Monero hits ATH at $797 as privacy coins surge 288% in 2025. Deep analysis of XMR, ZEC, and DASH amid regulatory pressure and institutional interest.
Aria Chen
Lead Quantitative Analyst
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Privacy coins have defied expectations in 2026, with Monero reaching an all-time high of $797.54 on January 14 while the sector returned 288% in 2025, crushing traditional altcoins and even Bitcoin. Despite mounting regulatory pressure, including Dubai's January 12 ban and the looming EU prohibition, investors are treating privacy as a feature worth paying for.
The numbers tell an extraordinary story. Zcash surged over 800% during 2025, climbing from sub-$40 in September to a peak of $744 in November. Monero followed with a January 2026 breakout to all-time highs above $797, now commanding a $13 billion market cap. Even Dash, often overlooked in privacy discussions, delivered a 100% weekly gain in early January.
