IBIT vs FBTC: Top Bitcoin ETFs Compared
Bitcoin ETFs have brought crypto into the mainstream. With no wallets, exchanges, or passwords to manage, investors can now buy Bitcoin exposure through their traditional brokerage accounts. Two of the biggest players? IBIT by BlackRock and FBTC by Fidelity.
Both funds launched in January 2024. They’ve each attracted billions in assets and track the price of Bitcoin closely — yet there are some differences worth knowing.
📊 Quick Comparison Table
| Feature | IBIT (BlackRock) | FBTC (Fidelity) |
|---|---|---|
| Launch Date | Jan 11, 2024 | Jan 11, 2024 |
| Assets Under Management | ~$18B | ~$10B |
| Expense Ratio | 0.25% (0.12% promo) | 0.25% (0.0% promo) |
| Options Trading | ✅ Available | ✅ Available |
| Custodian | Coinbase | Fidelity Digital Assets |
| 1-Year Return (est.) | ~+115% | ~+114% |
🔍 IBIT: BlackRock’s Bitcoin ETF
- Issued by BlackRock, the world’s largest asset manager
- Highly liquid with strong daily trading volume
- Supports options trading on major platforms
- Designed for active traders and institutional flows
🔵 FBTC: Fidelity’s Wise Origin Bitcoin Fund
- Issued by Fidelity, a leader in retail investing
- Fully integrated into Fidelity platforms and IRAs
- Also supports options, though with lighter volume than IBIT
- Ideal for passive, long-term investors
✅ Final Thoughts
Despite some minor differences, both IBIT and FBTC deliver nearly identical performance. Choosing between them depends on your goals:
- Use IBIT if you want more liquidity or plan to trade options actively.
- Use FBTC if you already invest with Fidelity and prefer long-term simplicity.
No matter which you choose, both give you solid exposure to Bitcoin without the crypto headaches.
Note: This content is for educational purposes only. Not financial advice.