Which ETF is best for AI?

AI investors have several options in ETFs. The most well-known of the AI ETFs above is the Global X Artificial Intelligence and Technology ETF, which holds several well-known AI stocks, including Meta and Microsoft. AI investors may also want to consider an ETF that tracks the Nasdaq-100, such as the Invesco QQQ ETF (NASDAQ: QQQ). Big tech companies with exposure to AI make up almost half of the fund.

Does Vanguard have an AI ETF?

Vanguard does not currently offer an AI-focused ETF. However, the asset manager has an information technology ETF that includes several AI stocks.

How do AI ETFs differ from investing in individual AI stocks?

AI ETFs offer exposure to multiple AI stocks with one investment. They give investors an easy way to gain exposure to AI stocks, but it also means they have less control over what they're invested in.

What ETF holds major AI companies?

Some of the ETFs that hold large-cap AI stocks are the Global X Artificial Intelligence ETF and the iShares Future AI & Tech ETF

What's the expense ratio of AI ETFs?

The expense ratios of AI ETFs range from 0.47% to 0.95%, making them higher than index funds but lower than some other managed ETFs.

What are the largest AI ETFs by assets under management?

The largest AI ETF by AUM is the Global X Artificial Intelligence ETF with $8.6 billion in net assets, and the Global X Robotics and Artificial Intelligence ETF at $3.4 billion.

5 Best AI ETFs to Buy in 2026

There are several options for investors looking to diversify into AI.

By Jeremy Bowman – Updated May 7, 2026 at 4:40 PM EST | Fact-checked by Frank Bass

Key Points

AI ETFs provide a low-risk option to invest in AI's growth, diversifying across many tech sectors.
Global X Artificial Intelligence and Technology ETF is the largest, focusing on AI beneficiaries and hardware makers.
Interest in AI ETFs is high, driven by mainstream adoption of AI tools like ChatGPT.

Artificial intelligence is no longer a futuristic concept. It's already shaping how companies operate and how consumers live. From recommendation engines and logistics software to chatbots and automation tools, AI is becoming a major driver of growth across tech, healthcare, finance, and other industries.

For investors, AI exchange-traded funds (ETFs) offer a simple way to get exposure to that growth without relying on a single stock. Rather than trying to pick individual winners, these funds group together companies that build AI technology or benefit from its adoption. That can include chipmakers, cloud platforms, software firms, and data-focused businesses.

Interest in AI investing remains strong as generative AI tools like ChatGPT push adoption into the mainstream. For investors who want diversified exposure to AI’s long-term potential without the risk and research involved in picking individual stocks, AI ETFs can be a smart place to start.

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Top AI ETFs to buy in 2026

Data source: Yahoo! Finance. Data as of May 6, 2026. ETF = exchange-traded fund.
AI ETF	Assets Under Management	Expense Ratio
Global X Artificial Intelligence and Technology ETF (NASDAQ:AIQ)	$8.61 billion	0.68%
Global X Robotics and Artificial Intelligence ETF (NASDAQ:BOTZ)	$3.44 billion	0.68%
Robo Global Robotics and Automation Index ETF (NYSEMKT:ROBO)	$1.77 billion	0.95%
iShares Future AI and Tech ETF (NYSEMKT:ARTY)	$2.85 billion	0.47%
First Trust Nasdaq Artificial Intelligence and Robotics ETF (NASDAQ:ROBT)	$675.9 million	0.65%

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1. Global X Artificial Intelligence and Technology ETF

NASDAQ: AIQ

Global X Funds - Global X Artificial Intelligence & Technology ETF

Today's Change

(0.32%) $0.20

Current Price

$62.81

Key Data Points

Day's Range

$62.64 - $63.36

52wk Range

$39.65 - $63.36

Volume

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Global X Artificial Intelligence and Technology ETF (AIQ +0.32%) is the largest AI ETF and a good first choice for investors looking for an AI ETF. The ETF started in 2018 and aims to invest in companies that can benefit from the development of AI technology, as well as companies that make hardware facilitating the use of AI.

According to Global X, the global AI market is expected to grow from $184 billion in 2024 to $826.7 billion in 2030, suggesting the stocks in the fund should have a lot of growth in front of them. The ETF has 84 stocks, and the biggest holdings will be familiar to most investors. In 2026, the top 10 holdings accounted for about 33% of the fund. Here are the top five:

SK Hynix: Leading memory-chip maker from South Korea and a key supplier of high-bandwidth memory to companies like Nvidia.
Samsung (OTC:SSNL.F): The Korean tech giant is the world's No. 2 chipmaker and is well-known for devices like smartphones. It has introduced AI features such as live translate and chat assist to help users write messages.
Intel: Integrated device manufacturer known for CPUs, PC and data center chips, and its foundry business.
Micron: Integrated device manufacturer that specializes in memory chips, including DRAM and NAND.
Advanced Micro Devices: Fabless semicondcutor company that makes both CPUs and GPUs.

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Cloud Computing

Cloud computing is a network of interconnected servers and data centers working together to deliver a service through the Internet.

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As you can see from the chart below, the Global X ETF has outperformed over its history, thanks in part to the recent surge in memory chip stocks like SK Hynix and Samsung.

A chart showing the performance of AIQ vs. the S&P 500 — undefined

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2. Global X Robotics and Artificial Intelligence ETF

NASDAQ: BOTZ

Global X Robotics & Artificial Intelligence ETF

Today's Change

(1.61%) $0.64

Current Price

$40.29

Key Data Points

Day's Range

$40.15 - $40.58

52wk Range

$30.21 - $41.71

Volume

977.8K

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Established in 2016, the Global X Robotics and Artificial Intelligence ETF (BOTZ +1.61%) is similar to the Global X Artificial Intelligence and Technology ETF but with a focus on robotics. The fund invests in "companies that potentially stand to benefit from increased adoption and utilization of robotics and artificial intelligence."

This includes enterprises working in industrial robotics, automation, non-industrial robots, and autonomous vehicles. According to Global X, the global robotics market was valued at more than $80 billion in 2022 and could grow to $280 billion by 2032.

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The ETF held 62 stocks in May 2026, and its top five holdings made up almost 40% of the fund:

Keyence (KYCCF +4.41%): This Japanese company makes factory automation products such as sensors and scanners.
ABB (OTC:ABBN.Y): This Swiss company makes industrial automation and robotics products used in utilities and infrastructure.
Nvidia (NVDA -1.86%): This semiconductor maker's chips are used in a wide variety of applications -- including autonomous vehicles, virtual computing, and cryptocurrency mining -- and are central to many AI technologies.
FANUC (FANUY +5.94%): This Japanese maker of factory automation products includes motors, lasers, and robots in its product lineup.
Intuitive Surgical (ISRG -0.31%): This company makes the da Vinci robotic surgical system, which allows for minimally invasive surgeries with precise control.

As the chart below shows, shares of the ETF have underperformed the S&P 500 index since its 2016 launch. The share price fell sharply in 2022 in line with the broad sell-off in tech stocks, although it has rebounded since then.

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A chart showing the performance of BOTZ vs. the S&P 500 — undefined

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The ETF offered a modest dividend yield of 0.62% in April 2026, but it is better suited as a growth-oriented investment. It's an actively managed fund with an expense ratio of 0.68%, which is more than what you'd pay for most index funds.

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3. Robo Global Robotics and Automation Index ETF

NYSEMKT: ROBO

Exchange Traded Concepts Trust - Robo Global Robotics And Automation Index ETF

Today's Change

(2.35%) $2.00

Current Price

$87.24

Key Data Points

Day's Range

$86.20 - $87.78

52wk Range

$55.33 - $87.96

Volume

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The Robo Global Robotics and Automation Index ETF (ROBO +2.35%) focuses on companies driving "transformative innovations in robotics, automation, and artificial intelligence." This ETF invests in companies primarily focused on AI, cloud computing, and other technology companies.

The ETF holds 77 stocks, with no single holding accounting for more than 2.5% of the ETF's value. Its top five holdings comprise only about 10% of the fund's total value. In early 2026, major holdings included:

Celestica: A Canadian multinational electronics manufacturing services company that specializes in hardware for data centers and other high-tech industries like aerospace, healthcare, and industrial automation.
Infineon Technologies: German maker of semiconductors that specializes in power systems, automotive chips, and security solutions.
AirTAC International: A global manufacturer of pneumatic equipment and transmission components used to control air flow and convert compressed air into motion. Its products are used in industries like manufacturing.
Ambarella: A fabless semiconductor company that makes high-definition AI vision processors and systems-on-chips. It's known for edge AI products, including for advanced driver-assist systems.
Teradyne (TER +1.42%): A maker of automated test equipment and robotics systems for applications such as testing semiconductors and other hardware.

Since its inception in 2013, the Robo ETF has underperformed the S&P 500, as the chart below shows. It trails the broad market index, with dividends factored into the return. The ETF pays a dividend yield of 0.4%, and its expense ratio is 0.95%.

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A chart showing the performance of ROBO vs. the S&P 500 — undefined

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4. iShares Future AI and Tech ETF

NYSEMKT: ARTY

iShares Future AI & Tech ETF

Today's Change

(0.98%) $0.67

Current Price

$68.78

Key Data Points

Day's Range

$68.39 - $69.38

52wk Range

$36.09 - $69.78

Volume

781.1K

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The iShares Future AI and Tech ETF (ARTY +0.98%) aims to track the results of an index of developed and emerging markets companies that could benefit from long-term opportunities in robotics and AI. The ETF was formed in 2018 and has about $2.1 billion in net assets.

With 50 stock holdings, it's now well diversified. Many of its top holdings also give investors exposure to fast-growing small-cap companies. The fund's top five investments as of April 2026 accounted for about 25% of the ETF's assets and included Taiwan Semiconductor and these four:

Marvell Technology: A leading fabless semiconductor maker known for custom AI chips (XPUs), data processing chips (DPUs), and networking components.
Advanced Micro Devices: Fabless semiconductor company, offering a wide range of products, including CPUs, GPUs, and embedded chips. It is typically considered the closest competitor to both Intel and Nvidia.
CoreWeave: An AI infrastructure company, CoreWeave develops data center use to power AI compute for companies like hyperscalers and AI start-ups.
Micron: A leading memory chipmaker, which has benefited from demand for high-bandwidth memory (HBM) chips in the AI boom.
Taiwan Semiconductor: The world's largest manufacturer of semiconductors, serving customers like Nvidia, Broadcom, AMD, Apple, and others.

As you can see from the chart below, the ETF has underperformed the S&P 500 for most of its history, but recently moved past it due to the surge in semiconductor stocks. The fund fell in 2022 when tech stocks crashed.

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A chart showing the performance of ARTY vs. the S&P 500 — undefined

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The expense ratio is competitive at 0.47%. The fund's performance will likely be heavily influenced by the overall performance of cloud and chip stocks, since they're the fund's largest areas of exposure.

5. First Trust Nasdaq Artificial Intelligence and Robotics ETF

NASDAQ: ROBT

First Trust Exchange-Traded Fund VI - First Trust Nasdaq Artificial Intelligence And Robotics ETF

Today's Change

(1.76%) $0.97

Current Price

$55.87

Key Data Points

Day's Range

$55.40 - $56.17

52wk Range

$43.98 - $56.64

Volume

102K

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The First Trust Nasdaq Artificial Intelligence and Robotics ETF (ROBT +1.76%) tracks the Nasdaq CTA Artificial Intelligence and Robotics index, which comprises companies engaged in AI and robotics in technology, industrials, and other sectors. The fund held 114 stocks in early 2026.

Top holdings included:

Cloudflare: A leading content-delivery network (CDN), providing a secure, fast, and reliable intermediary between a website's server and its traffic.
Palo Alto Networks: A global cybersecurity company known for its next-generation firewall, cloud security, and AI security technology.
Synopsys: A leading provider of Electronic Design Automation (EDA) software and related tools used to test and design chips.
SentinelOne: Operates an AI-powered, autonomous cybersecurity platform that protects against malware, ransomware, and other endpoint threats.
C3.ai: A software-as-a-service company that provides AI solutions for functions like inventory management and demand forecasting.

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A chart showing the performance of ROBT vs. the S&P 500 — undefined

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Types of AI ETFs

As the chart above shows, there are different types of AI ETFs available to investors. Here are a few of the broad categories.

Tech-focused AI ETFs: These ETFs are more likely to carry semiconductor stocks and pure tech stocks that are influencing AI.
Robotics and physical AI: On the other end of the spectrum are companies developing real-world machines that run on AI. Relatedly, there are maintenance, equipment, and testing companies as well.
Small-cap versus large-cap: Some ETFs focus more on large-cap companies, while others, like First Trust Nasdaq Artificial Intelligence and Robotics ETF, hold a lot of smaller-cap stocks.
Other options: Investors can also consider related ETFs, such as those that focus on semiconductors or other high-tech applications.

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Pros and cons of investing in AI ETFs

Here are some pros and cons of investing in AI ETFs.

Pros:

They're an easy way to get exposure to AI stocks.
They save time and effort compared to buying individual stocks.
Global X Artificial Intelligence and Technology ETF, the biggest AI ETF, has a track record of outperforming the S&P 500.
They can give you exposure to lesser-known robotics and international stocks.
They provide a quick way of diversifying your holdings in artificial intelligence.
It's a lower-risk way of getting exposure to a high-growth industry than individual stocks.
While there is an annual fee from the expense ratio, it is lower than that of some other managed ETFs.

Cons:

Most AI ETFs have underperformed the S&P 500.
They tend to be more expensive than other ETFs.
They have lagged behind high-profile AI stocks like Nvidia.
High-performing chip stocks aren't always included in AI ETFs.

How to choose an AI ETF

If you're thinking of buying an AI ETF, you'll want to choose the right one for you. Some criteria to help you choose an AI ETF include:

Past performance: ETFs with a stronger track record are more likely to outperform.
Top holdings: This can give you a quick sense of where the ETF is allocating its funds.
Strategy: Some ETFs are actively managed, while others follow an index or an underlying group of stocks.
Valuation: Some ETFs are cheaper than others.
Expense ratio: Some ETFs cost more to own than others.
Dividend yield: A healthy dividend yield can make up for slower growth.

Key investment strategies of AI ETFs

AI ETFs tend to be focused on a theme or diversified across sectors like robotics, semiconductors, software, industrials, and others.

They are also globally diversified, with exposure to companies in the U.S., Asia, Europe, and other parts of the world. In addition, they hold mostly large-cap stocks, but also some mid-cap and small-cap stocks.

If you're looking for an actively managed fund that is diversified across multiple classes of AI stocks, an AI ETF looks like a good choice.

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FAQ

Investing in artificial intelligence ETFs: FAQ

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About the Author

Jeremy Bowman has been a contributing Motley Fool stock market analyst, covering technology, consumer goods, and macroeconomic trends since 2011. Before The Motley Fool, Jeremy was a newspaper reporter, restaurant manager, and English teacher abroad. He holds a bachelor’s degree in English from Colorado College and a master’s degree in business administration from American University. One of his Motley Fool headlines was briefly featured on Late Night with Stephen Colbert.

TMFHobo

@TMFBowman

Jeremy Bowman has positions in Nvidia. The Motley Fool has positions in and recommends Intuitive Surgical and Nvidia. The Motley Fool recommends Fanuc and Teradyne and recommends the following options: long January 2028 $520 calls on Intuitive Surgical and short January 2028 $530 calls on Intuitive Surgical. The Motley Fool has a disclosure policy.

5 Best Artificial Intelligence (AI) ETFs to Buy in 2026

There are several options for investors looking to diversify into AI.

Key Points

Top AI ETFs to buy in 2026

1. Global X Artificial Intelligence and Technology ETF

Key Data Points

2. Global X Robotics and Artificial Intelligence ETF

Key Data Points

3. Robo Global Robotics and Automation Index ETF

Key Data Points

4. iShares Future AI and Tech ETF

Key Data Points

5. First Trust Nasdaq Artificial Intelligence and Robotics ETF

Key Data Points

Types of AI ETFs

Pros and cons of investing in AI ETFs

Pros:

Cons:

How to choose an AI ETF

Key investment strategies of AI ETFs

Related investing topics

6 Best Growth ETFs to Buy in 2026: Are They Right for Your Portfolio?

Best Tech ETFs for 2026 and How to Invest

Top 8 Artificial Intelligence Start-Ups to Watch in 2026

The Best Quantum Computing ETF to Buy in 2026 and How to Invest

FAQ

Investing in artificial intelligence ETFs: FAQ

Which ETF is best for AI?

Which ETF is best for AI?

Does Vanguard have an AI ETF?

Does Vanguard have an AI ETF?

How do AI ETFs differ from investing in individual AI stocks?

How do AI ETFs differ from investing in individual AI stocks?

What ETF holds major AI companies?

What ETF holds major AI companies?

What's the expense ratio of AI ETFs?

What's the expense ratio of AI ETFs?

What are the largest AI ETFs by assets under management?

What are the largest AI ETFs by assets under management?

About the Author

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Key Data Points

Key Data Points

Key Data Points

Key Data Points

Key Data Points

Types of AI ETFs

Pros and cons of investing in AI ETFs

Pros:

Cons:

How to choose an AI ETF

Key investment strategies of AI ETFs

6 Best Growth ETFs to Buy in 2026: Are They Right for Your Portfolio?

Best Tech ETFs for 2026 and How to Invest

Top 8 Artificial Intelligence Start-Ups to Watch in 2026

The Best Quantum Computing ETF to Buy in 2026 and How to Invest

Investing in artificial intelligence ETFs: FAQ

Which ETF is best for AI?

Which ETF is best for AI?

Does Vanguard have an AI ETF?

Does Vanguard have an AI ETF?

How do AI ETFs differ from investing in individual AI stocks?

How do AI ETFs differ from investing in individual AI stocks?

What ETF holds major AI companies?

What ETF holds major AI companies?

What's the expense ratio of AI ETFs?

What's the expense ratio of AI ETFs?

What are the largest AI ETFs by assets under management?

What are the largest AI ETFs by assets under management?