Publication date: Oct. 30, 2025

Zcash (ZEC), one of the oldest privacy-focused cryptocurrencies, has suddenly returned to prominence in recent weeks. Whereas the currency had been quietly trading on the margins of the market for years, Zcash has shown impressive price appreciation since early October. At a time when the crypto market is mostly bearish, ZEC managed to rise more than 400% in one month. What is behind this remarkable resurgence of a coin that was launched back in 2016?

What is Zcash?

Zcash is a cryptocurrency distinguished by a unique focus on privacy and anonymity. The network uses so-called "zero-knowledge proofs," an advanced cryptographic technique that allows transactions to be fully validated without details about sender, recipient, or amount being visible on the blockchain. This makes Zcash fundamentally different from, say, Bitcoin or Ethereum, where all transactions are public.

The coin was developed by Zooko Wilcox and a team of cryptographers from MIT and Johns Hopkins University, among others. Their goal was to restore privacy to financial transactions without sacrificing security or decentralization.




Zcash offers users a choice between transparent transactions (similar to Bitcoin) and fully shielded transactions using zk-SNARKs, the technology on which many modern privacy and Layer-2 solutions continue to build today.

Why is Zcash suddenly popular now?

Zcash's recent surge in price comes from a confluence of technological, economic and social developments:

1. New upgrade: Halo Arc 2.0: In early October, the Electric Coin Company (ECC), the team behind Zcash, announced a major network upgrade: Halo Arc 2.0. This update introduces improved "shielded" transactions, faster authentication and support for mobile wallets. This makes it easier for users to conduct privacy transactions without complex settings or long processing times.
   
   

2. Growing demand for privacy: At a time of increasing scrutiny and regulation within crypto, interest in privacy solutions is once again growing. While many projects must conform to KYC and AML regulations, investors see Zcash as a haven where financial freedom and anonymity are still central. Recent discussions within the EU and US on digital ID systems have further reinforced this sentiment.
   
   

3. Institutional focus: Several reports suggest that institutional parties are also showing renewed interest in privacy technologies. Not necessarily to hide transactions, but to protect corporate data and develop private settlement networks. Zcash is benefiting from this renewed attention to zk technology, in which it has been at the forefront for years.
   
   

4. Technical short squeeze: After a long period of low trading volumes and significant short positions on ZEC, a sudden buying pressure in early September caused a short squeeze, forcing short positions to be closed. As a result, the price rose in a short time from around $38 to above $55, a level that has acted as resistance several times since May 2025. This breakout attracted additional attention from retail investors, which further reinforced the upward movement in the following weeks.
   

Price development of ZEC

The chart below shows the price movement of Zcash over the past year and clearly shows how volatile the currency has been. A particularly striking pattern can be seen in the last three months of 2025. Around the $35 level, ZEC found a solid support zone, after which a powerful upward movement began.

The first major resistance was around $45. This was convincingly broken, after which the price briefly consolidated before the next resistance around $55 came into view. This level was tested several times, but was finally broken with strength. In the weeks that followed, the rise accelerated considerably, with the price even well above $300. This strong momentum provided investors who entered early with exceptionally high returns.

Zcash's recent price performance is remarkable, especially given the current challenging conditions for altcoins. The long-term chart below, which shows the price movement since 2021, clearly shows that ZEC has regained its former peak levels after years of relative stagnation. This recovery highlights not only the extreme volatility of the crypto market but also the resilience of Zcash itself.

Investors who got in at the top in 2021 had to wait more than four years before Zcash reached that same price level again. The recent breakout above former resistance around $305 is a strong technical signal and may indicate that there may be further upside potential. Nevertheless, caution remains in order given the volatility of the market.

The chart shows how quickly price movements can occur in the crypto world, both in positive and negative directions. For potential investors, this is a clear example of the opportunities and risks associated with cryptocurrencies like Zcash. Thorough research and risk management therefore, remain essential before considering an investment.

Conclusion

Zcash shows that even older crypto projects can become relevant again in a rapidly changing market. Thanks to technological innovations such as the Halo Arc 2.0 upgrade, growing demand for privacy and renewed interest from both retail and institutional investors, the coin has made an impressive comeback.

Its convincing breakout above historical resistance levels shows not only the strength of its recent momentum, but also the confidence investors are placing in it once again. Yet Zcash, like the broader crypto market, remains highly subject to volatility.

For investors who believe in the fundamental value of financial privacy and in the continued adoption of zk technology, Zcash may be an interesting project to follow. But as always, success stories in crypto go hand in hand with risk, and an educated strategy remains essential.

Disclaimer: Investing involves risk. Our analysts are not financial advisors. Always consult an advisor when making financial decisions. The information and tips provided on this website are based on our analysts' own insights and experiences. They are therefore for educational purposes only.