Ethereum Outperforming Bitcoin in Q3: Is Altseason 2025 Finally Here?

Something strange is happening this quarter—Ethereum is outperforming Bitcoin in ways that cannot be ignored.

After years of being considered the second runner-up, it is now stepping up in Q3 2025 and creating dramatic changes in trader sentiment, and has brought one major question to the forefront: is this the official start of Altseason 2025?

Ethereum Gains Ground While Bitcoin Pauses: Why It Matters

So far in Q3, it has delivered a +21.9% return, compared to BTC's +13.85%, according to data from the Coinglass chart. This isn’t just a temporary flip. Historically, this cryptocurrency tends to outperform in Q3—and this time, it's doing so with real strength in market structure.

Crypto analyst and OKX partner Ted Pillows shared a bold chart on X last week, stating:

“$ETH is currently outperforming $BTC in Q3. Altseason loading.”

And the data agrees. With worl's largest cryptocurrency cooling after a strong first half of 2025, all eyes are now on $ETH.

Ethereum MACD & RSI Tell a Bullish Story—$BTC Slows Down

Ethereum price outlook Today : Technical indicators are flashing green. On the daily chart of TradingView , The token’s RSI is nearing 74—typically a sign of overbought conditions—but there's no bearish divergence in sight. The MACD line continues to show bullish momentum, confirming that buyers are still in control.

It is also trading comfortably above the $3,000 psychological level, a zone that many traders see as the new battleground for long-term support.

In contrast, Bitcoin's RSI and MACD are showing signs of cooling. After briefly touching a high near $123,000, BTC has pulled back toward the $117,000 range, where it now faces some resistance.

Merlijn’s Chart: Is Ethereum Following Bitcoin’s 2020 Bull Cycle?

A chart that’s gaining massive traction comes from trader Merlijn , who believes this currency is now mimicking another token's legendary 2020 breakout.

Here’s what the data shows:

• 83% correction in the bear cycle

• Followed by a 342% rally

• Then a steep 63% drop

• After which, Bitcoin surged over 1,100%

If this roadmap holds, it suggests that the asset may be gearing up for one of the biggest rallies of this bull market—possibly leading a massive Ethereum altcoin rally .

This is why traders are starting to treat ETH not just as another coin, but as the leading indicator of where the entire crypto sector may go next.

Altcoinseason Today: Not a Question of If, But When?

There’s always been a rhythm to crypto markets : Bitcoin rallies first, then $ETH takes the lead, and finally, altcoins explode.

But this time, the token may have jumped the queue. Coingabbar Analysts are calling it early: the altcoin season today might be starting with this token, not BTC.

Conclusion: What This Means for Traders and Long-Term Holders

For long-term investors, this performance isn't just a number—it’s a potential shift in the balance of power. If the coin continues its current trajectory, it may bring renewed attention to the broader altcoin market.

For active traders, the ETH vs BTC chart is becoming a go-to tool for identifying strength and momentum.

Key Takeaways:

• Ethereum vs Bitcoin Q3 data shows ETH clearly leading

• MACD and RSI for ETH support continued upside momentum

• BTC remains stable, but the current coin is gathering steam

• Ted Pillows and Merlijn both point to ETH as a market leader

• Signals of altcoin season 2025 are building fast

If Bitcoin holds the floor—and Ethereum pushes higher—we may look back at Q3 2025 as the quarter altseason truly began.