The US SEC made a historic decision in early 2024 by approving 11 spot Bitcoin (BTC) ETFs. The ETF approval has led to a substantial increase in institutional inflows for the original crypto. BTC has hit multiple all-time highs after the ETFs went live, with the most recent peak being $126,080, which it attained on Oct. 6, 2025. While ETFs have played a significant role in the current market cycle, let’s discuss which form of BTC is better for long-term growth: Bitcoin ETFs vs. BTC coin.

Bitcoin ETF vs. BTC Coin: What’s The Difference and Which is Better?

A Bitcoin ETF is an investment fund that tracks BTC’s price, whereas BTC is the actual cryptocurrency itself. When you buy an ETF, you do not own the underlying asset. On the other hand, if you purchase BTC at a crypto exchange, you own the asset.

Owning a Bitcoin ETF could be considered safer as it a regulated by financial authorities. On the other hand, there is very little oversight, and regulations vary for owning cryptocurrencies directly.

However, in terms of returns, both an ETF and the actual cryptocurrency could give similar results. Hence, investing in an ETF could be easier for traditional investors. Buying BTC from a crypto exchange may seem cumbersome, as it may require some crypto knowledge. Moreover, crypto exchanges could fall prey to hacks and attacks. Storing your coins in a cold wallet is a much safer option. However, using cold storage adds another level of knowledge that traditional investors may not want to bother themselves with.

When Will The Market Recover?

Bitcoin (BTC) and the larger crypto market have faced a substantial price dip over the last few weeks. BTC is struggling to maintain the $110,000 price level and saw heavy liquidations earlier this month.

Also Read: Strategy Earns $12 Billion on Bitcoin Holdings in 2025

The market dip is likely due to macroeconomic factors and trade disputes. Although the Federal Reserve lowered interest rates by 25 basis points, Fed Chair Jerome Powell warned about rising inflation and slow economic growth. These developments may have spooked investors away from Bitcoin and other cryptocurrencies.