.png){kind=logo}
iShares IBIT offers high liquidity and institutional-grade Bitcoin exposure.
Grayscale BTC is the most cost-effective ETF with only 0.15% in annual fees.
A $100 split across both ETFs balances fees and market accessibility.
As Bitcoin continues to redefine modern finance, reaching a value above $100,000 in 2025, more investors are seeking secure and regulated exposure to this digital asset. Yet, direct ownership of Bitcoin can be overwhelming for beginners, from securing wallets to managing taxes and dealing with the risks of phishing scams. For those looking to start with as little as $100, Bitcoin exchange-traded funds (ETFs) offer a user-friendly and compliant entry point into the world of crypto.
The top two Bitcoin ETFs to consider in 2025: the iShares Bitcoin Trust (IBIT) and the newly launched Grayscale Bitcoin Mini Trust (BTC). Whether you prioritize low costs or maximum liquidity, these ETFs offer unique advantages for long-term holders.
Buying Bitcoin through an ETF allows investors to sidestep the complexities of digital wallets, private keys, and exchange risks. You’re investing in Bitcoin just like you would in a stock, with the added benefit of regulated custody, easier tax reporting, and automatic recurring investments via your brokerage account.
With just $100, investors can purchase fractional ETF shares that mirror the price performance of Bitcoin, eliminating the need to buy whole coins or navigate cryptocurrency exchanges.
Price Movement: Mirrors spot Bitcoin
Expense Ratio: 0.25%
Assets Under Management (AUM): $56+ billion
Custodian: Coinbase Custody
Why It Stands Out:
The iShares Bitcoin Trust is the most popular and liquid Bitcoin ETF on the market. Managed by BlackRock, the world’s largest asset manager, IBIT offers seamless integration for institutional and retail investors alike. Its daily trading volume of over $35 billion makes it highly liquid, meaning buyers and sellers can enter and exit positions with minimal price slippage.
While its 0.25% expense ratio isn't the lowest, it remains competitive, especially considering the trust and credibility that BlackRock brings to the table. The ETF holds 99.9% of its assets directly in Bitcoin, making it a pure-play option for those who want full exposure to BTC’s performance.
Ideal For:
Investors seeking institutional-grade custody and transparency
Those who want the ability to trade or rebalance frequently
Beginners looking for ease of setup through traditional brokerages
Price Movement: Tracks spot Bitcoin
Expense Ratio: 0.15% (lowest in the market)
AUM: $1.7 billion
Custodian: Coinbase Custody
Why It Stands Out:
Launched in March 2025, the Grayscale Bitcoin Mini Trust is designed with one mission: cost efficiency. At an annual expense ratio of just 0.15%, it offers the lowest management fee among all U.S.-listed Bitcoin ETFs. For long-term investors, this small percentage can compound into meaningful gains over time.
Though smaller in scale than IBIT, the BTC ETF has grown quickly, attracting over $168 million in new inflows within its first quarter. While its lower trading volume may result in slightly wider bid-ask spreads, its simplicity, tax efficiency, and low fee structure make it perfect for buy-and-hold investors.
Key Features:
Tax Friendly: Investors face no legacy tax burden from Grayscale’s original trust (GBTC)
Seeded Stability: 10% of the ETF is backed by GBTC’s legacy assets
No Lock-ups: You can sell anytime without penalties or restrictions
Ideal For:
Cost-conscious investors looking to hold for the long term
Buyers who don’t require high-frequency trading
Those seeking maximum value from their investment over decades
Also Read: Bitcoin Price Holds Above $106K as ETFs Drive Fresh Inflows
Both ETFs serve different purposes, and the right choice depends on your priorities:
Choose IBIT if you want maximum liquidity, institutional backing, and seamless integration into a broader investment portfolio. It's the safer pick during volatile market conditions due to its deep liquidity and strong backing.
Choose BTC if you’re investing for the long haul and want to maximize your returns by minimizing fees. Over 20 - 30 years, the lower cost structure will accumulate significantly more value.
Pro Tip: If you’re unsure, consider splitting your $100 between both. A 50/50 allocation offers the best of both worlds: liquidity and cost efficiency, while maintaining simple, diversified exposure to Bitcoin.
Also Read: Bitcoin Slips in June as ETF Inflows Cool and Bears Loom
Bitcoin ETFs have opened the doors for everyday investors to gain exposure to crypto without diving into the technical weeds of wallets and keys. For just $100, you can begin your Bitcoin journey with either the iShares Bitcoin Trust or Grayscale’s cost-effective Mini Trust.
As Bitcoin continues its upward trajectory, early and consistent exposure, even in small amounts, could result in substantial gains over the next decade. And with ETFs like IBIT and BTC, you can do so with minimal fees, maximum security, and no technical headaches.
