Compare / Bitcoin vs. Ethereum
Bitcoin vs. Ethereum: Returns, Volatility & Drawdown
Since January 1, 2021, Bitcoin returned +119.9% and Ethereum returned +162.6%.
Computed from real daily closing prices (Yahoo Finance), as of July 29, 2026.
| Metric | Bitcoin | Ethereum |
|---|---|---|
| Total return | +119.9% | +162.6% |
| Annualized (CAGR) | +15.2% | +18.9% |
| Annualized volatility | +58.8% | +75.6% |
| Max drawdown | -73.0% | -77.0% |
Ethereum had the higher total return over this window. Bitcoin was the less volatile of the two on an annualized basis, and Bitcoinhad the shallower max drawdown. Higher return and lower risk don't necessarily land on the same asset — check both columns, not just the headline return.
Volatility and drawdown are computed from month-end closing prices, which smooths over some intra-month swings — true daily-basis figures run somewhat higher for all four assets. Past returns, volatility, and drawdown aren't a ceiling on future ones.
Educational content, not financial advice. See the disclosure.