Fidelity (FBTC) vs. BlackRock (IBIT): Which Bitcoin ETF Is Better?

In the race for dominance in the new world of spot Bitcoin ETFs, two clear titans have emerged: Fidelity and BlackRock. Their respective funds, the Fidelity Wise Origin Bitcoin Fund (FBTC) and the iShares Bitcoin Trust (IBIT), have attracted the lion's share of investor capital and media attention. For an investor who has decided that the ETF path is right for them, the choice often comes down to these two giants. While the products are remarkably similar by design, there are a few subtle but important differences that could influence your decision. This guide will break them down for you.

The Deciding Factor for Many: Fees and Expense Ratios

For most long-term investors, cost is a primary concern. Both Fidelity and BlackRock knew this and launched their ETFs with extremely competitive fees. Both funds carry a base expense ratio of 0.25%, which translates to a $25 annual fee for every $10,000 invested. However, to attract initial capital, both also launched with aggressive, temporary fee waivers. It is crucial to check the current status of these waivers, but the key takeaway is that both funds are very closely matched and are among the lowest-cost options available for gaining Bitcoin exposure in a brokerage account.

Behind the Scenes: Custody of the Actual Bitcoin

A critical, though often overlooked, difference lies in how each fund secures its underlying asset. Fidelity utilizes its own in-house, proprietary custody solution, Fidelity Digital Assets. This represents a vertically integrated approach where the same trusted company that manages the fund also physically secures the Bitcoin. BlackRock, on the other hand, has partnered with Coinbase Custody, a subsidiary of the well-known crypto exchange, to act as the custodian for IBIT's Bitcoin holdings. Your choice here comes down to a matter of trust: do you prefer the self-contained ecosystem of a traditional finance giant, or do you trust a crypto-native specialist to secure the assets?

Market Adoption and Fund Size

Since their launch, both FBTC and IBIT have been incredibly successful, accumulating billions of dollars in assets under management (AUM). This high level of AUM is a positive sign for investors in either fund, as it ensures deep liquidity and very tight trading spreads, meaning you can buy and sell shares easily at a fair market price. While both are leaders, IBIT has generally maintained a lead in total inflows, making it the largest of the new spot Bitcoin ETFs. However, both are more than liquid enough for any retail investor's needs.

The Verdict: How to Choose Between FBTC and IBIT

The truth is that for the average investor, the differences between FBTC and IBIT are minimal. Both are offered by world-class asset managers, both have very low fees, and both will track the price of Bitcoin with near-perfect accuracy. The decision will likely come down to your personal preferences. Do you already have a brokerage account with Fidelity, making FBTC the more convenient choice? Do you have a preference for Fidelity's in-house custody model versus BlackRock's partnership with Coinbase? Ultimately, you cannot make a "wrong" choice between these two. The more fundamental decision is choosing the ETF structure itself, as detailed in our guide: [Bitcoin ETF vs. Buying Directly: Which Is Right for You?].

Whether you choose the ETF path or the path of direct ownership, making an informed decision is the key to a sound investment strategy.

Create Answer