If there’s one theme shaping the 2026 cycle so far, it’s that networks are starting to prioritize security.
A week ago, Solana [SOL] conducted a quantum resistance test to evaluate whether the network could withstand quantum-related attacks. The main outcome was an important trade-off: a speed drop of around 90% in exchange for stronger safety guarantees.
Interestingly, other networks are now starting to follow suit.
Two major quantum-related updates for Bitcoin have been released in the past two days [BTC]. One prototype could give users money back if quantum computers ever break current signature schemes.
Now a proposal Avihu Levy suggests that Bitcoin transactions can be made quantum-safe without the need for changes to the core protocol.
Interestingly, the latter has become the main focus among crypto enthusiasts.
Levy has released a whitepaper highlighting how Bitcoin transactions can become quantum-proof without the need for a soft fork. That said, it doesn’t come without compromises.
Notably, Bitcoin today can be made quantum-safe without a protocol upgrade, although each transaction could cost about $75 to $150 in GPU computing power.
Simply put, this means that users would pay more computing power and fees in exchange for stronger security without changing Bitcoin’s core protocol.
In short: network security will not be achieved without compromises. First Solana proved it with a 90% speed reduction, and now Bitcoin with higher transaction fees.
In this context, does this setup give a potential edge to networks that can better balance security and efficiency without pushing costs or speed too far?
Bitcoin’s quantum debate shifts attention to XRP
A clear signal from recent developments is that quantum threats are shifting from hype to real concern.
Why does this matter? As networks roll out ways to become more quantum resilient, this will likely become a key factor in deciding where user trust originates in L1s.
That trust, in turn, directly impacts how users interact with a network, including on-chain growth, usability, and ultimately transaction activity over time.
In this context, the recent transaction milestone on Ripple [XRP] begins to carry more weight. As the chart below shows, XRP transactions have surged past a two-year high of 5 million.
Additionally, the network maintained low costs, throughput remained above 140 TPS, with peak blocks handling up to 987 transactions.
And it doesn’t stop there. Experts suggest that XRP may pose significantly lower quantum risk than Bitcoin.
From their perspectivea large portion of XRP wallets have never released public keys. In contrast, BTC has an estimated 35% of its supply that is potentially vulnerable.
Additionally, XRPL’s escrow locks help reduce exposure. Meanwhile, the Bitcoin model requires users to transfer funds, exposing public keys.
In short, XRP’s network design can strengthen its positioning in a changing security landscape. At the same time, Bitcoin’s higher exposure highlights a different risk profile.
Against this backdrop, XRP remains better positioned, while Bitcoin continues to face tradeoffs between scale, security and legacy exposure.
Final summary
- Bitcoin is increasingly prioritizing quantum resistance, but upgrades come with clear tradeoffs.
- Against this backdrop, XRP is gaining attention for maintaining low costs while being seen as potentially lower quantum risk.