While the various different ETFs positively correlate with the price of crude, if it's crude oil you want to take advantage of, go for either the mini crude contract or the USO, preferably the former. Even the USO lags the price of crude. And not all oil companies go up as crude rises. Futures might sound more risky, but assuming you keep your position size reasonable, at least you won't get hurt by things like hurricanes and other events that effect the oil companies but not necessarily the price of crude.