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Head-to-Head Comparison

Fidelity Wise Origin (FBTC) vs ARK 21Shares (ARKB)

Scores last updated September 22, 2026

76
Fidelity Wise Origin (FBTC)
BSPOF
ETF — Fidelity Self-Custody
70
ARK 21Shares (ARKB)
B-SPOF
ETF — Coinbase Custody
Fidelity Wise Origin (FBTC) leads overall with a score of 76/100. Fidelity Wise Origin (FBTC) wins in 5 categories, ARK 21Shares (ARKB) wins in 1.
Custody & SecurityEase of UseFeesFeaturesTransparencySupportFidelity Wise Origin (FBTC)ARK 21Shares (ARKB)
Category
Fidelity Wise Origin (FBTC)
B
ARK 21Shares (ARKB)
B-
Overall Score
76
70
Custody & Security
35% weight
75
65
Ease of Use
20% weight
90
85
Fees
15% weight
88
80
Features
10% weight
40
30
Transparency
10% weight
70
85
Support
10% weight
75
70
Category Breakdown
Custody & Security
35% of overall score
75
Fidelity Wise Origin (FBTC)
vs
65
ARK 21Shares (ARKB)
Ease of Use
20% of overall score
90
Fidelity Wise Origin (FBTC)
vs
85
ARK 21Shares (ARKB)
Fees
15% of overall score
88
Fidelity Wise Origin (FBTC)
vs
80
ARK 21Shares (ARKB)
Features
10% of overall score
40
Fidelity Wise Origin (FBTC)
vs
30
ARK 21Shares (ARKB)
Transparency
10% of overall score
70
Fidelity Wise Origin (FBTC)
vs
85
ARK 21Shares (ARKB)
Support
10% of overall score
75
Fidelity Wise Origin (FBTC)
vs
70
ARK 21Shares (ARKB)
Fee Comparison
Fidelity Wise Origin (FBTC)
0.25% expense ratio
Min: $0
ARK 21Shares (ARKB)
0.21% expense ratio
Min: $0
Our Analysis

Fidelity Wise Origin (FBTC) vs ARK 21Shares (ARKB): What the Data Shows

Fidelity Wise Origin (FBTC) and ARK 21Shares (ARKB) both operate in the ETF and fund space, but they take fundamentally different approaches to how your bitcoin is held. The scores are close — Fidelity Wise Origin (FBTC) at 76/100 (B) and ARK 21Shares (ARKB) at 70/100 (B-). When the gap is this narrow, the details matter: custody model, single points of failure, and the fine print on fees.

Where Each Platform Wins

Custody and security — the most heavily weighted category in our methodology at 35% — tilts 10 points toward Fidelity Wise Origin (FBTC) (75 vs. 65). Both platforms carry single-point-of-failure risk, but Fidelity Wise Origin (FBTC) mitigates it more effectively through its ETF — Fidelity Self-Custody approach. On fees, Fidelity Wise Origin (FBTC) wins by 8 points. Fidelity Wise Origin (FBTC) charges 0.25% expense ratio compared to 0.21% expense ratio at ARK 21Shares (ARKB). Over a multi-year holding period, fee differences compound — a point worth considering for long-term accumulators. ARK 21Shares (ARKB) stands out on transparency (85 vs. 70), reflecting ARK 21Shares (ARKB)'s approach to proof-of-reserves and public documentation.

The Custody Question

Neither Fidelity Wise Origin (FBTC) nor ARK 21Shares (ARKB) has fully eliminated single-point-of-failure risk. Fidelity Wise Origin (FBTC) uses ETF — Fidelity Self-Custody and ARK 21Shares (ARKB) uses ETF — Coinbase Custody. Both models leave your bitcoin exposed to custodial concentration risk — if that one entity fails, your bitcoin could be locked, seized, or lost. For long-term holders, this is the most important factor to weigh.

Bottom Line

Fidelity Wise Origin (FBTC) edges out ARK 21Shares (ARKB) by 6 points. It's a close call, and the right choice depends on your specific situation — how much bitcoin you're holding, how often you need access, and whether you prioritize fidelity self-custodies btc. trusted brand. integrated with brokerage accounts. over cathie wood/ark branding. lower expense ratio. innovation-focused audience.. Keep in mind these platforms target different audiences — Fidelity Wise Origin (FBTC) is built for tradfi investors, while ARK 21Shares (ARKB) serves growth investors. One thing to watch with ARK 21Shares (ARKB): single custodian (coinbase). smaller aum. ark reputation volatility..

Frequently Asked Questions

Which is better, Fidelity Wise Origin (FBTC) or ARK 21Shares (ARKB)?

Based on our six-category scoring methodology, Fidelity Wise Origin (FBTC) scores higher at 76/100 compared to 70/100. The biggest differentiator is custody security, which accounts for 35% of the overall score. However, the right choice depends on your individual needs — review the category breakdown above.

Is Fidelity Wise Origin (FBTC) safe for storing Bitcoin?

Fidelity Wise Origin (FBTC) scored 75/100 on custody and security in our methodology. It does carry single-point-of-failure risk, meaning your bitcoin depends on one entity's security. Its custody model is classified as ETF — Fidelity Self-Custody. Always verify these details and do your own research.

Does ARK 21Shares (ARKB) have a single point of failure?

Yes. ARK 21Shares (ARKB) uses a ETF — Coinbase Custody model, which means a single compromised entity could put your bitcoin at risk. This is a structural concern for long-term holders.

What are the fees for Fidelity Wise Origin (FBTC) vs ARK 21Shares (ARKB)?

Fidelity Wise Origin (FBTC) charges 0.25% expense ratio. ARK 21Shares (ARKB) charges 0.21% expense ratio. Fidelity Wise Origin (FBTC) scored 88/100 on fees versus 80/100 for ARK 21Shares (ARKB) in our methodology.

Frequently asked questions
Which is better for inheritance, Fidelity Wise Origin (FBTC) or ARK 21Shares (ARKB)?+

Fidelity Wise Origin (FBTC) does not advertise a dedicated inheritance feature. ARK 21Shares (ARKB) does not advertise a dedicated inheritance feature. Match the mechanism, whether beneficiary designation, trust titling, or key inheritance, to your estate plan.

Which has insurance, Fidelity Wise Origin (FBTC) or ARK 21Shares (ARKB)?+

Fidelity Wise Origin (FBTC)'s custody insurance is not publicly disclosed. ARK 21Shares (ARKB)'s custody insurance is not publicly disclosed. Custody insurance covers specific named events up to shared limits, not price loss or every failure mode. Verify current terms before relying on coverage.

Which requires me to hold my own keys, Fidelity Wise Origin (FBTC) or ARK 21Shares (ARKB)?+

Fidelity Wise Origin (FBTC) involves the holder in key control. ARK 21Shares (ARKB) manages keys for you; you hold none. This is the core structural difference to weigh.

Fidelity Wise Origin (FBTC) Full ReviewARK 21Shares (ARKB) Full Review