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The silent rise of monero: privacy coin's struggle for attention

Monero | A Cryptocurrency Built for Privacy, Yet Overlooked by Many

By

Samantha Collins

Jan 25, 2026, 12:34 AM

Edited By

Fatima Hassan

3 minutes needed to read

A close-up of a Monero coin symbol on a digital interface, representing financial privacy in cryptocurrency.

Monero (XMR) stands apart from the crowd of cryptocurrencies, focusing entirely on user privacy as a key feature. While it finds a niche in certain circles, its association with the dark web heavily influences public perception.

What Makes Monero Different?

Monero is distinctive due to its ability to conceal transaction amounts and user addresses by default. Unlike Bitcoin, where transaction details are publicly available, Monero’s blockchain is much harder to trace, earning it a significant following among those prioritizing financial privacy.

"It’s just a tool. Just like cash, it can be used for both legal and illegal purposes."

Certain platforms have started to shun Monero, largely out of fear of being linked to illegal activities. As a result, businesses show reluctance to adopt it, and many exchanges have either delisted it or steered clear of promoting it altogether.

Struggling for Mainstream Attention

Despite possessing robust technology and an active developer community, Monero remains out of the mainstream spotlight. Its reputation is marred by its use on the dark web, overshadowing its legitimate applications. While most cryptocurrencies are marketed as investment opportunities, Monero works quietly in the background. 'Privacy is not a concern until it’s too late,' noted one user, reflecting the mindset of many in the crypto community.

Users Share Their Experiences

Several individuals have taken to user boards to share their experiences with Monero, especially when it comes to mining. One user commented, "Hope you're being careful with mining on mobile. Not exactly something I would do on a newer phone." This response highlights the increasing wariness regarding device safety among miners.

Another user remarked, "I tried it for a bit on my S24 Ultra, and it started getting hot and slowing down. Nope, not mining from my phone!" Many seem to favor using more robust hardware for mining.

The Technology Behind XMR

Monero offers strong cryptographic technologies that appeal to privacy advocates. However, this has not translated into mainstream confidence.

While it garners a dedicated following, it remains to be seen if Monero can shake off its stigma and move toward wider acceptance. With ongoing discussions about privacy and regulation, the question remains: Could a change in public and regulatory attitudes help Monero gain traction?

Key Insights

  • β–³ Monero’s privacy features draw attention from both users and law enforcement

  • β–½ Regulatory pressure leads exchanges to be cautious about Monero

  • β€» "Privacy is not something most people think about until it’s gone" - User perspective

As of January 2026, the conversation about Monero and its future continues in various forums, reflecting an ongoing conflict between privacy needs and regulatory realities.

Predictions for Monero's Path Ahead

There’s a strong probability that Monero will see gradual acceptance among people looking for privacy solutions. As regulations evolve in 2026, experts estimate around a 60% chance that exchanges will reconsider their stance on listing Monero. Similarly, with growing public awareness about data privacy, Monero could attract a larger user base focused on financial anonymity. This could lead to a potential rise in value, correlating roughly with a 40% chance of increased mainstream usage by the end of the year, especially if privacy concerns continue to dominate discussions in tech and finance sectors.

A Unique Historical Insight

Looking back to the early days of the internet, there was a significant hesitance from businesses to fully embrace e-commerce due to fears around security and fraud. This caused some promising online platforms to fly under the radar until public confidence stabilized. Much like the journey of Monero, which is grappling with its reputation, many innovations often require time and persistent effort to earn trust. The gradual acceptance of e-commerce reflects how societal shifts in understanding can reshape the path for technologies once deemed too risky.