In a recent market commentary that’s sparked widespread discussion, renowned crypto analyst Ben Armstrong, better known as BitBoy, made a bold claim: investors who chose Stellar (XLM) over Ripple’s XRP may soon regret their decision. Despite XLM’s impressive short-term price surge, BitBoy remains firmly bullish on XRP, predicting it will outperform not only XLM but most digital assets in the coming quarter.
This debate comes at a pivotal moment in the cryptocurrency market, where momentum and fundamentals are colliding in unexpected ways. While technical performance matters, long-term utility, regulatory clarity, and real-world adoption are increasingly shaping investor sentiment—factors where XRP appears to hold a strategic edge.
XRP vs. XLM: A Tale of Two Performances
Over the past three weeks, both XRP and XLM have seen significant price movements, but their trajectories differ markedly.
XRP is currently trading at $1.50, up 204% from its November low of $0.4937. The asset reached a recent peak of $1.6216, representing a 229% gain within just three weeks. This rally has been fueled by growing optimism around Ripple’s ongoing legal battle with the SEC, increasing institutional interest, and expanding use cases for cross-border payments.
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In contrast, Stellar (XLM) has posted even more explosive gains. Priced at $0.5242 today, XLM surged from a monthly low of $0.08952—an increase of 485%. At its peak this month, XLM hit $0.6342, marking a staggering 609% rise. This performance catapulted XLM from the 30th to the 13th largest cryptocurrency by market cap, now valued at $16.5 billion.
On the surface, XLM’s momentum is undeniable. Its lower entry price and aggressive appreciation have attracted retail traders seeking quick returns. However, BitBoy argues that short-term volatility should not overshadow long-term potential—and that’s where XRP shines.
Why BitBoy Favors XRP Over XLM
BitBoy’s conviction in XRP stems from several key factors:
- Regulatory Clarity: Ripple’s ongoing legal case has brought unprecedented attention to the distinction between utility tokens and securities. A favorable outcome could set a precedent benefiting the entire crypto industry.
- Real-World Adoption: RippleNet already partners with over 500 financial institutions globally, processing real-time international payments with lower fees and faster settlement times.
- Institutional Confidence: Major banks and payment providers continue to integrate Ripple’s solutions, signaling strong trust in its technology and compliance framework.
While XLM also focuses on cross-border transactions and financial inclusion, its network activity and enterprise adoption lag behind Ripple’s established footprint.
BitBoy further predicts that XRP and Ondo Finance’s ONDO token will be the top two performers this quarter. He emphasizes that early investors in high-utility assets often reap outsized rewards when macro conditions align—something he believes is now happening with XRP.
Community Reactions: Not Everyone Agrees
Unsurprisingly, BitBoy’s take has divided the crypto community.
Martyn Rogue, a vocal market commentator, called the advice “terrible,” noting that he personally gained 141% on XLM in just one week. His only regret? Not allocating more capital during the uptrend.
Others advocate for balance. Clark, another active trader, suggests holding both XRP and XLM—as well as complementary assets like Hedera (HBAR)—to diversify risk and capture opportunities across ecosystems.
Ajax highlighted that while Stellar boasts solid technology and strategic partnerships (including with IBM and various fintech startups), it doesn’t necessarily make it a superior long-term bet than XRP. Instead, he recommends a diversified approach: “Hold both. Let them play out. Don’t put all your faith in one narrative.”
Egrag Crypto, a respected technical analyst, shared a tactical strategy: allocate 25% of your XRP position to XLM as a hedge. If XLM pulls back, sell part of the position and use profits to accumulate more XRP—locking in gains while maintaining exposure to both networks.
Key Differences Between XRP and Stellar (XLM)
Understanding the fundamental distinctions helps clarify why opinions diverge so sharply.
XRP (Ripple):
- Designed primarily for financial institutions.
- Focuses on fast, low-cost international settlements.
- Backed by an established company with legal infrastructure.
- Actively engaged in regulatory dialogue.
Stellar (XLM):
- Targets financial inclusion and underserved markets.
- Emphasizes decentralized governance and open-source development.
- Partners with NGOs and microfinance platforms.
- Lower transaction costs but less institutional traction.
Both aim to disrupt traditional banking systems, but their paths—and target audiences—differ significantly.
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Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Q: Is XRP legal to trade after the SEC lawsuit?
A: Yes. While the case is ongoing, many U.S. exchanges never delisted XRP, and trading continues globally. The court previously ruled that XRP is not inherently a security when sold to retail investors.
Q: Can Stellar (XLM) overtake XRP in market cap?
A: It’s possible in the short term due to speculation, but sustained growth depends on adoption. Currently, XRP has stronger institutional integration and higher daily transaction volume.
Q: Should I sell XLM to buy XRP?
A: That depends on your investment goals. If you’re seeking long-term fundamentals, XRP may offer more stability. For speculative upside, XLM’s lower price point allows for higher percentage gains. Consider dollar-cost averaging into both.
Q: What drives price changes in XRP and XLM?
A: For XRP, regulatory news, RippleNet expansions, and macroeconomic trends are key. For XLM, price often reacts to partnership announcements, developer activity, and broader altcoin sentiment.
Q: Are either XRP or XLM good for passive income?
A: Neither offers direct staking rewards like proof-of-stake coins. However, some platforms allow yield generation through lending or liquidity pools involving these assets.
Final Thoughts: Timing Matters More Than Hype
While XLM’s recent rally demonstrates the power of momentum trading, sustainable wealth creation in crypto often favors patience and fundamentals. BitBoy’s message isn’t just about picking one coin over another—it’s about recognizing which projects have the infrastructure, partnerships, and resilience to endure market cycles.
That said, smart investors don’t ignore momentum; they use it strategically. As Egrag suggested, using gains from high-flyers like XLM to accumulate stronger foundational assets like XRP can be a prudent long-term move.
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Ultimately, whether you favor XRP or XLM—or hold both—the key is staying informed, managing risk, and aligning your portfolio with clear objectives. In the fast-moving world of crypto, flexibility and research matter more than any single prediction—even from a figure as influential as BitBoy.
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