Bitcoin vs Gold: Which is the Better Store of Value?

• Blockchain Council
• April 03, 2025

When people think about saving money or wealth, two options often come up: gold and Bitcoin. Both have their loyal fans and distinct features. Let’s compare both to help you decide which is the better option for storing value.

What Does a Store of Value Mean?

Before we jump into Bitcoin vs. gold, let’s first talk about what a “store of value” is. A store of value is something that holds its worth over time. Think of it as a safety net when things in the economy aren’t so stable. Cash, for example, can lose its value because of inflation, prices go up, and your money buys less. Gold and Bitcoin are seen as ways to protect yourself from this loss.

Why Is Gold Considered a Safe Option for Storing Value?

Gold has been used for thousands of years as a way to store wealth. It’s always been prized because it’s rare and valuable. Here’s why people trust it:

Key Features of Gold

• Durability: Gold doesn’t rust or tarnish. It lasts for a long time without losing its value.
• Portability: While you can carry gold, it’s not as easy as carrying digital money. You need secure storage if you have a lot.
• Divisibility: You can divide gold, but it’s not as simple as Bitcoin, which is easily split into smaller units.
• Scarcity: There’s only so much gold on Earth, which keeps its value steady.
• Acceptance: Gold is accepted everywhere, and people have trusted it for centuries.

Gold’s Performance in 2025

In 2024, the price of gold jumped by 26%, showing it’s still a strong choice for protection against uncertain times. As of 2025, gold’s price has continued to rise, nearing $3,000 per ounce.

What About Bitcoin as a Store of Value?

Bitcoin is a digital currency that emerged in 2009. Over the last 15 years, it has grown a lot, but it’s also been quite volatile. Here’s what you should know about Bitcoin:

Key Features of Bitcoin

• Durability: Bitcoin is digital, so it can’t physically degrade. It’s stored on a network of computers.
• Portability: Unlike gold, Bitcoin can be sent anywhere in the world instantly, without the need for physical transport.
• Divisibility: You can break Bitcoin into very small units, called satoshis, which makes it useful for tiny transactions.
• Scarcity: There will only ever be 21 million Bitcoins. This limited supply makes it scarce.
• Acceptance: While more people are using Bitcoin, it’s not yet as widely accepted as gold.

If you’re looking to deepen your understanding of Bitcoin, consider becoming a Certified Cryptocurrency Auditor™ (CCA) to grasp the key concepts and evaluate the real value of digital assets.

Bitcoin’s Performance in 2025

Bitcoin has been a wild ride. It reached over $100,000 in early 2025 but then dropped by 24% by March. This shows that Bitcoin can be quite unpredictable.

How Do Bitcoin and Gold Compare?

Stability and Volatility

Gold is known for being stable, which is why it’s considered a reliable store of value. On the other hand, Bitcoin’s price can change a lot in a short amount of time. So, if you want stability, gold might be your better option. But if you’re okay with some risk for a chance at higher returns, Bitcoin could work for you.

Institutional Adoption

Gold has been in institutional portfolios for a long time. Many big companies trust gold as a safe bet. Bitcoin, however, is getting more attention. For example, MicroStrategy, a large firm, has invested billions in Bitcoin.

Government Regulations

Gold operates under well-known and established laws. Bitcoin, however, is still figuring out its place in the legal world. Some countries are starting to show more interest, like the U.S. creating plans for a Bitcoin reserve.

Inflation Protection

Both gold and Bitcoin are seen as good ways to protect against inflation since they are limited in supply. Gold has a long history of holding value, while Bitcoin is still new, so there’s some uncertainty about how it will perform long-term.

Which Is Easier to Use?

When it comes to ease of use, Bitcoin wins. You can buy Bitcoin online and send it across the globe almost instantly. Gold, on the other hand, requires dealing with dealers, shipping, and secure storage. Bitcoin’s online accessibility makes it a lot faster.

Market Size and Trust

Gold has a huge market cap, nearing $20 trillion, while Bitcoin’s market cap is around $1.7 trillion. Gold’s size gives it a lot of influence. Even though Bitcoin’s market is smaller, it’s still growing fast. However, because gold has been trusted for centuries, it has an edge in terms of long-term reliability.

What’s Happening in 2025?

Let’s take a look at what’s going on this year and how it’s affecting Bitcoin and gold.

Economic Trends

In 2025, inflation is a major concern. Experts say gold does well during times of inflation. Bitcoin’s performance has been more uncertain. Some experts predict Bitcoin could drop if stock prices fall. Gold, however, is seen as safer.

Government Actions

The U.S. is planning to buy Bitcoin, which could push demand up. While this could give Bitcoin a boost, gold still has massive support from the U.S. government, which holds thousands of tons of it.

Investor Sentiment

In early 2025, gold ETFs (electronic funds that track gold prices) overtook Bitcoin ETFs, showing that more people are leaning toward gold for stability. Bitcoin’s volatility is turning off some investors. However, others are hopeful about Bitcoin’s future growth.

So, Which One Should You Pick?

Now that we’ve gone through the details, you might be wondering: which is the better choice, Bitcoin or gold?

If You Want Stability

If you want something steady that has a proven track record, gold is probably the better option. It’s safer if you’re looking for a long-term investment without big swings.

If You Want Growth Potential

If you’re looking for something with a chance for high returns, Bitcoin could be your pick. However, it’s riskier, so be ready for some ups and downs.

Why Not Choose Both?

A smart approach might be to invest in both. Gold will keep things steady, while Bitcoin offers growth potential. This way, you spread your risk and take advantage of the best of both worlds.

Expert Opinions

Some experts believe Bitcoin will eventually replace gold as the top store of value. Michael Saylor, CEO of MicroStrategy, calls Bitcoin “the apex property of the human race.” But other experts like Seema Shah from Principal Asset Management remind us that gold has proven itself through all kinds of market conditions, making it a safer bet for now. As you explore Bitcoin’s potential in this comparison with gold, gaining expertise through becoming a Certified Bitcoin Expert™ will help you stay ahead in this evolving space.

Conclusion

Choosing between gold and Bitcoin depends on your risk tolerance, goals, and belief in technology. Gold has a long history of preserving wealth, while Bitcoin offers new opportunities with potential for high returns, but it also carries more risk. A balanced approach of investing in both could be the best way to go.