11 Spot Bitcoin ETFs to Watch Right Now [2024]

Spot Bitcoin ETF list of 11 SEC-approved assets

Data as of 20 May 2024. Source: Stake, Google Finance and fund’s website.

*The list of spot Bitcoin ETFs mentioned is ranked by assets under management. We decided to feature these assets since they are the only 11 SEC-approved spot Bitcoin ETFs available to invest in on U.S. markets.

💡Related: Learn how to buy Bitcoin ETFs in Australia→

List of spot Bitcoin ETFs to watch

If you are planning to add cryptocurrency exposure to your portfolio through the new Bitcoin spot ETFs, it’s important to understand they are a relatively new and volatile asset class. Find out more below in our Bitcoin ETF list (in order of assets under management size):

1. BlackRock’s iShares Bitcoin Trust ($IBIT)

Assets under management (AUM): US$119.65b

ETF price (as of 20/05/2024): US$39.97

Stake Platform IBIT Bought / Sold (11 Jan 2024 - 20 May 2024): 81% / 19%

The iShares Bitcoin Trust ($IBIT) by BlackRock signifies the financial giant's entry into the Bitcoin ETF market. As a prominent figure in asset management, BlackRock's involvement carries substantial weight, providing investors with a fund featuring a competitive fee structure supported by a well-established investment firm. 

*Fees are initially set at 0.25%, and subsequently reduced to 0.2% for the first $5 billion in assets for a duration of 12 months.

2. Grayscale Bitcoin Trust ($GBTC)

Assets under management (AUM): US$20.23b

ETF price (as of 20/05/2024): US$62.43

Stake Platform GBTC Bought / Sold (11 Jan 2024 - 20 May 2024): 62% / 38%

Grayscale Investments, a front-runner in digital currency investment, presents the GBTC ETF. The strategic shift by Grayscale to transform its Bitcoin trust into an ETF holds significance, as through this action it became the biggest spot Bitcoin ETF. 

Nevertheless, it's noteworthy that the fund comes with a relatively elevated fee structure compared to its counterparts, standing at 1.5%, the highest among the listed ETFs.

3. Fidelity Wise Origin Bitcoin Trust ($FBTC)

Assets under management (AUM): US$10.2b

ETF price (as of 20/05/2024): US$61.42

Stake Platform FBTC Bought / Sold (11 Jan 2024 - 20 May 2024): 83% / 17%

Fidelity Investments, a well-established participant in the investment industry, has introduced the FBTC, offering indirect exposure to Bitcoin. This fund seeks to streamline Bitcoin investment by enabling investors to purchase and sell the ETF with standard tax reporting. 

*Fidelity, recognised for its robust investment platform and recent ventures into cryptocurrency, has waived fees until August 1, 2024. Subsequently, fees will be 0.25%.

4. ARK 21Shares Bitcoin ETF ($ARKB)

Assets under management (AUM): US$2.7b

ETF price (as of 20/05/2024): US$70.20

Stake Platform ARKB Bought / Sold (11 Jan 2024 - 20 May 2024): 81% / 19%

In partnership with 21Shares, ARK Invest launched the ARKB ETF, designed to monitor the performance of Bitcoin. ARK Invest's foray into the Bitcoin ETF arena stands out for its proficiency in disruptive technologies. The fund provides regulated exposure to Bitcoin and emphasises an attractively low-fee structure to entice investors. 

*The management fee is exempted until July 10, 2024, or until assets reach $1 billion, whichever comes first. The expense ratio will then be 0.21%.

5. Bitwise Bitcoin ETF ($BITB)

Assets under management (AUM): US$2.5b

ETF price (as of 20/05/2024): US$38.26

Stake Platform BITB Bought / Sold (11 Jan 2024 - 20 May 2024): 84% / 16%

Bitwise Asset Management, recognised for its specialisation in cryptocurrency index funds, presents the BITB ETF. This fund distinguishes itself with a competitive fee arrangement, featuring an initial waiver. 

*During the initial six months or until the first $1 billion in assets, there is a fee waiver, followed by a 0.20% fee thereafter.

6. VanEck Bitcoin Trust ($HODL)

Assets under management (AUM): US$674m

ETF price (as of 20/05/2024): US$79.38

Stake Platform HODL Bought / Sold (11 Jan 2024 - 20 May 2024): 74% / 26%

The introduction of VanEck's HODL ETF marks a noteworthy addition to the Bitcoin ETF landscape. VanEck's strategy for Bitcoin investment via this ETF is defined by a simple fee structure and its well-established reputation in ETF markets. 

*From VanEck’s website: During the period commencing on March 12, 2024 and ending on March 31, 2025, the Sponsor will waive the entire Sponsor Fee for the first $1.5 billion of the Trust’s assets. If the Trust’s assets exceed $1.5 billion prior to March 31, 2025, the Sponsor Fee charged on assets over $1.5 billion will be 0.20%. All investors will incur the same Sponsor Fee which is the weighted average of those fee rates. After March 31, 2025, the Sponsor Fee will be 0.20%.

7. Valkyrie Bitcoin Fund ($BRRR)

Assets under management (AUM): US$566m

ETF price (as of 20/05/2024): US$19.88

The BRRR ETF by Valkyrie Digital Assets marks its entry into the Bitcoin ETF arena. Despite being relatively new, Valkyrie has achieved noteworthy progress in the realm of digital asset investment products. The fund stands out with its initial fee waiver and a subsequent competitive fee rate. 

*Fees are waived for the first 3 months, followed by a 0.25% rate thereafter.

8. Invesco Galaxy Bitcoin ETF ($BTCO)

Assets under management (AUM): US$502m

ETF price (as of 20/05/2024): US$70.15

Stake Platform BTCO Bought / Sold (11 Jan 2024 - 20 May 2024): 87% / 13%

In partnership with Galaxy Digital, Invesco has launched the BTCO ETF, combining Invesco's ETF proficiency with Galaxy Digital's cryptocurrency expertise. The fund presents an initial fee waiver, showcasing its competitive strategy to allure investments. 

*For the initial six months or until the first $5 billion in assets, fee waiver applies, thereafter a 0.25% expense ratio.

9. Franklin Bitcoin ETF ($EZBC)

Assets under management (AUM): US$411m

ETF price (as of 20/05/2024): US$40.73

Global investment firm Franklin Templeton offers the EZBC ETF, signalling its foray into digital assets. This fund serves as a regulated avenue for investors to access Bitcoin exposure, embodying Franklin Templeton's strategic move into the digital asset space. 

*From Franklin Templeton website: The Sponsor's Fee is accrued daily at an annualized rate equal to 0.19% of the net asset value of the Fund. For a period from January 12, 2024 to August 2, 2024, the Sponsor will waive a portion of the Sponsor's Fee so that the Sponsor's Fee after the fee waiver will be equal to 0.00% of the net asset value of the Fund for the first $10.0 billion of the Fund's assets.

10. WisdomTree Bitcoin Fund ($BTCW)

Assets under management (AUM): US$80m

ETF price (as of 20/05/2024): US$74.47

WisdomTree has introduced its BTCW ETF, offering investors regulated exposure to Bitcoin. Widely recognised for its diverse ETF offerings, WisdomTree extends its expertise into the digital asset domain with this fund. 

*The fee structure includes a waiver for the initial 6 months or until the first $1 billion in assets, followed by a 0.25% fee.

11. Hashdex Bitcoin ETF ($DEFI)

Assets under management (AUM): US$12.86m

ETF price (as of 20/05/2024): US$80.03

Introducing the DEFI ETF by Hashdex, renowned for its comparatively higher fee structure among approved ETFs. Hashdex, a trailblazer in cryptocurrency investment products, seeks to harness its proficiency in digital assets to provide a regulated Bitcoin investment option. Prior to the SEC approval of spot Bitcoin ETFs, this used to be a Bitcoin futures ETF that invested in bitcoin futures contracts. 

The fund will charge annual fees of 0.9%.

What’s the difference between buying Bitcoin ETFs vs Bitcoin?

Investing in a Bitcoin ETF is not the same as owning Bitcoin directly. Bitcoin ETFs offer simplified exposure to Bitcoin's price movements without requiring investors to manage private keys or secure storage. However, ETF shares may trade at a premium or discount to the actual Bitcoin price, unlike direct ownership where investors have full control and exposure to the underlying asset.

The choice between the two depends on individual preferences and risk tolerance.

It’s important to understand how both products operate and line up with your own risk appetite and investing goals. Higher potential rewards tend to come with higher risk levels when investing. This means that certain products can present more downsides than benefits for the average investor.

🎓 Learn more: Learn about the recent Bitcoin Halving event→

Are Bitcoin ETFs regulated?

Yes, the new Bitcoin ETFs are regulated. They are, like all exchange-listed ETFs, subject to oversight by regulatory bodies like the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC). 

SEC regulations are intended to protect investors, maintain fair markets, and facilitate capital formation. Importantly, this does not mean the underlying assets of these ETFs, Bitcoins, are being regulated. The risks and benefits of investing in a Bitcoin ETF vs buying the actual asset are quite different. 

It’s important to note that while regulation provides some level of protection, it does not eliminate all risk associated with investing in spot Bitcoin ETFs. Investors should understand how both Bitcoin and Bitcoin ETFs operate and whether they line up with your own risk appetite and investing goals. Higher potential rewards tend to come with higher risk levels when investing.

Frequently asked questions about the Spot Bitcoin ETFs

This does not constitute financial product advice nor a recommendation to invest in the securities listed. Past performance is not a reliable indicator of future performance. When you invest, your capital is at risk. You should consider your own investment objectives, financial situation, particular needs. The value of your investments can go down as well as up and you may receive back less than your original investment. As always, do your own research and consider seeking appropriate financial advice before investing.

Any advice provided by Stake is of general nature only and does not take into account your specific circumstances. Trading and volume data from the Stake investing platform for reference purposes only, the investment choices of others may not be appropriate for your needs and is not a reliable indicator of performance.