The Most Complete Bitcoin ETF List: A Guide to Choosing the Best Spot ETF in 2024

The wave of approval for new Bitcoin ETFs has transformed how millions of investors gain exposure to the world’s largest cryptocurrency. Since the SEC approved 11 spot Bitcoin ETFs in early 2024, the market has experienced an unprecedented surge in interest and product innovation. For investors interested in building a more diversified portfolio by adding Bitcoin, understanding the various options from the available Bitcoin ETF list has become more important than ever.

What Is a Bitcoin ETF and Why Spot Bitcoin ETFs Change Everything

A Bitcoin ETF, or Exchange-Traded Fund Bitcoin, is an investment instrument that allows you to gain exposure to Bitcoin without having to buy and store the crypto directly. Imagine owning a bar of pure gold that’s been cut into small pieces, neatly packaged, and sold as shares on a traditional stock exchange—that’s the basic concept of a Bitcoin ETF. These instruments are traded on traditional stock exchanges like NYSE and NASDAQ, providing the same easy access as buying regular stocks.

A major shift occurred when regulatory support moved from futures-based ETFs (which track Bitcoin prices indirectly through futures contracts) to spot Bitcoin ETFs (which hold actual Bitcoin). This SEC approval marks a new era where retail investors can own real Bitcoin through regulated and secure instruments, while still benefiting from strict oversight by financial authorities.

Success in the U.S. market has also inspired regulatory authorities elsewhere. The Hong Kong Securities and Futures Commission has accelerated approval processes for local spot Bitcoin ETFs, with applicants including Hong Kong divisions of China Asset Management, Harvest Fund Management, and Bosera Asset Management.

Complete List of 11 SEC-Approved Spot Bitcoin ETFs

SEC approval has introduced a wave of new products that significantly expand investor choices. Here are the main products that have been certified and are available in the U.S. market:

ARK 21Shares Bitcoin ETF (ARKB)
Launched by ARK Invest, this ETF is traded on CBOE with a management fee of 0.21%. ARK offers a fee waiver for the first six months or until assets under management reach $1 billion. This ETF focuses on Bitcoin and related tech companies, providing slightly broader exposure than just pure Bitcoin.

Bitwise Bitcoin ETP Trust (BITB)
Managed by Bitwise, this fund operates on NYSE ARCA with a 0.20% fee, also with a similar fee waiver period. Its straightforward structure makes it an efficient choice for investors seeking direct exposure without additional costs.

Fidelity Wise Origin Bitcoin Trust (FBTC)
Offered by Fidelity, a leading asset management firm, this ETF is available on CBOE with a 0.25% expense ratio. Fidelity’s credibility and commitment to product innovation make FBTC a popular choice among institutional and retail investors.

In addition to these three, the SEC has approved eight other spot Bitcoin ETF issuers, creating a competitive ecosystem with fees generally ranging from 0.20% to 0.65%, much lower than the average traditional ETF.

Global Bitcoin ETF Options: Investment Choices Outside the U.S.

For investors outside the U.S., various options are also available through local markets. Stepping back from the latest wave of approvals, some Bitcoin ETFs have been proven and operating for several years:

ProShares Bitcoin Strategy ETF (BITO) on NYSE invests (AUM of $1,737 million) in Bitcoin futures contracts with a 0.95% fee. While it doesn’t hold Bitcoin directly, it offers a safe way to gain exposure to Bitcoin price movements.

Evolve Bitcoin ETF (EBIT) listed on the Toronto Stock Exchange (TSX), Canada, provides daily tracking of Bitcoin price movements in USD, making it a top choice for Canadian investors.

Purpose Bitcoin ETF (BTCC) also available on TSX, stands out because it holds actual Bitcoin, giving investors ownership of the digital asset.

Jacobi FT Wilshire Bitcoin ETF (BCOIN) listed on Euronext – Amsterdam, also holding physical Bitcoin, providing European investors access to Bitcoin through local regulatory infrastructure.

Valkyrie Bitcoin Futures Strategy ETF (BTF) on Nasdaq offers exposure to Bitcoin futures contracts, providing an alternative for investors seeking leverage or hedging strategies.

Comparing: Investing in Bitcoin ETFs vs HODLing vs Trading

The emergence of various Bitcoin ETF options has sparked in-depth discussions among investors about which investment strategy is most suitable. Each approach carries different risk and reward profiles.

Investing via Bitcoin ETF

Main benefits:

• Access through familiar stock exchanges, suitable for traditional investors
• Strict regulation oversight adds a layer of security
• Some products show lower volatility compared to holding Bitcoin directly
• Easy portfolio diversification without managing crypto wallets

Considerations:

• Management fees (though competitive) can reduce overall returns
• You don’t own Bitcoin directly, limiting control and practical use of the asset
• The wide variety of products requires thorough research to find the best fit for your goals

HODLing (Long-term Bitcoin Holding)

Advantages:

• Potential for significant long-term gains given Bitcoin’s history of dramatic price surges
• Full control over your assets, with the ability to use them in transactions
• No ongoing management fees while holding Bitcoin

Risks:

• Extreme volatility can lead to substantial short-term losses
• Requires technical knowledge about wallet security and crypto exchange navigation
• Evolving regulations create long-term uncertainty

Active Trading of Bitcoin

Potential gains:

• Experienced traders can capitalize on short-term price fluctuations
• High liquidity allows quick trade execution
• Can serve as a hedge within a larger portfolio

Significant risks:

• Requires expertise and continuous monitoring
• Tax implications can be complex with frequent trading
• High risk of losses from trading mistakes or sudden market moves

Practical Steps to Buy Bitcoin ETFs on Various Platforms

Buying Bitcoin ETFs is very similar to purchasing regular stocks and is available through various channels depending on your location.

For U.S. Investors

Online brokerage platforms like Charles Schwab, Fidelity, TD Ameritrade, and Robinhood now offer full access to the new spot Bitcoin ETFs. The process is straightforward: open an account, complete KYC/AML verification, fund your account, search for the ETF ticker symbol (e.g., ARKB or BITB), and place your buy order.

Some financial advisors are also starting to include Bitcoin ETFs in their portfolio recommendations. Retirement accounts like IRAs and 401(k)s may also allocate funds to Bitcoin ETFs through certain institutions.

For Non-U.S. Investors

International brokers like Interactive Brokers facilitate access to U.S. markets, while local investors can look for Bitcoin ETFs listed on their regional exchanges. For example, Canada has several Bitcoin ETFs on TSX. Global investment platforms like eToro and Revolut also provide access to Bitcoin ETFs in various countries.

Always check local regulations and available platforms before investing.

Key Factors When Choosing from the Bitcoin ETF List

When evaluating options from the growing list of Bitcoin ETFs, consider these factors:

• Management Fees: Compare annual expense ratios, trading commissions, and other costs that can reduce returns
• Liquidity: Choose ETFs with high trading volume for easier buying and selling
• Ownership Type: Decide if you prefer ETFs holding physical Bitcoin or futures-based products
• Performance History: Review how the product has performed under different market conditions
• Issuer Credibility: Consider the reputation and size of the asset manager managing the ETF

Conclusion

The approval of spot Bitcoin ETFs has opened wide doors for investors to gain exposure to Bitcoin through secure, regulated, and accessible instruments. With an expanding list of Bitcoin ETFs available across various platforms, technical or regulatory barriers no longer prevent the average investor from participating in the digital asset evolution.

Whether you are a conservative investor seeking portfolio diversification or a more aggressive one aiming to build Bitcoin exposure, the options from the modern Bitcoin ETF list offer the flexibility to match your strategy. Conduct thorough research, choose your platforms and products wisely, and invest responsibly. With the right information and careful consideration of your risk profile, Bitcoin ETFs can become a valuable part of your modern investment strategy.