Monero Rose 6.5% This Week While Zcash Fell 6%. Which Privacy Coin Is the Better Buy?

Monero is outperforming this week while Zcash has been retreating, prompting debate among privacy-coin buyers about which is the better investment near Zcash’s next milestone review. In the week leading up to October 17, 2026, Monero (XMR) rose 8.1%, while Zcash (ZEC) fell 5%. By October 17, Monero traded around $558, roughly 30% below its January 14 record high of $798, and was up 13.5% over the prior 30 days. Zcash was about $1,162, down 5.8% in 24 hours and 10.9% over 30 days, around 64% below its all-time high of $3,192 from 2016. The article contrasts Monero’s default concealment with Zcash’s optional transparent and shielded transfers, and notes Zcash’s higher market cap and trading volume.