ETHB Emerges as a Favorite Among Ethereum ETFs

The iShares Ethereum Trust ETF (ETHA) fell 18.1% in 2026, while the iShares Bitcoin Trust ETF (IBIT) dropped 11.6%. Net inflows into spot crypto ETFs have been minimal, totaling just $565 million so far this year. However, BlackRock's iShares Staked Ethereum Trust ETF (ETHB) has been attracting money more rapidly than any other Ethereum product.

Since its launch in March, ETHB has amassed over $650 million, significantly outpacing the $85 million that has gone into ETHA this year. Both funds operate similarly, tracking the price of ether and charging a 0.25% expense ratio. The key distinction lies in ETHB's staking feature, which involves locking up between 70% and 95% of its holdings (currently around 77%) to help validate Ethereum transactions and earn rewards.

These rewards are then distributed to shareholders as cash each month, with BlackRock retaining 18% of the earnings as a fee. As a result, ETHB's net rewards rate currently sits at approximately 1.72%, leading to an 18% total return since its inception, surpassing ETHA's 17.5% over the same period. Although ETHA remains the largest US-listed Ethereum ETF, ETHB's growing inflows could see it rise in ranks, potentially becoming the go-to choice for investors seeking the benefits of staking alongside ether exposure.