Bitcoin is set for another year of extreme volatility and potentially record-breaking price movements.
According to CNBC’s survey of analysts and industry executives, predictions for the price of the cryptocurrency in 2026 range from a low of $75,000 to a staggering high of $225,000.
Behind this wide divergence lies a complex context of changes in monetary policy, regulatory uncertainty and questions about institutional demand.
Bitcoin is currently trading around $91,000, about 30% below its all-time high of over $126,000 set in October 2025.
Among the boldest predictions, Bit Mining chief economist Youwei Yang predicts a trading range of between $75,000 and $225,000, citing possible interest rate cuts and a “more accommodative regulatory stance” along with macroeconomic risk.
Other notable predictions include:
- Standard Chartered: $150,000, revised down from $300,000, with gains now expected to be driven primarily by buying ETFs rather than corporate treasuries.
- Maple Finance: $175,000 boosted by rate cuts and growth in bitcoin-backed loans.
- Standard Chartered: $150,000, revised down from $300,000, with gains now expected to be driven primarily by buying ETFs rather than corporate treasuries.
- CoinShares: between 120,000 and 170,000 dollars, with a weighted action towards the second half of the year pending regulatory clarity and the Federal Reserve.
Analysts generally agree that key drivers will include US Federal Reserve policy, the potential passage of crypto regulatory legislation, and the sustained flow of funds into spot Bitcoin ETFs, which may now be the most important price catalyst.
