Last year was packed with extreme and unexpected events, and the cryptocurrency markets were no exception. In this post, we reveal the top 10 performing cryptos in 2020, compare them to top-performing stocks, and share analysis and predictions for Bitcoin and the wider crypto and blockchain sectors in 2021.
Bitcoin, the most talked-about cryptocurrency, recently surged past $40,000 to set a new all-time high. Yet, looking back at 2020, Bitcoin didn’t even crack the top 10 in terms of gains. Smaller, lesser-known cryptocurrencies outperformed, with some delivering astronomical returns.
An Average Gain of Nearly 1,700%: The Top 10 Cryptocurrencies of 2020
According to CoinCodex, the top performers for 2020 were:
| Crypto | Gain (%) |
|---|---|
| KSM | 4,813% |
| CEL | 3,263% |
| YFI | 1,832% |
| THETA | 1,776% |
| SNX | 1,481% |
| ZIL | 1,204% |
| ADA | 662% |
| ETH | 608% |
| WAVES | 595% |
| XEM | 533% |
Bitcoin ranked 15th, with a gain of just over 300%. Ethereum, the largest by market cap in the top 10, ended the year above $100 billion. Meanwhile, **KSM**, the top performer, had a market cap of just $500 million—proving that smaller cryptos often deliver outsized returns.
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How Crypto Returns Compared to Stocks in 2020
- S&P 500: 16% gain
- NASDAQ: 43% gain
- Top Crypto (KSM): 4,813% gain
A $1,000 investment in KSM could have turned into **$48,130 in 12 months. Meanwhile, spreading $1,000 evenly across the top 10 cryptos by market cap yielded a 139% return**—still far outpacing traditional stocks.
NASDAQ’s Top Stocks in 2020: Driven by Crypto and Tech
The NASDAQ’s top performer, Bit Digital, surged 3,691%—thanks to Bitcoin mining. Other non-crypto leaders included Novavax (vaccine development) and Tesla (743% gain).
However, cryptos still outperformed:
- Top Stock (Bit Digital): ~37x return
- Top Crypto (KSM): ~48x return
3 Crypto Predictions for 2021
Aaron Boyd, a blockchain engineer, shares his insights:
Monetary Expansion Will Boost Crypto:
- 25% of all USD was printed in 2020.
- More stimulus in 2021 could drive new all-time highs.
Bitcoin as the New Gold:
- Institutions may favor BTC over traditional safe havens.
Expect Volatility:
- A market correction is likely after the bull run.
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FAQs
Q: Why did smaller cryptos outperform Bitcoin?
A: Lower market caps allowed for higher volatility and faster growth.
Q: Will 2021 see similar crypto gains?
A: Past performance doesn’t guarantee future results, but macroeconomic trends favor crypto.
Q: How do I track crypto investments?
A: Use portfolio trackers like Navexa for real-time insights.
Final Thoughts
2020 proved that cryptos can deliver jaw-dropping returns. Whether 2021 brings similar gains or a correction, staying informed is key.