Over the past few years, crypto moved from fringe to mainstream. As institutional and retail money poured into the sector, crypto-linked exchange-traded funds (ETFs) quickly became one of the most accessible gateways for investors who want exposure to digital assets without actually owning them directly. These vehicles let you invest in crypto via a regulated stock exchange, bypassing some of the hassles of wallets, private keys, and custody choices. What Are Crypto ETFs? A crypto ETF is a financial instrument that trades on a traditional securities exchange (just like stocks) but whose underlying exposures are cryptocurrencies or related assets. The goal is to let investors gain the economic benefits (or risks) of crypto without actually holding it directly. Some of the key advantages include easier access, regulated oversight, and simplified tax or reporting mechanics. But they also come with trade-offs like tracking errors, management fees, liquidity considerations, and custody or counterparty risks. Because crypto is still highly volatile and regulatory environments are still growing and evolving, due diligence is especially important in this space. Top 10 Biggest Crypto ETFs iShares Bitcoin Trust (IBIT) IBIT was launched in January of 2024, and is BlackRock’s flagship spot Bitcoin ETF. Its AUM currently stands at about $89 billion, which makes it the largest in the space. It tracks the CME CF Bitcoin Reference Rate and uses a grantor trust structure. Its expense ratio is 0.25%. Thanks to its scale, liquidity, and institutional backing, IBIT has quickly become the benchmark for crypto exposure through ETFs. Fidelity Wise Origin Bitcoin Fund (FBTC) FBTC launched in January 2024 together with other spot-Bitcoin ETFs. It is ranked as the second biggest crypto ETF with its AUM of close to $2.7 billion For now, it is not charging fees. Backed by Fidelity’s institutional standing, FBTC appeals to investors who prefer legacy asset managers handling the structure, custody, and reporting, while still gaining direct Bitcoin exposure. Grayscale Bitcoin Trust / Mini Trust (GBTC / BTC) GBTC is older (launched years earlier as a trust, not an ETF) but is still one of the biggest crypto ETFs. It has not  been smooth sailing for GBTC, as the fund has experienced more than $24 billion in outflows, and has much higher fees than the rest of the ETF field at 1.50%. The shares often trade at a premium or discount to NAV. ARK 21Shares Bitcoin ETF (ARKB) The ARKB ETF was also launched in January of 2024, through a partnership between ARK Invest and 21Shares. It currently holds around $5 billion in assets. ARKB tracks spot Bitcoin and charges 0.21%. ARKB leverages ARK’s innovation branding and 21Shares’ crypto infrastructure, which is attractive to investors looking for a trusted but themed route into Bitcoin exposure in a listed structure. Bitwise Bitcoin ETF (BITB) BITB launched around the same January 2024 window, and was part of the first US spot Bitcoin ETFs. Its AUM is estimated at $4.6 billion, and it offers straightforward spot Bitcoin exposure with a fee of 0.20 %. Bitwise’s reputation in crypto indexing and transparency is appealing to investors seeking a clean, minimal-structure fund without extra complexities or derivatives. VanEck Bitcoin Trust (HODL) The HODL trust is another early entrant, with its US version becoming broadly accessible in early 2024 as well. Its AUM is in the ballpark of $2.2 billion. The fund offers a physically-backed Bitcoin exposure with very competitive fees at 0.09%. VanEck also offered waivers or fee reductions up to certain levels. Its legacy in ETFs and digital-asset strategies gives it a credible foothold in the mid-tier of crypto funds. Franklin Bitcoin ETF (EZBC) EZBC debuted in January of 2024 among the first wave of spot Bitcoin ETFs. Its AUM is estimated near USD 600–700 million. It charges 0.19 % in management fees. EZBC is structured as a proper ETF (not a legacy trust), Its main goal is efficient flows and lower structural drag, which may help it compete among some of the newer, lower-cost alternatives in the crypto ETF landscape. iShares Ethereum Trust (ETHA) After the SEC approved spot Ethereum ETFs in May of 2024, ETHA began trading in July 2024. It holds Ethereum directly and is ranked as the largest ETH spot ETF in the US. Its AUM stands at $16 billion, which is still below the top Bitcoin funds. ETHA provides investors exposure to Ethereum without needing to self-custody, offering a regulated route into ETH’s on-chain ecosystem and smart contract growth. ETHE (Grayscale Ethereum Trust ETF) ETHE is Grayscale’s vehicle for Ethereum exposure. As is the case with Grayscale’s Bitcoin ETF, ETHE has also been hit by billions of dollars in outflows since it started trading as an ETF. It holds Ether passively, minus expenses and liabilities. Because it transitioned from a trust, ETHE retains certain structural features from its trust legacy (e.g. redeemability restrictions). Its fee is relatively high compared to newer spot ETH ETFs, which may push some investors toward lower-cost alternatives. FETH (Fidelity Ethereum Fund) FETH is Fidelity’s spot Ethereum ETF, and it also launched in July of 2024 alongside the first wave of ETH ETFs. Its net assets (AUM) are about $2.8 billion, and it charges fees of 0.25%. With backing from a major asset manager and its competitive fee, FETH appeals to investors who want regulated, straightforward Ethereum access through traditional brokerage channels.