IBIT vs ARKB
IBIT and ARKB represent two different philosophies in Bitcoin ETFs. IBIT comes from BlackRock, emphasizing institutional scale and maximum liquidity. ARKB is issued by ARK Invest in partnership with 21Shares, combining Cathie Wood's high-conviction innovation brand with dedicated crypto infrastructure.
Both launched in January 2024, both hold physical Bitcoin, and both are competitively priced. The differences here are subtler than other matchups — this is less about structural trade-offs and more about marginal preferences.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | IBIT | ARKB |
|---|---|---|
| Fund Name | iShares Bitcoin Trust | ARK 21Shares Bitcoin ETF |
| Issuer | BlackRock | ARK/21Shares |
| Expense Ratio | 0.25% | 0.21% |
| 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
Expense ratios slightly favor ARKB. The difference is small for most retail investors — on a $10,000 investment, it amounts to roughly $4 per year. At institutional scale, the savings become more meaningful, but for typical buy-and-hold allocations, fees alone shouldn't drive this decision.
Fund size and liquidity strongly favor IBIT. Its larger asset base and heavier daily trading volume generally result in tighter bid-ask spreads. For long-term holders, ARKB's liquidity is perfectly adequate. For frequent traders or large positions, IBIT has a clear edge.
Issuer philosophy may matter to some investors. BlackRock is the establishment choice — the world's largest asset manager with the broadest institutional distribution. ARK Invest appeals to investors already in the Cathie Wood ecosystem (ARKK, ARKG, and other thematic funds). If you already hold ARK products, ARKB may fit naturally into your portfolio. 21Shares provides the crypto-specific fund operations behind the scenes.
Custody is identical — both use Coinbase Institutional. There's no diversification benefit from holding both on this dimension.
BTC-per-share ratios differ as with all spot ETFs, resulting in different share prices for the same dollar exposure.
Use our calculator to compare directly.
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
Both IBIT and ARKB are solid, low-cost Bitcoin ETFs. IBIT wins on size and liquidity. ARKB wins marginally on fees. For most investors, the difference is negligible — pick whichever is commission-free on your brokerage or whichever issuer you prefer.
Because they track the same asset with different issuers, they also work as a tax-loss harvesting pair.
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 IBIT or ARKB shares to Bitcoin → calculator
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Frequently Asked Questions
Is ARKB cheaper than IBIT?
Yes, by roughly 0.04% annually. On a $10,000 investment, that's about $4 per year. The fee difference is real but small for most retail investors.
Who manages ARKB?
ARKB is a joint product. ARK Invest (Cathie Wood's firm) handles distribution and marketing. 21Shares provides the crypto infrastructure and fund operations. Coinbase Institutional serves as custodian.
Can I tax-loss harvest between IBIT and ARKB?
Yes. They track the same asset with different issuers, making them suitable swap partners for tax-loss harvesting.
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.