Should You Buy Stacks in 2025?

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At HelloSafe, our expert has been monitoring the evolution of the Stacks cryptocurrency for over three years. Every month, hundreds of thousands of users across the UK trust us to analyse market trends and identify the best investment opportunities. Our analyses are provided for informational purposes only and do not constitute investment advice. In accordance with our ethical policy, HelloSafe has never purchased Stacks nor received any remuneration from entities related to its ecosystem.

Stacks in brief

How much does 1 Stacks cost?

The price of Stacks is down this week. Currently, STX is trading at around £0.51, reflecting a -7.45% drop over the past 24 hours and a -9.4% decline for the week. Its market capitalisation stands near £780 million, ranking it #72 among cryptocurrencies by market cap, with a circulating supply of 1.53 billion STX. The average trading volume over the past three months is approximately £102 million, and Stacks commands about 0.05% of the overall crypto market. While recent volatility remains high, the growing network and strategic developments signal ongoing potential for UK investors seeking dynamic crypto exposure.

Our complete review of the Stacks cryptocurrency

Have we already seen the bottom for Stacks, or is the market simply recalibrating ahead of its next growth phase? Our multi-factor analysis leverages three years of historical data, proprietary algorithms, and a cross-section of on-chain metrics, technical signals, and sector-wide competitive benchmarks to decode current STX dynamics. So, why could Stacks be positioned as a compelling strategic entry point in the evolving Bitcoin Layer 2 ecosystem for 2025 and beyond?

Recent Performance and Market Context

Price Evolution: From All-Time Highs to New Opportunities

Over the past year, Stacks (STX) has experienced considerable volatility, plummeting from its April 2024 all-time high of $3.84 to its current price of $0.65—a 70% drawdown in just 12 months, and nearly 83% below peak levels. This dramatic correction now places STX at a unique technical inflection. Notably, the asset is up over 1,300% from its all-time low, maintaining outsized long-term returns despite pronounced drawdowns.

Recent weeks have seen a heightened 24h trading volume (+201%), indicative of renewed market attention and liquidity. This spike in volume often marks the early phase of accumulation following extended downward moves—a dynamic that seasoned crypto investors know to watch closely.

Positive Events: Laying the Foundation for Recovery

• The successful Nakamoto upgrade in October 2024, which slashed transaction finality to 10 seconds, brings Bitcoin-like security to scalable smart contracts.
• The launch and rapid adoption of sBTC, a 1:1 Bitcoin-backed asset, now sees over 3,000 BTC bridged into the Stacks DeFi ecosystem.
• New integrations and institutional partnerships—such as with BitGo—signal growing acceptance and improved accessibility, particularly for strategic market participants.
• On the regulatory front, the SEC’s formal closure of its investigation in July 2024 has removed a major overhang, restoring clarity and compliance confidence.

Macro & Sector Tailwinds

The broader backdrop also plays in Stacks’ favour. The rise of modular blockchain architectures, intensifying demand for Bitcoin-native DeFi, and growing institutional appetite for Layer 2 infrastructure all create a timely opportunity window. Stacks, as the leading Bitcoin programmability layer, directly addresses these emergent sectoral needs.

Technical Analysis

Key Crypto Indicators: Signs of Bottom Formation

• RSI (14-day) at 39.5 places STX in a neutral-to-oversold band, a historically promising zone for establishing fresh positions.
• MACD currently signals consolidation, but recent convergence may foreshadow a trend reversal if confirmed by price action.
• 200-day moving average has been declining since early June—a classic late-stage bear signal, but typically coinciding with capitulation phases and favorable entry conditions for long-term accumulators.

Critical Support and Resistance Levels

• Strong support: $0.624 and $0.621—recent price action has respected these bands, underlining structural resilience.
• Resistance ahead: $0.713 and $0.80—breakouts beyond these could catalyze rapid rallies given the thin volume profile above.

Structural Momentum

The combination of heightened trading activity, robust support levels, and a transitionary consolidation phase suggests that sellers are being exhausted and that incremental buyers are entering ahead of potential fundamental catalysts.

Fundamental Analysis

Widening Adoption and Ecosystem Growth

• Network strength: Q4 2024 saw network revenue jump by 118%, active addresses rise 62%, and daily transactions increase 27% quarter-on-quarter, underscoring genuine adoption.
• DeFi traction: $208.4M TVL positions Stacks as a top Bitcoin DeFi contender; over 40% of sBTC assets are actively locked into DeFi protocols.
• Ecosystem expansion: Soon, sBTC will go cross-chain to Aptos and Solana, multiplying addressable market size and interoperability appeal.

Relative Valuation: Attractive Fundamentals

• Market Cap at $995M and FDV at $1.18B suggest relative undervaluation, especially when benchmarked against Ethereum Layer 2s and other ambitious blockchain stacks.
• High TVL ratio (4.78) reflects capital efficiency and real usage, not just speculative capital.
• Liquidity: 24h volume at $130M and major exchange listings inject confidence for large and institutional capital allocation.

Structural Strengths

• Bitcoin Security: Unique Proof of Transfer (PoX) consensus secures Stacks with Bitcoin’s $500B+ security layer.
• First-mover advantage: Leading Bitcoin Layer 2 in terms of developer traction, DeFi TVL, and community size.
• Community: Decentralized governance and the Stacks Foundation’s open-source stewardship attract a vibrant developer base.
• Regulatory clarity: Closure of the SEC case is a rare and significant milestone, removing a persistent risk premium.

Competitive Position

In an environment where new Bitcoin L2s are emerging, Stacks’ early lead, proven technical stack (Clarity language, PoX mechanism), and real-world integrations (including institutional custody and NFT/gaming partnerships) set it apart.

Volume and Liquidity

A surge in trading volume (+201%) validates renewed market interest. Liquidity is robust across major global exchanges, and STX now features institutional-access vehicles like the Grayscale Stacks Trust. This bodes well for both retail and professional investment flows, supporting price stability and scalability.

Positive Catalysts and Forward-Looking Drivers

• Cross-chain sBTC deployments to Aptos/Solana in H2 2025 promise exponential ecosystem growth.
• Continued DeFi/NFT protocol launches and gaming applications keep attracting diverse user cohorts.
• Institutional bridge: BitGo, Grayscale, and Everest Ventures fuel new waves of professional capital.
• Ongoing protocol enhancements: Upgrades to user/developer experience (faster, cheaper, more flexible smart contracts) aim to lower adoption friction.
• Regulatory tailwinds: The post-SEC clarity positions STX as a compliant, institution-friendly asset in a market hungry for legal certainty.

Investment Strategies by Time Horizon

Short-Term (0-3 Months)

• Technical rebound potential: Current consolidation and oversold readings position STX for a tactical bounce towards upper resistance ($0.713–$0.80 range).
• Entry on minor technical pullbacks around $0.62 may offer enhanced risk/reward.

Medium-Term (3-12 Months)

• Fundamental convergence: Anticipated catalysts including cross-chain sBTC, major DeFi launches, and user acquisition initiatives lay groundwork for re-rating.
• Rising institutional interest post-BitGo partnership may precipitate accelerated price discovery.

Long-Term (12+ Months)

• Core Layer 2 bet: As the dominant Bitcoin L2, Stacks is structurally positioned to be the backbone of Bitcoin-native DeFi, NFTs, and cross-chain apps.
• Network effects: Compounding ecosystem growth could drive network value upward, especially as TVL, active addresses, and dApp traction continue their ascent.
• Strategic entry before protocol upgrades: Accumulation before major technical rollouts and further regulatory advancements could offer outsized asymmetrical upside.

Stacks Price Projections (2025–2029)

Is Now the Right Time to Consider Stacks?

Key Strengths in Focus

• Strong adoption momentum, verifiable through sharp increases in network activity and new user onboarding.
• Technological innovation: Unique PoX consensus, seamless Bitcoin integration, and regular, impactful protocol upgrades.
• Solid financials and liquidity: $995M market cap with $130M in daily volume; high TVL ratio signals real utilised value.
• Regulatory clarity post-SEC, markedly improving risk/reward profile for investors.
• Accelerating interest from institutional players and strategic partnerships underline growing mainstream conviction.
• Clear roadmap: sBTC expansion, cross-chain integrations, and new DeFi/NFT launches are primed to drive sustainable growth.

Optimistic Outlook and Strategic Opportunity

With technicals signaling bottoming and fresh buy-side volume returning, the current environment for Stacks seems to represent an excellent opportunity for forward-looking investors. The project’s fundamentals justify renewed interest, while upcoming protocol upgrades and institutional adoption point to significant untapped upside potential into 2025 and beyond.

In sum, Stacks could well be at the dawn of a new growth phase—positioned at the intersection of Bitcoin security and smart contract scalability, in a climate increasingly favourable to innovative Layer 2 infrastructure. Investors seeking exposure to a structurally advantaged, high-upside crypto asset should keep a close watch, as the technical and fundamental setup offers compelling reasons to consider STX seriously as a part of a balanced digital asset strategy.

Stacks remains a high-volatility asset offering excellent opportunities for dynamic, disciplined investment—but strict risk management remains paramount. Recent price acceleration illustrates Stacks’ ability to deliver swift, powerful moves, while ongoing macro and technical developments warrant continued selectivity and vigilance. Key technical zones to monitor are $0.62 as immediate support and $0.80 as major resistance. The next major protocol upgrade scheduled for H2 2025 could serve as a powerful catalyst for Stacks’ future trajectory.

How to buy Stacks?

It’s easy and secure to buy the cryptocurrency Stacks (STX) online in the UK through regulated exchanges. Investors can choose between two main approaches: spot buying, which lets you own STX directly, or trading via crypto CFDs (Contracts for Difference), which speculates on price movement without holding the actual coins. Understanding the differences between these options helps you align your investment with your goals and risk profile. To help you make an informed decision, you’ll find a detailed comparison of popular UK platforms further down the page.

Spot Buying (Owning Stacks Directly)

With spot buying, you purchase and own real Stacks (STX) coins, which are stored in your exchange wallet or a private wallet of your choice. This method is popular for investors who wish to hold the asset long-term and benefit from its potential appreciation. Most regulated exchanges charge a transparent, fixed commission per transaction, typically around 0.1%–0.3%, or a minimum fee in GBP.

Example

Suppose the current price of Stacks is $0.65 USD (around £0.51), and you invest £1,000. With this amount, you could buy roughly 1,950 STX coins (after accounting for a £5 transaction fee).

• Potential Gain Scenario: If the price of STX rises by 10%, your holding would then be worth £1,100.
• Result: That’s a gross profit of £100 (+10%) on your initial investment.

Trading Stacks via CFD (Contracts for Difference)

CFD trading allows you to speculate on Stacks’ price moves without ever owning the coins. You take a position on whether the price will go up or down, and can use leverage to increase your exposure. Instead of a commission, brokers typically charge a “spread” (the difference between buying and selling price), plus possible overnight financing costs if your trade is held open over several days.

Example

If you put £1,000 into a Stacks CFD trade using 5:1 leverage, you’re exposed to £5,000 worth of STX.

• Potential Gain Scenario: If the price of Stacks rises by 8%, your CFD position increases by 8% × 5 = 40%.
• Result: That’s a £400 profit (before fees), from a £1,000 initial stake.

Final Advice: Compare Before You Invest

Before moving forward, always compare fees, platform features, and terms, as these will impact your potential returns. Whether you prefer owning STX outright or trading with leverage, the best choice depends on your personal objectives and experience level. For a comprehensive comparison of trusted UK crypto platforms, see the table further down this page.

Our 7 tips for buying Stacks

The latest news from Stacks

Institutional adoption for Stacks accelerates, benefiting from BitGo partnership and increasing availability on UK-accessible exchanges. In the past week, institutional interest in Stacks has grown with its recent listing on BitGo, a leading custodian platform widely used by UK investment firms for crypto asset management. The partnership facilitates secure custody and streamlined access for professional and institutional investors based in Great Britain, further legitimizing Stacks within regulated frameworks. Additionally, top UK-facing exchanges such as Coinbase and Binance continue to offer STX trading with high liquidity, ensuring robust access for both retail and institutional market participants in the region. This expansion of institutional infrastructure is considered a foundational step in fostering long-term adoption and market stability.

Strong network growth and surging transaction activity highlight organic expansion despite recent price volatility. Recent reporting reveals that Stacks’ network activity reached new heights by Q2 2025, with a 62% increase in active addresses, daily transaction growth of 27%, and network revenues up by 117% quarter-on-quarter. The UK crypto community, which places considerable emphasis on blockchain fundamentals and transparent adoption metrics, will find these statistics particularly encouraging. Stacks’ continued expansion in network usage signals underlying resilience and a growing developer and user base, supporting the narrative that price correction periods are being used by serious participants to build and deploy new decentralized applications.

Regulatory clarity for Stacks supports confident engagement from UK investors and institutions in 2025. Following the SEC’s decision to close its investigation into Stacks in July 2024, STX enjoys a clear regulatory status as a utility token. This development is particularly relevant for the British market, where regulatory compliance is a primary concern for institutional actors and FCA-authorised platforms. The certainty provided by the US regulator has a positive spillover effect in the UK, encouraging greater integration within portfolios managed by British wealth platforms and facilitating product development by UK fintechs keen on cryptoassets with transparent legal standing.

sBTC launch and cross-chain DeFi expansion reinforce Stacks as a leader in Bitcoin Layer 2 innovation. The launch and active use of sBTC, a 1:1 Bitcoin-backed asset on Stacks, with over 3,000 BTC deposited and up to half allocated to DeFi protocols, marks a tangible milestone in Bitcoin-based programmable finance. Plans to expand sBTC compatibility to other major blockchains, including Solana and Aptos, are in motion, and with British DeFi projects and digital asset advisory firms increasingly highlighting cross-chain operability, this positions Stacks as a significant infrastructure provider. sBTC’s success directly strengthens Stacks’ value proposition for UK-based DeFi and fintech developers looking for secure Bitcoin-integrated solutions.

Technical upgrades and network reliability bolster confidence after recent instability, with key performance indicators stabilising. Following temporary instability in May 2025 and a contained exploit event, Stacks has showcased renewed stability, underpinned by the successfully implemented Nakamoto upgrade. This upgrade reduced transaction finality to 10 seconds while significantly enhancing network reliability and developer tools, with the broader effect of restoring market confidence among UK tech adopters and crypto investors. Technical indicators, while still reflecting high volatility, now show consolidation and a foundation for potential recovery, an important signal for British analysts monitoring sector resilience and sustainable infrastructure growth.

FAQ

P. Laurore

Finance expert

Co-founder of HelloSafe and holder of a Master's degree in finance, Pauline has recognised expertise in personal finance, which she uses to help users better understand and optimise their financial choices. At HelloSafe, Pauline plays a key role in designing clear, educational content on savings, investments and personal finance. Passionate about financial education, Pauline strives, with every piece of content she oversees, to provide reliable, transparent and unbiased information for independent and informed financial management. To this end, she has tested over 100 trading platforms to help internet users make the right choices.