22 Crypto ETFs to Know

Exchange-traded funds are securities that operate similarly to mutual funds, bundling up different stocks and funds into a single asset that can be traded among investors. In theory, this type of bundling can lead to more diversified portfolios and reduce the amount of risk investors hold. But unlike mutual funds, ETFs can be bought and sold on exchanges throughout the market day. 

Investment brokers have tried for years to sway the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) to approve funds that invest in cryptocurrencies and cryptocurrency-related companies. These efforts culminated in a major victory in January 2024 when the SEC approved a small number of Bitcoin ETFs. This is due to the recent popularity of cryptocurrencies, which are decentralized currencies and therefore difficult to access through established financial channels.

Nonetheless, the SEC has remained reluctant to approve ETFs that are directly invested in cryptocurrencies. Some cryptocurrency-linked ETFs that have gained the agency’s approval are a few steps removed, such as funds that allow individuals to invest in cryptocurrency futures contracts or in companies that hold cryptocurrency assets. Accredited investors also have the option to trade funds directly invested in cryptocurrencies in over-the-counter exchanges.

This makes specialized cryptocurrency exchange platforms like Coinbase a popular option for individuals who want to purchase coins to start investing in cryptocurrencies. While there are likely more changes coming to crypto in the near future, here are 22 cryptocurrency ETFs available for investors to trade today.

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22 Crypto ETFs to Know

iShares Bitcoin Trust ETF (IBIT) 

The iShares Bitcoin Trust ETF was approved by the SEC in January 2024 and aims to give investors of various backgrounds opportunities to invest in Bitcoin without the usual obstacles. This ETF has the advantage of being run by BlackRock — “the world’s largest asset manager” — and uses technology designed by the Coinbase Prime service. Perhaps not surprisingly, this fund has become the most traded Bitcoin ETF since its launch. 

Fidelity Wise Origin Bitcoin Fund (FBTC)

The Fidelity Wise Origin Bitcoin Fund gives investors the chance to explore Bitcoin investments while relying on the experience of a more traditional firm. Touting its Bitcoin research since 2014, Fidelity incorporates its usual investment structure and reporting into this fund to make it a smoother experience for clients. Although this ETF is higher-risk, it comes with perks like zero lockups and intraday liquidity to establish it as a competitive offering. 

iShares Ethereum Trust ETF (ETHA)

Launched in June 2024, the iShares Ethereum Trust ETF comes with the same features as its IBIT counterpart, including the backing of BlackRock and the tools of Coinbase Prime. However, this fund focuses on Ethereum’s native token, giving users access to Ether through a traditional brokerage account. Investors can also potentially enjoy simpler tax reporting and reduced trading expenses with this ETF. 

ARK 21Shares Bitcoin ETF (ARKB)

Investment institutions ARK and 21Shares teamed up to form the ARK 21Shares Bitcoin ETF. This fund lets investors experiment with spot Bitcoin without having to worry about procedures for storing and trading Bitcoin. 21shares claims Bitcoin to be an ideal way to diversify one’s portfolio since it promises growth through a sizable market cap and is placed in cold storage, meaning it’s kept in offline locations for additional security. 

Bitwise Bitcoin ETF (BITB)

The Bitwise Bitcoin ETF is intended to expose investors to Bitcoin at an affordable price while placing it within arm’s reach through a brokerage account. According to Bitwise, another advantage of this fund is Bitwise itself: the institution boasts seven years of experience handling crypto assets and a nationwide team of crypto professionals. Investors can then leave the in-depth details of Bitcoin investing and risk management to Bitwise. 

2x Bitcoin Strategy ETF (BITX)

The 2x Bitcoin Strategy ETF is a unique approach to Bitcoin trading that presents greater returns and risks. As its name suggests, the fund aims to deliver two times the amount of what Bitcoin costs in a single day — not including fees and expenses. The fund then requires a more hands-on approach and is meant for shorter-term trading, so it’s recommended only for more experienced investors who have a higher risk tolerance.

ProShares Bitcoin Strategy ETF (BITO)

ProShares Bitcoin Strategy ETF was the first cryptocurrency-linked ETF available to investors to be approved by the SEC, and it began trading on the NYSE Arca exchange in October 2021. Prior to BITO, the SEC had consistently denied approval to cryptocurrency-linked ETFs, but greenlit the fund because it allows individuals to invest in Bitcoin futures contracts rather than holding Bitcoin assets in the fund. The operating expense fee for this ETF is 0.95 percent. 

Coinshares Valkyrie Bitcoin and Ether Strategy ETF (BTF)

Undergoing a slight rebrand in 2024, this fund was the second cryptocurrency-linked ETF to be approved by the SEC, and it launched just a few days after BITO on the Nasdaq exchange. The two funds are very similar, both allowing individuals to invest in Bitcoin futures. BTF’s portfolio consists of mostly Bitcoin and Ether futures with some U.S. Treasury bills mixed in. Expense fees for BTF are 1.25 percent. 

VanEck Bitcoin ETF (HODL)

The VanEck Bitcoin ETF comes with an attractive deal — the sponsor fee is completely waived until January 10, 2026, unless the fund exceeds $2.5 billion in assets. Once the fund hits the January 10 date or reaches the asset threshold, investors must pay a 0.2 percent fee. In addition to its cost-effectiveness, the fund supports investors with VanEck’s crypto-based experience and the safeguard of Bitcoin being held in cold storage. 

Global X Blockchain ETF (BKCH)

This ETF by Mirae Asset Financial Group began trading in July 2021. It is invested in companies that are heavily involved in blockchain technologies and stand to benefit from the widespread adoption of blockchain technology. Some of its top assets include stakes in companies such as the cryptocurrency trading platform Coinbase, the Bitcoin mining company Riot Blockchain and the cryptocurrency mining company Marathon Digital Holdings. The expense fee for investing in BKCH is 0.5 percent.

Global X Blockchain & Bitcoin Strategy ETF (BITS)

This fund is also managed by Mirae Asset Financial Group, and began trading on the Nasdaq exchange in November 2021. It has a combination of cryptocurrency-linked assets, including Bitcoin futures as well as investments in blockchain technology-related companies through the Global X Blockchain ETF. The fund charges 0.65 percent in expense fees. 

Bitwise Crypto Industry Innovators ETF (BITQ)

SEI Investments Global Fund Services manages this fund, which began trading in May 2021. BITQ also invests in companies in the cryptocurrency and blockchain space, with top holdings in MicroStrategy, a consulting company with a significant investment in Bitcoin; Coinbase; and Marathon Digital Holdings. The expense fee for this ETF is set at 0.85 percent.  

First Trust Indxx Innovative Transaction & Process ETF (LEGR)

This fund began trading in January 2018 and is managed by First Trust Company. The fund invests in companies that are “either actively using, investing in, developing or have products that are poised to benefit from blockchain technology.” Some top companies LEGR invests in include Chinese tech giant Alibaba, Intel Corporation and AT&T. Expense fees for LEGR are set at 0.65 percent.

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Amplify Transformational Data Sharing ETF (BLOK)

This fund was launched in January 2018, and it invests more than 80 percent of its total assets in companies that use and develop blockchain technology. Some top companies it holds include Coinbase, Nvidia and Galaxy Digital Holdings. The expense fee for BLOK is 0.73 percent. 

VanEck Digital Transformation ETF (DAPP)

This ETF debuted in April 2021, and it invests in companies that manage digital assets, mine digital currency and build digital infrastructure. Some of its top assets include companies such as Block, Coinbase and Microstrategy. Expense fees for the ETF are set at 0.51 percent. 

First Trust SkyBridge Crypto Industry and Digital Economy ETF (CRPT)

This ETF by First Trust Company first began trading in September 2021. The fund invests at least 80 percent of its assets in “crypto industry companies and digital economy companies.” Top assets include Coinbase, Galaxy Digital Holdings and MicroStrategy. First Trust charges a 0.85 percent expense fee.  

Invesco Alerian Galaxy Crypto Economy ETF (SATO)

This ETF began trading in October 2021, and invests over 80 percent of its assets in either companies that are engaged in “cryptocurrency, cryptocurrency mining, cryptocurrency buying or enabling technologies.” The fund charges 0.6 percent in management fees. 

Invesco Alerian Galaxy Blockchain Users and Decentralized Commerce ETF (BLKC)

BLKC began trading on the Chicago Board Options Exchange in October 2021. Also managed by Invesco, it invests over 80 percent of its assets in either companies that work with blockchain technology or cryptocurrency mining, or in cryptocurrency-linked funds that are trading in over-the-counter markets. The fund charges a 0.6 percent management fee. 

Bitwise 10 Crypto Index Fund (BITW)

This fund was made available for trading in December 2020 and is managed by Bitwise Asset Management, an investment company that specializes in cryptocurrency investments. Because the fund has not been approved by the SEC, the fund may only be purchased by accredited investors on over-the-counter markets instead of on a central exchange. The fund invests in cryptocurrencies directly, with holdings in 10 of the largest cryptocurrencies — mostly Bitcoin and Ethereum — and also includes what the company calls “up-and-coming assets.”  

Grayscale Digital Large Cap Fund (GDLC)

Open to trading in November 2019, this fund is managed by Grayscale Investments, an asset management company that specializes in digital currency assets. This fund has not been approved by the SEC and is only available on over-the-counter markets to accredited investors. Currently, the fund consists mostly of Bitcoin and Ethereum. Three other cryptocurrencies, including Cardano and Solana, make up less than 10 percent of the total assets. The fund is rebalanced quarterly and charges 2.5 percent annually for a manager’s fee.

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Grayscale Bitcoin Trust (GBTC)

This fund by Grayscale Investments began trading in May 2015, and was “the first spot Bitcoin exchange-traded product to commence trading in the U.S.,” according to the company. The fund also lays claim to being the first publicly traded Bitcoin fund in the U.S. A 1.5 percent sponsor fee is charged annually. 

Grayscale Ethereum Trust (ETHE)

This fund, also by Grayscale Investments, was one of the first securities to be solely invested in Ethereum and is now the largest Ethereum fund globally. The fund was launched in June 2019 and charges a 2.5 percent sponsor’s fee.