Step aside, Bitcoin. There’s a new king in town. Shockingly, as we enter 2026 it looks like the new Bitcoin and Ethereum are Monero and Zcash.
Some fans of
Monero
0.57%
they even said to X that “it can and will” replace BTC and the actual use of Bitcoin is “considered in mass.”
Monero to $10K can withdraw all criminals thus ending crime worldwide
– CRONK 🎩 The Crypto Reporter (@CryptoCronkite) January 12, 2026
Monero has just done what privacy coins were never allowed to do either. XMR crossed $797 this week, setting another one new high and reaches a seven-day rally of over 57%.
At its peak, the Monero market moved $13 Bn, briefly pushing it into the top 15 crypto assets by size. Trading volumes followed the higher price and a $1,000 waiting room was opened. Here’s what’s next for Monero and the private market for 2026:
DISCOVER: 20+ Next Crypto to Explode in 2026
If Monero Is Banned, Why Is It Hitting New Highs?
Across Europe, the Middle East, and Asia, regulators are tightening KYC and AML rules and tightening the screws on money privacy. Dubai’s financial regulator recently banned privacy coins from the DIFC and the EU is preparing regulations that will effectively ban anonymous crypto accounts by 2027.
The ban was a proof of concept. Demand exploded when governments made it clear that they wanted this technology to die.
Riccardo Spagni, former custodian of Monero put it simply: “There is a global shift in the realization that privacy is important and important to us as individuals and as a civilization.”
Veteran trader Peter Brandt, a notorious Bitcoin maxi, also jumped in and invested in Monero, citing structure rather than narrative.
Everyone is aware of Monero, even more than Zcash. It makes sense as Monero is the only cryptocurrency where the founder is also anonymous.
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What does TA show for Monero Crypto?
CoinGecko data shows that XMR is up over 120% YoY. In addition, Monero’s liquidity has been dwindling, with few coins available in centralized locations.
Meanwhile, a comprehensive crypto privacy tool has become a priority for all Ethereum and institutional research circles, according to many 2025 developers.
In terms of the technical structure of Monero, it is stable after sharp fluctuations, yet does not roll.
Key levels to watch:
- Support: $700–705, then $675
- Resistance: $760, then $800 psychological zone
- The 20-day SMA is rising and holding the price.
- The 200-day SMA remains well below, confirming trend control.
Finally, Bollinger Bands have extended out and are now compressive, classic post-impulse behavior. It looks like Monero will hit $1,000 first before ZEC.
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Big Picture
Privacy is no longer a minor crypto issue. It is at odds with mass surveillance, currency controls, and Orwellian digital governments.
I’ve watched enough “dead” stories come back to life to know that this setting deserves respect. Monero does not merge despite regulation. It gathers because of it. That should do it a lot interested.
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Key Takeaways
- Shockingly, as we enter 2026 it looks like the new Bitcoin and Ethereum are Monero and Zcash.
- Privacy is no longer a minor crypto issue. It is at odds with mass surveillance, currency controls, and Orwellian digital governments.
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