ETF Comparison
BTCI vs IBIT: Which Is the Better Pick in 2026?
A head-to-head comparison of NEOS Bitcoin High Income ETF and iShares Bitcoin Trust ETF covering yield, cost, risk, and income potential.
Data updated April 5, 2026
Side-by-side snapshot
| BTCI | IBIT | |
|---|---|---|
| Full name | NEOS Bitcoin High Income ETF | iShares Bitcoin Trust ETF |
| Issuer | NEOS | BlackRock |
| Price | $32.81 | $38.64 |
| Distribution yield | 27.80% | 0.00% |
| Expense ratio | 0.98% | 0.25% |
| AUM | $834M | $50.1B |
| Distribution frequency | Monthly | None |
| Underlying index | Bitcoin ETPs | Bitcoin |
| Objective | Seeks to generate high monthly income with potential appreciation through bitcoin exposure. | Provide exposure to bitcoin price performance through a physically backed trust structure. |
| Asset class | Equity | Equity |
| Inception date | 10/16/2024 | 01/11/2024 |
| Beta | — | 0.0 |
| Last dividend | $0.78 | — |
| Ex-dividend date | 03/18/2026 | — |
Visual comparison
Key metrics
Projected income on $10K
Projections assume the current yield and share price remain constant. Actual results will vary.
Quick verdict
BTCI (NEOS Bitcoin High Income ETF) and IBIT (iShares Bitcoin Trust ETF) are both popular monthly-pay seeks to generate high monthly income with potential appreciation through bitcoin exposure. ETFs, but they take different approaches.
BTCI offers the higher yield at 27.80% vs 0.00% for IBIT. A higher yield means more current income per dollar invested, though it may come with different risk characteristics.
IBIT is cheaper with an expense ratio of 0.25% compared to 0.98%.
They track different benchmarks: BTCI is linked to Bitcoin ETPs while IBIT tracks Bitcoin, which means their performance drivers differ.
IBIT is the larger fund by assets ($50.1B), which generally means tighter spreads and better liquidity.
Deep dive
Yield & income
On a $10,000 investment, BTCI would generate roughly $231.67/month while IBIT would produce $0.00/month at current distribution rates. Both pay monthly distributions.
Cost & efficiency
Over 10 years on $10,000, BTCI would cost approximately $980 in fees vs $250 for IBIT (simplified, not compounded). The $730.00 difference may be offset by yield or performance.
Strategy & risk
BTCI tracks Bitcoin ETPs with a seeks to generate high monthly income with potential appreciation through bitcoin exposure. approach, while IBIT tracks Bitcoin using a provide exposure to bitcoin price performance through a physically backed trust structure. strategy.
Fund details
BTCI is managed by NEOS (launched 10/16/2024) with $834M in assets. IBIT is managed by BlackRock (launched 01/11/2024) with $50.1B in assets.
Income calculator
See how much monthly income a hypothetical investment would generate in each ETF at current yields.
Frequently asked questions
Is BTCI or IBIT better for dividend income?
It depends on your goals. BTCI currently offers the higher distribution yield, which means more income per dollar invested. However, a lower-yield fund may offer better total return or lower volatility. Consider your time horizon and risk tolerance.
What is the difference between BTCI and IBIT?
BTCI (NEOS Bitcoin High Income ETF) tracks Bitcoin ETPs with a seeks to generate high monthly income with potential appreciation through bitcoin exposure. strategy, while IBIT (iShares Bitcoin Trust ETF) tracks Bitcoin with a provide exposure to bitcoin price performance through a physically backed trust structure. approach. They are issued by NEOS and BlackRock respectively.
Can I hold both BTCI and IBIT?
Yes. Many income investors hold both to diversify across different strategies and underlying indexes. This can reduce concentration risk while maintaining a strong income stream.
Which has lower fees, BTCI or IBIT?
BTCI has an expense ratio of 0.98% while IBIT charges 0.25%. Lower fees mean more of your investment returns stay in your pocket over time.
How much income does $10,000 in BTCI vs IBIT generate?
At current yields, $10,000 in BTCI would generate roughly $231.67 per month ($2,780.00 annually). The same in IBIT would produce about $0.00 per month ($0.00 annually).
More comparisons to explore
People also compare BTCI with
People also compare IBIT with
Popular comparisons
Go deeper
Use the full ETF Comparator to add more funds, view radar charts, and generate AI reports.