ETF Comparison
BTCI vs MAXI: Which Is the Better Pick in 2026?
A head-to-head comparison of NEOS Bitcoin High Income ETF and Simplify Bitcoin Strategy PLUS Income ETF covering yield, cost, risk, and income potential.
Data updated April 5, 2026
Side-by-side snapshot
| BTCI | MAXI | |
|---|---|---|
| Full name | NEOS Bitcoin High Income ETF | Simplify Bitcoin Strategy PLUS Income ETF |
| Issuer | NEOS | Simplify ETFs |
| Price | $32.81 | $9.57 |
| Distribution yield | 27.80% | 69.91% |
| Expense ratio | 0.98% | 1.00% |
| AUM | $834M | $31M |
| Distribution frequency | Monthly | Monthly |
| Underlying index | Bitcoin ETPs | Bitcoin |
| Objective | Seeks to generate high monthly income with potential appreciation through bitcoin exposure. | Seeks to provide current income and capital appreciation with a focus on Bitcoin exposure through a strategy that combines Bitcoin futures with income-generating options strategies. |
| Asset class | Equity | Equity |
| Inception date | 10/16/2024 | 03/29/2023 |
| Beta | — | 0.0 |
| Last dividend | $0.78 | $0.10 |
| Ex-dividend date | 03/18/2026 | 01/27/2026 |
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 MAXI (Simplify Bitcoin Strategy PLUS Income ETF) are both popular monthly-pay seeks to generate high monthly income with potential appreciation through bitcoin exposure. ETFs, but they take different approaches.
MAXI offers the higher yield at 69.91% vs 27.80% for BTCI. A higher yield means more current income per dollar invested, though it may come with different risk characteristics.
BTCI is cheaper with an expense ratio of 0.98% compared to 1.00%.
They track different benchmarks: BTCI is linked to Bitcoin ETPs while MAXI tracks Bitcoin, which means their performance drivers differ.
BTCI is the larger fund by assets ($834M), 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 MAXI would produce $582.58/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 $1,000 for MAXI (simplified, not compounded). The $20.00 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 MAXI tracks Bitcoin using a seeks to provide current income and capital appreciation with a focus on bitcoin exposure through a strategy that combines bitcoin futures with income-generating options strategies. strategy.
Fund details
BTCI is managed by NEOS (launched 10/16/2024) with $834M in assets. MAXI is managed by Simplify ETFs (launched 03/29/2023) with $31M 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 MAXI better for dividend income?
It depends on your goals. MAXI 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 MAXI?
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 MAXI (Simplify Bitcoin Strategy PLUS Income ETF) tracks Bitcoin with a seeks to provide current income and capital appreciation with a focus on bitcoin exposure through a strategy that combines bitcoin futures with income-generating options strategies. approach. They are issued by NEOS and Simplify ETFs respectively.
Can I hold both BTCI and MAXI?
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 MAXI?
BTCI has an expense ratio of 0.98% while MAXI charges 1.00%. Lower fees mean more of your investment returns stay in your pocket over time.
How much income does $10,000 in BTCI vs MAXI generate?
At current yields, $10,000 in BTCI would generate roughly $231.67 per month ($2,780.00 annually). The same in MAXI would produce about $582.58 per month ($6,991.00 annually).
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