.png){kind=logo}
Ethereum processed about 1.87 million daily transactions, beating its 2021 peak even without a price breakout.
Active wallets rose to nearly 728,900, showing strong real usage, not just speculation.
ETH price stays near $3,000, highlighting a gap between network growth and market valuation.
Ethereum reached an important milestone recently. ETH’s network is handling the most activity it has ever seen since the 2021 bullish rally. On December 31, 2025, the seven-day moving average of daily transactions reached around 1.87 million. This number passed the earlier record of 1.61 million transactions seen on May 10, 2021, when NFTs and DeFi activity were at their peak.
This growth shows that people are using the Ethereum network more again. Many apps like decentralized exchanges, games, NFTs, and token platforms now generate steady traffic. Unlike 2021, the current rise does not come only from hype. It comes from regular use across many different types of applications.
Wallet data also supports this trend. The number of active addresses climbed to 728,900, surpassing ETH’s record. These entries represent wallets that actually send or receive transactions, so this metric shows real usage.
New address creation also jumped strongly. In a single day, Ethereum added nearly 270,000 new addresses, the biggest daily increase since early 2018. This means new users are still joining the ecosystem. Some users may not even realize they use Ethereum directly, since many apps work in the background using the network.
Even with strong on-chain growth, Ethereum price has plateaued. In early January 2026, ETH traded between $3,000 and $3,200. The market tested this margin many times, but a clear upward trend never occurred.
The area between $3,200 and $3,400 continues to act as strong resistance. Many investors bought Ether near these levels in the past, and selling pressure increases as the price approaches them. Because of this, price struggles to break higher even when network data looks very strong.
Also Read: Can Ethereum Hit $3,900 Again? Price Predictions for 2026–2030
Several reasons explain why Ethereum usage is growing without a matching price rally. One key factor is the use of layer-2 networks. These systems allow cheaper, faster transactions, which increases transaction volume. However, they do not always create immediate buying demand for ETH in the market.
Bitcoin still controls much of the market direction. When investors focus more on Bitcoin or remain cautious amid global economic issues, Ethereum's price often moves sideways, even with positive fundamentals.
Derivatives trading also plays a role. Ethereum futures and options activity can slow price movement when traders hedge positions. This can delay the impact of strong network growth on spot prices.
This milestone looks different compared to the 2021 cycle. Ethereum has already completed major upgrades over the last few years. Fee structure improvements and staking changes made the network more stable and easier to use. Validators now secure the network through staking, which supports long-term reliability.
The ecosystem also looks more mature. Developers have better tools and stronger infrastructure. Applications can scale better without overwhelming the main network. This helps Ethereum avoid sharp boom-and-bust cycles seen in earlier years.
Rising transaction counts and wallet growth strengthen Ethereum’s long-term outlook. High usage shows that demand for block space remains strong. Over time, consistent activity can support higher valuations once markets adjust.
For developers, this data confirms that building on Ethereum still makes sense. For long-term holders, it suggests that Ethereum continues to expand its role in decentralized finance and digital assets, even when prices pause.
Higher usage also brings more risk. More transactions increase the chances of smart contract bugs and security problems. Developers must stay focused on audits and safety to protect users.
Regulatory uncertainty remains another concern. Changes around staking or decentralized finance rules could impact activity in some regions. At the same time, tight global liquidity could keep ETH trading near the $3,000 support level for longer.
Also Read: Ethereum News Update: ETH Faces Resistance as Bitcoin Weakness Shapes 2026 Outlook
Ethereum now processes about 1.87 million daily transactions, supports roughly 728,900 active addresses, and adds up to 270,000 new addresses in a single day. ETH’s price has stayed near $3,000 despite this favorable trading activity. This situation shows a growing, maturing network that moves ahead of its token’s market performance.
ETH's price may follow later or continue consolidating. What remains clear is that Ethereum fundamentals keep getting stronger, setting the base for the next phase of the crypto market.
1. Why is Ethereum activity higher than in 2021?
More apps now use Ethereum for NFTs, DeFi, games, and exchanges, with layer-2 networks allowing cheaper and faster transactions.
2. Why is ETH price not rising with network growth?
Market resistance, Bitcoin-led sentiment, and derivatives trading limit price movement despite strong fundamentals.
3. What does 1.87 million daily transactions mean?
It shows heavy and consistent use of the network across many applications, not just short-term hype.
4. Are new users still joining Ethereum?
Yes, about 270,000 new addresses appeared in one day, the highest growth since early 2018.
5. Does high activity make Ethereum safer or riskier?
Higher usage proves demand but also increases security risks, so audits and upgrades remain important.
Join our WhatsApp Channel to get the latest news, exclusives and videos on WhatsApp
_____________
Disclaimer: Analytics Insight does not provide financial advice or guidance on cryptocurrencies and stocks. Also note that the cryptocurrencies mentioned/listed on the website could potentially be scams, i.e. designed to induce you to invest financial resources that may be lost forever and not be recoverable once investments are made. This article is provided for informational purposes and does not constitute investment advice. You are responsible for conducting your own research (DYOR) before making any investments. Read more about the financial risks involved here.
