Which ETF is best for AI?

AI investors have several ETF options. The best-known of the AI ETFs above is the Global X Artificial Intelligence and Technology ETF, which holds several prominent 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 one a single investment. They give investors an easy way to gain exposure to AI stocks, but they also mean investors have less control over what they're invested in.

What ETF holds major AI companies?

Some ETFs that hold large-cap AI stocks include 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 those of some other actively 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 $10.2 billion in net assets.

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

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

By Jeremy Bowman – Updated Oct 4, 2026 at 4:17 PM EST | Fact-checked by Frank Bass

+Fool.comon

Key Points

AI ETFs provide diversified investment in AI, reducing risk tied to individual stocks.
Global X Artificial Intelligence and Technology ETF leads with $10.2 billion AUM.
Top holdings in AI ETFs include tech giants like Microsoft and emerging AI 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. 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 Oct. 2, 2026. ETF = exchange-traded fund.
AI ETF	Assets Under Management	Expense Ratio
Global X Artificial Intelligence and Technology ETF (NASDAQ:AIQ)	$10.2 billion	0.68%
Global X Robotics and Artificial Intelligence ETF (NASDAQ:BOTZ)	$2.44 billion	0.68%
Robo Global Robotics and Automation Index ETF (NYSEMKT:ROBO)	$2.06 billion	0.95%
iShares Future AI and Tech ETF (NYSEMKT:ARTY)	$3.96 billion	0.47%
First Trust Nasdaq Artificial Intelligence and Robotics ETF (NASDAQ:ROBT)	$789.5 million	0.65%

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1. Global X Artificial Intelligence and Technology ETF

AIQ Global X Funds - Global X Artificial Intelligence & Technology ETF

$64.00+$0.82 (+1.30%)

NASDAQ · As of 4:00 PM ET 10/21/26

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Global X Artificial Intelligence and Technology ETF (AIQ +1.30%) is the largest AI ETF and a good first choice for investors looking for an AI ETF. The ETF launched 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 in AI, such as 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 significant growth ahead. The ETF has 88 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:

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.
Space Exploration Technologies: Elon Musk's space company that also owns the Starlink satellite internet service and xAI, the AI company.
Meta Platforms: The social media giant that owns Facebook and Instagram, and just launched the Meta Muse personal AI agent.
Intel: Integrated semiconductor company known for making PC chips, data center chips, and chip manufacturing.

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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 — Ycharts.

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2. Global X Robotics and Artificial Intelligence ETF

BOTZ Global X Robotics & Artificial Intelligence ETF

$33.59+$0.00 (+0.00%)

NASDAQ · As of 4:00 PM ET 10/21/26

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Established in 2016, the Global X Robotics and Artificial Intelligence ETF (BOTZ +0.00%) 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 81 stocks in October 2026, and its top five holdings made up more than 40% of the fund:

FANUC (FANUY -0.32%): This Japanese maker of factory automation products includes motors, lasers, and robots in its product lineup.
Intuitive Surgical (ISRG -2.26%): This company makes the da Vinci robotic surgical system, which enables precise, minimally invasive surgeries.
Nvidia (NVDA +2.54%): 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.
Keyence (KYCCF -0.32%): This Japanese company manufactures factory automation products, including sensors and scanners.
ABB (OTC:ABBN.Y): This Swiss company makes industrial automation and robotics products used in utilities and infrastructure.

As the chart below shows, the ETF's shares 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, but has since rebounded.

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

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The ETF offered a modest trailing dividend yield of 0.49% in October 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

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

$77.55+$0.85 (+1.11%)

NYSEMKT · As of 4:00 PM ET 10/21/26

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The Robo Global Robotics and Automation Index ETF (ROBO +1.11%) 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 Oct. 2026, its top five holdings include Intuitive Surgical Fanuc, and three others:

Harmonic Drive Systems: A Japanese manufacturer of high-precision motion control equipment and mechanical components used in industries like robotics, semiconductor manufacturing, and medical devices.
Celestica: Maker of ethernet switches, storage systems, telecommunication equipment, and other AI hardware.
Teradyne: Makes automated test equipment and collaborative robots.

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 0.36%, 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 — Ycharts.

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4. iShares Future AI and Tech ETF

ARTY iShares Future AI & Tech ETF

$72.92+$1.52 (+2.13%)

NYSEMKT · As of 4:00 PM ET 10/21/26

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The iShares Future AI and Tech ETF (ARTY +2.13%) 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 $4.3 billion in net assets.

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

Advanced Micro Devices (AMD +3.36%): Diversified, fabless chipmaker that designs both CPUs and GPUs, competing in a range of markets, including the data center, PCs, and gaming.
Marvell Technology (MRVL +1.80%): Maker of custom AI accelerators, networking chips, and photonic equipment.
Micron Technology (MU +1.96%): Memory chipmaker, including DRAM, NAND, and high-bandwidth memory (HBM).
Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Corporation (TSM +1.60%): The world's largest manufacturer of semiconductors, handling production for companies like Apple, Nvidia, and AMD.

As you can see from the chart below, the ETF has underperformed the S&P 500 for most of its history, but has recently outperformed it due to a 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 — Ycharts.

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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

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

$57.94+$0.63 (+1.10%)

NASDAQ · As of 4:00 PM ET 10/21/26

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The First Trust Nasdaq Artificial Intelligence and Robotics ETF (ROBT +1.10%) 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 111 stocks in October 2026.

Top holdings included Meta Platforms (META +0.47%) and four others:

Illumina (ILMN +5.57%): A developer of DNA sequencing technology and microarrays to analyze genetic variation.
Tempus AI (TEM +1.51%): A genomic sequencing and data collection company
Recursion Pharmaceuticals (RXRX -0.55%): A clinical-stage biotech company that uses AI, automation, and industry-scale biology to develop new medicines.
Cloudflare (NET +5.32%): Operates a content delivery network that helps accelerate web traffic between the visitor and the server.

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

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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 top AI chip stocks, like Nvidia, and lesser-known companies in areas like robotics, as well as 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 in the stock market, as many of these funds fell sharply during 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 into a diversified investment strategy, especially for investors 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.

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@TMFBowman

Jeremy Bowman has positions in Advanced Micro Devices, Meta Platforms, Micron Technology, Nvidia, and Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing. The Motley Fool has positions in and recommends Advanced Micro Devices, Cloudflare, Illumina, Intuitive Surgical, Marvell Technology, Meta Platforms, Micron Technology, Nvidia, Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing, and Tempus AI. 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

AIQ - Global X Funds - Global X Artificial Intelligence & Technology ETF

Key data points