While long-term projections still place Ethereum on track for a $10K target, market experts remain divided on whether that milestone could be reached by 2026 or extend into 2028.

Ethereum consolidates as long-term uptrend strengthens

Crypto analyst Ali Martinez (@ali_charts) believes Ethereum remains in a sustained uptrend within a multi-year ascending channel. According to Martinez’s chart, the structure supports a $10K ETH price target by mid-2028, assuming the current consolidation phase continues. “Ethereum will hit $10K… just not as soon as you think,” Martinez posted, tempering near-term expectations while maintaining a bullish multi-year outlook.

Ethereum’s $10K race is on—but the finish line might be farther than traders think! Source: @ali_charts via X

Martinez previously forecasted a move toward $4,440, which saw ETH briefly reach $4,084 before retreating. His latest analysis suggests Ethereum’s ongoing consolidation is part of a larger cycle rather than a trend reversal.

Analysts see divided timelines for Ethereum’s next rally

While some analysts agree with the long-term bullish trajectory, the timeline remains a key point of contention. A section of traders expects Ethereum to test $8,000–$10K by 2026, driven by ETH ETF inflows, restaking yields, and a potential rotation from Bitcoin dominance.

Others take a more conservative stance, pointing to macroeconomic headwinds, slower institutional inflows, and Ethereum’s historical correlation with post-halving cycles—which could delay the rally until 2027–2028.

This divergence highlights how sentiment across the market remains cautiously optimistic but far from euphoric.

Ethereum holds key supports despite short-term pressure

Another popular market watcher, Ash Crypto (@Ashcryptoreal), noted that Ethereum’s monthly chart shows a breakout from a four-year accumulation range, followed by a successful retest of the breakout zone around $3,000–$3,500. “The $ETH monthly chart tells a different story,” Ash wrote. “Price has broken out of a four-year accumulation range, retested cleanly, and is holding above key levels.”

While the crowd panics over “cycle tops,” Ethereum quietly breaks free—setting the stage for the next big move. Source: @Ashcryptoreal via X

The RSI indicator currently sits at 59.42, reflecting neutral momentum and leaving room for upside without signaling overbought conditions. Ash argues that widespread fear and claims of a “cycle top” may actually mark the beginning of a new accumulation phase—not the end of one.

Ethereum bounces from bull market support

Technical analyst Luca (@CrypticTrades_) observed Ethereum rebounding from its weekly bull market support band near the $3,790–$3,800 range—a level that has repeatedly served as a strong reversal zone throughout 2024.

Ethereum rebounds from its bull market support band—but the real test lies just ahead at the golden pocket resistance. Source: @CrypticTrades via X

Luca’s chart highlights immediate resistance in the $4,145–$4,264 “golden pocket” zone, with a secondary resistance band between $4,490–$4,590. ETH’s ability to close above these levels could confirm a bullish continuation pattern targeting the $5,000 region.

While short-term sentiment remains mixed, the overall structure still favors a gradual grind higher, provided Ethereum maintains support above the $3,800 threshold.

The road to $10K: what to watch next

In the near term, traders are monitoring whether Ethereum can reclaim the $4,200–$4,500 resistance area—a breakout point that could accelerate momentum toward $5,000 and set the foundation for a new cycle high.

Ethereum (ETH) was trading at around $3,936, up 1.07% in the last 24 hours at press time. Source: Ethereum Price via Brave New Coin

Failure to hold above $3,800 may invite deeper consolidation toward $3,300–$3,600, but as long as this zone holds, analysts remain confident in Ethereum’s long-term structure.

For now, the $10K ETH target is less about “if” and more about “when.” The next 18 to 24 months will likely determine whether Ethereum achieves that goal during the next altseason—or if investors will need to wait until 2028 for the milestone to materialize.