A January 2026 survey by Finder shows crypto industry specialists holding a cautiously optimistic outlook for Bitcoin, with most expecting higher prices even as volatility and institutional dominance reshape the market. The panel of 21 experts forecasts Bitcoin averaging $133,688 by end of 2026, with expectations cooling slightly from the prior quarter, signaling a maturing market rather than an overheating one.
Price Range and Long-Term Outlook
The panel's average projections allow for significant swings, with a peak of $163,588 and a low of $73,324 during 2026. The wide range underscores lingering uncertainty despite continued institutional capital inflows into regulated crypto products. Looking further ahead, experts predict Bitcoin will reach $372,235 by 2030 and $695,882 by 2035, though both figures are slightly lower than last quarter's estimates, reflecting tempered enthusiasm rather than skepticism.
Current Sentiment: Majority Sees Undervaluation
Despite Bitcoin trading below $100,000 at the time of the survey, sentiment remains constructive. 57% of panelists believe Bitcoin is currently underpriced, and 43% say now is a good time to buy. Only 19% recommend selling, suggesting most experts view downside risk as manageable. Sathvik Vishwanath, CEO of Unocoin Technologies, noted: "Bottom line: Bitcoin is no longer priced as a future asset — it is being repriced as a present-day monetary alternative, and the market has not fully absorbed that yet."
Institutional Participation and Structural Shifts
Institutional involvement is a recurring theme. Josh Fraser, cofounder of Origin Protocol, tied Bitcoin's long-term potential to macro reality: "Bitcoin clearing $200,000 in 2026 and moving toward $1 million before 2035 comes down to simple math and macro reality." Nicole DeCicco of Cryptoconsultz added: "Bitcoin has become a macro asset, not just a speculative one," pointing to growing allocations from major financial firms that are lifting Bitcoin's long-term price floor.
However, not all experts are convinced of unlimited upside. Ruadhan O, founder of Seasonal Tokens, argued that institutional involvement has reduced Bitcoin's explosive potential, suggesting that the era of rapid 5x or 10x annual gains may be over as the asset matures into a lower-volatility vehicle. John Hawkins from the University of Canberra maintained that Bitcoin remains fundamentally speculative, with limited success as a mainstream payment instrument. Despite these cautions, 71% of panelists believe Bitcoin is entering a structurally different, institution-led adoption phase, although many warn that ETF flows indicate institutions may be trading momentum rather than committing as long-term stabilizers. The report also touches on emerging risks like quantum computing's potential impact on Bitcoin's cryptographic security, though it is not seen as an immediate threat.