6 Best Spot Bitcoin ETFs in the US (2025)
Finding the best spot Bitcoin ETFs in the US has been a tough challenge for many investors. Until recently, options were limited to ETFs that only offered indirect exposure through futures or options, which wasn’t ideal for those looking to invest directly in Bitcoin. However, with the SEC’s recent approval of 11 new spot Bitcoin ETFs in January 2024, things have finally changed.
If you’ve been waiting for a straightforward way to invest in Bitcoin through an ETF, this article is here to help you explore the best options available.
What are Spot Bitcoin ETFs?
Spot Bitcoin ETFs let you invest in Bitcoin without actually owning the cryptocurrency. Think of it as a way to buy into Bitcoin through a regular stock exchange. Instead of purchasing Bitcoin directly, you buy shares in a spot Bitcoin ETF, which holds the actual Bitcoin in its reserves for you. This setup means the value of the ETF closely follows the price of Bitcoin, giving you a straightforward way to get in on the action.
On the other hand, futures-based Bitcoin ETFs don’t hold any Bitcoin at all. Instead, they use contracts that bet on Bitcoin’s price in the future. While they still offer some exposure to Bitcoin, they don’t track its price as accurately as spot ETFs do.
Check out our in-depth guide on Bitcoin Futures ETFs to learn more.
For a long time, the SEC didn’t allow spot Bitcoin ETFs in the US due to concerns about market manipulation and investor protection. This left investors with only futures-based options. However, in January 2024, everything changed when the SEC approved 11 new spot Bitcoin ETFs. This was a big moment, giving investors a more direct and transparent way to invest in Bitcoin through the stock market.
How to Choose the Best Spot Crypto ETFs in the US?
When choosing the best spot Bitcoin ETFs in the US, there are three key factors to consider: management fees, fund size, and provider reputation.
Fees: First, look at the management fees, often called the expense ratio. Lower fees mean more of your money stays invested, which can lead to better returns over time. For example, if two ETFs offer similar exposure but one charges 0.20% and the other 1.5%, the lower-fee option could save you thousands in the long run.
Fund Size: Larger funds tend to be more stable and easier to trade. Aim for ETFs with assets under management (AUM) of at least half a million dollars and a daily trading volume above 100,000 shares. This ensures you can buy and sell easily without facing big price swings.
Reputation: Lastly, check the provider’s reputation. Established companies with a solid track record in managing similar funds are more likely to offer reliable and secure ETFs. Think of it like choosing a well-known brand over a new, untested one—experience and reliability matter, especially in crypto.
Here are the 6 Best Spot Bitcoin ETFs in the US:
1. iShares Bitcoin Trust ETF (IBIT)
The iShares Bitcoin Trust ETF just started trading on January 11, 2024, after being one of the 11 spot Bitcoin ETFs approved by the SEC this year.
Priced at $53.73 per share, it’s already managing a huge $22 billion in assets, with a daily trading volume of over 19 million shares, so it’s super liquid. BlackRock is offering a great deal for the first year, with a super low fee of 0.12% on the first $5 billion in assets. After that, the fee bumps up to 0.25%.
Since it’s new, there isn’t any performance data yet, but with BlackRock’s backing and a solid start, it’s definitely one of the best spot Bitcoin ETFs to consider.
2. Grayscale Bitcoin Trust (GBTC)
GBTC started as a private placement over a decade ago and just recently became a spot Bitcoin ETP on NYSE Arca in 2024.
As of writing, it’s priced at $74.88 per share and has a hefty $14 billion in assets under management. With over 2.5 million shares traded daily, it’s a pretty active option. The management fee is 1.50%, which is a bit on the higher side.
Since it’s new to the spot ETF scene, there isn’t any performance data yet, but given Grayscale’s long history in the crypto space, it’s definitely one of the best spot Bitcoin ETFs to consider.
3. Bitwise Bitcoin ETF (BITB)
Bitwise Asset Management, known as the largest crypto index fund manager in the U.S., launched the Bitwise Bitcoin ETF on January 11, 2024.
It’s priced at $52 per share and has quickly gathered $2.3 billion in assets under management. With a daily trading volume of over 1.6 million shares, it’s quite active. The sponsor fee is 0.20%, which is on the lower side compared to some other options.
While it’s too new to have any performance data, Bitwise’s strong reputation in the crypto space makes this one of the best spot Bitcoin ETFs to consider.
4. ARK 21Shares Bitcoin ETF (ARKB)
The ARK 21Shares Bitcoin ETF started trading on January 11, 2024. Its market price is $94.36 per share and has already pulled in $3 billion in assets. With a daily trading volume of over 800,000 shares, it’s pretty active. The management fee is 0.21%, which is fairly low, making it one of the best spot Bitcoin ETFs to consider.
5. VanEck Bitcoin Trust (HODL)
The VanEck Bitcoin Trust started trading on January 11, 2024, along with the other 10 spot Bitcoin ETFs that the SEC approved.
Its market price is $106.77 per share as of writing and has $680 million in assets under management. With an average daily trading volume of over 230,000 shares, it’s got decent activity. The expense ratio is 0.20%, which is quite competitive.
Although it’s new and lacks performance data, it’s shaping up to be one of the best spot Bitcoin ETFs to watch.
6. Invesco Galaxy Bitcoin ETF (BTCO)
The Invesco Galaxy Bitcoin ETF started trading on January 11, 2024, after being one of the 11 spot Bitcoin ETFs approved by the SEC this year.
It’s priced at $92.67 per share and has a market value of over $490 million. With over 100,000 shares traded daily, it’s fairly active. The fee is 0.25%, which is pretty standard for a Bitcoin ETF.
Since it’s new, there isn’t any performance data yet, but based on its solid structure and low price, it’s definitely one of the best spot Bitcoin ETFs to keep an eye on.
FAQ
What is the best bitcoin spot ETF to buy?
The best Bitcoin spot ETF to buy really depends on what you’re looking for.
For instance, if low fees are your priority, the iShares Bitcoin Trust ETF might be a good option since it offers a low initial fee of 0.12% for its first year. If you’re looking for something with a high trading volume for easy buying and selling, the Bitwise Bitcoin ETF, which has over 1.6 million shares traded daily, could be a solid choice. If you prefer a more established provider, the Grayscale Bitcoin Trust, with $14 billion in assets under management, might appeal to you.
It’s all about what factors matter most to you, so comparing these options can help you find the best fit for your investment goals.
What is the largest Bitcoin ETF?
The largest Bitcoin spot ETF right now is the iShares Bitcoin Trust ETF, with $22 billion in assets. It’s the biggest of the newly approved spot Bitcoin ETFs in the US.
Is it smart to buy a Bitcoin ETF?
Buying a Bitcoin ETF can be a smart choice if you want to invest in Bitcoin without dealing with the hassle of managing it or learning all about crypto and blockchain technology. It’s easier and safer since the ETF handles everything for you, and you can trade it on regular stock exchanges like any other stock. But, like any investment, there are risks.
Which Bitcoin ETF has the lowest expense ratio?
The Bitcoin ETF with the lowest expense ratio is the iShares Bitcoin Trust ETF, which starts with a fee of just 0.12% for the first $5 billion in assets during its first year. After that, the fee goes up to 0.25%, but it’s still one of the lower-cost options available.