Over the past few years, interest in AI ETFs has skyrocketed.
People don’t just want to use AI tools, they want to profit from them.
And as more companies find ways to harness AI, these ETFs are becoming a popular entry point for both beginners and seasoned investors.
By the end of this article, you’ll know exactly which AI ETFs are worth watching in 2025, and how you can join the AI investment movement, even if you know nothing about the stock market.
So, the question is: are you ready to discover which AI ETFs might power your portfolio into the future?
What Are AI ETFs?
At its core, an ETF (Exchange-Traded Fund) is like a basket of investments you can buy with a single click.
Instead of picking individual stocks yourself, an ETF bundles them together giving you instant variety without the hassle.
Now, an AI ETF is simply a basket focused on artificial intelligence. But here’s where it gets interesting. There are two types:
- AI-Focused ETFs – These invest directly in companies building or benefiting from AI. Think of firms making AI chips, software, or tools.
- AI-Powered ETFs – These don’t just invest in AI, they use AI. In other words, algorithms help pick and adjust the stocks inside the fund.
Best AI ETFs for 2025
1. Global X Robotics & Artificial Intelligence Thematic ETF (BOTZ)
BOTZ zooms in on robotics and automation. Think factory robots, autonomous vehicles, and smart machinery. It also includes AI, but the main star is robotics.
Launched in September 2016, BOTZ has built a solid history in the space.
BOTZ holds about 50–53 companies across the globe.
Here are the top holdings, weighed in plain English:
- NVIDIA – About 11–12% of the fund. Chips and AI backbone powerhouse.
- ABB (Swiss industrial robotics) – ~8–9%.
- Fanuc (Japanese factory robots) – ~7%.
- Keyence (sensors, controllers) – ~6–7%.
- Intuitive Surgical (robotic surgery tools) – ~6–7%.
Other slice-of-the-pie players include Dynatrace, Pegasystems, Daifuku, and AeroVironment.
2. iShares Future AI & Tech ETF (ARTY)
ARTY invests in companies worldwide that are helping shape the AI revolution.
And it’s not just the hardware makers. It covers generative AI, data and infrastructure, software, and services too. This fund isn’t about gambling on one star, it’s about cup full of AI innovators all across the value chain.
It launched back in June 2018.
It’s drawing so much attention right now because it’s got big names your familiar with, and others you might not be.
The top holdings are:
- Advanced Micro Devices (AMD)
- Vertiv
- Super Micro Computer
- Broadcom
- NVIDIA
That means it balances huge, established players with faster-growing firms.
Also, the tech weight is heavy: about 83–84% in technology stocks. Then a sprinkle of communication services, industrials, and utilities. Around 85% of the holdings are U.S.-based, but there’s a touch of Japan, France, Canada, and Taiwan, giving a little international flavor.
3. ARK Autonomous Technology & Robotics ETF (ARKQ)
ARKQ is ARK Invest’s bold, actively managed fund aiming for big gains through explosive, disruptive tech, especially autonomous systems, robotics, and next-gen transport.
It’s not a slow-and-steady ride. Expect frequent shifts and bold choices.
Recent Performance
- YTD: Up ~24–27%
- 1-Year Return: A remarkable ~70–77%, far outpacing the S&P 500’s low double digits
- 5- and 10-Year Averages: Strong, averaging around 16–18% annually, well above the S&P 500’s 11–12%
This fund keeps its picks tight. Here’s who’s in the mix:
- Kratos Defense & Security (~10–11%)
- Tesla (~10%)
- Palantir, Archer Aviation, Rocket Lab, Teradyne, all in the 5–6% range
4. WisdomTree AI Enhanced Value Fund (AIVL)
IVL uses artificial intelligence, not to mimic sci-fi robots, but to sift through data like a pro. Think of it as having 26 “virtual analysts” and 45 “virtual traders” powered by AI, working alongside humans.
They analyze over 10,000 data points across 250 + features, everything from fundamentals and ESG ratings to macro trends and analyst predictions, to score companies and decide what to buy or sell.
The goal: spot undervalued large U.S. stocks with strong upside backed by data-driven precision.
AIVL slots neatly into the value investing camp, but with a techy twist. It leans toward mid-cap, roughly aligning with mid-cap value stocks and blending value metrics with AI-based insights.
5. VanEck Social Sentiment ETF (BUZZ)
BUZZ takes a very modern angle.
Rather than chasing price trends, it tracks which large-cap U.S. stocks are generating the most positive chatter online (from platforms like Twitter, StockTwits, blogs, and news sites).
The fund pulls in only big companies (minimum $5 billion market cap) and selects the top 75 based on sustained buzz, not daily hype.
BUZZ brings you into the world of social-market trends. If you’re curious about the “buzz factor” and want exposure to what’s trending, it offers a fresh, active approach.
But be ready for rollercoaster rides, what’s hot today could cool down fast.
6. First Trust Nasdaq Artificial Intelligence and Robotics ETF (ROBT)
ROBT seeks to mirror the performance of the Nasdaq CTA Artificial Intelligence and Robotics Index, investing at least 90% of its assets in stocks and depositary receipts within that index.It uses full replication to reflect the index closely
It was founded in February 21, 2018 and has an expense ratio of 0.65% with roughly USD 540 million
Recent dividend yield estimates vary between 0.6% and 1.9%.
ROBT’s top holdings blend emerging AI plays and established tech
- Symbotic (SYM) (~2.4%)
- Tempus AI (TEM) (~2.2%)
- Upstart (UPST) (~2.1%)
- Ambarella (AMBA) (~2.0%)
- Others include Ocado, AeroVironment, Synopsys, Palantir, Meta, Siemens
The Bottom Line
AI ETFs can be a smart satellite bet on automation and machine intelligence.
Themed funds tracking this growth offer investors a way to participate without the need to pick individual winners. Still, they are not without risks. Fees, volatility, and shifting definitions of what truly counts as “AI” can all shape long-term results.
The key is perspective. Rather than chasing quick gains, investors who treat AI as a long-term structural trend stand the best chance of capturing its upside.
With patience, discipline, and a clear strategy, exposure to this sector can serve as a meaningful complement to a well-balanced portfolio.
So yes, pick the structure that fits your risk tolerance, size it responsibly, and let time, not headlines, do the heavy lifting.
