Zcash (ZEC) has climbed to levels unseen since 2017, topping Monero (XMR) in market cap among privacy coins. This move reflects strong interest in assets that secure user data on blockchains.
Market Leadership Shift
By late October, Zcash’s market cap hit $6.32 billion, edging out Monero’s $6.06 billion. The coin peaked at $388.38, a point not touched in eight years. Latest figures show Zcash at $388.38 with its $6.32 billion cap, while Monero trades at $328.94 with $6.06 billion.
Stark Performance Divide
Gains highlight the difference. Zcash rose about 400% in October, supported by trader enthusiasm. Monero saw smaller increases, staying below 10% for the month. This disparity confirms Zcash’s edge in the anonymity space.
Heightened Focus on Anonymity
Debates on surveillance and transaction secrecy have lifted coins with solid hiding features. Zcash offers users a choice to conceal deals, appealing in eras of increased oversight.
Backing from Influencers
Notable supporters accelerated the climb. BitMEX co-founder Arthur Hayes projected Zcash at $10,000, triggering a 750% overall rise and broad excitement. Investor Naval Ravikant described it as “insurance against Bitcoin,” causing a 100% rally in days. These opinions attracted individual traders and institutions.
Technical Strengths
Zcash employs zero-knowledge proofs for selective shielding, differing from Monero’s default privacy. This option fits stricter platform policies. Shielded addresses now hold 28% of supply, showing user adoption.
Past Peaks in Perspective
Zcash remains distant from its 2016 launch high of $5,941.80. Monero’s record stands at $517.62 from May 2021. Still, this 2025 rally signals a fresh phase for privacy tokens.
Broader Sector Effects
Privacy coin totals exceed $14 billion, dominated by these leaders. As scrutiny intensifies, the need for concealed exchanges expands. Zcash’s blend of flexible anonymity and recent momentum sets it up for continued attention. Traders monitor if it maintains gains against volatility. This development spotlights privacy’s place in crypto expansion.
