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 $10.3 billion in net assets.

5 Best AI ETFs to Buy in 2026

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

By Jeremy Bowman – Updated Aug 6, 2026 at 11:37 PM EST | Fact-checked by Frank Bass

Key Points

AI ETFs provide easy access to diversified AI sector investments, reducing reliance on single stocks.
Top AI ETFs include Global X AI and Tech ETF, emphasizing long-term AI market growth potential.
Investing in AI ETFs involves higher expense ratios but offers broad exposure to key AI and tech firms.

For investors, AI exchange-traded funds (ETFs) offer a simple way to get exposure to AI growth without relying on a single stock.

Artificial intelligence is no longer a futuristic concept after all. 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.

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 seeking 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

Though the AI boom didn't begin in earnest until the launch of ChatGPT in late 2022, AI ETFs have been around for longer than that, with many investing in robotics, semiconductors, and related companies.

Among the top AI ETFs we'll look at in this article are the Global X Artificial Intelligence and Technology ETF, Global X Robotics and Artificial Intelligence ETF, Robo Global Robotics and Automation Index ETF, iShares Future AI and Tech ETF, and First Trust Nasdaq Artificial Intelligence and Robotics ETF.

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Data source: Yahoo! Finance. Data as of Aug. 6, 2026. ETF = exchange-traded fund.
AI ETF	Assets Under Management	Expense Ratio
Global X Artificial Intelligence and Technology ETF (NASDAQ:AIQ)	$10.3 billion	0.68%
Global X Robotics and Artificial Intelligence ETF (NASDAQ:BOTZ)	$3.31 billion	0.68%
Robo Global Robotics and Automation Index ETF (NYSEMKT:ROBO)	$1.99 billion	0.95%
iShares Future AI and Tech ETF (NYSEMKT:ARTY)	$3.5 billion	0.47%
First Trust Nasdaq Artificial Intelligence and Robotics ETF (NASDAQ:ROBT)	$724.8 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

(0.54%) $0.34

Current Price

$63.37

Key Data Points

AUM

$10B

Dividend Yield

0.07%

Expense Ratio

0.68%

Top Holdings

PLTR

3.97%

MSFT

3.54%

ORCL

3.35%

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Global X Artificial Intelligence and Technology ETF (AIQ +0.58%) 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 used for AI, like chips.

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 88 stocks, and the biggest holdings will be familiar to most investors. In 2026, the top 10 holdings accounted for about 43% of the fund. Here are the top five:

Palantir: The defense-tech and data analytics company known for its artificial intelligence platform.
Microsoft: Tech giant whose business spans enterprise software, cloud computing, social media, gaming, and more.
Oracle: Database software company making a major investment in AI cloud infrastructure.
Amazon: Tech giant known for e-commerce and cloud computing.
Alphabet: Tech giant that leads global digital advertising and has a fast-growing cloud computing business.

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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 strong performance of big tech stocks.

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

(0.74%) $0.27

Current Price

$36.08

Key Data Points

AUM

$3.4B

Dividend Yield

0.49%

Expense Ratio

0.68%

Top Holdings

6861.T

10.31%

NVDA

9.46%

ABBN.SW

9.39%

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Established in 2016, the Global X Robotics and Artificial Intelligence ETF (BOTZ +0.77%) 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 61 stocks in May 2026, and its top five holdings made up almost 40% of the fund:

Keyence (KYCCF +0.59%): This Japanese company makes factory automation products such as sensors and scanners.
Nvidia (NVDA -0.68%): 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.
ABB (OTC:ABBN.Y): This Swiss company makes industrial automation and robotics products used in utilities and infrastructure.
FANUC (FANUY +0.16%): This Japanese maker of factory automation products includes motors, lasers, and robots in its product lineup.
Intuitive Surgical (ISRG +1.39%): 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 0.49% in July 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

(0.51%) $0.41

Current Price

$81.35

Key Data Points

AUM

$2.0B

Dividend Yield

0.36%

Expense Ratio

0.95%

Top Holdings

ILMN

1.88%

AUTO.OL

1.88%

ZBRA

1.85%

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The Robo Global Robotics and Automation Index ETF (ROBO +0.51%) 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 79 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 July 2026, its top five holdings include:

Ambarella: A semiconductor company focused on video compression, image processing, and edge AI processors.
Zebra Technologies: A maker of bar code scanners and related technologies.
Illumina: A biotechnology company that manufactures systems for analyzing genetic variation and biological function, including sequencing for DNA and RNA.
Emerson Electric: A maker of industrial automation products such valves, actuators, and control systems.
GEA Group: A German engineering and industrial company that is one of th largest providers of systems and process technology for the food, beverage, and pharmaceutical sectors.

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 0.37%, and its expense ratio is 0.95%. It primarily invests in companies focused on AI, cloud computing, and other technologies.

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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

(0.43%) $0.32

Current Price

$74.25

Key Data Points

AUM

$3.9B

Dividend Yield

0.06%

Expense Ratio

0.47%

Top Holdings

NVDA

4.86%

4.67%

2330.TW

4.66%

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The iShares Future AI and Tech ETF (ARTY +0.43%) 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 $3.5 billion in net assets.

With 49 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 June 2026 accounted for about 25% of the ETF's assets and included Nvidia, and four others:

Broadcom: Diversified semiconductor company known for networking chips and custom chips (ASICs). It's made several acquisitions in its history and has exposure to cybersecurity (Symantec) and virtualization software (VMware).
Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Corporation: The world's largest manufacturer of semiconductors, handling production for companies like Apple, Nvidia, and AMD.
Advanced Micro Devices: Diversified, fabless chipmaker that designs both CPUs and GPUs, competing in a range of markets, including the data center, PCs, and gaming.
Micron Technology: Memory chipmaker, including DRAM, NAND, and high-bandwidth memory (HBM).

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 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

(0.95%) $0.56

Current Price

$59.51

Key Data Points

AUM

$773M

Dividend Yield

0.02%

Expense Ratio

0.65%

Top Holdings

APPN

2.28%

CCC

2.26%

OII

1.96%

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The First Trust Nasdaq Artificial Intelligence and Robotics ETF (ROBT +0.95%) 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 July 2026.

Top holdings included:

CCC Intelligent Solutions: A cloud software company serving the auto insurance and repair industries. CCC uses AI to scan vehicle damage photos, generate repair estimates, and to identify fraud.
Palo Alto Networks: A global cybersecurity company known for its next-generation firewall, cloud security, and AI security technology.
Appian: A provider of workflow automation software that is focused on being part of the enterprise AI stack.
SentinelOne: AI-native cybersecurity platform that protects against malware, ransomware, and cyberattacks in real time.
Oceaneering International: A robotics and automation company that is the world's largest operator of remotely operated vehicles, serving offshore energy, aerospace, and entertainment industries.

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

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How to buy AI ETFs

If you're looking to buy AI ETFs, the process is simple if you already have a brokerage account. Just follow the steps below.

1. Open your brokerage account: Log in to your brokerage account where you handle your investments. If you don't have one yet, take a look at our favorite brokers and trading platforms to find the right one for you.
2. Search for X: Enter the ticker into the search bar to bring up the ETF’s trading page.
3. Decide how many shares to buy: Consider your investment goals and how much of your portfolio you want to allocate to this ETF.
4. Select order type: Choose between a market order to buy at the current price or a limit order to specify the maximum price you're willing to pay.
5. Submit your order: Confirm the details and submit your buy order.
6. Review your purchase: Check your portfolio to ensure your order was filled as expected and adjust your investment strategy accordingly.

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Benefits and risks of investing in AI ETFs

Like any other sector, there are benefits and risks to investing in AI ETFs. Let's take a look at some of each.

Below are some of the benefits of investing in AI ETFs:

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 buying individual stocks.

Here are some of the risks:

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.

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Methodology: How these ETFs were chosen

Though AI has been the dominant theme on the stock market for more than three years now, there hasn't been a related surge in AI ETFs.

The funds above have been active long before the launch of ChatGPT and offer exposure to both the top AI chip stocks, like Nvidia, as well as lesser-known companies in areas like robotics and international stocks.

ETF investors who are looking for exposure to AI stocks can also choose from adjacent funds like semiconductor ETFs, but for AI-specific ETFs, these five are the largest and most established.

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The bottom line

AI ETFs have had mixed results on the stock market as many of these funds fell sharply in the 2022 bear market.

By now, investors are familiar with the biggest names in the AI sector, like Nvidia, but if you're looking to get exposure to lesser-known, especially international ones, or in areas like robotics, AI ETFs can be a good choice.

AI ETFs can fit well as part of a diversified investing strategy, especially for investors who are new to the sector. AIQ, the biggest of the bunch, is a good place to start.

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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 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

How to buy AI ETFs

Benefits and risks of investing in AI ETFs

Methodology: How these ETFs were chosen

The bottom line

Related investing topics

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Top 8 Artificial Intelligence Start-Ups to Watch in 2026

3 Best Quantum Computing ETFs for 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?

About the Author

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Top AI ETFs to buy in 2026

Key Data Points

Key Data Points

Key Data Points

Key Data Points

How to buy AI ETFs

Benefits and risks of investing in AI ETFs

Methodology: How these ETFs were chosen

The bottom line

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Best Tech ETFs for 2026 and How to Invest

Top 8 Artificial Intelligence Start-Ups to Watch in 2026

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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?

Key Data Points