Head-to-head Bitcoin ETF comparison - expense ratios, AUM, performance, and more
IBIT and FBTC both charge 0.25%, and their returns are nearly identical - the real differences are size and custody. iShares's IBIT is roughly 4x larger by assets ($46.5B vs $10.8B) and trades about 11x the daily volume. Fidelity's FBTC uses Fidelity Digital Assets for Bitcoin custody, while IBIT uses Coinbase Custody.
| Metric | IBIT | FBTC |
|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.25% Tie | 0.25% Tie |
| AUM | $46.5B Winner | $10.8B |
| Price | $36.80 | $56.53 |
| YTD Return | -27.76% Tie | -27.70% Tie |
| 1-Year Return | -44.93% Tie | -44.93% Tie |
| Avg Daily Volume | 46.7M Winner | 4.4M |
| Custodian | Coinbase Custody | Fidelity Digital Assets |
| Issuer | iShares | Fidelity |
| Inception Date | Jan 5, 2024 | Jan 11, 2024 |
| Exchange Listed | Nasdaq | Cboe BZX Exchange |
| SEC Registered | Yes | Yes |
IBIT holds its Bitcoin with Coinbase Custody, while FBTC uses Fidelity Digital Assets. Custodian choice affects your exposure to counterparty risk and the operational security model protecting the fund's Bitcoin.
IBIT trades significantly more volume on average, making it easier to enter and exit large positions with tighter bid-ask spreads. FBTC is less liquid and can see wider spreads during volatile sessions.
IBIT is best for:U.S. investors seeking low-cost spot Bitcoin exposure through a major asset manager
FBTC is best for:Fidelity account holders seeking low-cost direct Bitcoin exposure via a regulated spot ETF
IBIT and FBTC are the two most liquid spot Bitcoin ETFs on the market, backed by BlackRock and Fidelity respectively. Both carry identical expense ratios and offer institutional-grade custody, making them nearly interchangeable for most investors. IBIT edges ahead on raw trading volume and options availability, while FBTC appeals to investors already embedded in the Fidelity ecosystem with seamless brokerage integration. If you hold assets at Fidelity, FBTC is the natural choice. Everyone else will likely default to IBIT for maximum liquidity and options depth.
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.