Top AI ETFs to Invest In: 2025 Guide

Artificial intelligence is rapidly becoming one of the most transformative forces in the global economy. From generative AI tools to robotics and automation, breakthroughs in AI are reshaping industries and driving innovation. For investors, this momentum has generated a new investment opportunity: AI exchange-traded funds, or ETFs.

Artificial intelligence ETFs allow investors to gain relatively low-cost, diversified exposure to the fast-growing AI sector, spreading risk across a wide range of companies, while tapping into the potential of a technology that’s just beginning to scale.

In this AI ETF guide, we’ll identify some of the promising AI ETFs by market capitalization. To keep pace with new players and help you navigate a rapidly changing AI environment, this guide will be updated quarterly.

What Is an AI ETF?

For those who want to invest in exchange-traded funds (ETFs), the term AI ETF refers to an ETF that focuses on companies that in some way participate in the artificial intelligence sector.

Understanding ETFs as a potential investment option is important, as these funds differ from mutual funds and stocks in key ways. As with other types of ETFs, instead of purchasing stock in an individual company, an AI ETF typically includes companies involved in AI development, AI-powered products, and AI infrastructure.

When considering ETFs vs. mutual funds, ETFs may be lower cost and more liquid, with potential tax efficiencies.

An AI ETF may also refer to an ETF that uses artificial intelligence to help pick the stocks that it invests in, though this definition is less common.

Types of AI ETFs to Consider

ETFs that are built around artificial intelligence stocks are not all the same. Here are some differences to be aware of.

Passive vs. Active ETFs: Until mid-2025, the majority of ETFs were considered passive funds in that they tracked a certain index, such as the S&P 500. This year, the number of actively managed ETFs exceeded the number of passive funds. This is important for investors to know, as active funds may charge higher fees, and may offer more complex strategies.

Technology ETFs: For those familiar with investing in technology stocks, many AI ETFs are essentially portfolios of tech stocks, and often include familiar tech companies such as Microsoft, Nvidia, AMD, and so on. In other words, when investing in a tech-focused ETF, it’s also possible to gain exposure to many AI industry leaders.

Thematic ETFs: Investors can also look for funds that are specifically invested in AI-centered stocks, under the umbrella of so-called thematic investing ETFs, which refer to funds focused on niche strategies in a range of industries (e.g., pharmaceuticals, green technology, real estate, and so on).

AI-powered ETFs: As noted above, artificial intelligence algorithms can be used to select and help manage an ETF portfolio. This does not ensure that the fund’s portfolio is invested in AI stocks; it’s best to check the meaning of the AI label from fund to fund.

Top AI ETFs by Market Cap in 2025

As of October 2025, these are the top artificial intelligence ETFs, by market capitalization.

Global X Artificial Intelligence & Technology ETF (AIQ)

•   Market cap / AUM: $4.80B

•   Expense ratio: 0.68%

•   Performance (1-year: 38.0%

•   Performance (3-year): 28.5%

•   Top holdings (tickers): GOOGL, AVGO, AAPL, 0700.HK (Tencent), BABA

•   Why it stands out: Large, diversified AI & big-data fund blending both innovators and infrastructure providers.

Global X Robotics & Artificial Intelligence ETF (BOTZ)

•   Market cap / AUM: $2.85B

•   Expense ratio: 0.68%

•   Performance (1-year): 15.12%

•   Performance (3-year): 17.8%

•   Top holdings (tickers): NVDA, ABB, FANUC, KEYENCE, ISRG

•   Why it stands out: A major industrial and robotics-focused AI fund with significant allocations to automation hardware leaders.

Defiance Quantum ETF (QTUM)

•   Market cap / AUM: $2.0B

•   Expense ratio: 0.40%

•   Performance (1-year): 67.4%

•   Performance (3-year): 33.8%

•   Top holdings (tickers): MDB, TSEM, SNPS, TER, ALCPF

•   Why it stands out: Combines AI/machine learning exposure with quantum computing, offering investors access to frontier technologies.

First Trust Nasdaq Artificial Intelligence & Robotics ETF (ROBT)

•   Market cap / AUM: $562.8M

•   Expense ratio: 0.65%

•   Performance (1-year): 27.1%

•   Performance (3-year): 10.3%

•   Top holdings (tickers): SYM, AMBA, TPTX, UPST, GNTX

•   Why it stands out: Equal-weight structure across AI enablers, engagers, and enhancers, with less concentration on mega-cap tech companies.

ROBO Global Artificial Intelligence ETF (THNQ)

•   Market cap / AUM: $248.5M

•   Expense ratio: 0.68%

•   Performance (1-year): 43.1%

•   Performance (3-year): 27.2%

•   Top holdings (tickers): CRWD, IOT, PANW, TEM, ADSK, AMZN

•   Why it stands out: Focuses its holdings by AI-revenue exposure in both infrastructure and applications/service buckets

Roundhill Generative AI & Technology ETF (CHAT)

•   Market cap / AUM: $526.3M

•   Expense ratio: 0.75%

•   Performance (1-year): 65.4%

•   Performance (3-year): N/A

•   Top holdings (tickers): NVDA, GOOGL, PLTR, MSFT, ARM

•   Why it stands out: Thematic play as this ETF is dedicated to generative AI including large language models (LLMs).

Source: Yahoo Finance, as of October 1, 2025.

Why Consider Investing in AI ETFs?

There’s no denying that artificial intelligence has already transformed many aspects of the economy and investing, and it appears likely to continue to do so in the years to come. Investing in an AI ETF allows you to have access to the growing AI technology sector, while diversifying your risk as compared to investing in individual stocks.

Rather than investing in individual AI companies, an AI ETF gives you broad exposure to a number of different AI companies.

AI ETFs vs Other Investment Options

It’s important to understand how ETFs compare to other investment options.

AI ETFs vs. AI Mutual Funds

The difference between AI ETFs and AI mutual funds is similar to the difference between ETFs and mutual funds in general.

ETFs trade on an exchange, may be passively or actively managed, usually have lower expense ratios than traditional mutual funds, and allow you to trade throughout the day.

In contrast, mutual funds are usually actively managed, can only be traded at the end of each day, are bought directly from the fund company, and often come with higher expense ratios than ETFs.

AI ETFs vs. Individual AI Stocks

Another way to invest in the AI sector is by choosing individual AI stocks to invest your money in. This might include companies that focus on robotics, self-driving vehicles, large language model (LLM) generation, or improving manufacturing processes.

While investing in individual stocks does open up the possibility of higher returns if you pick a company that outperforms the market, you also risk lower returns or losses if your stock doesn’t do well.

Remember that you can choose more niche AI ETFs if you prefer thematic investing. This can allow you to find an ETF that focuses directly on specific applications of AI, like robotics, automation, or self-driving technology.

How to Compare and Choose an AI ETF

If your brokerage account allows self-directed trading, you can research and choose which AI ETF you want to invest in. You can choose your AI ETF in the same way that you choose any other stock, mutual fund, ETF, or other investment. If you have specific AI companies you want to make sure you have exposure to, check the fund’s top holdings to make sure it is represented.

You can also look at the fund’s recent performance as compared to other funds over the past time periods, although keep in mind that past performance does not guarantee future results.

Another important factor to bear in mind is the fund’s expense ratio. These costs, which are often expressed as a percentage, may seem small, but they can add up over time, and all investment fees effectively reduce returns.

Reviewing all of these factors can help you decide which AI ETF is right for you.

How to Invest in AI ETFs

There are many different ways for investing in ETFs, and the exact steps will depend on which brokerage you use and what ETFs you are interested in. Your overall investing goals and strategies will be important as well. Still, here are a few steps to consider when investing in AI ETFs:

•  Choose a brokerage — Find a brokerage that offers AI ETFs. You may choose to use a brokerage where you already have an account, or open an account at a different brokerage.

•  Research ETFs — Decide which ETF you want to invest in. Your brokerage may have research tools to help you, or you might choose to research on your own.

•  Place an order — Once you’ve decided how you want to invest, place an order at your brokerage.

Recommended: How to Invest in ETFs

Risks of Investing in AI ETFs

The risks of investing in AI ETFs are similar to the risks of investing in general. Your investments could lose money, and the past performance of any particular fund is no guarantee that it will continue to produce those results in the years to come.

Additionally, as with any emerging technology, there is a risk that some of these technology companies may go out of business. The AI industry is highly competitive and volatile, with key players emerging, and changing frequently.

However, investing in an AI ETF is generally considered less risky than investing in individual stocks, since you are diversifying your risk across many different companies.

The Takeaway

AI is evolving at a breathtaking pace, with adoption expanding from consumer tools to enterprise solutions, manufacturing, and beyond. For investors looking to participate in this growth while balancing risk, AI ETFs provide a way to access the sector through diversified holdings.

Whether you’re drawn to broad AI technology funds or more thematic and focused strategies like robotics or generative AI, these AI ETFs offer individual investors the ability to take part in the potential growth of artificial intelligence companies.

Ready to invest in your goals? It’s easy to get started when you open an investment account with SoFi Invest. You can invest in stocks, exchange-traded funds (ETFs), mutual funds, alternative funds, and more. SoFi doesn’t charge commissions, but other fees apply (full fee disclosure here).

Invest with as little as $5 with a SoFi Active Investing account.

FAQ

How do I choose the right AI ETF?

When choosing an AI ETF, you’ll want to look at factors such as expense ratio, fund size, diversification of holdings, and whether it focuses on pure AI companies or broader technology. It’s also helpful to review the top holdings to ensure they align with your investment goals and risk tolerance.

Is there an AI-managed ETF?

Yes, some ETFs use AI to pick which stocks to invest in. This may or may not mean the fund itself is invested in artificial intelligence technology, however.

What is the best way to invest in AI?

There is no single best way to invest in AI — instead, it will depend on your risk profile and investment goals. AI ETFs can provide diversified exposure to the sector, which can help reduce the risk of betting on a single company. More aggressive investors may also consider individual AI stocks or venture capital opportunities in startups.

How are AI ETFs different from regular tech ETFs?

Investing in AI ETFs has a few key differences as compared to investing in technology stocks or generic technology ETFs. AI ETFs focus specifically on companies that are developing or heavily leveraging artificial intelligence, machine learning, and automation.

What are the biggest risks of investing in AI ETFs?

The biggest risks of investing in AI ETFs include high volatility, since AI is still an emerging sector with uncertain regulation and adoption timelines. Because there are not as many companies focusing on artificial intelligence yet, AI ETFs may also be heavily concentrated in a few stocks. This increases exposure to individual company performance, which can also increase volatility.

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