Top 4 Artificial Intelligence (AI) ETFs in 2025

You probably interact with artificial intelligence (AI) more often than you think. AI is powering the algorithm arranging your Netflix (NFLX -2.09%) menu, the software expediting your Amazon (AMZN -2.83%) package, and the brains behind many of the smartphone apps you use every day.

If you’ve used ChatGPT, the OpenAI chatbot that has wowed users by writing code and instantly answering complex questions, then you’ve gotten a glimpse into the next frontier in AI, known as generative AI. Big tech companies, including Google’s Gemini and Meta AI, are racing to develop AI chatbots and other generative AI technologies.

If you want portfolio exposure to AI companies but don’t want to identify individual AI stocks, a good option is to invest in an AI-focused exchange-traded fund (ETF). AI ETFs provide exposure to a broad range of the best AI companies, so you don’t need to research and choose individual stocks on your own.

Best AI ETFs to buy

Best AI ETFs to buy in 2025

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1. Global X Robotics & Artificial Intelligence ETF

Established in 2016, the Global X Robotics & Artificial Intelligence ETF (BOTZ -2.01%) is a fund that invests in “companies that potentially stand to benefit from increased adoption and utilization of robotics and artificial intelligence.” That includes enterprises working in industrial robotics, automation, nonindustrial robots, and autonomous vehicles.

This ETF currently holds 46 stocks. Its top five holdings as of Feb. 10, 2025, which account for about 45% of the fund’s assets, are:

• Nvidia (NVDA -4.05%): A semiconductor maker whose chips are used in a wide variety of applications — including autonomous vehicles, virtual computing, and cryptocurrency mining — and are central to many AI technologies.
• Intuitive Surgical (ISRG -2.44%): Maker of the da Vinci robotic surgical system, which allows for minimally invasive surgeries with precise control.
• ABB (ABBN.Y -0.19%): Swiss maker of industrial automation and robotics products for use in utilities and infrastructure.
• Keyence (KYCCF -2.02%): A Japanese company that makes factory automation products, such as sensors and scanners.
• Dynatrace: An AI-focused DevSecOps platform that helps businesses identify and fix performance issues as they arise.

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

This ETF offered a modest dividend yield of 0.13% in early 2025, but it is better suited to be a growth-oriented investment. Its expense ratio of 0.68% is higher than what you’d pay for an index fund.

2. ROBO Global Robotics and Automation Index ETF

The ROBO Global Robotics and Automation Index ETF (ROBO -1.72%) is focused 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 different stocks, with no single one holding accounting for more than 3.5% of the ETF’s value. Its top five holdings comprise only about 10% of the fund’s total value. As of Feb. 10, 2025, major holdings include Intuitive Surgical, the maker of the da Vinci surgical robot, and four others:

• Harmonic Drive Systems (HSYD.F -5.63%): A Japanese maker of precision control equipment and components worldwide, serving customers in industries like robotics, aerospace, medical, and semiconductors.
• Fanuc Corp. (FANUY 0.03%): Another Japanese maker of automation products like motors and controls that are used for robots and similar machines. Its products are used in industries like automotive, aerospace, and food and beverage.
• Hiwin Technologies: A Chinese company that specializes in developing solar energy systems.
• Intuitive Surgical: Maker of the da Vinci surgical robot. The da Vinci performs minimally invasive procedures with greater precision than a surgeon could do on their own.
• Rockwell Automation (ROK -2.63%): A provider of industrial automation technology that includes controllers, safety systems, robotics, and software and data analytics.

Since its inception in 2013, ROBO has underperformed the S&P 500, as the chart below shows. It trails the broad market index, with dividends factored into the return. ROBO pays a dividend yield of 0.55%, and its expense ratio is 0.95%.

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3. iShares Robotics and Artificial Intelligence ETF

The iShares Future AI & Tech ETF (ARTY -3.69%), formerly traded under the ticker IRBO, aims to track the results of an index of developed and emerging market companies that could benefit from long-term opportunities in robotics companies and AI.

The ETF was formed in 2018 and has less than $1 billion of assets under management. 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 Feb. 10, 2025, which account for about 25% of the ETF’s assets, include:

• Broadcom (AVGO -3.56%): A semiconductor giant best known for its prowess in areas like networking and custom chips, Broadcom is seen as a winner from AI. The company has also grown by acquisitions over the years, recently taking over VMware.
• Arista Networks (ANET -4.93%): Arista is best known for high-end ethernet switches, and it focuses on the data center market. Because of that, its business has soared during the AI boom as companies are rapidly investing in and building out data centers.
• Super Micro Computer (SMCI -5.4%): A maker of high-density servers that are well-suited for running AI applications. Super Micro is a close partner of Nvidia and is pursuing cutting-edge technology in areas like liquid cooling.
• Palantir Technologies (PLTR -4.63%): Palantir is a software company best known for big data analytics and data fusion technology. Its AI Platform has accelerated its growth, and it’s expanded beyond government contracts to serve large enterprises.
• Vertiv Holdings (VRT -8.43%): Another supplier of infrastructure for data centers, Vertiv is known for its cooling systems, and it also benefits from a strategic partnership with Nvidia.

As you can see from the chart below, this ETF has underperformed the S&P 500 since its founding. The ETF fell in 2022 when tech stocks crashed.

The expense ratio is competitive at 0.47%, and the 12-month trailing yield in January 2025 was 0.51%. The fund’s performance will likely be heavily influenced by the overall performance of cloud and chip stocks since that’s its largest exposure.

4. First Trust Nasdaq Artificial Intelligence & Robotics ETF

First Trust Nasdaq Artificial Intelligence and Robotics ETF (ROBT -2.95%) tracks the Nasdaq CTA Artificial and Robotics index, which is made up of companies engaged in AI and robotics in technology, industrials, and other sectors.

The fund currently holds 101 stocks, and the top holdings as of Feb. 10, 2025, include Palantir as well as the following:

• Valeo (VLEE.Y -0.69%): Based in France, Valeo designs and manufactures automotive parts and systems. In particular, the company is known for its sensing technology and LiDAR, which is used for autonomous vehicles.
• Hexagon (HXGBF 1.07%): Hexagon makes a range of products, including software, hardware, and sensors, to help customers with efficiency, productivity, and safety.
• Meta Platforms (META -1.62%): The parent of Facebook, Instagram, Messenger, and WhatsApp has invested heavily in AI, including a Meta AI chatbot.
• Dassault Systèmes (DASTY -1.48%): Dassault Systèmes is best known as a maker of 3D printing and related technology, including making virtual twins. Its technology is used in industries like health care and manufacturing.

Related investing topics

Should I buy?

Should I buy AI ETFs?

The best way to decide which ETF to buy is to consider which stocks a fund holds and how many of them are true AI companies. A fund’s expense ratio, dividend yield, and past performance are also important, and you can opt to invest in a basket of all four of these AI ETFs to maximize your diversification.

Over time, AI will grow smarter and play a greater role in our daily lives. Already, AI represents a global market worth hundreds of billions of dollars, and its wide range of practical applications includes face recognition, predictive algorithms in internet search, smart home devices, and autonomous vehicles. So pay attention to the AI market now, and you may find yourself reaping the rewards in years to come.

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