Ethereum just got a major boost. On July 23, 2024, the SEC approved the first spot Ethereum ETFs, opening the door for investors to buy Ethereum through traditional brokerage and retirement accounts. This move followed the approval of spot Bitcoin ETFs earlier that year and represents a big shift in how everyday investors can access crypto.
So, what exactly is a spot Ethereum ETF, how is it different from other crypto products, and what should you consider before investing? Let’s break it down.
Ethereum vs. Bitcoin: Key Differences
While Bitcoin is best known as “digital gold,” Ethereum is designed to do more. Its blockchain supports:
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Decentralized apps (dApps)
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Non-fungible tokens (NFTs)
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Smart contracts that run automatically without intermediaries
Since 2022, Ethereum has also run on a proof-of-stake system, which is more energy-efficient than Bitcoin’s mining-based proof-of-work. This makes Ethereum not only an asset but also an ecosystem.
Spot Ethereum ETFs Explained
A spot Ethereum ETF invests directly in Ethereum, tracking its real-time price more accurately than futures-based funds. This is a major difference from the “Ethereum strategy ETFs” that came before, which relied on futures contracts and often came with higher fees.
As of August 2025, nine spot Ethereum ETFs are available:
| Fund Name | Ticker | Fee |
|---|---|---|
| Grayscale Ethereum Mini Trust | ETH | 0.15% |
| Franklin Ethereum Trust | EZET | 0.19% |
| VanEck Ethereum Trust | ETHV | 0.20% |
| Bitwise Ethereum ETF | ETHW | 0.20% |
| 21Shares Core Ethereum ETF | CETH | 0.21% |
| Fidelity Ethereum Fund | FETH | 0.25% |
| iShares Ethereum Trust | ETHA | 0.25% |
| Invesco Galaxy Ethereum ETF | QETH | 0.25% |
| Grayscale Ethereum Trust | ETHE | 2.50% |
Source: Fund websites. Data as of Aug. 18, 2025.
Why Fees Matter: The Ethereum ETF Price War
Before approval, issuers slashed fees in a race to attract investors. This article details the fees and holdings of 13 Ethereum ETFs, helping crypto investors make informed decisions.Some even launched introductory zero-fee promotions. This “ETF price war” benefited investors, with several funds offering ultra-low expense ratios — especially compared to older crypto products.
Ethereum Strategy ETFs (Futures-Based)
If you see the term Ethereum strategy ETF, that means the fund is primarily invested in Ether futures rather than Ethereum itself. These are generally less precise and more expensive.
| Fund Name | Ticker | Fee | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| ARK 21Shares Active Ethereum Futures Strategy ETF | ARKZ | 0.70% | Invested in Ether futures |
| ProShares Ether Strategy ETF | EETH | 1.00% (0.95% until Sept. 2025) | Invested in Ether futures |
| ProShares Bitcoin & Ether Equal Weight Strategy ETF | BETE | 1.01% (0.95% until Sept. 2025) | Invested in Bitcoin & Ether futures |
| CoinShares Valkyrie Bitcoin and Ether Strategy ETF | BTF | 1.25% | Invested in Bitcoin & Ether futures |
What ETF Approval Means for Investors
The approval of spot Ethereum ETFs matters for three reasons:
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Accessibility → Retirement investors can now gain Ethereum exposure through 401(k)s and IRAs, which typically don’t allow direct crypto trading.
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Institutional Confidence → Ethereum’s price climbed more than 80% in 2024 as institutions anticipated the SEC’s approval.
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Mainstream Adoption → ETFs are regulated, easier to trade, and can attract investors who may have been hesitant about crypto exchanges.
ETFs vs. Owning Ethereum Directly
Pros of Ethereum ETFs
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Easier access through brokerages and retirement accounts
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Lower fees than futures-based crypto ETFs
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Regulated and SEC-approved
Cons of Ethereum ETFs
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No staking rewards (ETH holders who stake their coins directly can earn yield)
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Management fees, even if small, eat into returns
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You don’t directly own the asset (meaning no transfers to a crypto wallet)
If your goal is long-term growth inside a retirement account, a spot Ethereum ETF could make sense. But if you want to maximize the features of Ethereum (like staking income or on-chain utility), holding the cryptocurrency itself may be better.
CreditVana’s Take
Ethereum ETFs are a big win for investors who want crypto exposure without the complications of wallets, exchanges, or tax headaches. But remember: ETFs track price — they don’t replace the utility of holding Ethereum directly.
As with any investment, balance your portfolio. Don’t let excitement over crypto crowd out your retirement savings in stocks, bonds, and other proven long-term assets.
This article details the fees and holdings of 13 Ethereum ETFs, helping crypto investors make informed decisions.
👉 Bottom line: Spot Ethereum ETFs make crypto more accessible than ever, but they’re just one piece of a diversified financial plan.
