Which Bitcoin ETF Would You Buy? A Quick Buyer’s Guide
Thinking about adding a spot Bitcoin ETF to your portfolio? Below you’ll find a short,
plain-English overview of the most discussed U.S. tickers in our poll. We summarize brand strengths,
what type of investor each fund may suit, and practical points like liquidity, spreads, and access.
None of this is financial advice—always do your own research.
How to choose a Bitcoin ETF (fast checklist)
- Liquidity & spreads: Tighter spreads and strong daily volume usually mean lower trading costs.
- Fees: Lower expense ratios compound over time—compare before you buy.
- Tracking quality: Check how closely the fund tracks the spot price of BTC after fees.
- Trading access: Does your broker offer pre/after-market trading and options on the ticker you want?
- Structure & operations: Spot ETFs hold BTC with institutional custody; review creation/redemption mechanics and disclosures.
- Your use case: Long-term core position vs. short-term trading may lead you to different funds.
ARK 21Shares Bitcoin ETF (ARKB)
ARKB pairs ARK’s high-conviction research brand with 21Shares’ crypto-ETP operational experience.
It targets 1:1 spot exposure to Bitcoin and is popular with investors who like ARK’s research output and
educational content. Typically considered by growth-oriented investors who value thematic insight and a strong
narrative around adoption.
Bitwise Bitcoin ETF (BITB)
BITB is issued by Bitwise, a specialist crypto asset manager. Bitwise has emphasized transparency,
research, and education for years, making BITB a frequent choice for investors who want a dedicated crypto shop
behind their ETF. Traders often appreciate the straightforward mandate and competitive fee positioning.
Franklin Bitcoin ETF (EZBC)
EZBC comes from Franklin Templeton, a legacy asset manager with broad retail distribution.
The fund competes on simplicity and cost efficiency, appealing to long-term investors who prioritize low
total cost of ownership while still wanting a blue-chip sponsor.
Fidelity Wise Origin Bitcoin Fund (FBTC)
FBTC leverages Fidelity’s deep retirement/retail footprint and institutional-grade digital asset
infrastructure. For many investors, the big draw is sponsor strength plus platform availability. It’s often used
by buy-and-hold investors who want a familiar brand with robust operations.
Grayscale Bitcoin Trust (GBTC)
GBTC is the long-running Grayscale product that converted into an ETF. Its history means
broad name recognition and deep secondary-market presence. It may suit investors who value brand familiarity and
extensive market coverage, while still wanting spot exposure via the modern ETF wrapper.
Hashdex Bitcoin ETF (DEFI)
DEFI is issued by Hashdex, a crypto-focused manager known for launching digital-asset products in
multiple jurisdictions. The U.S. spot ETF offers direct BTC exposure with an emphasis on operational expertise in
the crypto niche—often interesting to investors who like specialist providers.
Invesco Galaxy Bitcoin ETF (BTCO)
BTCO combines Invesco’s global ETF platform with Galaxy’s crypto know-how. The partnership model
aims to deliver institutional operations plus digital-asset specialization, making BTCO a balanced pick for
investors who want a large sponsor paired with a crypto native partner.
VanEck Bitcoin Trust (HODL)
HODL comes from VanEck, well known for commodity and thematic ETFs. VanEck has been early in
digital-asset research, which resonates with investors who like sponsors that lean into new asset classes while
maintaining traditional ETF discipline.
WisdomTree Bitcoin Fund (BTCW)
BTCW is issued by WisdomTree, a seasoned ETP provider with global reach. The fund emphasizes robust
processes and investor education. It’s a fit for investors who want a recognized issuer with long experience running
physically backed products in Europe and the U.S.
BlackRock iShares Bitcoin Trust (IBIT)
IBIT is part of iShares, BlackRock’s flagship ETF family. Investors often cite broad brokerage
access, distribution, and operational scale as key advantages. For many portfolios, IBIT is used as a core BTC
exposure due to its breadth and ease of trading.
Valkyrie Bitcoin Fund (BRRR)
BRRR is a spot ETF from Valkyrie, a crypto-forward issuer with a retail-friendly brand. It appeals
to investors who like smaller, focused providers and straightforward exposure without extra bells and whistles.
Comparing funds: what really matters
- Total cost: Fees + trading costs (spreads/commissions) = what you truly pay.
- Execution: Use limit orders, especially during volatile periods or outside regular hours.
- Portfolio role: Decide if you want a core position (cost & liquidity first) or a swing-trade vehicle (intraday volume & options availability may matter more).
- Taxes & account type: Tax rules vary by country and account; check with a professional.
Now it’s your turn: vote in the poll above and tell us which ticker you’d buy—and why.
FAQ
Are these spot Bitcoin ETFs?
Yes—these funds are designed to hold Bitcoin to deliver spot exposure via the ETF wrapper. Always review the latest prospectus and disclosures with your broker.
Which Bitcoin ETF is “best”?
There is no single best choice. Many investors compare fees, liquidity, sponsor strength, and their own use case (core vs. trading). Your costs and access may differ by broker.
Can I lose money?
Absolutely. Bitcoin is volatile. ETFs can trade at small premiums/discounts and involve market and operational risks. Only invest what you can afford to risk.
