There are several options for investors looking to diversify into AI.
Key Points
- AI ETFs bundle stocks to reduce reliance on one company; AIQ holds 88 stocks.
- Compare annual fees: ARTY charges 0.47%, while robotics-focused ROBO charges 0.95%.
- Most AI ETFs have lagged the S&P 500, a broad U.S. stock index, so compare returns and holdings before buying.
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.
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.
1. Global X Artificial Intelligence and Technology ETF
AIQ - Global X Funds - Global X Artificial Intelligence & Technology ETF
NASDAQ · As of 4:00 PM ET 11/11/26
Key data points
Top holdings
Global X Artificial Intelligence and Technology ETF (AIQ +2.59%) 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 Nov. 2026, the top 10 holdings accounted for about 33% of the fund. Here are the top five:
- Microsoft: Tech giant whose business spans enterprise software, cloud computing, social media, gaming, and more.
- Palantir: The defense-tech and data analytics company known for its artificial intelligence platform.
- Space Exploration Technologies: Elon Musk's space company that also owns the Starlink satellite internet service and xAI, the AI company.
- Tesla: Elon Musk's EV company, which has focused on autonomy through its prospective robotaxi service and Optimus, its autonomous robot.
- Amazon: The tech giant and established leader in both e-commerce and cloud computing.
Cloud Computing
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.
2. Global X Robotics and Artificial Intelligence ETF
BOTZ - Global X Robotics & Artificial Intelligence ETF
NASDAQ · As of 4:00 PM ET 11/11/26
Key data points
Top holdings
Established in 2016, the Global X Robotics and Artificial Intelligence ETF (BOTZ +2.09%) 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.
The ETF held 81 stocks in November 2026, and its top five holdings made up more than 40% of the fund:
- Intuitive Surgical (ISRG -0.11%): This company makes the da Vinci robotic surgical system, which enables precise, minimally invasive surgeries.
- FANUC (FANUY +4.25%): This Japanese maker of factory automation products includes motors, lasers, and robots in its product lineup.
- Keyence (KYCCF -1.70%): 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.
- Nvidia (NVDA +2.87%): 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.
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.
The ETF offered a modest trailing dividend yield of 0.54% in Nov. 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.
3. Robo Global Robotics and Automation Index ETF
ROBO - Exchange Traded Concepts Trust - Robo Global Robotics And Automation Index ETF
NYSEMKT · As of 4:00 PM ET 11/11/26
Key data points
Top holdings
The Robo Global Robotics and Automation Index ETF (ROBO +2.05%) 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 technologies.
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 Nov. 2026, its top five holdings include Intuitive Surgical, Fanuc, and three others:
- PTC: A global computer software and services company that specializes in software to help manufacturers design, build, and service physical products.
- Novanta: A global technology company that designs, manufactures, and sells precision components for medical and advanced industrial OEMs.
- Emerson Electric: A maker of industrial automation and control systems and related products serving manufacturers, energy companies, and utilities.
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 0.39%, and its expense ratio is 0.95%. It primarily invests in companies focused on AI, cloud computing, and other technologies.
4. iShares Future AI and Tech ETF
ARTY - iShares Future AI & Tech ETF
NYSEMKT · As of 4:00 PM ET 11/11/26
Key data points
Top holdings
The iShares Future AI and Tech ETF (ARTY +5.86%) 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 $3.7 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 +7.32%): Diversified, fabless chipmaker that designs both CPUs and GPUs, competing in a range of markets, including the data center, PCs, and gaming.
- Broadcom: Diversified semiconductor giant known for custom ASIC chips, ethernet switches, and subsidiaries including VMware and Symantec, giving it exposure to virtualization software and cybersecurity.
- Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Corporation (TSM +4.25%): The world's largest manufacturer of semiconductors, handling production for companies like Apple, Nvidia, and AMD.
- Oracle: Legacy tech giant known for database software that has invested aggressively in AI cloud infrastructure.
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.
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
NASDAQ · As of 4:00 PM ET 11/11/26
Key data points
Top holdings
The First Trust Nasdaq Artificial Intelligence and Robotics ETF (ROBT +1.49%) 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 Intuitive Surgical and four others, including:
- Ocado Group: A technology company that specializes in online grocery automation and fulfillment.
- Tempus AI (TEM -1.38%): A genomic sequencing and data collection company.
- Appian: A process automation software company that serves government agencies, financial institutions, life sciences companies and others.
- Meta Platforms: Tech giant best known for its social media properties like Facebook and Instagram. It's also making massive investments in AI, including in devices like smart glasses and its Muse, personal AI agent.
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.
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.
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.
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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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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