The cryptocurrency market has surged in recent weeks, with major digital assets posting impressive gains. Bitcoin (CRYPTO: BTC) climbed over 40% in just 30 days, Cronos (CRYPTO: CRO) more than doubled, and Dogecoin (CRYPTO: DOGE) tripled in value. Yet, amid this rally, XRP—often associated with Ripple—has lagged behind, rising only about 30% and currently trading just under $0.70.
With so much momentum across the crypto space, investors are asking: Is now the right time to buy XRP while it's still under $1? And more importantly, does its price reflect its real-world utility and long-term potential?
Why XRP Moves Differently From Other Cryptocurrencies
Unlike most major cryptocurrencies that tend to follow Bitcoin’s lead, XRP operates on a different trajectory. While BTC nearly doubled in 2024, XRP ended the year roughly where it began. This divergence isn't random—it's driven by one key factor: legal uncertainty.
While meme coins soar on social hype and large-cap cryptos ride macro trends, XRP’s price swings are tightly linked to developments in a long-running U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) lawsuit. This legal battle has created a unique dynamic where market sentiment toward XRP is shaped less by technical indicators or adoption metrics, and more by courtroom rulings.
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The SEC Lawsuit: A Shadow Over XRP’s Growth
In 2020, the SEC filed a lawsuit against Ripple Labs and its executives, alleging that XRP was sold as an unregistered security. This led to U.S. exchanges delisting XRP and restricted American investors from trading it for over two years. The damage to market confidence was significant.
However, recent court decisions have largely favored Ripple. In a landmark July 2023 ruling, Judge Analisa Torres determined that XRP itself is not a security, though institutional sales by Ripple may have violated securities laws. This partial win boosted investor optimism—but not enough to trigger a sustained rally.
Despite favorable rulings, XRP has failed to keep pace with the broader market. Why? Because legal risks aren't fully resolved. Appeals, final judgments, and potential regulatory guidance could still impact the token’s status and accessibility in the U.S.
Still, the trend is clear: each positive legal development sends XRP’s price higher, reinforcing the idea that once the legal cloud lifts, the asset could experience strong revaluation.
RippleNet: The Real Engine Behind XRP’s Value
Beyond speculation and litigation, XRP has a powerful use case: RippleNet, a global payments network used by financial institutions for fast, low-cost cross-border transactions.
Every day, the XRP Ledger processes over 500,000 payments, handling more than 20 transactions per second. With the integration of Automated Market Makers (AMMs), liquidity on the network has improved dramatically—making it easier to trade and use XRP across decentralized platforms.
For context, traditional international wire transfers can take days and incur high fees. RippleNet settles transactions in under four seconds, with minimal costs. As someone who's managed freelance work across Europe and dealt with slow bank transfers firsthand, I can attest to how transformative this technology is.
Financial institutions in Japan, South Korea, and the Middle East already use RippleNet at scale. Partnerships with banks and payment providers continue to grow, suggesting that real-world demand for XRP’s infrastructure is increasing—even if retail investors aren’t noticing yet.
Key Benefits of RippleNet:
- Near-instant settlement times
- Transaction fees under $0.01
- High scalability without congestion
- Interoperability with traditional banking systems
This isn’t theoretical value—it’s operational, measurable, and expanding.
What’s Next for XRP? Scenarios Beyond the Lawsuit
While the SEC case remains unresolved, several outcomes could shape XRP’s future:
- Final Ruling in Ripple’s Favor: A complete dismissal or favorable appellate decision would likely trigger a surge in price and reignite U.S. exchange listings.
- Regulatory Clarity: Even without a court win, clear guidelines from regulators could allow U.S. investors to re-engage with XRP.
- Global Expansion: With legal headwinds easing outside the U.S., Ripple can accelerate adoption in emerging markets where cross-border payments are most needed.
Investors often overlook long-term fundamentals when caught in short-term volatility. But history shows that assets with real utility tend to outperform during market recoveries.
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Is XRP Undervalued Compared to Its Potential?
At under $0.70, XRP trades far below its all-time high of $3.84 (reached in 2018). But past prices don’t tell the full story. What matters now is whether current valuations reflect today’s technology, adoption rate, and future growth.
Consider this:
- RippleNet processes hundreds of thousands of real transactions daily.
- The XRP Ledger supports decentralized finance (DeFi) applications and tokenized assets.
- Institutional interest remains strong despite regulatory delays.
Meanwhile, other payment-focused blockchains trade at much higher valuations despite lower throughput or fewer live integrations.
Given these factors, many analysts believe XRP is significantly undervalued, especially if legal barriers are removed and U.S. market access returns.
Frequently Asked Questions About Buying XRP Under $1
Is XRP a good investment right now?
XRP may present a compelling opportunity for long-term investors willing to accept regulatory risk. With strong underlying technology and growing adoption via RippleNet, a resolution to the SEC case could catalyze significant price appreciation.
Can XRP reach $1 again?
Yes—many analysts believe XRP can surpass $1, especially if legal clarity returns and U.S. exchanges relist the token. Broader crypto bull runs could also propel it higher.
Is XRP considered a security?
A U.S. district court ruled in 2023 that XRP is not inherently a security, though certain sales by Ripple may have violated securities laws. The final determination may depend on future appeals or SEC policy changes.
How does XRP compare to other payment cryptos like Stellar or Solana?
XRP excels in speed and cost-efficiency for cross-border payments. While Solana offers broader DeFi capabilities and Stellar shares similar goals, XRP has deeper institutional integration through RippleNet.
Where can I buy XRP safely?
XRP is available on several global exchanges outside the U.S., such as Binance, Kraken, and OKX. Always ensure you're using secure platforms with strong regulatory compliance.
What happens if Ripple loses the SEC case?
A negative outcome could delay U.S. availability and dampen investor sentiment. However, Ripple continues to expand internationally—meaning global adoption could continue regardless of U.S. rulings.
Final Thoughts: Timing the Market vs. Building Conviction
Timing the crypto market perfectly is nearly impossible. But buying fundamentally sound assets during periods of uncertainty often leads to outsized rewards.
XRP sits at a pivotal moment. Its technology is proven. Its network is active. And its legal challenges appear to be nearing resolution.
While some investors wait for complete clarity before entering, others see sub-$1 pricing as a rare window of opportunity—especially for a digital asset tied to a working financial infrastructure used worldwide.
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