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Crypto ETF · Tool Face-Off

Fidelity Bitcoin ETF vs ProShares Bitcoin ETF

Quick answer

Fidelity's FBTC holds actual Bitcoin and charges less, making it the stronger pick for most investors. ProShares BITO uses futures contracts — useful for specific strategies, but costlier and structurally less efficient for long-term holders.

Our pick
Fidelity Bitcoin ETF (FBTC)
Spot Bitcoin exposure, Fidelity-grade custody, razor-thin fees.
4.8
VS
ProShares Bitcoin ETF (BITO)
The OG Bitcoin ETF — futures-based and broadly accessible since 2021.
3.4
Ticker
FBTC
BITO
Expense Ratio
0.25%
0.95%
Structure
Spot Bitcoin ETF
Bitcoin Futures ETF
Holds Actual Bitcoin?
Yes
No (CME futures contracts)
Launch Date
January 2024
October 2021
Contango Drag Risk
None
Yes — rolling futures costs returns
AUM (approx.)
~$10B+
~$2B
Avg Daily Volume
Very High
High
Custodian
Fidelity Digital Assets
N/A (no direct BTC held)
Available in IRAs
Yes (via Fidelity accounts)
Yes (most brokers)
Broker Availability
Most major brokers
Nearly universal since 2021
Tax Treatment
Standard equity ETF
60/40 rule (futures = complex)

Fidelity Bitcoin ETF (FBTC)

Liquidity★★★★½
Ease of Access★★★★½
Cost Efficiency★★★★½
Regulatory Structure★★★★½
Long-term Suitability★★★★★
Bitcoin Tracking Accuracy★★★★★

ProShares Bitcoin ETF (BITO)

Liquidity★★★★½
Ease of Access★★★★★
Cost Efficiency★★½☆☆
Regulatory Structure★★★½
Long-term Suitability★★½☆☆
Bitcoin Tracking Accuracy★★½☆☆

Worth knowing

BITO once held so many CME Bitcoin futures contracts that it was bumping up against position limits — the ETF was literally too big for the futures market to handle cleanly.

If you want

You want the purest, most cost-efficient Bitcoin exposure for the long haul

FBTC holds real Bitcoin at a fraction of BITO's fee — your returns actually track Bitcoin, not a rolling futures ladder.

→ Pick Fidelity Bitcoin ETF (FBTC)
If you want

You need a Bitcoin ETF available at a broker that hasn't yet approved spot ETFs

BITO has been trading since 2021 and is accessible nearly everywhere, making it the fallback when FBTC isn't listed.

→ Pick ProShares Bitcoin ETF (BITO)
If you want

You're a short-term trader using options on a Bitcoin ETF

BITO has a longer options chain history and established open interest, which can mean better liquidity for tactical plays.

→ Pick ProShares Bitcoin ETF (BITO)
If you want

You're investing through a Fidelity IRA or brokerage account

FBTC is seamlessly integrated into Fidelity's ecosystem with spot BTC backing and the lowest cost structure in the space.

→ Pick Fidelity Bitcoin ETF (FBTC)
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