In the beginning, when bitcoin was born in 2009 few paid real attention the rest ignored its potential. Who bought or mined at the time obtained great benefits with increasing its value, and now the rest of the people that they did not take the risk are asking:

Is it profitable to mine? Is it a good investment? What is better?

My answer is, it all depends. Depends on willingness to take the risk of investing or if you have the conditions to mine.

• To mine: if you plan to mine with a standard laptop or computer and you think you'll earn enough money to stop working, you're wrong. For mining to be profitable it depends on the cost of electricity, a good internet service, capital to invest in equipment and live in a country with a weak currency.
• To invest: buying cryptocurrencies is how to invest in the stock market, shopping when the price is low and you sell when it's high. Although it is a risky option, I think it is the best.

In conclusion, if you live in a country like China where the cost of electricity is almost zero, the currency is cheap and you have the capital, mining would be very profitable. But if it is not like that, do not waste your time.