As of 2:45 p.m. Eastern Time today, Bitcoin (1 BTC) is priced at $83,607.21. This marks an increase of $538.46 from yesterday, but is about $30,771.60 down from its value a year ago.
| Bitcoin price | % Change | |
|---|---|---|
| Price of Bitcoin yesterday | $83,068.75 | +0.65% |
| Price of Bitcoin 1 month ago | $78,232.91 | +6.87% |
| Price of Bitcoin 1 year ago | $114,378.81 | -26.90% |
What is Bitcoin?
Bitcoin is the original cryptocurrency, renowned as the most recognized digital currency today. With a market cap around $1.33 trillion, it significantly outpaces Ethereum, which is valued at about $233 billion.
Essentially, Bitcoin operates as a decentralized digital currency. It functions on a peer-to-peer network, meaning it isn’t overseen by any governmental or banking authority. This setup allows for direct value transfers between individuals, without needing a financial intermediary.
Many people are attracted to Bitcoin, seeing it either as a hedge against inflation or an additional asset to diversify their portfolios. Its remarkable performance over the past decade has often outpaced major stock indices, contributing to its growing popularity.
That said, like all cryptocurrencies, Bitcoin faces significant volatility and can see rapid changes in price.
Bitcoin price history
Since its inception in 2009, Bitcoin’s path has been quite tumultuous. Early enthusiast Laszlo Hanyecz notoriously spent 10,000 Bitcoins on two pizzas; today, those coins would be worth over $668 million.
In the last ten years, Bitcoin’s price has risen more than 15,000%. Though this rise has been enticing, it comes with considerable risk, as cryptocurrencies are notoriously unpredictable. Bitcoin has seen significant drops, at times losing tens of thousands of dollars in just months, yet has also executed remarkable comebacks. By the end of 2025, it closed about 30% below its all-time high reached that October.
What affects Bitcoin’s price?
Several factors can impact the price of Bitcoin, including:
- Investor speculation: Like many assets, Bitcoin’s value is greatly influenced by trader sentiment and market speculation. Short-term demand often reflects investor psychology more than solid fundamentals.
- Adoption by major companies: Growing acceptance of Bitcoin by businesses can drive its value higher. For instance, announcements from companies such as Tesla and Ferrari accepting Bitcoin boosted its price.
- Economy: Bitcoin doesn’t respond to inflation or Federal Reserve actions like traditional investments do. Nevertheless, it tends to perform well during periods of economic strength, as consumers feel more comfortable trying out alternatives like cryptocurrencies.
- Regulatory developments: The cryptocurrency market is quite young and constantly evolving, meaning new regulations or government actions can create uncertainty and thus affect Bitcoin’s price.
How to buy and invest in Bitcoin
If you’re interested in Bitcoin, there are several options available.
Buy Bitcoin on a cryptocurrency exchange
One simple approach is to buy Bitcoin directly. You can create an account with a cryptocurrency exchange, link it to your bank account, and purchase Bitcoin with your funds.
Invest in Bitcoin ETFs
If holding Bitcoin directly isn’t appealing to you, a Bitcoin exchange-traded fund (ETF) may be worth considering. Such a fund owns Bitcoin for you, and its shares trade on standard stock exchanges, allowing you to avoid the need for a separate crypto wallet.
Buy crypto stocks
If you’re hesitant to invest directly in Bitcoin, you could explore stocks connected to the cryptocurrency industry. This can include technology firms and publicly-traded crypto exchanges. Their performance often reflects Bitcoin’s price, offering you indirect exposure.
Open a Bitcoin IRA
If retirement savings are your focus, a Bitcoin IRA might be intriguing. This tax-advantaged retirement account allows you to invest your contributions in Bitcoin and other cryptocurrencies while offering the same tax benefits as traditional IRAs.
Bitcoin vs. other cryptocurrencies
Bitcoin may be the most famous cryptocurrency, but it’s not your only option. When considering where to invest, you might also take a look at:
| Cryptocurrency | Price per coin as of 2:45 p.m. |
|---|---|
| Bitcoin | $83,607.21 |
| Ethereum | $2,693.71 |
| Tether (USDT) | $1 |
| XRP | $1.50 |
- Ethereum: As the second-largest cryptocurrency, Ethereum is different from Bitcoin in that it was designed as a decentralized computing platform, rather than primarily a currency.
- Tether: This is a stablecoin, meaning its value is pegged to another asset, in this case, the U.S. dollar, offering less volatility than Bitcoin but also limited upside.
- XRP: Specifically designed for fast, cost-effective cross-border transactions.
Is it a good time to invest in Bitcoin?
When compared with long-established blue-chip companies like Walmart and Coca-Cola, Bitcoin remains a relatively new asset, which can make future behavior hard to predict. Yet, its recent performance has been remarkable. Its value might continue to grow as more businesses opt for Bitcoin as a payment method. Over time, its price fluctuations could potentially stabilize.
As is always the case with investments, avoid going all in. Only invest what you can afford to lose in the near term, and make sure your wider portfolio is diverse enough to help offset Bitcoin’s inherent volatility.
Generally, Bitcoin may be best viewed as a long-term investment rather than a quick trade, particularly for those easily unsettled by price swings. If you can commit to holding it for several years and incorporating it into a balanced portfolio, allocating some funds to Bitcoin could be a sensible option.
Frequently asked questions
How much will Bitcoin be worth in 2030?
While it’s impossible to know for sure, many crypto experts express optimism regarding Bitcoin’s short-term potential. Some projections suggest it could exceed $700,000 by 2030, though more cautious estimates put it around $300,000.
What is Bitcoin’s all-time high price?
Currently, Bitcoin’s highest recorded price was on October 6, 2025, when it reached $126,198.07.
Can you buy a fraction of a Bitcoin?
Absolutely, most exchanges allow for fractional investing, which means you can buy portions of Bitcoin. This makes it possible to invest with just a few dollars.
How do I start investing in Bitcoin as a beginner?
To invest directly, you typically open an account with a cryptocurrency exchange. After creating the account, you can transfer funds from your bank and place an order for Bitcoin or other tokens. Alternatively, you can invest indirectly through ETFs or companies that utilize Bitcoin.
What can you buy with Bitcoin?
You can use Bitcoin in various ways, from cashing it out to trading for other digital currencies. Additionally, some companies, like Tesla and Microsoft, accept Bitcoin for purchases.
Does Bitcoin outperform the stock market?
Bitcoin has indeed outperformed the stock market since its inception, yet its volatility makes it a less certain investment compared to stocks.
