Blockchain technology continues to reshape industries far beyond cryptocurrency—powering innovations in finance, supply chain, data security, and digital transactions. As adoption grows, investors are increasingly turning to blockchain ETFs to gain diversified exposure to this transformative trend without directly buying volatile digital assets.
Exchange-traded funds (ETFs) focused on blockchain offer a smart way to invest in companies driving or benefiting from decentralized ledger technology. These funds typically include firms involved in blockchain development, fintech innovation, data sharing, and secure transaction processing—many of which are established, publicly traded corporations.
In this guide, we’ll explore the top 4 blockchain ETFs for 2025, analyzing their strategies, holdings, performance, and costs to help you make informed investment decisions.
Why Invest in Blockchain ETFs?
Blockchain is more than just the backbone of Bitcoin and Ethereum—it's a revolutionary method of recording and verifying transactions across decentralized networks. Each block contains encrypted data, linked chronologically and secured through consensus mechanisms, making tampering nearly impossible.
Major global enterprises like IBM, Microsoft, Visa, and Oracle are actively integrating blockchain into their operations for improved transparency, efficiency, and fraud prevention. This widespread institutional adoption makes blockchain a compelling long-term investment theme.
Unlike direct crypto investing, blockchain ETFs provide stability and diversification by focusing on real companies with revenue streams tied to blockchain infrastructure and applications. They're ideal for investors seeking exposure to the technology’s growth while avoiding the extreme volatility of cryptocurrencies.
BLOK – Amplify Transformational Data Sharing ETF
Expense Ratio: 0.70%
Assets Under Management (AUM): $1.1 billion+
Inception Date: January 2018
BLOK stands out as the most recognized and best-performing blockchain ETF since its launch. Managed by Amplify, it focuses on companies directly involved in developing or deploying data-sharing technologies, including blockchain, distributed ledger systems, and digital transaction platforms.
The fund is actively managed, allowing portfolio managers to adapt quickly to shifts in the fast-moving tech landscape. Approximately 70% of its holdings come from firms generating revenue from blockchain-related activities, while the remaining 30% are companies investing in or partnering with blockchain innovators.
Geographically diverse, BLOK allocates roughly half its assets outside the U.S., offering international exposure. It also leans toward small- and mid-cap stocks, which can drive higher growth potential—albeit with increased volatility.
Since inception, BLOK has significantly outperformed both the broader market and other blockchain-focused ETFs. Its active strategy gives it an edge in identifying emerging players before they’re included in index-based funds.
For investors seeking a pure-play blockchain ETF with strong momentum and strategic flexibility, BLOK remains a top contender.
BLCN – Reality Shares Nasdaq NexGen Economy ETF
Expense Ratio: 0.68%
AUM: ~$300 million
BLCN tracks the Siren NASDAQ Blockchain Economy Index, which selects global companies engaged in blockchain research, development, or implementation. Holdings are ranked based on their expected benefit from blockchain adoption, not just current involvement.
This ETF leans heavily into large-cap stocks, providing exposure to well-established firms positioned to leverage blockchain at scale. While it hasn’t matched BLOK’s performance, BLCN offers a more stable profile due to its focus on mature companies.
Its lower asset base reflects less investor interest compared to BLOK, but BLCN remains a solid option for those prioritizing risk-managed exposure to blockchain innovation through blue-chip names.
LEGR – First Trust Indxx Innovative Transaction & Process ETF
Expense Ratio: 0.65%
AUM: ~$75 million
Launched alongside BLOK in early 2018, LEGR takes a slightly different approach by weighting companies based on their level of engagement with blockchain technology. It emphasizes firms actively implementing innovative transaction systems and process improvements powered by distributed ledgers.
One key distinction: LEGR is predominantly composed of international (non-U.S.) large-cap stocks, offering geographic diversification that complements U.S.-centric portfolios.
Historically, LEGR has delivered returns close to the S&P 500, which may explain its relatively modest growth in assets under management. While less aggressive than BLOK, it serves as a lower-volatility alternative for investors who want steady exposure to blockchain-enabled enterprises.
KOIN – CapitalLink NextGen Protocol ETF
Expense Ratio: 0.95%
AUM: ~$25 million
KOIN aims to track the ATFI Global NextGen Fintech Index, targeting companies involved in next-generation financial technology—including but not limited to blockchain. Its top holdings include tech giants like Microsoft, Amazon, PayPal, and Intel, reflecting a broad fintech focus rather than a dedicated blockchain strategy.
With about 95% allocated to large-cap stocks and 65% in U.S.-based companies, KOIN behaves more like a high-cost large-cap growth fund than a specialized blockchain ETF. The issuer even acknowledges that some holdings may have “minimal ties” to blockchain.
Given its high expense ratio and lack of thematic purity, KOIN is generally not recommended for investors specifically seeking targeted blockchain exposure.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Q: What is the difference between blockchain and cryptocurrency?
A: Blockchain is the underlying technology—a secure, decentralized ledger system—while cryptocurrency is one application built on that technology. Many blockchain ETFs invest in companies using the tech for data management or transactions, not digital coins.
Q: Are blockchain ETFs safer than investing in crypto directly?
A: Yes. Blockchain ETFs hold shares of real companies with revenues and balance sheets, reducing volatility compared to speculative crypto assets. They offer regulated, diversified access to the ecosystem.
Q: Do any of these ETFs hold actual cryptocurrencies?
A: No. These ETFs invest exclusively in equities of companies involved in blockchain development or application. They do not hold Bitcoin, Ethereum, or other digital tokens.
Q: Which blockchain ETF has the lowest expense ratio?
A: LEGR has the lowest at 0.65%, followed closely by BLCN at 0.68%. BLOK charges 0.70%, while KOIN is the most expensive at 0.95%.
Q: Can I buy these ETFs with fractional shares?
A: Yes, many brokers—including M1 Finance and others—offer fractional share investing for these ETFs, allowing you to start with any budget.
Q: How diversified are these blockchain ETFs?
A: Most spread investments across sectors like tech, finance, and software services. BLOK and LEGR offer geographic diversification too, with significant non-U.S. exposure.
Final Thoughts: Choosing the Right Blockchain ETF
When evaluating blockchain ETFs, consider your goals:
- For maximum exposure and growth potential, BLOK leads the pack with its active management and pure-play focus.
- For large-cap stability, BLCN and LEGR offer solid alternatives with lower volatility.
- Avoid KOIN if you're looking for focused blockchain exposure—it’s too broad and costly for this niche.
As enterprise adoption accelerates—from smart contracts to secure supply chains—the long-term outlook for blockchain remains strong. Investing in well-structured ETFs allows you to ride this wave with discipline and diversification.
Note: All information provided is for educational purposes only and does not constitute financial advice. Always conduct your own research before making investment decisions.