Home
/
Market analysis
/
Market sentiment
/

Why do people still choose bitcoin over monero?

The Great Bitcoin vs. Monero Debate | Why Do People Stick With Bitcoin?

By

Grace Chen

Jan 20, 2026, 04:34 PM

Edited By

Ritika Sharma

2 minutes of reading

A side-by-side comparison of Bitcoin and Monero logos, highlighting Bitcoin's popularity despite Monero's privacy benefits.
popular

A recent discussion on crypto forums reveals a growing debate around Bitcoin and its lesser-known rival, Monero. Users express confusion over the reasons people continue to prefer Bitcoin despite Monero's touted advantages in anonymity.

The Anonymity Factor

Many participants highlighted Monero's superior privacy features. "Isn't Monero straight up better?" one user questioned, reflecting a sentiment that Monero could be the more appealing choice for those valuing anonymity. This perspective leads to a critical question: If Monero excels in privacy, what keeps Bitcoin in favor among users?

Stability and Institutional Trust

Bitcoin's price stability was noted as a significant factor. A comment pointed out that "scarcity and institutional trust make me prefer BTC." The perceived reliability of Bitcoin, along with its status as the first cryptocurrency, appears to create a strong appeal for people looking to hold and trade rather than just spend.

"Both have their place. Monero is better for some things and Bitcoin is easier for some things," noted another participant, suggesting a nuanced view of the two currencies.

Usage in Payments vs. Investment

Interestingly, many users argue against using Bitcoin for payments altogether. One contributor claimed that enough people still use Bitcoin, evident by its recent all-time high (ATH), yet said, "whoever has a tiny bit of brain, does not use BTC for payment." This highlights a shift where Bitcoin is mainly seen as an asset for investment rather than a functional currency.

Key Insights

  • πŸ’° Bitcoin is favored for its price stability and institutional backing.

  • πŸ”’ Monero offers superior privacy, making it a choice for anonymity seekers.

  • πŸ’¬ "Both have their place" - a common sentiment as users weigh functionality against investment potential.

As 2026 unfolds, the tussle between Bitcoin and Monero isn't just a preference issue but reflects deeper concerns over privacy, utility, and future trends in crypto finance. Will more users embrace Monero for its privacy, or will Bitcoin maintain its dominance in the market? Only time will tell.

Predicting the Shifting Tide of Crypto Preference

As 2026 unfolds, there's a substantial chance that more people may start shifting towards Monero due to its robust privacy features. Rough estimates suggest that privacy-centered access could sway around 30% of Bitcoin holders to explore Monero in the next year, especially as concerns about digital privacy increase. Additionally, as regulatory scrutiny grows on cryptocurrencies, some investors might find Monero's anonymity appealing, leading to a potential uptick in its market presence. However, Bitcoin's established reputation and institutional trust mean it won't be simply dethroned; many see Bitcoin as a stable store of value, which could hold strong against Monero's allure.

A Dance of Currencies: Lessons from Monopoly Percentages

The current debate over Bitcoin and Monero mirrors the historic tension between traditional currencies and emerging alternatives. Consider the early days of credit cards, which faced skepticism even as they offered convenience. Just as some preferred to stick with cash due to familiarity, today’s cryptocurrency holders seem hesitant to fully embrace Monero, despite its advantages. This parallels how some may still cling to antiquated systems even in the face of innovation, suggesting that our comfort with the familiar often overshadows the merits of the new. The crypto landscape could very well be on the verge of a similar turnaround; those who adapt to change will likely thrive, while others might find themselves left behind.