Investing in cryptocurrencies doesn't always mean buying Bitcoin or Ethereum directly. Crypto-related stocks offer an alternative path—gaining exposure through the regulated, traditional stock market. These companies operate deep within the blockchain ecosystem, from running major exchanges and mining Bitcoin to building stablecoin infrastructure and digital payment solutions.
By investing in these stocks, you get the best of both worlds: potential upside from crypto's growth without dealing with digital wallets, private keys, or volatile altcoins. As regulation evolves and more crypto-native firms go public—like Circle's recent stock debut—it's easier than ever to build a diversified portfolio tied to this dynamic sector.
In this guide, we explore seven of the best crypto stocks to consider in 2025. Each offers strong fundamentals and direct ties to the digital asset market.
Quick Summary: Matching Crypto Stocks to Investor Profiles
| Investor Profile | Recommended Stock | Key Reason |
|---|---|---|
| Pure Bitcoin exposure | Strategy (MSTR) | Holds one of the largest corporate Bitcoin reserves |
| Crypto platform growth | Coinbase (COIN) | Largest U.S. exchange; benefits from trading volume |
| Stable infrastructure | Circle (CRCL) | Issues USDC, a widely adopted regulated stablecoin |
| Long-term mining performance | Marathon Digital (MARA) | Established Bitcoin miner with scaling hash rate |
| Cost-efficient U.S. mining | Riot Platforms (RIOT) | Focuses on low-cost, scalable mining operations |
| Green, high-growth mining | CleanSpark (CLSK) | Uses renewable energy; rapid revenue growth |
| Crypto plus fintech | Block (XYZ) | Combines fintech services with Bitcoin integration |
Best Crypto Stocks to Buy in 2025
Strategy (MSTR): For Direct Bitcoin Exposure
Formerly known as MicroStrategy, Strategy is a top choice for investors seeking stocks that closely mirror Bitcoin's movements. Initially a business intelligence firm, it now functions largely as a corporate Bitcoin vault, thanks to Executive Chairman Michael Saylor's strategy.
Key Highlights:
- Holds over 200,000 BTC—the largest corporate Bitcoin reserve
- Directly benefits from Bitcoin price appreciation
- Attracts institutional and retail investors during bull markets
- Often outperforms Bitcoin during rallies due to leverage and speculation
Considerations:
- High volatility; sharp declines when Bitcoin falls
- Core software business is overshadowed by crypto holdings
- Relies on debt and stock issuance to acquire more Bitcoin
Strategy is a high-risk, high-reward option for betting on Bitcoin's growth through the stock market. It’s ideal if you’re bullish on Bitcoin's long-term trajectory.
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Coinbase (COIN): For Crypto Platform Growth
Coinbase is the largest publicly traded cryptocurrency exchange in the U.S. Its revenue is tightly linked to market activity—earning fees from trading, storing, and staking cryptocurrencies. For investors interested in crypto infrastructure, Coinbase is a cornerstone stock.
Key Highlights:
- Millions of verified users and a trusted brand
- Diverse services: trading, staking, and wallet solutions
- Listed on NASDAQ; included in many institutional portfolios
- Profitable during high-volume market cycles
Considerations:
- Revenue depends heavily on trading activity, which drops in bear markets
- Faces regulatory challenges in the U.S.
- Competition from decentralized exchanges is rising
Coinbase offers exposure to the entire crypto market without picking individual coins. It’s less volatile than Bitcoin but still has significant upside in bullish cycles.
Circle (CRCL): For Stable Infrastructure Exposure
Circle is the company behind USDC, a leading dollar-backed stablecoin designed to maintain a 1:1 peg with the U.S. dollar. Its recent IPO provides a way to invest in the stablecoin infrastructure underpinning global crypto payments.
Key Highlights:
- Issues USDC, a transparent and regulated stablecoin
- Partnerships with payment processors, exchanges, and fintech firms
- Benefits from growing regulatory support for stablecoins
- Strong IPO demand in 2025
Considerations:
- Not yet profitable as a public company
- USDC faces competition from other stablecoins
- Subject to increasing regulatory scrutiny
Circle stock offers exposure to the foundational layer of crypto payments. It’s a less flashy but critical player in the ecosystem, especially as stablecoin adoption expands.
Marathon Digital (MARA): For Long-Term Miner Performance
Marathon Digital is a major Bitcoin mining company in North America. It operates large-scale data centers that validate Bitcoin transactions and earn rewards in BTC. As Bitcoin’s price rises, so does the value of Marathon’s mining rewards.
Key Highlights:
- One of the largest public Bitcoin miners by hash rate
- Holds significant Bitcoin on its balance sheet
- Expanding infrastructure to increase output
- Well-positioned for Bitcoin’s growing demand
Considerations:
- Exposed to energy costs and Bitcoin’s price volatility
- Profitability declines during bear markets or post-halving
- Requires constant hardware upgrades
Marathon is a classic "picks and shovels" play for Bitcoin investors. It’s a strong choice if you believe in Bitcoin’s long-term value and want mining exposure.
Riot Platforms (RIOT): For Cost-Efficient U.S. Mining
Riot Platforms is a leading Bitcoin miner focused on low-cost, efficient operations in Texas. Favorable energy contracts and scalable infrastructure make it resilient during downturns and highly profitable during surges.
Key Highlights:
- Low production costs among U.S. miners
- Emphasis on operational efficiency and cost control
- Expanding hash rate with new facilities and equipment
- Strong capitalization compared to smaller miners
Considerations:
- Dependent on Bitcoin price and network difficulty
- Vulnerable to energy market volatility and weather disruptions
- Stock can be volatile during crypto pullbacks
Riot is a solid option for mining exposure with a focus on U.S. operations and cost efficiency. Its disciplined strategy appeals to long-term investors.
CleanSpark (CLSK): For Green and High-Growth Mining
CleanSpark is a rapidly growing Bitcoin miner known for its sustainability focus. It uses renewable and low-carbon energy sources, making it a top choice for environmentally conscious investors.
Key Highlights:
- Fast hash rate growth; among top U.S. miners
- Commitment to renewable energy
- Rising revenue and mining output
- Achieved 50 EH/s capacity milestone
Considerations:
- Tied to Bitcoin’s price cycles
- Growing competition from green miners
- Requires continuous capital investment
CleanSpark combines crypto mining with a cleaner energy profile. Its expansion and sustainability focus make it appealing for ESG-oriented portfolios.
Block (XYZ): For Crypto Plus Fintech Exposure
Block, formerly Square, is a fintech company with deep crypto integration. Its Cash App allows users to buy, hold, and send Bitcoin, and the company holds BTC on its balance sheet. It also explores blockchain innovation through subsidiaries like TBD.
Key Highlights:
- Bitcoin functionality built into Cash App
- Corporate Bitcoin holdings
- Initiatives in decentralized finance and Web3
- Strong fintech fundamentals and diverse products
Considerations:
- Crypto is one segment of a broader business
- Competition from other fintech apps and exchanges
- Slower crypto scaling compared to native platforms
Block offers a balanced blend of fintech stability and crypto upside. It’s ideal for investors seeking crypto exposure through a trusted, established brand.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are crypto-related stocks?
Crypto-related stocks are shares in companies deeply involved in the blockchain ecosystem. This includes exchanges, miners, stablecoin issuers, and fintech firms integrating crypto services. They offer indirect exposure to cryptocurrency markets.
Why invest in crypto stocks instead of direct crypto?
Crypto stocks provide exposure through regulated stock markets, avoiding the complexities of wallets, private keys, and security risks. They also often comply with traditional investing standards and may offer dividends or stability.
How do Bitcoin mining stocks like MARA and RIOT perform?
Mining stocks tend to correlate with Bitcoin’s price but are also influenced by operational factors like energy costs, hardware efficiency, and network difficulty. They can outperform Bitcoin in bull markets but are volatile during downturns.
Are crypto stocks suitable for long-term investing?
Yes, but it depends on the company. Stocks like Coinbase and Block have established business models, while miners and pure-plays like Strategy are more cyclical. Diversification and risk assessment are key.
What risks are associated with crypto stocks?
Risks include regulatory changes, market volatility, technological shifts, and company-specific issues like debt or competition. Always research thoroughly and consider your risk tolerance.
How can I start investing in crypto stocks?
You can buy these stocks through any traditional brokerage account. Ensure you understand each company’s business model, financial health, and exposure to crypto markets before investing.
Conclusion: Choose Stocks That Match Your Goals
Investing in crypto-related stocks simplifies access to digital assets while avoiding the technical hurdles of direct ownership. These stocks track the crypto market’s growth but vary in risk and focus:
- For pure Bitcoin leverage: Strategy (MSTR)
- For crypto infrastructure: Coinbase (COIN) or Circle (CRCL)
- For Bitcoin mining: Marathon (MARA), Riot (RIOT), or CleanSpark (CLSK)
- For hybrid fintech-crypto exposure: Block (XYZ)
There’s no one-size-fits-all choice. Your decision should align with your investment goals, risk tolerance, and desired level of market correlation. As regulation advances and more crypto companies go public, opportunities continue to grow.
If you’re bullish on crypto but prefer stock market investing, these seven stocks are among the best to consider in 2025.