The world of cryptocurrency continues to evolve, and with it, new opportunities for investors who want exposure to digital assets without directly owning Bitcoin (BTC) or other tokens. While many await the potential approval of a spot Bitcoin ETF by the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC), savvy investors are already capitalizing on crypto stocks—publicly traded companies deeply involved in blockchain technology, crypto mining, digital exchanges, and related infrastructure.
These stocks offer a regulated, accessible way to participate in the crypto market through traditional brokerage accounts—even within retirement vehicles like IRAs and 401(k)s. In this guide, we explore the most promising crypto stocks based on fundamentals, revenue growth, market momentum, and long-term potential.
What Are Crypto Stocks?
Crypto stocks refer to shares of public companies that derive significant value from their involvement in the cryptocurrency ecosystem. This includes:
- Cryptocurrency exchanges like Coinbase
- Bitcoin mining firms such as Riot Platforms and Marathon Digital
- Tech companies providing hardware for blockchain and AI computing, including NVIDIA and AMD
- Financial platforms integrating crypto trading, like Robinhood and Interactive Brokers
Unlike holding digital assets directly, investing in these equities avoids risks tied to private key management or exchange collapses—like those seen with FTX or Celsius.
Top Value Crypto Stocks
Value investing focuses on fundamentally strong companies trading below their historical highs. These crypto stocks offer compelling entry points for long-term investors.
Block Inc. (SQ)
Founded by Jack Dorsey, Block powers Cash App—a platform enabling users to buy and transact BTC seamlessly. Despite a 32% year-over-year (YoY) revenue growth in Q1 2023, SQ remains about 70% below its all-time high, presenting a potential value opportunity amid broader fintech recovery trends.
Applied Digital Corp. (APLD)
This U.S.-based firm delivers high-performance computing (HPC) solutions for blockchain and artificial intelligence applications. With a market cap exceeding $900 million and a recent $180 million deal with Character AI, APLD gained significant traction—even though it still trades roughly 75% below peak levels.
Canaan Inc. (CAN)
As the creator of the world’s first Bitcoin ASIC miner, Canaan holds historical significance in the mining space. Though Q1 2023 showed negative YoY revenue—a common trend during bear markets due to reduced hardware demand—CAN is trading over 90% below its all-time high, making it one of the most discounted plays in the sector.
Fastest-Growing Cryptocurrency Stocks
Growth investors seek companies with explosive revenue increases and strong market performance. These names stood out based on Q1 2023 data.
Applied Digital Corp. (APLD)
APLD isn’t just a value play—it’s also among the fastest-growing. Revenue surged 193% YoY in fiscal Q4 2023, and the stock is up more than 400% year-to-date, driven by strategic partnerships and expanding data center capacity.
Interactive Brokers Group (IBKR)
A global brokerage leader, IBKR supports trading across stocks, futures, currencies, and crypto. With 63.72% YoY revenue growth in Q1 2023 and share prices within 10% of all-time highs, IBKR demonstrates resilience and diversification strength.
Robinhood Markets (HOOD)
After a challenging 2022, Robinhood rebounded strongly with 47.49% YoY revenue growth in early 2023. HOOD is up approximately 60% YTD, fueled by increased user engagement and expanded crypto offerings.
👉 Learn how next-generation platforms are reshaping access to digital finance ecosystems.
Digital Currency Companies With Major Potential
Some firms stand out not only for current performance but for future scalability and strategic positioning.
Coinbase Global (COIN)
As the second-largest crypto exchange globally by volume, Coinbase is poised to benefit if BlackRock’s spot Bitcoin ETF gains approval—COIN would serve as custodian. Additionally, a favorable court ruling that XRP isn’t a security on secondary markets strengthens COIN’s legal position against SEC allegations. The stock is up over 200% YTD.
Advanced Micro Devices (AMD)
While often overshadowed by NVIDIA, AMD produces essential CPUs and GPUs used in blockchain processing. Despite nearly doubling since年初 (start of year), AMD trades over 30% below its peak, offering room for upside as AI and crypto compute demands grow.
Riot Platforms Inc. (RIOT)
A U.S.-based Bitcoin miner with robust fundamentals: debt-free operations, strong cash reserves, and plans to deploy an additional 33,000 miners in Q1 2024. RIOT has surged over 400% YTD, yet remains more than 75% below its all-time high.
Cryptocurrency Stocks With Strong Momentum
Momentum investing targets stocks gaining rapid upward traction—excluding miners this time to spotlight broader ecosystem players.
Coinbase Global (COIN)
Fueled by regulatory tailwinds and rising institutional interest, COIN continues to gain momentum. Its alignment with major financial players makes it a bellwether for crypto adoption in traditional finance.
MicroStrategy Incorporated (MSTR)
Holding over 21,000 BTC since 2020, MSTR acts as a de facto proxy for Bitcoin investment. Up 200% YTD, though still down over 65% from its peak, MSTR reflects investor appetite for corporate Bitcoin adoption.
NVIDIA Corporation (NVDA)
A powerhouse in GPU production for both crypto mining and AI development, NVDA joined Apple, Microsoft, Alphabet, and Amazon as a $1 trillion market-cap company in 2023. The stock is up over 200% YTD, trading near record highs.
Leading Bitcoin Mining Company Stocks
Bitcoin miners have led crypto stock performance in 2023, with many up between 100% and 500%.
Marathon Digital Holdings (MARA)
Founded in 2010 and based in Las Vegas, MARA has increased its BTC holdings significantly—partly due to rising transaction fees from Bitcoin Ordinals activity. With a market cap over $2.6 billion and up over 300% YTD, MARA is a dominant player.
Riot Platforms Inc. (RIOT)
See above for full details—RIOT combines aggressive expansion plans with financial stability.
Iris Energy Limited (IREN)
Focused on sustainable Bitcoin mining using renewable energy, IREN has risen over 300% this year. However, its smaller market cap ($375 million) contributes to higher volatility.
Why Invest in Crypto Stocks?
Crypto stocks provide indirect exposure to digital assets while avoiding key risks:
- No need to manage private keys
- Immunity from exchange failures (e.g., FTX collapse)
- Eligibility for tax-advantaged accounts like IRAs and 401(k)s
They also tend to outperform during bull markets. For example:
- COIN and MSTR: +200% YTD
- MARA and RIOT: +300%+ YTD
This makes them attractive for investors seeking high-growth opportunities within regulated markets.
👉 Explore secure ways to engage with blockchain innovation through modern financial platforms.
Risks to Consider
Despite strong returns, crypto stocks come with notable risks:
- High volatility: These equities often swing more dramatically than the S&P 500.
- Business model shifts: Companies like AMD or APLD may pivot toward AI hardware, reducing crypto exposure.
- Regulatory uncertainty: Ongoing SEC actions could impact exchange operators like Coinbase.
- Market cycles: Bear markets can trigger steep drawdowns—SQ lost ~75% from late 2021 to late 2022.
New investors or those with low risk tolerance should proceed cautiously.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Can I invest in crypto stocks through my IRA?
A: Yes—unlike direct crypto purchases, most crypto stocks are eligible for inclusion in IRAs and 401(k)s via traditional brokers.
Q: Are crypto stocks safer than buying Bitcoin directly?
A: Generally yes. You avoid risks like losing private keys or exchange insolvencies while still gaining market exposure.
Q: Which crypto stock has the highest growth so far in 2025?
A: Applied Digital Corp. (APLD) leads with 193% YoY revenue growth and over 400% stock appreciation YTD.
Q: Do any major tech companies count as crypto stocks?
A: Yes—NVIDIA and AMD produce GPUs critical for mining and blockchain operations, linking them closely to the crypto economy.
Q: Could a spot Bitcoin ETF affect these stocks?
A: Positively. Approval could boost exchanges like Coinbase (as custodians) and validate the broader sector.
Q: Is MicroStrategy a crypto company?
A: Not primarily—it's an enterprise software firm—but its massive Bitcoin holdings make MSTR a popular proxy for BTC investment.
All data accurate as of July 2023.