ARKB vs BITB
ARKB and BITB are two of the strongest mid-tier alternatives in the spot Bitcoin ETF space. Both launched in January 2024, both charge less than the category leaders IBIT and FBTC, and both hold real Bitcoin through Coinbase Custody.
The choice between these two comes down to a narrow set of differences: a 1-basis-point fee gap, different fund sponsors with different reputations, and slightly different trading profiles. For investors who want low-cost Bitcoin exposure without defaulting to the largest funds, this is the comparison that matters.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | ARKB | BITB |
|---|---|---|
| Fund Name | ARK 21Shares Bitcoin ETF | Bitwise Bitcoin ETF Trust |
| Issuer | ARK/21Shares | Bitwise |
| Expense Ratio | 0.21% | 0.20% |
| BTC per Share | ... | ... |
| Shares per 1 BTC | ... | ... |
| Launch Date | Jan 11, 2024 | Jan 11, 2024 |
| Custodian | Coinbase Custody | Coinbase Custody |
| Options Available | Yes | Yes |
Key Differences
The fee difference between ARKB and BITB is minimal — ARKB charges 0.21% while BITB charges 0.20%. That single basis point is effectively negligible on any practical investment amount or time horizon. Neither fund offers a meaningful cost advantage over the other.
Both funds use Coinbase Custody, so there is no custodial diversification between them. Neither offers the self-custody distinction that FBTC provides through Fidelity Digital Assets or the Gemini custody that HODL uses through VanEck.
Fund size gives ARKB a slight edge — roughly $2.5 billion in AUM versus BITB's approximately $2.7 billion. Both are large enough for adequate liquidity in retail-sized transactions, though neither approaches the depth of IBIT or FBTC. Trading volumes and bid-ask spreads are comparable between the two.
The more meaningful distinction is the fund sponsor. ARKB is a joint product of ARK Invest (Cathie Wood's firm known for innovation-focused active management) and 21Shares (a European digital asset ETP specialist). BITB is issued by Bitwise, a crypto-native asset manager founded in 2017 that has built its reputation specifically in digital asset index funds and research. For investors who prefer a crypto-specialist issuer, Bitwise has deeper roots in the space. For investors who align with ARK's broader technology thesis, ARKB may feel like a natural fit alongside other ARK holdings.
Use our calculator to compare directly.
With only a 1-basis-point fee difference, the savings between these two funds are essentially zero. The calculator below confirms what the math already suggests — on practical investment amounts and time horizons, the fee difference is measured in single-digit dollars.
Fee Savings Calculator
Strike Price Comparison
Different ETFs have different BTC-per-share ratios, so the same strike price implies different Bitcoin prices.
The Bottom Line
ARKB and BITB are functionally interchangeable for most investors. The fee difference is negligible, both use the same custodian, and both have sufficient liquidity for typical retail transactions. Choose based on which issuer you prefer, which brokerage offers better execution for each fund, or simply which you already hold.
Because they hold the same asset with different issuers and near-identical fee structures, ARKB and BITB could also serve as a tax-loss harvesting pair — selling one at a loss and buying the other to maintain Bitcoin exposure. This strategy has legal nuance around the "substantially identical" question for wash sale purposes.
For a broader comparison including IBIT, FBTC, and all twelve spot ETFs, see our Best Bitcoin ETF in 2026 guide. Convert shares to Bitcoin with our calculator.
See our tax-loss harvesting guide for details on this strategy.
Looking beyond these two? See our full comparison of all 12 spot Bitcoin ETFs.
Convert ARKB or BITB shares to Bitcoin → calculator
More Comparisons
Frequently Asked Questions
Is ARKB or BITB cheaper?
BITB charges 0.20% and ARKB charges 0.21% — a 1-basis-point difference that is functionally irrelevant. On a $10,000 investment, this translates to roughly $1 per year.
Do ARKB and BITB use the same custodian?
Yes. Both use Coinbase Custody. There is no custodial diversification benefit from choosing one over the other.
Can I use ARKB and BITB for tax-loss harvesting?
Potentially, but with legal uncertainty. The IRS has not issued explicit guidance on whether two different spot Bitcoin ETFs are "substantially identical" for wash sale purposes. Some tax professionals argue they are not, given different issuers and trust structures. Consult a tax professional for your specific situation.
This article is for informational and educational purposes only and does not constitute investment, legal, or tax advice. Bitcoin and Bitcoin-related products are highly volatile and involve substantial risk of loss. Tax treatment of Bitcoin ETFs — particularly regarding wash sale rules — remains an area without explicit IRS guidance. Consult qualified professionals regarding your specific situation before making investment decisions. Past performance does not guarantee future results.