Best Bitcoin ETFs with the Lowest Fees (May 2025)
Owning Bitcoin ETFs is a legit way to invest in the cryptocurrency, BTC, passively and outperform the S&P 500 and Gold without taking custody of Bitcoin on your own.
The problem is that there are so many publicly traded Bitcoin ETFs available to investors in the United States. Each Bitcoin ETF offers a similar service (Easy exposure to BTC without the headaches) with different expense ratios and custody arrangements.
Our Top Picks
Here are the best Bitcoin ETFs to buy to maximize your returns:
| Rank | Bitcoin ETF Name | Expense Ratio | BTC Custodian | Options Trading? |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | iShares Bitcoin ETF Trust (IBIT) | 0.25% | Coinbase | Yes |
| 2 | Fidelity Wise Origin Bitcoin Fund (FBTC) | 0.25% | Self-Custody | Yes |
| 3 | ARK 21Shares Bitcoin ETF (ARKB) | 0.21% | Coinbase | Yes |
| 4 | Bitwise Bitcoin ETF Trust (BITB) | 0.20% | Coinbase | Yes |
Best Overall Value: iShares Bitcoin ETF Trust (IBIT)
IBIT ranks #1 out of all Bitcoin ETFs due to its massive NAV and overall value. Blackrock is the world's largest institutional asset manager in the world so many investors feel comfortable owning their financial products over the long run.
Blackrock CEO Larry Fink is a huge advocate for Bitcoin and he gives investors a very good product at a pretty low expense ratio.
IBIT uses Coinbase Prime as its custody partner and charges a modest 0.25% expense ratio.
Best Self Custodied Bitcoin ETF: Fidelity
FBTC is the one of the only Bitcoin ETF that practices self custody in the United States. Fidelity stores all of its BTC and doesn't use 3rd party custodians such as Coinbase to store their Bitcoin wealth.
It's also a convenient choice for Fidelity customers since Fidelity Investments is the largest brokerage in the United States.
Best Bitcoin ETF With Lowest Fees: ARK 21Shares Bitcoin ETF
ARKB has the lowest fees out of all the most popular Bitcoin ETFs. Cathie Wood, CEO of Ark Investments, is well known for her transparency in the investment niche and believes Bitcoin could reach over $1 million by 2030.
Owning ARKB is the cheapest Bitcoin ETF around and could save you money on expense ratios over the long run.
The Impact of Bitcoin ETF Fees over the Long Run
Fees matter when it comes to investing in Bitcoin ETFs. Paying just a bit more in fees can cost you a fortune over the long run.
How and Where to Buy Bitcoin ETFs
All of these Bitcoin spot ETFs are available to United States investors who have an online brokerage account.
You can purchase them at the following brokerages:
- Robinhood
- IBKR (Interactive Brokers)
- Schwab
- Fidelity
- eTrade
- Webull
- Merrill Edge
- Public
Vanguard is currently the only major United States brokerage company that prohibits the purchase of Bitcoin ETfs.
Read my article on How to Buy Bitcoin ETFs for more in-depth information on how to purchase Bitcoin ETFs step by step.
Bitcoin ETFs FAQ
When was the first United States Spot Bitcoin ETF approved?
On January 10th, 2024 SEC Chair Gary Ginsler approved the first spot Bitcoin ETFs to allow both Wall Street institutions and retail investors to invest in cryptocurrency through exchange traded funds. This marked the beginning of a new era for both crypto and personal finance. Blackrock and Fidelity control the two largest Bitcoin ETF funds, respectively.
Which Bitcoin ETF is the best?
IBIT is the best Bitcoin ETF in my opinion because Blackrock is the largest asset manager in the world with a wonderful reputation.
What Bitcoin ETF Should I Buy?
IBIT is the best overall Bitcoin ETF for beginners. It offers a competitive expense ratio that's backed by Blackrock's well known brand name.
If you are a Fidelity customer already then go with FBTC. Fidelity practices self custody and doesn't rely on 3rd party companies such as Coinbase to store their Bitcoin.
If you want the cheapest overall Bitcoin ETF then ARKB is your best choice. Buying ARKB could save you thousands of dollars in expense ratio fees if you invest more than $500,000 .
Can I Purchase Bitcoin ETFs on Schwab?
Yes. You can purchase these Bitcoin ETFs on Schwab during normal US market hours of 9:30AM to 4pm EST Monday to Friday (excluding holidays).
What is the recommended Bitcoin ETF portfolio allocation?
Blackrock recommends a 1 to 2% Bitcoin ETF portfolio allocation on its website. That's fine for older more establish investors who want to preserve their money yet capture some upside. If you're younger then increase your Bitcoin ETF portfolio exposure to grow your assets more quicker.
