2026 ETF.com Awards

Overview
 

ETF.com has been handing out awards for the most interesting, useful and impactful ETFs for over a decade.  However, the actual process for picking and choosing has always been a bit opaque. In past years, we’ve conducted “open nominations” allowing anyone to just randomly submit funds they think are cool or interesting.  While a good idea in principle, such a process inevitably leads to a handful of firms with engaged and on-line fans swamping the nominations process, while other firms who may in fact be gathering huge assets while solving real problems don’t get around to mounting an influence campaign.  
 

This year – a year in which well over 1,000 ETFs have been launched – we’ve decided to reset the methodology with an eye towards surfacing NEW ETFs that are genuinely providing real value for investors.
 

Selection Process

The awards follow a four-phase selection process:

1. Quantitative Screening — Automated filters establish the eligible universe
2. Qualitative Evaluation — Editorial team scores candidates on four criteria
3. Shortlist Selection — Top five finalists identified per category
4. Community Voting — ETF.com readers select winners from finalists

The full methodology for our winners and selection process can be found here.