Best Bitcoin ETFs for 2025: What’s Worth Buying in a $100K Bitcoin World?

Bitcoin has gone from fringe asset to financial headline. Since the SEC gave the green light to spot Bitcoin ETFs in January 2024, investors have poured billions into crypto markets—no wallets, no keys, just ticker symbols. By May 2025, Bitcoin cracked $100,000, and ETFs have become the preferred on-ramp for many.

But with more than a dozen ETFs now trading, the real question is which ones deserve your attention.

This post breaks down the top-performing spot and futures-based Bitcoin ETFs based on fees, liquidity, and one-year returns. Whether you care about cost, convenience, or long-term credibility, here’s what you need to know.

Why Use a Bitcoin ETF Instead of Buying Bitcoin?

Think of Bitcoin ETFs as the bridge between crypto and Wall Street. You don’t need to set up a crypto wallet or manage keys. You buy the ETF in your brokerage account and get exposure to Bitcoin’s price, without the hassle.

There are two types:

• Spot ETFs hold actual Bitcoin and move closely with the market.

• Futures ETFs track Bitcoin futures, not the asset itself. They’re more complex and can diverge in performance.

Top Spot Bitcoin ETFs in 2025

1. iShares Bitcoin Trust $IBIT ( ▼ 3.17% )  

• Issuer: BlackRock

• AUM: $65.1 billion

• Expense Ratio: 0.25% (discounted to 0.12% until Jan 2026)

• 1-Year Return: ~54.7%

Why it’s leading:
IBIT is the heavyweight in the space. It became the fastest ETF in U.S. history to hit $70 billion in assets. It trades on Nasdaq, uses Coinbase Prime for custody, and offers a rock-bottom fee (for now). This is the one to beat if you want scale and liquidity.

Best for: Investors who value big-brand trust and easy execution.

2. Fidelity Wise Origin Bitcoin Fund $FBTC ( ▼ 3.12% )  

• Issuer: Fidelity

• AUM: $20.3 billion

• Expense Ratio: 0.25%

• 1-Year Return: ~54.6%

Why it’s a strong #2:
FBTC mirrors Bitcoin’s movements nearly tick-for-tick. With over $10B in inflows during its first year, it’s gained investor confidence. Fidelity’s name recognition and substantial trading volume don’t hurt either.

Best for: Investors who want low-cost exposure from a legacy firm.

3. Grayscale Bitcoin Trust ETF $GBTC ( ▼ 3.15% )  

• Issuer: Grayscale

• AUM: $19.4 billion

• Expense Ratio: 1.50%

• 1-Year Return: ~54.2%

The OG with baggage:
GBTC has existed for years and finally converted to an ETF in 2024. However, its high fee (1.5%) has driven over $21 billion in outflows. Still, it remains one of the largest and most recognised names in crypto.

Best for: Investors who’ve held GBTC for years or prioritise longevity over fees.

4. ARK 21Shares Bitcoin ETF $ARKB ( ▼ 3.07% )  

• Issuer: ARK Invest / 21Shares

• AUM: $4.9 billion

• Expense Ratio: 0.21%

• 1-Year Return: ~54.7%

Low-cost with growth DNA:
ARKB benefits from Cathie Wood’s innovation-focused reputation and one of the lowest fees on the market. It trades on Cboe and has quietly become a top performer in cost-to-return efficiency.

Best for: Growth-focused investors who want low fees and high exposure.

5. Bitwise Bitcoin ETF $BITB ( ▼ 3.12% )  

• Issuer: Bitwise

• AUM: $3.9 billion

• Expense Ratio: 0.20% (0% temporarily)

• 1-Year Return: ~54.7%

The stealth pick:
BITB offers one of the best deals right now: a 0% expense ratio for the first $1 billion or the first 6 months. Add in daily transparency and institutional-grade custody, and it’s a solid choice for smaller portfolios or fee-sensitive buyers.

Best for: Fee-conscious investors looking for quality at a discount.

6. VanEck Bitcoin ETF $HODL ( ▼ 3.12% )  

• Issuer: VanEck

• AUM: $1.5 billion

• Expense Ratio: 0.25% (0% until Jan 2026)

• 1-Year Return: ~55.0%

HODLing its own:
Despite being smaller in AUM, HODL offers solid performance and a zero-fee window through early 2026. VanEck’s ETF track record gives it credibility in the competitive spot Bitcoin market.

Best for: Long-term investors who want a fee-free ride, at least for now.

Best Futures-Based Bitcoin ETF

ProShares Bitcoin Strategy ETF $BITO ( ▼ 3.26% )  

• Issuer: ProShares

• AUM: $2.45 billion

• Expense Ratio: 0.95%

• 1-Year Return: ~45.1%

For futures fans:
BITO was the first to market with a U.S. Bitcoin ETF in 2021, and it’s still the largest futures-based option. It doesn’t hold Bitcoin directly, which avoids custody issues, but it also means performance can lag due to roll costs and premium decay.

Best for: Investors who want futures exposure inside traditional accounts like 401(k)s.

Quick Comparison: Top Bitcoin ETFs (2025 Snapshot)

What Matters When Choosing a Bitcoin ETF?

• Fees: BITB and ARKB are currently the lowest-cost options, with GBTC being the most expensive. However, many funds have temporary discounts—check expiry dates.

• Liquidity: Larger funds like IBIT and FBTC offer tighter spreads and smoother trades.

• Performance: Spot ETFs have closely tracked Bitcoin’s rise this year (~54–55%), while BITO has lagged (~45%).

• Security: Most major funds use trusted custodians like Coinbase Prime and rely on cold storage.

• Taxes: ETFs are taxable in brokerage accounts. If you're unsure, talk to a tax pro.

What’s New in 2025?

• Hybrids and Options-Based Funds: Some ETFs, like Calamos CBOJ, mix Bitcoin with call-writing strategies. These have income potential but added complexity and risk.

• Leverage: BITX offers 2x Bitcoin exposure. Volatile and not for the faint of heart.

• Global Choices: Canada’s BTCC and various European ETNs remain available but may be harder for U.S. investors to access.

Final Take

Bitcoin ETFs have made crypto investing easier and more accessible than ever. For 2025, the best all-around picks are IBIT, FBTC, ARKB, BITB, and HODL—all spot ETFs with solid performance, low fees, and strong backing.

If you're looking for futures exposure, BITO is the most established, though returns have lagged. Whichever you choose, stay alert to fee changes, market shifts, and the always-volatile nature of crypto.

Disclaimer: This content is for informational purposes only. It is not investment advice. Bitcoin and Bitcoin ETFs carry risk, including the potential for loss. Always consult a licensed financial advisor before making any investment decisions.

Disclaimer: This article is for informational purposes only and does not constitute investment advice. Always conduct your own research or speak to a qualified professional before investing.