Crypto vs. Stocks: What's the Better Choice?

Crypto and stocks are very different types of investments. Here's how to decide between them.

By Lyle Daly – Updated Aug 20, 2025 at 10:20 AM | Fact-checked by Margo Winton Parodi

Key Points

Cryptocurrencies exhibit rapid value changes and lack regulation compared to well-established stock investments.
Stocks represent tangible business ownership and are governed by strict, long-standing regulations.
Investors should approach crypto cautiously, learning extensively before investing if inexperienced.

Investors have always had many choices. Traditional investments, such as stocks, bonds, real estate, and business ventures, have shown continued popularity. More recently, they've been joined by a modern option in cryptocurrency. Let's see how crypto investments compare so far to the time-honored stock portfolio.

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Close-up of scale with money. — Image source: Getty Images.

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About the Author

Lyle Daly is a contributing Motley Fool stock market analyst covering information technology and cryptocurrency. Lyle has been a contributor at the financial services company since 2018. His work has been featured on USA Today, Yahoo Finance, MSN, Fox Business, and Nasdaq. Before joining The Motley Fool, he wrote for financial brands including Intuit.

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Lyle Daly has positions in Bitcoin and Ethereum. The Motley Fool has positions in and recommends Bitcoin and Ethereum. The Motley Fool recommends Coinbase Global. The Motley Fool has a disclosure policy.