Bitcoin is poised for another year of extreme volatility and potentially record price movements.
According to CNBC’s survey of analysts and industry executives, predictions for the cryptocurrency’s price in 2026 range from a low of $75,000 to a staggering high of $225,000.
Behind this wide divergence lies a complex backdrop of changing 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 bolder calls, Bit Mining chief economist Youwei Yang predicts a trading range between $75,000 and $225,000, citing potential interest rate cuts and a “more accommodative regulatory stance” alongside macroeconomic risk.
Other notable predictions include:
- Standard Chartered: $150,000, revised down from $300,000, with gains now expected to come primarily from purchasing ETFs rather than corporate Treasuries.
- Maple Finance: $175,000 supported by rate cuts and growth in bitcoin-backed loans.
- Standard Chartered: $150,000, revised down from $300,000, with gains now expected to come primarily from purchasing ETFs rather than corporate Treasuries.
- CoinShares: $120,000 to $170,000, with action focused on the second half of the year pending clarity on regulations and the Federal Reserve.
Overall, analysts agree that the biggest driving factors will be U.S. Federal Reserve policy, the potential adoption of crypto regulatory legislation, and the sustained flow of funds into spot Bitcoin ETFs, which could now be the most important price catalyst.
