Which ETF has a lower expense ratio, BITB or ARKB?

BITB has the lower expense ratio at 0.20% vs 0.21% for ARKB.

Which ETF is larger by assets under management, BITB or ARKB?

BITB is larger by AUM. BITB has approximately $2.3B in assets versus $2.1B for ARKB (based on most recent available data).

Can I hold both BITB and ARKB in my portfolio?

Yes. Both BITB and ARKB can be held simultaneously through most brokerage accounts. However, since both track the spot price of Bitcoin, holding both in large quantities results in concentrated and highly correlated exposure. Investors typically choose one spot Bitcoin ETF rather than diversifying across multiple to keep costs low.

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BITB vs ARKB

Head-to-head Bitcoin ETF comparison - expense ratios, AUM, performance, and more

Quick Answer

BITB and ARKB both charge 0.20%, and their returns are nearly identical - the real differences are size and custody. ARK 21Shares's ARKB uses Coinbase Custody (primary, with BitGo added) for Bitcoin custody, while BITB uses Bank of New York Mellon.

BITB

Bitwise Bitcoin ETF Trust ETF

IssuerBitwise

Expense Ratio0.20%

AUM$2.3B

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ARKB

ARK 21Shares Bitcoin ETF

IssuerARK 21Shares

Expense Ratio0.21%

AUM$2.1B

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At a Glance

Lower Fee

Tied

Larger AUM

Tied

More Liquid

ARKB

Best YTD

Tied

Full Comparison

Metric	BITB	ARKB
Expense Ratio	0.20% Tie	0.21% Tie
AUM	$2.3B Tie	$2.1B Tie
Price	$35.24	$21.54
YTD Return	-27.79% Tie	-27.69% Tie
1-Year Return	-44.92% Tie	-44.91% Tie
Avg Daily Volume	2.4M	3.6M Winner
Custodian	Bank of New York Mellon	Coinbase Custody (primary, with BitGo added)
Issuer	Bitwise	ARK 21Shares
Inception Date	Jan 11, 2024	Jan 11, 2024
Exchange Listed	NYSE Arca	Cboe BZX Exchange
SEC Registered	Yes	Yes

Key Differences

Different Custodians

BITB holds its Bitcoin with Bank of New York Mellon, while ARKB uses Coinbase Custody (primary, with BitGo added). Custodian choice affects your exposure to counterparty risk and the operational security model protecting the fund's Bitcoin.

Which Is Right For You?

BITB is best for:

Cost-conscious investors seeking regulated spot bitcoin exposure with institutional-grade custody

ARKB is best for:

U.S. investors seeking low-cost direct Bitcoin exposure through a dual-custodied spot ETF

21Rates Take

BITB and ARKB sit at nearly identical expense ratios, making them two of the lowest-cost spot Bitcoin ETFs available. Both launched in January 2024 and attract cost-conscious investors looking beyond the IBIT and FBTC duopoly. BITB is issued by Bitwise, a crypto-focused manager with a long track record in index products. ARKB is co-issued by ARK Invest and 21Shares, combining a bold investment brand with deep European ETP expertise. Both are strong products; the final decision often comes down to which issuer you prefer and your existing brokerage relationship.

Reviewed by 21Rates Editorial on Jul 20, 2026

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the difference between BITB and ARKB?

BITB is issued by Bitwise and charges a 0.20% expense ratio, while ARKB is issued by ARK 21Shares at 0.21%. Both are spot Bitcoin ETFs that hold physical Bitcoin. They differ in issuer, custody arrangements (BITB uses Bank of New York Mellon; ARKB uses Coinbase Custody (primary, with BitGo added)), and overall fund scale.

Which has the lower expense ratio, BITB or ARKB?

Both BITB and ARKB charge the same 0.20% annual expense ratio.

Which ETF has more assets under management?

ARKB is the larger fund by AUM at $2.1B versus $2.3B for BITB.

Can I hold both BITB and ARKB at the same time?

Yes. Both funds can be held in most brokerage accounts simultaneously. However, since both track Bitcoin, holding both creates highly correlated exposure. Most investors choose one fund to keep costs and complexity low.

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Market data (price, AUM, volume, returns) is updated up to 3 times daily from live market sources. Expense ratios and fund details are sourced from fund prospectuses and issuer disclosures.

Data as of Aug 8, 2026.

This comparison is for informational purposes only and does not constitute investment advice. Bitcoin ETFs are subject to market risk including the potential loss of principal. Past performance does not guarantee future results.