Cryptocurrency has evolved from a niche digital experiment into a mainstream investment asset. While buying and holding Bitcoin or Ethereum directly offers full ownership, it also comes with technical hurdles and security risks. For investors seeking exposure to crypto markets without managing private keys or digital wallets, crypto ETFs (exchange-traded funds) provide a streamlined, regulated alternative.
These funds trade on traditional stock exchanges, allowing investors to gain indirect exposure to digital assets through familiar brokerage platforms. Whether you're interested in spot Bitcoin ETFs, futures-based funds, or ETFs focused on blockchain technology companies, there’s a growing range of options tailored to different risk appetites and investment goals.
Below is a curated list of the best crypto ETFs available in November 2024, based on assets under management, expense ratios, performance, and issuer credibility.
What Is a Cryptocurrency ETF?
A cryptocurrency ETF is an exchange-traded fund that provides investors with exposure to digital assets like Bitcoin or Ethereum without requiring direct ownership. These funds can either:
- Hold actual cryptocurrencies (spot ETFs)
- Track futures contracts (futures-based ETFs)
- Invest in companies involved in blockchain and crypto infrastructure
Spot Bitcoin ETFs, approved by the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC), have revolutionized crypto investing by enabling access to real-time Bitcoin prices within traditional brokerage and retirement accounts.
👉 Discover how crypto ETFs can fit into your investment strategy today.
Why Invest in Crypto ETFs?
Crypto ETFs offer several advantages over direct cryptocurrency ownership:
- Ease of access: Buy and sell through standard brokerage accounts.
- Regulatory oversight: SEC-regulated, with transparent reporting.
- No need for crypto wallets: Avoid the complexities of storing digital assets securely.
- Diversification: Some ETFs invest across multiple blockchain-related companies.
- Liquidity: Trade like stocks during market hours.
While they don’t grant full ownership of crypto, they lower the barrier to entry for mainstream investors.
What to Look for in a Crypto ETF
When evaluating a crypto ETF, consider:
- The underlying asset (spot crypto, futures, or equities)
- Expense ratio
- Assets under management (AUM)
- Historical performance
- Issuer reputation
- Availability on your trading platform
Top Crypto ETFs in November 2024
1. ProShares Bitcoin Strategy ETF (BITO)
- Assets Under Management: $2.29 billion
- Expense Ratio: 0.95%
- Top Holdings: CME Bitcoin Futures, S&P CME Bitcoin Futures Index
Launched as the first U.S.-based crypto ETF, BITO tracks Bitcoin futures contracts rather than holding actual Bitcoin. Despite the rise of spot ETFs, BITO remains popular due to its established presence and reliable performance alignment with Bitcoin’s spot price.
While futures-based funds may experience contango or backwardation effects over time, BITO continues to serve as a viable option for investors comfortable with derivatives-based exposure.
2. VanEck Digital Transformation ETF (DAPP)
- Assets Under Management: $172.05 million
- Expense Ratio: 0.51%
- Top Holdings: MicroStrategy, Coinbase Global, Block Inc., Cipher Mining, Core Scientific
Unlike single-asset crypto ETFs, DAPP offers diversified exposure to companies driving blockchain innovation. With approximately 30% of its holdings in non-U.S. firms, this fund enhances geographic diversification while focusing on high-growth sectors like crypto mining, exchanges, and fintech infrastructure.
VanEck, a globally recognized asset manager, brings institutional-grade oversight to this actively managed portfolio.
3. Amplify Transformational Data Sharing ETF (BLOK)
- Assets Under Management: $821.95 million
- Expense Ratio: 0.76%
- Top Holdings: Core Scientific, Galaxy Digital, MicroStrategy, Coinbase, Cleanspark
BLOK is one of the longest-standing crypto-focused ETFs, offering exposure to a broad basket of blockchain-related equities. It includes both established players like PayPal and emerging miners such as Cleanspark.
This fund suits investors who want indirect crypto exposure through company stocks rather than volatile digital assets themselves.
👉 Explore diversified investment opportunities in the blockchain space now.
4. ProShares Ether Strategy ETF (EETH)
- Assets Under Management: $68.08 million
- Expense Ratio: 0.95%
- Top Holdings: CME Ether Futures Contracts
As the first Ether-focused ETF in the U.S., EETH tracks monthly ether futures contracts. Though spot Ethereum ETFs have been approved, EETH remains a simple way to gain price exposure without owning ETH directly.
Given Ethereum’s role in decentralized finance (DeFi) and smart contracts, EETH offers strategic access to the second-largest cryptocurrency by market cap.
5. Grayscale Bitcoin Trust (GBTC)
- Assets Under Management: $16.79 billion
- Expense Ratio: 1.50%
- Top Holdings: Bitcoin
Once the dominant player in crypto investing, GBTC transitioned from a private trust to a spot Bitcoin ETF in 2024. It now holds actual Bitcoin as its underlying asset, aligning its price more closely with market movements.
Despite its high expense ratio—among the highest in the sector—its brand recognition and liquidity keep it relevant. However, increased competition has shifted market leadership to lower-cost alternatives.
6. iShares Bitcoin Trust (IBIT)
- Assets Under Management: $33.17 billion
- Expense Ratio: 0.25% (promotional rate: 0.12%)
- Top Holdings: Bitcoin, U.S. Dollar
Launched by BlackRock, the world’s largest asset manager, IBIT quickly became the largest spot Bitcoin ETF by AUM. Its low expense ratio and institutional backing have driven massive inflows since January 2024.
BlackRock temporarily waived part of its fee to attract investors, further accelerating adoption. Even at full cost, IBIT remains significantly cheaper than GBTC.
7. Bitwise Bitcoin ETF (BITB)
- Assets Under Management: $3.22 billion
- Expense Ratio: 0.20%
- Top Holdings: Bitcoin
BITB stands out not just for its low fees but also for its mission-driven approach. Bitwise commits 10% of profits from BITB to open-source Bitcoin development—a unique value proposition that resonates with long-term believers in decentralized finance.
The fund offers pure spot Bitcoin exposure with strong custody solutions and transparent operations.
👉 Learn how low-cost Bitcoin ETFs are reshaping investor access to digital assets.
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These terms reflect high-intent search queries and align with investor research patterns around digital asset investing.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Is it better to buy Bitcoin or a Bitcoin ETF?
It depends on your goals. Buying Bitcoin directly gives you full ownership and control—ideal if you value decentralization and self-custody. However, it requires secure storage (e.g., hardware wallets) and technical knowledge. A Bitcoin ETF allows easier access through traditional accounts but doesn’t grant direct ownership. For most retail investors, ETFs offer a safer, more convenient entry point.
What are the disadvantages of a Bitcoin ETF?
The main drawbacks include:
- No direct ownership of Bitcoin
- Ongoing management fees (expense ratios)
- Potential tracking errors between the fund and spot price
- Tax treatment may differ from direct holdings
Despite these, ETFs remain appealing for their simplicity and integration with existing portfolios.
Are crypto ETFs safe?
Crypto ETFs are regulated by the SEC and require regular financial disclosures, making them safer than unregulated crypto exchanges. However, the underlying assets—Bitcoin, Ethereum, or related stocks—are highly volatile. Prices can swing dramatically, leading to significant losses. Always assess your risk tolerance before investing.
Do crypto ETFs pay dividends?
Most crypto ETFs do not pay dividends since they hold either digital assets or growth-oriented tech stocks that reinvest earnings. However, some equity-based blockchain ETFs may generate minor dividend income from holdings like Coinbase or PayPal.
Can I hold a crypto ETF in my IRA?
Yes—spot Bitcoin ETFs like IBIT and GBTC can be held in traditional brokerage accounts and certain IRAs, offering tax-advantaged ways to gain crypto exposure without self-custody responsibilities.
How do I buy a crypto ETF?
You can purchase crypto ETFs through any major brokerage platform—such as Fidelity, Charles Schwab, or Robinhood—just like buying stocks. Simply search for the ticker symbol (e.g., IBIT), place your order, and trade during market hours.
Final Thoughts
Crypto ETFs represent a bridge between traditional finance and the digital asset economy. They offer regulated, accessible pathways to participate in the growth of Bitcoin, Ethereum, and blockchain innovation—without the complexities of managing private keys or navigating decentralized platforms.
As the market evolves, expect more innovation in structure, cost efficiency, and asset coverage. For now, funds like iShares Bitcoin Trust (IBIT) and Bitwise Bitcoin ETF (BITB) lead with low fees and strong fundamentals, while diversified options like VanEck DAPP and Amplify BLOK provide broader industry exposure.
Always conduct due diligence and consult a financial advisor to ensure these investments align with your long-term strategy.