Your Ultimate Guide to the Best Bitcoin ETF to Buy

Your Ultimate Guide to the Best Bitcoin ETF to Buy

In summary, Bitcoin ETFs are exchange-traded funds that provide investors with exposure to Bitcoin through passive investments. They are traded on regulated stock exchanges and offer several advantages such as accessibility, no need for storage, and potential risk diversification. However, they also come with some disadvantages like higher fees, lack of ownership, and potential tracking errors. To choose the best Bitcoin ETF to buy, investors should consider factors such as expense ratio, assets under management, liquidity, and the reputation of the fund provider. Ultimately, it is essential to do proper research and understand the investment objectives, risks, and benefits before investing in any Bitcoin ETF.


I’ve been following the development of Bitcoin ETFs closely, and I must admit that it’s an intriguing area of research. The first application for a Bitcoin ETF was submitted back in 2013, but it wasn’t until earlier this year that the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission finally gave its approval. However, the fight for approval isn’t over yet; it’s an ongoing process with a rich history.

Starting from February 2021, Canada became the first country to give the green light for a Bitcoin ETF. This was followed by the United States’ approval of the first Bitcoin futures ETF in October 2021. Lastly, ten Bitcoin-linked ETFs received their approvals in January 2024.

Six months from now, the Bitcoin market is still in the process of finding its footing. Consequently, investors are keenly searching for top-tier Bitcoin ETFs as they strive to make cryptocurrency investment more accessible to the masses.

With BlackRock’s Bitcoin ETF amassing approximately $15 billion in investments since the beginning of the year, and Grayscale experiencing a loss of around $16 billion, it raises the question of which Bitcoin ETFs are worth considering for expanding your investment portfolios and simplifying your entry into Bitcoin.

So, let’s jump into the topic and learn the best Bitcoin ETF to invest in!

Top 10 Bitcoin ETFs at a Glance

Bitcoin ETF AUM Management Fees Avg Volume YDT Daily Total Return Investment Strategy Grayscale Bitcoin Trust (GBTC)   $19,7 billion 1.50% 10,239,660  77.59% Spot Bitcoin ETF iShares Bitcoin Trust ETF (IBIT) $16.3 billion 0.12% 35,986,960 N/A Spot BTC ETF ProShares Short Bitcoin ETF (BITI) $104 million 1.33% 8,823,587 -43.59% Short Bitcoin Strategy  Volatility Shares 2x Bitcoin ETF (BITX) $1.2 billion 1.85% 5,315,439 101.58% Leveraged Bitcoin Futures Contracts Invesco Galaxy Bitcoin ETF (BTCO) $356 million 0.00% 377,068 N/A Spot BTC ETF  Bitwise Bitcoin ETF (BITB) $2.0 billion 0.00% 2,314,469 N/A Spot Bitcoin ETF  ProShares Bitcoin Strategy ETF (BITO) $2.1 billion  0.95%  12,412,106 58.22% Bitcoin Futures Contracts Global X Blockchain & Bitcoin Strategy ETF (BITS) $27.07 million  0.65%   6,838 31.92% Bitcoin Futures  WisdomTree Bitcoin Fund (BTCW) $99.5 billion 0.00% 249,123 N/A Spot Bitcoin ETF Fidelity Wise Origin Bitcoin Fund (FBTC) $11.98 billion 0% until August 1, 2024 8,601,396 N/A Spot Bitcoin ETF 

The Best Bitcoin ETF to Invest In

In the upcoming chapters, we’ll delve into the top Bitcoin ETFs available today, covering essential aspects such as management fees, Bitcoin prices, and compositions. By examining this comprehensive comparison, you’ll be well-equipped to make informed investment decisions.

1. Grayscale Bitcoin Trust (GBTC)

Your Ultimate Guide to the Best Bitcoin ETF to Buy

As a researcher, I would describe it this way: The Grayscale Bitcoin Trust is a pioneering investment firm specializing in the digital currency sector. By investing 100% of its resources into Bitcoin, it caters to traders and investors who prefer not to deal with the complexities of managing crypto wallets, securing private keys, or overseeing their assets directly.

Therefore, any investor looking to gain exposure to Bitcoin could opt out of Grayscale.

Additionally, the Grayscale Bitcoin Trust took steps in advance of the SEC’s decision, resulting in higher fees and other advantages for its user base.

Grayscale Bitcoin Trust Overview:

  • Primary Listing Market: NYSE ARCA;
  • Net Assets: 19.39 billion;
  • Market Price of Bitcoin: $61.73;

2. iShares Bitcoin Trust ETF (IBIT)

Your Ultimate Guide to the Best Bitcoin ETF to Buy

IShares Bitcoin Trust (IBIT) is a prominent ETF provider that has drawn attention to Spot Bitcoin ETFs because of its unique asset allocation strategy. This strategy defers management fees until the fund’s assets surpass $5 billion. Consequently, iShares Bitcoin Trust ETF has successfully attracted a larger number of new investors.

As a researcher, I’d like to add that IBIT provides me with the opportunity to invest in Bitcoin using a conventional brokerage account. This setup allows me to bypass the usual operational and management expenses as well as steep trading charges, making it a more cost-effective and convenient way for me to gain exposure to Bitcoin.

As a financial analyst, I’d rephrase it this way: IBIT, being a Bitcoin trust created by BlackRock Investments, isn’t subject to the registration requirements of the Investment Company Act. Consequently, the mutual funds or exchange-traded funds (ETFs) associated with IBIT don’t need to comply with that Act’s registration rules.

iShares Bitcoin Trust Overview:

  • Primary Listing Market: NASDAQ;
  • Net Assets: 19.5 billion;
  • Market Price of Bitcoin: $38.39;

3. ProShares Short Bitcoin ETF (BITI)

Your Ultimate Guide to the Best Bitcoin ETF to Buy

Although it’s a newer player in the market, starting from June 2022, the ProShares Short Bitcoin ETF has been designed to provide the opposite of the daily returns of the S&P CME Bitcoin Futures Index. Consequently, this particular Bitcoin ETF may serve as an effective tool for investors looking to mitigate potential losses if Bitcoin prices experience a downturn.

Additionally, the ProShares Bitcoin Strategy ETF operates as a short Bitcoin strategy fund. It aims to deliver returns linked to the declining price of Bitcoin, adjusting tactically based on Bitcoin’s network performance and market conditions. Furthermore, this ETF offers potential daily benefits for investors, making it an attractive option for those seeking to capitalize on downward Bitcoin price movements.

When you invest in a ProShares ETF, you’re taking on risk, but there’s also the possibility of significant rewards. It’s crucial to conduct thorough research and investigation beforehand, as my suggestion doesn’t serve as financial advice, and past performance does not guarantee future results.

ProShares Bitcoin Strategy ETF Overview:

  • Primary Listing Market: New York Stock Exchange (NYSE);
  • Net Assets: $2.115 billion;
  • Bonds: 65.64%;
  • Other: 24.01%;
  • Cash: 10.34%;
  • Market Price of Bitcoin: $26.23;

4. Volatility Shares 2x Bitcoin ETF (BITX)

Your Ultimate Guide to the Best Bitcoin ETF to Buy

This Bitcoin ETF makes use of futures contracts for added leverage, enabling investors to trade Bitcoin with borrowed funds for potential greater returns. However, it’s important to note that this strategy comes with risks, and there’s no guarantee of success. The 2x Volatility Bitcoin ETF, as an alternative phrasing, is designed to deliver double the daily price movements of Bitcoin.

Volatility Shares 2x Bitcoin ETF Overview:

  • Primary Listing Market: CME Futures Exchange;
  • Net Assets: $1.571 billion;
  • Other: 85.42%;
  • Cash: 7.48%;
  • Bonds: 7.09%;
  • Market Price of Bitcoin: $41.95;

5. Invesco Galaxy Bitcoin ETF (BTCO)

Your Ultimate Guide to the Best Bitcoin ETF to Buy

If you’re in search of top-notch Bitcoin ETFs to expand your investment portfolio, consider examining the Invesco Galaxy Bitcoin ETF. This exchange-traded fund provides various advantages for new investors, including a waiver of the 0.25% fee during the initial six months. Although other Bitcoin ETFs boast zero fees, this particular one is tailored to those seeking short-term trading opportunities in Bitcoin.

Invesco Galaxy Bitcoin ETF Overview:

  • Primary Listing Market: CBOE BZX Exchange;
  • Net Assets: $493 million;
  • Market Price of Bitcoin: $67.14;

6. Bitwise Bitcoin ETF (BITB)

Your Ultimate Guide to the Best Bitcoin ETF to Buy

As a crypto investor, I’m excited about Bitwise being a new player in the Bitcoin ETF game. One of its standout features is its listing on the New York Stock Exchange’s NYSE Arca platform, which is a premium exchange-traded funds marketplace where I can easily buy and sell shares.

Additionally, BITB remains a viable option with a reduced fee of 0.20% after waiving fees on assets under management up to $1 billion.

Bitwise Bitcoin ETF Overview:

  • Primary Listing Market: NYSE Arca, Inc;
  • Net Assets: $2.482 billion;
  • Market Price of Bitcoin: $41.95;

7. ProShares Bitcoin Strategy ETF (BITO)

Your Ultimate Guide to the Best Bitcoin ETF to Buy

Among the pioneers in the Bitcoin Futures ETF sector, this entity continues to hold significant influence, providing investment vehicles whose values are connected to the future Bitcoin price trends.

Within a few days of its debut, BITO managed to amass approximately $1 billion in assets, offering a preliminary indication of its potential.

ProShares Bitcoin Strategy ETF Overview:

  • Primary Listing Market: NYSE Arca;
  • Net Assets: $2.115 billion;
  • Other: 24.01%;
  • Cash: 10.34%;
  • Bonds: 65.64%;
  • Market Price of Bitcoin: $25.25;

8. Global X Blockchain & Bitcoin Strategy ETF (BITS)

Your Ultimate Guide to the Best Bitcoin ETF to Buy

If you’re an investor seeking long-term gains, consider BITS as a potential choice. Its approach to managing BTC futures is prudent and smooth, providing simple access to both Bitcoin futures and associated blockchain equities through a single transaction.

Global X Blockchain & Bitcoin Strategy ETF Overview:

  • Primary Listing Market: Nasdaq;
  • Net Assets: $26.95 million;
  • Stocks: 49.10%;
  • Bonds: 33.09%;
  • Other: 14.59%;
  • Cash: 3.23%
  • Market Price of Bitcoin: $69.41;

9. WisdomTree Bitcoin Fund (BTCW)

Your Ultimate Guide to the Best Bitcoin ETF to Buy

The WisdomTree Bitcoin Fund is designed to provide investors with a cost-effective and secure way to track the price of Bitcoin. By directly owning the cryptocurrency, this exchange-traded fund minimizes expenses and risks. Its share value is determined by calculating the weighted average of all significant Bitcoin spot market transactions on major exchanges daily.

As a crypto investor, I can achieve exposure to Bitcoin’s (BTC) price fluctuations by investing in an Exchange-Traded Fund (ETF) like WisdomTree. This ETF allows me to gain exposure not only to BTC but also to other traditional asset classes such as bonds and equities.

WisdomTree Bitcoin Fund Overview:

  • Primary Listing Market: Cboe BZX Exchange;
  • Net Assets: $86 million;
  • Market Price of Bitcoin: $71.65;

10. Fidelity Wise Origin Bitcoin Fund (FBTC)

Your Ultimate Guide to the Best Bitcoin ETF to Buy

Through passive investments, this exchange-traded product enables investors to acquire Bitcoin price exposure. They can do so by buying related funds using various types of accounts, including trusts, brokerages, and tax-advantaged plans.

Fidelity Wise Origin Bitcoin Fund Overview:

  • Primary Listing Market: CBOE BZX Exchange;
  • Net Assets: $11.076 billion;
  • Market Price of Bitcoin: $59.48;

What are Bitcoin ETFs?

ETFs (Exchange-Traded Funds) are registered investment companies with the Securities and Exchange Commission, and their shares carry the same registration. Similar to mutual funds, ETFs provide investment exposure to various asset classes such as commodities, bonds, stocks, and more. However, they stand out by being traded on a stock exchange like individual stocks, rather than being bought or sold at the net asset value price through mutual fund providers.

Exchange-traded funds (ETFs) focused on Bitcoin function as investment vehicles that purchase assets connected to the cryptocurrency, specifically Bitcoin. By buying shares of these Bitcoin ETFs on the open market, investors gain a straightforward and indirect way to access the digital currency.

Two classes of Exchange-Traded Funds (ETFs) exist: those based on spot Bitcoin and those using Bitcoin futures contracts. With spot Bitcoin ETFs, your investment represents ownership of actual Bitcoins in proportion to the number of shares you own. This setup allows for easy and direct investment in Bitcoin, with its improving market liquidity and stable pricing being significant advantages.

A Bitcoin Futures ETF is essentially a collective investment vehicle that obtains market exposure by means of derivative agreements linked to the value of Bitcoin. This setup allows investors to gain Bitcoin exposure without having to physically possess the cryptocurrency. Furthermore, Bitcoin futures function via contracts with set expiration dates, which determine the price at which investors can buy or sell Bitcoin on that particular date.

Bitcoins exchange-traded funds (ETFs) have significantly boosted the acceptance of digital currencies on a global scale. By investing in Bitcoin ETFs through a conventional brokerage account, one can easily acquire shares of these funds, thereby gaining exposure to Bitcoin without having to directly handle the cryptocurrency itself.

Pros and Cons of Bitcoin ETF Investments

When it comes to investing in and purchasing assets via an Exchange-Traded Fund (ETF), whether it’s a Bitcoin spot ETF or a futures contracts ETF, there are advantages and disadvantages to consider. Let’s explore these points to help you make informed decisions.

The Pros of Bitcoin ETFs

    For starters, Bitcoin ETFs are regulated, which makes them highly accessible to anyone interested in the best Bitcoin ETFs to buy. They become attractive to all investors since they are traded on regulated crypto exchanges.
    Another essential aspect is that it doesn’t require storage, as Bitcoin ETFs provide exposure to prices without using a crypto wallet or an exchange account. In contrast, buying BTC through a crypto exchange requires a wallet to store your purchased Bitcoin.
    When discussing the risks, having Bitcoin ETFs in your investment portfolio could alleviate the risk distribution, especially when there’s a low correlation with stocks or bonds. Also, ETFs offer more liquidity.

The Cons of Bitcoin ETFs

    The first con that comes to our mind is that an ETF removes ownership and could lead to missing some benefits.
    BTC ETFs typically come with higher fees than traditional ones and are often associated with ETF security.
    Then there’s the performance of the underlying asset by the ETF, and often minor tracking errors could greatly influence it.

How to Choose the Best Bitcoin ETF to Buy

when selecting the ideal Bitcoin ETF to invest in, there are various factors to take into account. These include the fund’s expense ratio, the amount of assets it manages, its liquidity, and other elements that may substantially impact your investment approach.

  1. Expense Ratio: The lower the expense rate, the more favorable it is for all investors, as it directly impacts the general return.
  2. Assets Under Management: Again, the higher the AUM, the more trust it brings to all traders and investors, as it directly translates to higher liquidity and trading volume.
  3. Liquidity: If this is higher, it is a good sign, as it means small bid-ask spreads, thus reducing the trading costs.

In the end, the success of the selected Bitcoin ETF hinges on its esteemed reputation. Consequently, it should boast a well-documented history of effectively managing multiple exchange-traded funds (ETFs), crypto ETFs, and other commodities. Renowned entities with extensive experience in this domain possess the necessary expertise and resources to handle diverse assets effortlessly, as evidenced by their impressive tracking records using various benchmarks.

Final Thoughts

As Bitcoin gains more popularity, investing in Bitcoin Exchange-Traded Funds (ETFs) has become an attractive option for those looking to buy or trade Bitcoin. Whether you prefer owning the actual Bitcoin or wagering on its price movements through futures contracts, it’s essential to conduct thorough research beforehand. By doing so, you can make informed decisions and effectively diversify your portfolio, ultimately leading to sound investment choices.

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2024-06-25 10:35