Can XRP Outperform Ethereum in May 2025?

Ethereum (ETH) and XRP (XRP) are showing sharply different technical setups heading into May, and the outcome of these patterns could determine which asset outperforms in the coming weeks.

Ethereum Ascending Triangle Breakout Likely

Ethereum is shaping an ascending triangle on its 4-hour chart.

This classic bullish continuation pattern features a flat resistance line near $1,840 and rising higher lows, signaling building buying pressure. If ETH breaks above $1,840, the triangle’s height suggests an upside target of around $1,962, marking a 7.5% gain from current levels.

ETH is also trading above its 50-4H (red) and 200-4H (blue) exponential moving averages (EMAs), strengthening its bullish momentum. The relative strength index (RSI) sits near neutral, offering room for further upside if momentum accelerates.

Additionally, historically, May has been a profitable month for Ethereum, with an average return of around 27.50% since 2016. Analyst Carl Moon notes that the fractal could assist ETH in rising higher, given it has fallen for five months in a row.

Ethereum, meanwhile, is flashing a bullish inverse head-and-shoulders pattern against Bitcoin.

A confirmed breakout above the neckline (~0.0195 BTC) projects an upside move toward ~0.0211 BTC — about an 8% gain over Bitcoin. This gives ETH a clear technical edge over both BTC and XRP heading into May.

XRP Rising Wedge Threatens Breakdown Toward $1.82

XRP tells a different story from Ethereum.

On its 4-hour chart, it’s forming a rising wedge, a bearish reversal pattern characterized by converging, upward-sloping trendlines. This pattern often signals weakening momentum before a sharp correction.

If XRP loses support around $2.10, the wedge projects a downside target near $1.825 — a potential 17% decline from current prices. Compounding the bearish view, XRP has slipped below its short-term EMAs, and its RSI is drifting lower, suggesting weakening buying strength.

Unless XRP bulls quickly reclaim the $2.20–$2.25 area, the token faces elevated downside risks heading into May.

The XRP/BTC daily chart reveals an ominous setup: a completed cup-and-handle pattern with a looming breakdown.

A drop below ~0.0000222 BTC support opens the door to a measured target near 0.0000147 BTC — a roughly 34% loss versus Bitcoin. This strongly suggests XRP may not just underperform Ethereum but also significantly weaken relative to Bitcoin this month.