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A 5 year journey: top 20 coins' ranking and prices

Cryptocurrency Surge | Top 20 Coins See Major Gains and Losses

By

Sophia Martinez

Jan 25, 2026, 08:34 AM

Edited By

Oliver Brown

Updated

Jan 25, 2026, 01:46 PM

2 minutes needed to read

Graph showing the price changes and rankings of the top 20 coins from January 2021 to January 2026.
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An updated look at the top 20 cryptocurrencies reveals shocking volatility as of January 25, 2026. The current market dynamics illustrate who is winning and who is losing in the competitive crypto landscape, with heightened investor scrutiny on performance.

Shifts in Cryptocurrency Rankings

Bitcoin (BTC) leads the pack, achieving a stunning +293% increase in value since January 2023, now sitting at $89,153. Ethereum (ETH) also reflects strong growth, with a +90% increase to $2,953.

Altcoins have displayed more remarkable fluctuations. Notably, Solana (SOL) has skyrocketed +453%, now valued at $127. Conversely, ADA shows little improvement, increasing a mere 1%, sparking frustration among holders. As one user shared, "Cries as an ADA holder! I thought I’d be able to pay off my mortgage in 5 years." This sentiment illustrates the struggles many face in a volatile market.

Analyzing Market Trends and Sentiment

Recent discussions on forums indicate three clear themes affecting investor behavior:

  • Stagnation of Popular Altcoins: Even once-promising coins like ADA and DOT are questioned for their long-term viability.

  • Investment Regrets: Several commenters expressed second thoughts about past decisions, particularly with ADA and BNB, highlighting missed opportunities.

  • Market Reality Check: Users noted that many coins have seen little to no growth compared to their value from three or five years ago. A commentator remarked, "Good reality check. Most were still losers compared to their value three years ago."

"Good to see XMR climb back into the top 20," a user noticed, indicating others' optimism about specific coins recovering.

A Broader Inflation Context

Gold and silver prices throughout this period serve as a contrast to cryptocurrencies. Gold rose from $1,855 to $4,988 (+169%), while silver jumped from $25 to $103 (+312%). These increases prompt many to reevaluate the crypto market's volatility against traditional inflation indicators.

Users are actively deliberating potential future investment strategies in a fluctuating market, with one further commenter encouraging others to "Load up on LTCthe sleeper," implying there are still opportunities for savvy investors.

Key Takeaways

  • β–³ BTC's current valuation at $89,153 reflects remarkable growth of +293% in the past three years.

  • β–½ ADA's stagnant 1% rise and the ensuing frustrations underline its underperformance, as expressed by many holders.

  • β€» "I remember getting spooked out of my BNB holdings" highlights concerns among investors regarding future regulatory environments.

With these evolving market conditions, investors are left questioning the stability of cryptocurrencies. The push towards cryptocurrencies continues even amid the highs and lows, making it critical for investors to adapt their strategies as the landscape shifts.