The 10 Best AI ETFs to Buy and Hold for the Next 10 Years
- Artificial intelligence is still in the early stages of a multi-decade innovation cycle.
- It's wise to align your exposure to AI with your overall risk tolerance, time horizon and portfolio strategy.
Artificial intelligence (AI) has rapidly become one of the most transformative forces in the global economy, and investors are flocking to top-performing AI ETFs.
Over the past few years, AI-focused exchange-traded funds have delivered standout returns by capitalizing on the explosive growth of technologies like semiconductors, machine learning, robotics and quantum computing.
While it's important to remember that past performance is no guarantee of future results, many experts believe AI is still in the early stages of a multi-decade innovation cycle.
Here are 10 of the best AI ETFs to buy and hold for the next 10 years, offering diversified exposure to a sector that’s reshaping everything from healthcare and finance to manufacturing and entertainment.
The 10 Best AI ETFs to Buy and Hold for the Next 10 Years
According to etf.com data, there are nearly 60 AI ETFs in the exchange-traded fund universe. While any of these funds can be top performers over the next decade, what follows are the 10 best AI ETFs with various styles and objectives that can capture a big piece of the artificial intelligence revolution to come.
1. VanEck Semiconductor ETF (SMH)
If you had to pick just one AI ETF to buy and hold, the VanEck Semiconductor ETF (SMH) would be a fine choice. This is because AI is fundamentally dependent on semiconductors. SMH provides targeted exposure to the companies that design and manufacture the essential chips (like GPUs and CPUs) that power AI and are the most visible part of AI data centers, which are due to be dramatically expanded over the next 10 years.
- AUM: $26.8 billion
- Expense ratio: 0.35%
- One-year return: 33.4%
2. Global X Artificial Intelligence & Technology ETF (AIQ)
The Global X Artificial Intelligence & Technology ETF (AIQ) offers a broad, globally diversified approach to the AI theme. It invests in companies that are either developing AI technology or are using AI to analyze big data for their own operations, giving it exposure to both the creators and adopters of AI. This balanced strategy reduces concentration risk and positions it to benefit from the widespread integration of AI across various sectors.
- AUM: $4.2 billion
- Expense ratio: 0.68%
- One-year return: 35.5%
3. iShares Future AI & Tech ETF (ARTY)
The iShares Future AI & Tech ETF (ARTY) is an actively managed ETF that focuses on companies from developed and emerging markets driving or benefiting from disruptive innovation. It takes a holistic approach to the AI ecosystem, including not just the obvious tech giants but also mid-cap and small-cap companies that are leveraging AI to transform their industries, potentially capturing significant growth from emerging players.
- AUM: $1.3 billion
- Expense ratio: 0.47%
- One-year return: 38.9%
4. Invesco AI and Next Gen Software ETF (IGPT)
As one of the oldest AI-focused ETFs, the Invesco AI and Next Gen Software ETF (IGPT) tracks companies that are involved in "future software development," a category that is now dominated by AI, machine learning and automation. Its focus on software and enabling technologies positions it to benefit from the long-term, structural changes AI is bringing to business operations.
- AUM: $503.8 million
- Expense ratio: 0.58%
- One-year return: 22.2%
5. ARK Autonomous Technology & Robotics ETF (ARKQ)
The ARK Autonomous Technology & Robotics ETF (ARKQ) is an actively managed fund that focuses on disruptive innovation in autonomous technology, robotics and energy storage. Its potential lies in its high-conviction, concentrated portfolio, which aims to identify the companies that will lead the next generation of technological change, though this active approach also comes with higher risk and volatility.
- AUM: $1.3 billion
- Expense ratio: 0.75%
- One-year return: 87.9%
6. Global X Robotics & Artificial Intelligence ETF (BOTZ)
The Global X Robotics & Artificial Intelligence ETF (BOTZ) has a specific focus on the intersection of robotics and AI. Its portfolio includes companies involved in industrial robotics, automation and autonomous vehicles. As the global robotics market continues to expand and AI-powered automation becomes more prevalent, this targeted exposure could be a powerful long-term growth driver.
- AUM: $2.8 billion
- Expense ratio: 0.68%
- One-year return: 19.1%
7. ROBO Global Robotics and Automation Index ETF (ROBO)
The ROBO Global Robotics and Automation Index ETF (ROBO) invests in a diverse mix of global companies that are driving transformative innovations in robotics, automation and AI. Its indexing methodology is designed to capture a wide range of companies, from established industrial robotics leaders to smaller firms specializing in machine learning and data analytics.
- AUM: $1.1 billion
- Expense ratio: 0.95%
- One-year return: 21.7%
8. Roundhill Generative AI & Technology ETF (CHAT)
The Roundhill Generative AI & Technology ETF (CHAT) is a specialized ETF that provides direct exposure to the rapidly growing generative AI segment. It invests in companies that are at the forefront of this new technology, including those involved in large language models, AI content creation and related infrastructure. This is a high-growth, high-risk play on a specific and potentially revolutionary subset of AI.
- AUM: $415.2 million
- Expense ratio: 0.75%
- One-year return: 54.7%
9. Invesco QQQ Trust (QQQ)
While not a dedicated "AI ETF," the Invesco QQQ Trust (QQQ) tracks the Nasdaq-100 index, which is heavily weighted toward the technology and communications giants like Nvidia Corp. (NVDA), Microsoft Corp. (MSFT) and Alphabet Inc. (GOOG) that are leading the AI race. For investors who want broad exposure to the mega-cap companies that are funding and building the AI revolution, QQQ offers a low-cost and highly liquid option.
- AUM: $361 billion
- Expense ratio: 0.2%
- One-year return: 26.4%
Tip: Investors not needing higher liquidity may prefer the lower-cost Invesco NASDAQ 100 ETF (QQQM), which has an expense ratio of 0.15%.
10. Defiance Quantum ETF (QTUM)
The Defiance Quantum ETF (QTUM) offers a unique investment thesis by focusing on companies involved in both machine learning and quantum computing, which offers accelerated AI problem-solving with massive parallel processing power. Quantum computing is seen as a potential long-term game-changer for AI, and this ETF provides early exposure to companies that could be at the forefront of this next technological leap.
- AUM: $1.9 billion
- Expense ratio: 0.4%
- One-year return: 63.8%
List of 10 Best AI ETFs for the Next 10 Years
Ticker | Fund | AUM | Expense Ratio | One-Year Total Return |
$26.8B | 0.35% | 33.4% | ||
$4.2B | 0.68% | 35.5% | ||
$1.3B | 0.47% | 38.9% | ||
$503.8M | 0.58% | 22.2% | ||
$1.3B | 0.75% | 87.9% | ||
$2.8B | 0.68% | 19.1% | ||
$1.1B | 0.95% | 21.7% | ||
$415.2M | 0.75% | 54.7% | ||
$361.B | 0.2% | 26.4% | ||
$1.9B | 0.4% | 63.8% |
Source: etf.com & FactSet data as of Aug. 4, 2025
AI ETFs: High Performance, High-Risk Potential
While AI ETFs offer exciting long-term growth potential, they also come with heightened risk and volatility. Because these funds often invest in high-growth, tech-driven companies, their prices can swing sharply with shifts in market sentiment, interest rates and innovation cycles.
Investors looking to buy and hold AI ETFs should be prepared for periodic drawdowns and remain focused on the long-term opportunity.
As with any investment, it's wise to align your exposure to AI with your overall risk tolerance, time horizon, and portfolio strategy.
Disclaimer: This article is for informational purposes only and does not constitute financial advice. Investing in ETFs involves risks, and investors should carefully consider their investment objectives and risk tolerance before making any investment decisions.
At the time of publication, Kent Thune held positions in SMH and QTUM.
