🔥 Key Takeaways
- Privacy coins were standout winners in 2025 but faced significant corrections in early 2026.
- Crypto whales are selectively buying and selling three privacy coins in February 2026 based on momentum shifts.
- The three privacy coins of interest are Monero (XMR), Zcash (ZEC), and Grin (GRIN).
3 Privacy Coins Crypto Whales are Buying and Selling Ahead of February 2026
Privacy coins were among the standout winners of 2025, with several projects experiencing significant gains and attracting a growing user base. However, 2026 has been far less forgiving, with many former leaders slipping into sharp corrections. The early months of 2026 have seen a volatile market, with newer privacy coins showing unstable rebounds. As February begins, crypto whales are no longer betting blindly. Instead, they are buying and selling these three privacy coins selectively, guided by momentum shifts.
1. Monero (XMR)
Monero (XMR) has long been a leader in the privacy coin space, known for its robust privacy features and strong community support. Despite facing corrections in early 2026, Monero remains a favorite among crypto whales. The recent momentum in XMR is driven by its continued improvements in transaction privacy and its growing acceptance by various decentralized applications (dApps).
Whales are accumulating XMR at current price levels, anticipating a rebound as more institutional investors and retail traders recognize the value of its privacy features. The recent updates to the Monero protocol, including enhanced ring signatures and bulletproofs, have further solidified its position as a leading privacy coin.
2. Zcash (ZEC)
Zcash (ZEC) is another well-established privacy coin that has seen significant volatility in early 2026. Zcash offers optional privacy features, allowing users to choose whether to keep their transactions private or transparent. This flexibility has made it appealing to a wide range of users, from privacy-conscious individuals to businesses seeking regulatory compliance.
Crypto whales are selectively buying ZEC, particularly after recent price dips. The recent launch of the Zcash Improvement Proposal (ZIP) 213, which introduces new privacy features and enhances transaction confidentiality, has generated positive sentiment among the community. Whales are betting on ZEC’s ability to regain its momentum and attract more users and institutional interest.
3. Grin (GRIN)
Grin (GRIN) is a newer entrant in the privacy coin space, known for its unique approach to privacy and scalability. Unlike other privacy coins, Grin uses a different consensus algorithm and focuses on minimal transaction fees and fast block times. Despite its relative youth, Grin has gained a dedicated following and is showing promising signs of growth.
Crypto whales are keeping a close eye on Grin, particularly as it navigates the challenges of a volatile market. Recent developments, such as the integration of MimbleWimble technology, have enhanced its privacy features and improved its scalability. Whales are strategically buying GRIN at current levels, anticipating that its innovative approach will attract more users and developers in the coming months.
As February 2026 unfolds, the crypto market remains highly dynamic. Privacy coins, while facing corrections, continue to attract interest from both retail and institutional investors. By selectively buying and selling these three privacy coins—Monero (XMR), Zcash (ZEC), and Grin (GRIN)—crypto whales are positioning themselves to capitalize on potential rebounds and long-term growth opportunities.
Conclusion
The privacy coin market is poised for an interesting February 2026, with crypto whales making strategic moves based on momentum shifts. Monero, Zcash, and Grin are the top picks, each with unique features and strengths that could drive future gains. As the market continues to evolve, staying informed and agile will be key for investors seeking to navigate the volatile landscape of privacy coins.
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