Note: This is not trading advice, these are my own opinions. Investing in the cryptocurrency market comes with inherent risk. Always do your own due diligence.
I last wrote about a similar topic at the end of 2020, and wow, things have only increased dramatically. My picks from my Dec 29th, 2020 post have all increased at least 100%. Needless to say, I'm happy with my choices! There are some familiar names in this round, but a more in-depth review of where to buy, where to store, and where to gain. Enjoy!
Again, these are just speculative plays. Investing in cryptocurrencies can result in losses. Only invest what you can afford to lose.
Here are the best cryptos to invest in during April 2021.
BITCOIN (current price at time of post: $58,935)
The world's first digitally engineered safe-haven and the world’s first cryptocurrency, Bitcoin is stored and exchanged securely on the internet through a digital ledger known as a blockchain. Bitcoins are divisible into smaller units known as satoshis — each satoshi is worth 0.00000001 bitcoin. (from Coinbase.com) JP Morgan believes each Bitcoin will be worth $650,000 by 2031. Learn more here.
ALGORAND (current price at time of post: $1.33)
Algorand is a cryptocurrency and blockchain protocol that aims to be simultaneously scalable, secure, and decentralized. It uses a consensus algorithm called pure proof-of-stake. (from Coinbase.com) Oh, and you can earn 6% interest if you hold it on Coinbase. Learn more here.
POLKADOT (current price at time of post: $38.24)
Polkadot is an open-source sharding multichain protocol that facilitates the cross-chain transfer of any data or asset types, not just tokens, thereby making a wide range of blockchains interoperable with each other. Earn 12% by staking it with Kraken. (CMC) Learn more here.
KIN (current price at time of post: $.0003466)
Have you ever heard of the messaging app called KIK? Kin is their cryptocurrency and there's 1 trillion of them. They have a very low value at the moment $0.000071, which entices the ownership. Why bother buying? It is one of the few cryptos with a real usage and they've just enhanced their blockchain by moving to Solana, making it lightning quick. Learn more here.
Where can I buy crypto?
There are hundreds of platforms called "exchanges". An exchange is a place for investors to buy, sell, and hold their crypto. Here are a few that I recommend, complete with signup links and ways to earn free crypto:
- Coinbase: Pros: The most secure platform in the world. Easy to use and great technology. Cons: High transaction fees. Small selection of crypto to purchase. Cons: Not many!
- Kraken: Pros: Great security and staking opportunities. Great technology, great platform. Cons: Limited selection of cryptocurrencies.
- Bittrex: Pros: The largest selection of crypto in the world. Cons: Has been hacked before.
Do you live in New York? Click here to view your buying options.
Ok, you've bought your crypto, now what?
You have a few options here:
- Keep your crypto on the exchange where you bought it. Many exchanges nowadays are very secure and financially stable and it's fine if you leave your investment there. Do your due-diligence and ensure that your decision is best.
- Move your crypto to safe, cold storage wallet. What is this? Cold storage wallets are essentially USB sticks where you can keep your crypto. This is the most secure method of holding your crypto. Here are the two best wallets you can buy:
Ledger Nano X
- Wallet Type: Cold
- Cost: $119 + tax
- USB Drive: Yes
- Interface: App-based
- Great For: Alt coin holders
The Ledger Nano X is an improvement over the first generation Nano S. It supports over 1,500 cryptocurrencies giving you the ability to store just about anything.
Important: In December of 2020 Ledger suffered a data hack which exposed names, phone numbers, and home addresses of many customers. This did not result in the loss of any holdings or the exposure of private keys, but it did lead to phishing attempts.
Pros:
- Ledger Live has a fantastic user interface
- Connects to various wallets and exchanges
- Stores up to 100 different apps
- Very good support
- Bluetooth connectivity
Cons:
- Bluetooth has flaws
- Data hack in 2020 exposed email and home addresses of ledger users resulting in phishing attempts. NEVER give anyone your private keys. Only input them into the actually Ledger Nano X device.
Trezor Model T
- Wallet Type: Cold
- Cost: $190
- USB Drive: Yes
- Interface: Website-based
- Great For: Advanced users
The Trezor Model T is also the second generation of Trezor cold wallet storage. It's website interface gives users access to exchanges such as Changelly, a great way to swap tokens for a small fee. The Model T supports more than 1,600 cryptocurrencies. It also has a MicroSD card slot which lets you encrypt the PIN for further security.
Pros:
- Unlimited Wallet Storage
- Web-based interface with built-in exchanges
- Lengthy list of cryptocurrencies
Cons:
- Touchscreen is small for typing
- Confusing for newbies
- Hard to justify the cost
Ledger Nano S
- Wallet Type: Cold
- Cost: $59
- USB Drive: Yes
- Interface: App-based
- Great For: New users with low diversification
The Ledger Nano S is Ledger's first generation hardware wallet. It is very introductory and is still relevant for those who are new to crypto. It's biggest weakness is the lack of storage.
Pros:
- Ledger Live has a fantastic user interface
- Connects to various wallets and exchanges
- Bang for your buck!
- Very good support
Cons:
- Max space for 18 wallets
- No Bluetooth feature like it's successor
OR, you can:
- Move your crypto to an interest-earning account! This is new and exciting. While your USD banks are paying out 0.5% interest on the money in your savings accounts (at best), you can earn up to 10% interest on your crypto. I recommend the platforms below, each of which has $100m in custody insurance:
Celsius
Pros:
- The best reputation of the savings-strict platforms available
- They have their own native cryptocurrency CEL
- Outspoken and visible leader
- The highest Bitcoin (BTC) interest rate on the market @ 6.2%
- Interest is compounded weekly
Cons:
- No ability to access your account from a browser, yet. Functionality should be coming soon.
Rating: 9/10
Coinbase
Pros:
- The most secure and financially-backed exchange in the industry
- Interest is compounded every second.
Cons:
- It's primary usage is as an exchange. Their savings model is very limited, but expect growth.
- USDC has a very low APY
Rating: 9/10
Nexo
Pros:
- They have their own native cryptocurrency NEXO
- The highest Ethereum (ETH) interest rate on the market @ 6.0%
- Interest is compounded daily
Cons:
- No negative experiences yet on my end, but I've heard their customer service could use improvement
Rating: 8/10
BlockFi
Pros:
- No account minimums
- Ability to choose how your interest is paid out (each specific coin or one coin for your entire portfolio)
Cons:
- Most withdrawals are not free!
- Interest is compounded monthly
Rating: 7/10