Head-to-head Bitcoin ETF comparison - expense ratios, AUM, performance, and more
FBTC has the lower expense ratio at 0.25% versus 1.50%. Grayscale's GBTC uses Coinbase Custody for Bitcoin custody, while FBTC uses Fidelity Digital Assets.
| Metric | FBTC | GBTC |
|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.25% Winner | 1.50% |
| AUM | $10.8B Tie | $8.4B Tie |
| Price | $56.53 | $50.30 |
| YTD Return | -27.70% Winner | -28.29% |
| 1-Year Return | -44.93% Winner | -45.59% |
| Avg Daily Volume | 4.4M Winner | 2.7M |
| Custodian | Fidelity Digital Assets | Coinbase Custody |
| Issuer | Fidelity | Grayscale |
| Inception Date | Jan 11, 2024 | Sep 25, 2013 |
| Exchange Listed | Cboe BZX Exchange | NYSE Arca |
| SEC Registered | Yes | Yes |
FBTC holds its Bitcoin with Fidelity Digital Assets, while GBTC uses Coinbase Custody. Custodian choice affects your exposure to counterparty risk and the operational security model protecting the fund's Bitcoin.
FBTC costs 1.25 percentage points less per year. On a $100,000 position held for 10 years, that compounds to meaningful savings. Over long holding periods, expense ratio differences are a primary driver of net returns.
FBTC is best for:Fidelity account holders seeking low-cost direct Bitcoin exposure via a regulated spot ETF
GBTC is best for:Investors seeking established Bitcoin exposure with institutional-grade custodial security
FBTC and GBTC diverge dramatically on cost despite both being prominent names in the space. FBTC launched in January 2024 at a competitive expense ratio and has grown into one of the largest spot Bitcoin ETFs. GBTC, the oldest institutional Bitcoin vehicle, converted from a closed-end trust but kept a substantially higher fee structure. For new investors, FBTC is the obvious choice between these two. GBTC holders with long-standing positions should weigh the ongoing fee drag against the capital gains tax owed from switching.
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.