As Bitcoin ETFs gain popularity and XRP and Solana ETFs are also in the spotlight, several traditional finance (TradFi) investors who were once hesitant about cryptocurrencies are now fully embracing them, along with blockchain-related stocks.
Whether you’re focused on stablecoin initiatives, Bitcoin, or the Solana ecosystem, investing in well-regarded crypto stocks offers exposure to this growing market without the hassle of managing wallets or private keys typical of direct cryptocurrency investments in publicly traded companies.
Here’s a look at some of the standout blockchain stocks to consider adding to your watchlist this year.
2025’s Top Crypto Stocks
From connections to Solana to prominent stablecoin firms, these are the noteworthy stocks currently making waves and offering returns. Here are the leading crypto stocks to keep an eye on.
1. Sol Strategies (HODL)
Sol Strategies (HODL) has been relatively overlooked, but that could change soon. It stands out as the only public company in North America fully dedicated to the Solana blockchain and has recently applied for a spot on Nasdaq under the ticker “STKE.”
Following the announcement, the stock rose more than 4%, reaching a high of CAD 2.42 before settling slightly lower. While it’s still down about 25% year-to-date, a Nasdaq listing could attract a wider array of investors and enhance its credibility.
So, what does Sol Strategies do? The company holds over 420,000 SOL tokens (worth around $61 million) and is actively engaged in staking, running validators, and support for early Solana projects. If approved for Nasdaq, it would offer traditional investors an accessible entry point into the Solana ecosystem.
This is significant for a blockchain poised for major growth in decentralized finance (DeFi) and tokenized assets, making Sol Strategies one of the best crypto stocks to buy right now.
2. Circle Internet Group (CRCL)
Circle Internet Group (CRCL) has been public for just a few weeks but is already making waves. This company is behind USDC, the world’s second-largest stablecoin, and it raised $1.1 billion during its June IPO, achieving a valuation close to $7 billion.
Since then, the stock has experienced a surge, rising 13% to $165 on June 16 and hitting an all-time high of $200 recently. As of now, its market valuation is around $50 billion.
Even though it’s not yet profitable (with a negative P/E ratio), investors are optimistic about USDC’s consistent revenue and the mounting interest in stablecoin regulation. The recent approval of the GENIUS Act puts Circle in a favorable position to capitalize.
3. Coinbase Global (COIN)
You’re likely already familiar with Coinbase Global (COIN), which runs the largest cryptocurrency exchange in the U.S. and is among the largest globally. Coinbase boasts over 100 million users and more than $400 billion in assets, and its stock recently got a significant boost.
The stock jumped by 16% in a single day, closing above $295 after the Senate passed the GENIUS Act. Although this legislation doesn’t directly affect Coinbase, the stock market interpreted it as a positive signal for the entire cryptocurrency sector.
The company is profitable, showing a net income of $2.58 billion last year, with a P/E ratio of 55.51. If Bitcoin continues to rise, trading volume in the crypto market is expected to follow suit, benefiting Coinbase immensely.
4. Strategy (MSTR)
Strategy (MSTR) originally focused on business software, but it has now transformed into a significant Bitcoin investment firm, holding over 592,000 BTC, which constitutes around 2.5% of the total Bitcoin in circulation, valued at about $62 billion.
As of yesterday’s market close, its stock was priced at $369.03—slightly down for the day but still exhibiting a nearly 270% increase over the past year, despite a hefty quarterly loss of $4.22 billion. Although it carries risks, it offers direct, leveraged exposure to Bitcoin through the stock market.
Under the leadership of founder Michael Saylor, Strategy has effectively made Bitcoin purchases its core business. By securing funds through stock and debt, the company invests in Bitcoin and profits when its price rises. This option caters to risk-tolerant investors seeking exposure to cryptocurrency in a unique way.
Reasons to Consider Crypto Stocks
The buzz around crypto stocks is palpable, echoing across platforms like X and Reddit, as well as media sources like Cointelegraph, CNBC, and Bloomberg, which are all discussing the recent price surge, with Cointelegraph dubbing it a “stablecoin summer.” This excitement is fueled by favorable legislation, including the GENIUS Act.
But why opt for stocks instead of direct crypto investments? For starters, you gain exposure to the cryptocurrency scene without the complexities of wallets, private keys, or on-chain risks. Additionally, public companies are held to higher standards of disclosure, providing regulatory clarity that many cryptocurrencies lack.
Moreover, investing in crypto stocks taps into the growing trend of institutional adoption. With ongoing discussions about Solana ETFs and tokenized equities, companies like Sol Strategies are increasingly appearing on investors’ radar as promising opportunities in this rapidly evolving market.
Penny Crypto Stocks vs ICOs
Penny crypto stocks and ICOs both offer low-cost ways to gain exposure to the crypto sphere, but they operate under different frameworks.
Penny crypto stocks refer to shares of small-cap blockchain companies trading for under $5, often on the over-the-counter (OTC) market. They have lighter regulation, provide some equity ownership, and can see significant price swings—either positive or negative—often driven by market hype.
ICOs, on the other hand, allow you to invest directly in blockchain initiatives by buying their native tokens. These investments generally don’t come with equity but offer utility or speculative value. They are also less regulated, offering more access but also increasing potential risks. Ethereum is frequently cited as the most well-known ICO success story.
If you’re inclined to invest early, ICOs might present greater potential returns, particularly when projects address real-world challenges. A prime example is Solaxy (SOLX), which recently raised over $54 million, aiming to alleviate Solana’s network congestion through Layer-2 rollups, along with a native DEX and a cross-chain bridge to Ethereum.
For investors looking for a change from penny stocks, SOLX is certainly worth exploring.
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