Dividend comparison
ARKB vs BITO: Which Is Better?
Fees, yield, total returns, drawdowns, holdings overlap and dividend history for ARK 21Shares Bitcoin ETF and ProShares Bitcoin ETF, side by side. Updated October 21, 2026.
- Fees. ARKB is cheaper at 0.21% a year versus 0.95% for BITO. On $10,000 that is $74 a year less in fees.
- Performance. Over the last 1 year, ARKB returned -25.8% versus -33.1% for BITO, with dividends reinvested. $10,000 would have grown to $7,422 in ARKB and $6,689 in BITO.
- Risk. BITO has been the bumpier ride. Its worst peak-to-trough decline over the last 1 year was -77.8%, against -53.3% for ARKB.
- Diversification. BITO holds 5 positions and ARKB holds 1.
Bottom line: ARKB fits better if you care most about lower fees, stronger 1-year returns and smaller drawdowns. BITO fits better if you care most about broader diversification.
| Metric | ARKB ARK 21Shares Bitcoin ETF | BITO ProShares Bitcoin ETF |
|---|---|---|
| Dividend yield (TTM) | — | 22.43% |
| Dividend / share (TTM) | — | $2.47 |
| Payout frequency | — | Monthly |
| Last dividend | — | $0.0174 on Oct 7, 2026 |
| Ex-dividend date | — | Oct 1, 2026 |
| Price | $27.35 | $11.01 |
| Beta | 2.14 | 1.74 |
| Max drawdown (5Y) | -53.3% | -77.8% |
| Market cap | $2.91B | $2.22B |
| Exchange | CBOE | AMEX |
| Expense ratio | 0.21% | 0.95% |
| Assets under management | $2.91B | $1.61B |
| Number of holdings | 1 | 5 |
ARKB
—/mo
Yield data unavailable
BITO
$186.91/mo
$2243 /yr at 22.43% yield
| Year | ARKB | BITO |
|---|---|---|
| 2025 | — | $9.5198 |
| 2024 | — | $14.0307 |
Bitcoin has fallen more than 70% from its peak several times, and price swings of 10% in a day are not unusual.
What ARKB vs BITO actually do
It buys front-month CME bitcoin futures and rolls them forward as each contract nears expiry, holding Treasuries as collateral. When longer-dated contracts trade above nearer ones, a condition called contango that has been common in bitcoin futures, each roll sells low and buys high and drags on return relative to spot bitcoin. Fees are around 0.95% a year on top of that roll cost, and its distributions come from collateral interest and realized futures gains rather than from anything the asset pays.
Suits an account that cannot hold spot bitcoin products directly but can hold a futures-based fund. Since spot bitcoin ETFs became available in 2024 the structural case for the futures wrapper is much narrower, and the combination of roll drag and fee means it should not be expected to keep pace with bitcoin itself.
High volatility, structural tracking drag
| Period | ARKB | BITO |
|---|---|---|
| 1 month | 1.56% | 0.82% |
| 3 months | 26.62% | 26.70% |
| Year to date | -5.82% | -9.46% |
| 1 year | -25.78% | -33.11% |
| 3 years | — | 115.46% |
| 5 years | — | -11.21% |
- ARKB
- BITO
Both series indexed to 100 on 2024-01-11 using the adjusted closing price series. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
- ARKB
- BITO
Quick verdict
ARKB fits better if you care most about lower fees, stronger 1-year returns and smaller drawdowns. BITO fits better if you care most about broader diversification. Model the holding inside your real portfolio before deciding.
Frequently asked questions
Is ARKB or BITO better for dividend income?
What is the difference between ARKB and BITO?
Which is cheaper, ARKB or BITO?
Which has performed better, ARKB or BITO?
Which is riskier, ARKB or BITO?
Can I hold both ARKB and BITO?
Where can I compare ARKB vs BITO with my full portfolio?
Related comparisons
For informational and educational purposes only. Not investment advice. Past performance and current yields do not guarantee future results. Verify figures independently before making investment decisions.