Forbes has included $XRP among its 10 best cryptocurrencies to invest in for July 2026, placing it fourth behind Bitcoin, Ethereum, and $BNB.
The ranking comes from the publication’s latest review of major digital assets based on factors such as real-world use, market size, recent price performance, and trading activity.
The publication limited its selection to cryptocurrencies with market capitalizations above $5 billion, noting that larger assets tend to show greater stability and attract more institutional interest.
Besides the top four, the list also includes Solana (SOL), TRON (TRX), Hyperliquid (HYPE), Rain (RAIN), UNUS SED $LEO ($LEO), and Zcash (ZEC).
Why $XRP Made the List
According to Forbes, $XRP continues to earn attention because of its focus on fast and low-cost cross-border payments. The original XRPL architects developed the cryptocurrency to help move value between different currencies quickly while keeping transaction costs low.
The report noted that $XRP traded at $1.11 as of July 10, 2026. At that price, the cryptocurrency had a market capitalization of $69.21 billion, making it the fourth-largest asset in the rankings. Over the previous seven days, $XRP posted a modest gain of 0.29%.
Forbes also mentioned $XRP’s long-term growth. Since its launch, the asset has climbed about 18,761% to reach its current price. It also reached a 12-month high of $3.65 on July 17, 2025, before pulling back to the current level.
Forbes Weighs $XRP’s Strengths Against Its Risks
Forbes highlighted $XRP’s role in international payments as one of its biggest strengths. The publication noted that Ripple has built partnerships with financial institutions, which give $XRP a practical use case that sets it apart from many other cryptocurrencies.
At the same time, the report acknowledged concerns that some investors continue to raise. Unlike Bitcoin, which releases new coins through mining, $XRP enters circulation when Ripple sells tokens from its holdings. Forbes said this has led to ongoing discussions over how much influence Ripple has on the token’s supply.
The publication also pointed out that Ripple co-founder Chris Larsen still owns a significant amount of $XRP. It presented this concentration of ownership as another factor investors should consider alongside the asset’s strengths.
Bitcoin, Ethereum, and $BNB Lead the Rankings
Meanwhile, Bitcoin took the top spot on the list, with its $1.289 trillion market cap and position as the largest cryptocurrency. Forbes called it digital gold and a store of value, but noted that its proof-of-work network consumes large amounts of energy and processes transactions more slowly than newer blockchain networks.
Ethereum ranked second with a market cap of $216.47 billion. Forbes highlighted its role in smart contracts and decentralized applications alongside its large developer community. However, it also noted that network congestion and high gas fees remain ongoing challenges.
$BNB secured third place with a market capitalization of $77.36 billion. The publication mentioned its growing use across the Binance ecosystem and the token’s regular supply burns.
However, they noted that its future remains tied to Binance’s performance and the regulatory environment surrounding the exchange.
Forbes’ Focus on Utility and Market Size
Forbes said it built its rankings by looking at criteria besides price alone. Specifically, the publication focused on cryptocurrencies that boast practical use alongside a long-term investment case.
Notably, market cap played a major role in the selection process. While Bitcoin and Ethereum together account for about 68% of the total crypto market, Forbes also looked at other large-cap projects that could offer a balance between growth potential and relative stability.
Using those criteria, $XRP earned the fourth spot. Forbes based that decision on the asset’s role in cross-border payments, its institutional connections, and its $69.21 billion market capitalization.
