the asset. The price briefly pushed above $2.40, a key psychological level, signaling improved market sentiment. The inflows into XRP ETFs have positioned the token as one of the most institutionally embraced digital assets outside Bitcoin and Ethereum.

In parallel, Solana ETFs have also seen strong performance. Bitwise's BSOL alone led with $732 million in assets under management, while total Solana ETF assets surpassed $1 billion. These figures highlight continued institutional demand for altcoins as part of diversified crypto portfolios. The growing inflows into both XRP and Solana ETFs suggest a shift in investor sentiment toward altcoins.

Morgan Stanley, a late entrant to the crypto ETF market, filed for Bitcoin and Solana ETFs in January 2026. The firm's decision reflects broader institutional interest in digital assets. The filing indicates the company's recognition of crypto's long-term potential and growing legitimacy in financial markets.

Why Did XRP and Solana ETFs Attract Strong Institutional Demand?

The surge in institutional investment into XRP and Solana ETFs can be attributed to regulatory clarity and increased market confidence. Ripple's legal battle with the SEC was resolved in August 2025, removing a major overhang that had previously deterred institutional investors. With regulatory risks reduced, major asset managers launched spot ETFs for XRP, leading to rapid inflows. Similarly, Solana's efficient network and growing adoption in DeFi have made it an appealing asset for institutional portfolios.

The demand for regulated crypto investment vehicles has risen sharply in 2026. This is evident from the performance of Bitcoin ETFs, which saw over $1.1 billion in inflows during the first two trading days of the year. Solana ETFs have mirrored this trend, with Bitwise and Grayscale funds attracting significant assets. The institutional interest in these ETFs reflects a broader shift in how traditional financial institutions are approaching digital assets.

How Do XRP and Solana Compare in Terms of Market Performance?

XRP has shown strong price resilience in early 2026, with technical indicators aligning with improving fundamentals. The token broke out of a falling wedge pattern and is now attempting to reclaim key moving averages. Analysts see potential for a move toward the $2.60–$2.70 range in the near term, with longer-term targets as high as $7–$8 if institutional adoption continues.

Solana's price, however, faces immediate resistance at $142. If it fails to break above this level, it may drop to support at $138 and $136. The network's efficiency in handling high-throughput data has been highlighted by co-founder Anatoly Yakovenko as a key differentiator. Despite this, Solana's performance remains subject to broader market conditions and technical support levels.

What Are Analysts Watching for 2026 Price Outlooks?

Analysts are closely monitoring several factors for XRP in 2026, including regulatory developments and supply dynamics. The $2.28 resistance level is a key technical watchpoint. A decisive break above this level could signal stronger buyer conviction and open the door to higher targets. ETF inflows remain a critical indicator of institutional demand, with continued inflows above $300 million seen as a positive sign.

For Solana, the focus is on institutional adoption and macroeconomic conditions. The success of Morgan Stanley and other major firms in launching Solana ETFs could drive further inflows. Additionally, the performance of the network in real-world applications and its ability to maintain high throughput will influence investor sentiment.

New DeFi projects like Mutuum Finance (MUTM) are also drawing attention. The project has completed its Halborn Security audit and is in Phase 7 of its presale. With an investor base exceeding 18,000, Mutuum Finance is positioning itself for potential growth in 2026. Its focus on secure, transparent lending and borrowing mechanisms aligns with the growing demand for regulated DeFi solutions.

The institutional demand for XRP and Solana ETFs continues to reshape the crypto market landscape in 2026. With regulatory clarity, strong inflows, and growing adoption, these tokens are positioned to play a significant role in the evolving digital asset ecosystem. Analysts and investors will be watching closely for further developments.