Top Crypto Picks for January 22, 2026: XRP, Dogecoin, and Shiba Inu Lead the Charge

Digital assets roar into 2026 as institutional money finally stops pretending it's not here for the volatility.

XRP: The Regulator's Nemesis

While legacy banks debate compliance over lukewarm coffee, XRP's ledger settles cross-border payments in seconds. It doesn't ask for permission—it just finalizes. Recent network upgrades have slashed transaction costs to fractions of a cent, making traditional correspondent banking look like sending a telegram.

Dogecoin: The People's Protocol

Forget the memes; watch the metrics. Dogecoin's hash rate has hit consecutive all-time highs, signaling miner commitment that would make a Bitcoin maximalist blush. Its one-block-minute confirmation time and absurdly low fees have cemented it as the tip jar of the internet—and a surprisingly robust testbed for microtransactions.

Shiba Inu: Burning Bright

The Shiba Inu ecosystem is systematically incinerating tokens through every transaction in its decentralized exchange, ShibaSwap. This deflationary mechanic, paired with a sprawling layer-2 solution, aims to transform the asset from a speculative token into a utility engine. It's a high-stakes experiment in tokenomics that either redefines value or provides a masterclass in supply and demand.

These assets aren't just riding a trend—they're actively dismantling the friction points of a financial system that still uses fax machines as a backup. The real question isn't which one to watch, but how long the old guard can afford to look away.

XRP (XRP): Payments-Focused Blockchain Targets $5 by Q1 Close

Ripple’s XRP ($XRP), which has a market cap of $116 billion, continues to play a central role in blockchain-powered international payments by enabling near-instant, low-cost transfers.

Built with banks and financial institutions in mind, the XRP Ledger (XRPL) modernizes cross-border payments as it aims to make slower and more costly legacy systems like SWIFT obsolete.

Ripple’s growing global presence has attracted praise from high-profile institutions, including the UN’s Capital Development Fund and the WHITE House, highlighting its viability as a payments solution.

XRP reached a record high of $3.65 in mid-2025 after the clsoe of Ripple’s prolonged legal dispute with the SEC. Since then, broader market pressure has triggered a decline of around 48%, bringing the price to approximately $1.90.

Despite this correction, XRP may not stay below the $2 level for long. One major recent development has been the introduction of spot XRP ETFs in the U.S., giving institutional and retail investors regulated exposure to the asset.

Further ETF approvals alongside clearer regulatory guidance could push XRP toward $5 by the second quarter, while a longer-term MOVE to $10 remains likely heading into 2027.

Dogecoin (DOGE): Can the Original Meme Coin Reach $1?

Launched in 2013, Dogecoin ($DOGE) remains the largest meme coin, supported by one of the most loyal communities in the digital asset space. What started as playful satire has evolved into a widely held and used cryptocurrency with a market capitalization near $21 billion.

DOGE’s explosive rally during the 2021 bull market, boosted by public support from figures like Elon Musk, Snoop Dogg, and Gene Simmons, cemented its place in mainstream culture.

Thanks to its popularity and deep liquidity, dogecoin tends to experience less extreme price swings than smaller meme coins. As a result, its trading behavior often mirrors that of established assets such as Bitcoin, Ethereum, and XRP, separating it from the plethora of highly volatile meme coins out there.

The DOGE Army’s rallying cry of “Dogecoin to $1” may be difficult without clearer crypto legislation in the U.S.

However, if the US offers clearer guidance on crypto in Q1, DOGE could rise from $0.12 today to around $0.50 by spring. That scenario WOULD leave it one bull cycle away from hitting a dollar.

Adoption and use cases are also growing. Tesla accepts DOGE for select merchandise, while payment platforms like PayPal and Revolut now support Dogecoin transactions.

Shiba Inu (SHIB): Evolving From Meme Coin to Utility-Driven Ecosystem

Shiba Inu ($SHIB), which launched in August 2020, has grown into the second-largest meme coin, with a market value close to $5 billion.

Backed by a massive community and a growing suite of features, SHIB is increasingly viewed as a serious altcoin rather than a novelty. At present, it trades NEAR $0.0000079.

A decisive breakout above resistance zones at $0.00001 and $0.00002 could open the door to a rally toward $0.00003 by March. Under stronger bullish conditions, SHIB could potentially close the quarter around $0.00005.

The project’s fundamentals extend beyond hype. Shibarium, its Ethereum-based Layer-2 network, lowers transaction costs and improves scalability.

Planned upgrades and enhanced privacy features further support SHIB’s shift from meme status to a more comprehensive blockchain platform.

Bitcoin Hyper (HYPER): Meme Aesthetics Paired With a Next-Gen Bitcoin Layer 2

Bitcoin Hyper ($HYPER) is a robust bitcoin Layer-2 solution designed for faster transactions, reduced fees, and advanced smart contract capabilities.

Utilizing the Solana Virtual Machine, Bitcoin Hyper integrates decentralized governance and a Canonical Bridge that enables efficient cross-chain Bitcoin transfers.

The project’s presale has already attracted $30.8 million in funding, with some influencers forecasting potential post-launch gains of 10x to 100x once the token lists on exchanges. A recent Coinsult audit found no critical issues within the smart contract.

HYPER serves as the backbone of the network, powering transaction fees, governance voting, and staking rewards.

Investors can stake tokens during the presale to earn yields of up to 38% APY, though rewards decline as more people participate.

With exchange listings expected later this year, Bitcoin Hyper’s presale grants crypto fans a first-mover advantage in the next phase of the Bitcoin network.

Visit the official presale website or follow Bitcoin Hyper on X and Telegram for more information.