In 2025, many first‑time crypto buyers could be hunting for an affordable entry point. Bitcoin is near $120,000 and Ethereum trades above $3,500. At around $3.60, XRP looks easier on the wallet yet still sits third in market cap. That sweet spot of price and reputation has caught the eye of retail investors.
Retail Investors Priced Out
According to EasyA co‑founder Dom Kwok, the high cost of Bitcoin and Ethereum is pushing newcomers toward cheaper tokens. He says that when a single Bitcoin hits six figures, it feels out of reach. XRP, by comparison, offers big‑league standing without the sticker shock. That mix of affordability and credibility is drawing a wave of small buyers.
Based on reports from past crypto cycles, tokens with low unit prices tend to grab attention. It can be remembered that Shiba Inu used to trade at roughly $0.00000000001. Buyers could scoop up billions for just a few dollars.
this is the most simple bull case for $XRP that no one is talking about:
1. retail is priced out of $BTC and $ETH.
2. so new retail investors will buy $XRP $XRP is the third largest crypto currency by market cap, yet trades at just $3.20.
this combination alone makes it the…
— Dom (Bull/ish) | EasyA (@dom_kwok) July 17, 2025
Dogecoin rode a similar hype wave. XRP stands apart because it actually moves money across borders quickly and cheaply. That real‑world use adds a layer of trust missing in many meme coins.
Mixed Signals From Legal Battle
According to updates on Ripple’s US lawsuit, the final court ruling could swing sentiment dramatically. A win for Ripple might cement XRP’s appeal and keep retail flows strong. A loss could spook buyers and send prices tumbling. Retail investors are quick to react when legal clouds clear one way or the other.
Holder Base Dominated By Small Players
Based on the XRP Rich List, nearly 6.7 million wallets hold the token today. Of those, about 5.7 million belong to retail investors—accounts with under 1,000 XRP. Within that group, close to 3 million wallets have between 0 and 20 tokens, while 2.52 million wallets carry between 20 and 500. This broad distribution shows that everyday buyers have already jumped in, rather than just big institutions.
According to several market watchers, excitement in the XRP community is palpable. Analysts predicted more XRP millionaires than Bitcoin millionaires. Many holders believe the token is still in its early days despite its 2012 debut. Critics warn that runaway optimism can reverse fast if the broader market cools down.
Looking Ahead On Market Mood
Based on current trends, XRP’s low price and high rank could keep retail interest alive—at least until something new steals the spotlight. If Bitcoin dips under $100,000 or a fresh token captures headlines, retail flows may shift again. For now, though, XRP’s $3.55 price tag and large‑cap status have made it the token to watch for many first‑timers seeking their first crypto win.
Featured image from Judicature – Duke University, chart from TradingView
