IBIT vs ARKK: Head-to-Head Comparison
IBIT vs ARKK: iShares Bitcoin Trust ETF has an expense ratio of 0.25% while ARK Innovation ETF charges 0.75%. IBIT holds 1 securities vs ARKK's 35. 5-year returns: 0.00% vs -1.80%.
Last updated: April 2026
Crypto vs Innovation
Quick Verdict
ARKK edges out IBIT with a stronger Beginner Suitability Score (6 vs 4.5). It offers better overall characteristics for new investors.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | IBIT | ARKK |
|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.25% | 0.75% |
| AUM | $50.0B | $6.5B |
| Dividend Yield | 0.00% | 0.00% |
| Holdings | 1 | 35 |
| 1-Year Return | 95.00% | 13.50% |
| 5-Year Return (Ann.) | 0.00% | -1.80% |
| 10-Year Return (Ann.) | 0.00% | 4.20% |
| Beta | 1.80 | 1.85 |
| P/E Ratio | N/A | N/A |
IBIT 5-year annualized return is 0.00% compared to ARKK's -1.80%. Over 10 years, IBIT returned 0.00% vs ARKK's 4.20%.
View data table
| Period | IBIT Return | ARKK Return |
|---|---|---|
| YTD | -5.00% | 1.20% |
| 1 Year | 95.00% | 13.50% |
| 3 Year | 0.00% | -8.50% |
| 5 Year | 0.00% | -1.80% |
| 10 Year | 0.00% | 4.20% |
Key Differences Between IBIT and ARKK
IBIT (iShares Bitcoin Trust ETF) is a cryptocurrency fund managed by BlackRock. IBIT is a spot Bitcoin ETF that gives investors direct exposure to Bitcoin through a traditional brokerage account. Launched in January 2024, it quickly became one of the most popular crypto ETFs. Beginners should understand that Bitcoin is extremely volatile and this ETF is only suitable for those with high risk tolerance.
ARKK (ARK Innovation ETF) is a u.s. thematic growth fund managed by ARK Invest. ARKK is an actively managed ETF run by Cathie Wood that invests in companies ARK Invest believes are leaders in disruptive innovation, including areas like AI, genomics, fintech, and autonomous vehicles. Unlike index ETFs, ARKK's holdings are chosen by a portfolio manager, which means performance depends heavily on the manager's stock-picking ability. Beginners should understand that ARKK is a high-risk, high-reward fund that can deliver spectacular gains or devastating losses.
The most notable differences are in fees (0.25% vs 0.75%), number of holdings (1 vs 35), and 5-year returns (0.00% vs -1.80%).
IBIT vs ARKK multi-factor comparison: IBIT has a 0.25% expense ratio, 0.00% 5-year return, 1 holdings, 1.80 beta, and 0.00% yield. ARKK has 0.75% expense ratio, -1.80% 5-year return, 35 holdings, 1.85 beta, and 0.00% yield.
View data table
| Metric | IBIT | ARKK |
|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.25% | 0.75% |
| 5-Year Return | 0.00% | -1.80% |
| Holdings | 1 | 35 |
| Beta | 1.80 | 1.85 |
| Dividend Yield | 0.00% | 0.00% |
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Holdings Overlap Analysis
0%
Holdings Overlap
IBIT and ARKK share only 0% of their top holdings. These funds are quite different, making them complementary choices if you want broader market coverage.
IBIT and ARKK share 0% of their top holdings (low overlap). IBIT has 1 total holdings and ARKK has 35.
View data table
| Metric | IBIT | ARKK |
|---|---|---|
| Overlap | 0% | 0% |
| Unique Holdings | 100% | 100% |
| Total Holdings | 1 | 35 |
Cost Comparison Over Time
If you invest $10,000 and hold for 20 years (assuming 8% annual returns):
IBIT
Fee cost: $2,111
ARKK
Fee cost: $6,064
Over 20 years, the fee difference amounts to $3,953 on a $10,000 investment. IBIT saves you more in fees over time.
On a $10,000 investment over 20 years at 8% return, IBIT (0.25% fee) grows to $44,499 while ARKK (0.75% fee) grows to $40,546. The fee difference costs $3,953.
View data table
| Year | IBIT Value | ARKK Value |
|---|---|---|
| 0 | $10,000 | $10,000 |
| 5 | $14,524 | $14,190 |
| 10 | $21,095 | $20,136 |
| 15 | $30,638 | $28,573 |
| 20 | $44,499 | $40,546 |
Which One Should a Beginner Choose?
Choose IBIT if: You want investors who want bitcoin exposure without managing crypto directly, those looking to add a small speculative allocation to a diversified portfolio, tech-savvy investors comfortable with extreme price volatility. It's managed by BlackRock with an expense ratio of 0.25%.
Choose ARKK if: You want high-risk-tolerance investors who believe in disruptive technology themes for the long term, investors who want exposure to speculative, high-growth companies through a managed portfolio, those willing to accept extreme volatility in pursuit of potentially outsized returns. It's managed by ARK Invest with an expense ratio of 0.75%.
Can You Own Both IBIT and ARKK?
Absolutely! With only 0% overlap, IBIT and ARKK complement each other well. A simple portfolio might allocate 60% to one and 40% to the other, or you could pair them with a bond ETF like BND for a complete three-fund portfolio.
Frequently Asked Questions
Should I buy IBIT or ARKK?▾
ARKK edges out IBIT with a stronger Beginner Suitability Score (6 vs 4.5). It offers better overall characteristics for new investors. However, both are solid options. IBIT is best for investors who want investors who want bitcoin exposure without managing crypto directly, while ARKK is better suited for high-risk-tolerance investors who believe in disruptive technology themes for the long term.
What is the difference between IBIT and ARKK?▾
IBIT (iShares Bitcoin Trust ETF) tracks cryptocurrency investments with 1 holdings and a 0.25% expense ratio. ARKK (ARK Innovation ETF) focuses on u.s. thematic growth with 35 holdings at 0.75%. Their top holdings overlap by 0%.
Can I own both IBIT and ARKK?▾
Yes! With only 0% holdings overlap, IBIT and ARKK complement each other well. Owning both gives you broader diversification.