Artificial intelligence is no longer just about software or chatbots. Behind the growing range of applications lies an entire ecosystem: semiconductors, computing power, data centres, cloud infrastructure, robotics, software and companies that are now integrating AI into their operations. For investors, this breadth creates plenty of opportunities… but also makes stock selection more complex.

AI ETFs offer a way to tap into this trend without having to pick a handful of shares yourself. The key, however, is to look closely at what each fund actually holds. Some focus on the infrastructure that underpins AI, while others target robotics, generative AI or businesses already adopting it. So two ETFs labelled “artificial intelligence” can in practice offer very different types of exposure...

🎯 The AI ETFs covered in this guide

We compare 12 AI ETFs to watch in 2026 for investing in artificial intelligence, understanding their differences and identifying the type of exposure each one offers.

Also worth reading: Comparison of the best ETF brokers

#1 – Xtrackers Artificial Intelligence & Big Data UCITS ETF (XAIX)

The Xtrackers Artificial Intelligence & Big Data UCITS ETF (XAIX) is one of the more established ETFs in this theme in Europe. Its universe is not limited to companies explicitly branded as “AI”: it combines artificial intelligence, data processing and related technologies to provide relatively broad exposure to the ecosystem.

That is precisely what makes it attractive. Rather than concentrating investment in a few heavily publicised names, XAIX aims to capture a range of companies likely to benefit from the growth of AI and big data. With a TER of 0.35%, it also keeps costs reasonable for a thematic ETF.

What makes XAIX stand out?
  • ✅ Relatively broad exposure to AI and big data.
  • ✅ Competitive fees for a thematic ETF.
  • ✅ An approach that is less reliant on a single segment of artificial intelligence.
  • ⚠️ It still remains heavily exposed to technology stocks and their valuation cycles.
💡 Good to know

The TER (Total Expense Ratio) shows the ETF’s annual running costs as a percentage. A TER of 0.35% therefore works out at around £3.50 a year for every £1,000 invested.

#2 – Global X Artificial Intelligence & Technology UCITS ETF (AIQU)

Launched in 2024, the Global X Artificial Intelligence & Technology UCITS ETF (AIQU) takes a cross-sector approach to artificial intelligence. Its appeal lies in not having to choose between software developers and the firms providing the necessary infrastructure: its universe spans several links in the technology chain.

It reflects the idea that AI depends as much on software as it does on semiconductors and computing power. With a TER of 0.40%, AIQU may appeal to investors looking for broad-based exposure to the theme. Its track record is still relatively short, however, which gives less perspective than some older funds.

Key points to remember about AIQU
  • ✅ A cross-sector approach to the AI ecosystem.
  • ✅ Exposure to both software and technology infrastructure.
  • ✅ Fees in line with the average for specialist ETFs.
  • ⚠️ A still-young fund with a limited track record.

#3 – L&G Artificial Intelligence UCITS ETF (AIAI)

The L&G Artificial Intelligence UCITS ETF (AIAI) benefits from a longer track record than many of the newer ETFs launched alongside the recent boom in generative AI. It invests in companies that develop or use artificial intelligence across a range of sectors, from industry and healthcare to digital technology.

This approach allows it to go beyond a simple selection of major US semiconductor or cloud giants. Its geographical and sector diversification is therefore one of its main strengths. With a TER of 0.49%, it is not the cheapest option in this selection, but its positioning may appeal to those seeking relatively broad global exposure to AI.

Why look at AIAI?
  • ✅ A more established track record than many competitors.
  • ✅ Diversification across both sectors and geographies.
  • ✅ Exposure to real-world uses of artificial intelligence.
  • ⚠️ Slightly higher fees than the cheapest AI ETFs.

#4 – WisdomTree Artificial Intelligence UCITS ETF (WTAI)

The WisdomTree Artificial Intelligence UCITS ETF (WTAI) tracks the NASDAQ CTA Artificial Intelligence Index. Its distinguishing feature is that it covers a range of companies involved in the development of artificial intelligence rather than focusing on a single use case or a small number of holdings.

With a TER of 0.40%, WTAI sits in a competitive range for a thematic ETF. Its positioning may suit investors looking for clear AI exposure without limiting themselves to generative AI or robotics. That internal diversification should not, however, obscure its technology bias: performance can still be highly sensitive to valuation moves in the sector.

The key takeaways on WTAI
  • ✅ Exposure to several parts of the AI ecosystem.
  • ✅ A TER of 0.40%.
  • ✅ An easy-to-understand strategy for thematic exposure.
  • ⚠️ Still significantly sensitive to the technology sector.

#5 – ARK Artificial Intelligence & Robotics UCITS ETF (ARKI)

The ARK Artificial Intelligence & Robotics UCITS ETF (ARKI) sits in a different category. Actively managed within Cathie Wood’s ARK universe, it favours companies seen as disruptive across AI, robotics, automation and other breakthrough technologies.

This high-conviction management style sets it apart from ETFs that mechanically track an index. It also implies greater risk: the manager’s decisions have a direct impact on performance, and fees are higher than for passive ETFs. ARKI therefore looks more suited to a satellite allocation than to a core portfolio holding, particularly for cautious investors.

Who might ARKI suit?
  • ✅ Investors looking for clearly defined active management.
  • ✅ Those wanting to combine AI, robotics and disruptive technologies.
  • ⚠️ Potentially significant volatility.
  • ⚠️ An approach that depends more heavily on the manager’s convictions.

Also worth reading: 5 ETF strategies to know

#6 – Global X Robotics & Artificial Intelligence UCITS ETF (BOTZ)

With BOTZ, the exposure becomes more tangible. The Global X Robotics & Artificial Intelligence UCITS ETF combines artificial intelligence and robotics, with a stronger emphasis on companies turning these technologies into machines, equipment and automation solutions.

It is a different way of investing in the growth of AI. The expansion of this technology is not limited to generative models: industry, logistics, healthcare and automation can also benefit from advances in computing and algorithms. BOTZ can therefore complement exposure that is more software-focused, whilst still retaining a marked sector bias. Its management fee is currently 0.50%.

The BOTZ profile
  • ✅ Dual exposure to robotics and artificial intelligence.
  • ✅ A more industrial angle than many AI ETFs.
  • ✅ A way to diversify exposure that is mainly focused on software.
  • ⚠️ A thematic ETF that does not replace the diversification of a global index.

#7 – Invesco Artificial Intelligence Enablers UCITS ETF (IAIE)

Rather than trying to identify the next flagship AI applications, the Invesco Artificial Intelligence Enablers UCITS ETF (IAIE) focuses on the companies making this revolution possible. It follows the well-known “picks and shovels” logic: during a gold rush, invest in those supplying the tools rather than trying to find the nugget yourself.

The analogy works particularly well for AI. Behind every high-performing model are semiconductors, equipment, digital infrastructure, computing capacity and a whole range of enabling technologies. IAIE therefore offers a way to invest more in the foundations of the ecosystem than solely in its visible applications. Its TER is 0.35%.

Why is the “enablers” approach interesting?
  • ✅ It targets the infrastructure required for AI development.
  • ✅ It offers a different angle from ETFs focused on applications.
  • ✅ Fees remain reasonable.
  • ⚠️ “Picks and shovels” does not mean low risk: these companies can also be richly valued and cyclical.

#8 – Roundhill Generative AI & Technology ETF (CHAT)

The Roundhill Generative AI & Technology ETF (CHAT) takes a much more clearly defined specialisation: generative AI. Language models, intelligent assistants, content generation and software tools linked to this new generation of AI sit at the heart of its strategy.

That is exactly what makes CHAT interesting… and more speculative. The fund allows investors to target one of the most visible branches of artificial intelligence, but this concentration also exposes it more to hype cycles and rapid shifts in leadership. It therefore makes more sense as a satellite holding than as the only AI building block in a portfolio.

CHAT in a few words
  • ✅ Exposure clearly focused on generative AI.
  • ✅ A strategy that is easy to distinguish from broader AI ETFs.
  • ⚠️ A narrower theme and potentially higher volatility.
  • ⚠️ A positioning more suitable for a satellite allocation.

#9 – Amundi MSCI Robotics & AI UCITS ETF (ROAI)

The Amundi MSCI Robotics & AI UCITS ETF (ROAI) returns to what is now a classic pairing: robotics and artificial intelligence. It provides exposure to companies linked to automation and technologies capable of materially transforming industrial and economic processes.

Its MSCI index-based approach gives it a more standardised framework than some ETFs built around a very specific technology narrative. For investors wanting to combine AI and automation without moving into the most aggressive strategies in this selection, ROAI is worth comparing with other UK-available solutions.

What sets ROAI apart
  • ✅ Joint exposure to robotics and AI.
  • ✅ A methodology based on an MSCI index.
  • ✅ Relatively clear positioning.
  • ⚠️ Like BOTZ, it retains a strong thematic and sector focus.

#10 – KraneShares Artificial Intelligence & Technology ETF (AGIX)

The KraneShares Artificial Intelligence & Technology ETF (AGIX) is probably the most unusual product in this selection. Unlike the European UCITS ETFs above, it is a US ETF seeking to combine listed technology companies with exposure to private businesses in the AI ecosystem.

This ability to access part of the growth story before a stock market listing is its main distinguishing feature. However, it also comes with a more complex structure, higher fees — currently 1% — and accessibility that is not comparable with a UCITS ETF for a UK retail investor. AGIX should therefore be treated as a category of its own within this selection. UK investors should also check whether the ETF is reportable for UK tax purposes, such as within an ISA or SIPP, as US ETFs may not qualify for the same tax advantages as UCITS ETFs.

Why is AGIX different?
  • ✅ Exposure combining listed markets and private companies.
  • ✅ An angle that is hard to find in traditional UCITS AI ETFs.
  • ⚠️ Fees that are clearly higher than those of the previous funds.
  • ⚠️ A US ETF whose accessibility and tax treatment should be checked depending on the broker and the profile of the UK investor.

#11 – VistaShares Artificial Intelligence Supercycle ETF (AIS)

Despite its very “supercycle”-oriented name, the VistaShares Artificial Intelligence Supercycle ETF (AIS) is most worth watching for its exposure to the infrastructure needed for AI development. Its active management focuses in particular on companies positioned in computing power, semiconductors and data centres.

This is a dimension of the artificial intelligence boom that is sometimes overlooked. Before software can use a model, it needs chips, servers, buildings capable of housing them and substantial digital infrastructure. AIS aims to capture this phase of physical investment. The fund is still relatively new, however, and its 0.75% fee is noticeably higher than the index-based ETFs in this selection.

The AIS investment case
  • ✅ Exposure to AI infrastructure.
  • ✅ An angle including semiconductors and data centres in particular.
  • ⚠️ Active management and higher fees.
  • ⚠️ A still relatively short track record.

#12 – iShares AI Adopters & Applications UCITS ETF (AIAA)

With the iShares AI Adopters & Applications UCITS ETF (AIAA), the perspective shifts again. Rather than focusing only on the companies building chips, models or infrastructure, the fund looks at businesses that adopt artificial intelligence and integrate it into their products, services or processes.

This is a particularly interesting angle as AI moves out of the laboratory and into the real economy. The winners of this revolution will not necessarily be only those producing the technology: some companies may also create value by using it better than their competitors. AIAA offers a way to invest in precisely this second stage, with a TER of 0.35%.

What makes AIAA interesting
  • ✅ An approach focused on the practical adoption of AI.
  • ✅ Exposure that differs from ETFs dominated by technology providers.
  • ✅ Relatively competitive fees.
  • ⚠️ Adopting AI does not, of course, guarantee that a company will create more value for its shareholders.

Investing in AI ETFs in 2026: look beyond the label

In the end, there is no single “AI” market. Some ETFs invest in semiconductor manufacturers and the infrastructure that provides computing power. Others favour robotics, generative applications or companies beginning to use AI to improve productivity. Understanding these differences is probably more important than trying to identify which fund delivered the strongest performance over the previous year.

This distinction also helps avoid a false sense of diversification. Holding three different AI ETFs does not necessarily provide three different exposures if they largely own the same stocks. Before investing, it is therefore worth examining the fund’s composition, its level of concentration, its fees and the role it is meant to play within the wider portfolio.

  • 👉 Compare the exposures: infrastructure, semiconductors, robotics, software and AI adoption do not follow exactly the same investment logic.
  • 👉 Look beyond recent performance: a strong past rise can also mean valuations have become demanding.
  • 👉 Keep the allocation coherent: a thematic ETF can complement a diversified portfolio without necessarily becoming its core holding.
  • 👉 Invest methodically: phasing into a position can help avoid making the entire strategy depend on a single entry point in a particularly volatile sector.

Artificial intelligence may continue to reshape the economy profoundly without every ETF bearing its name following the same stock market path. That is the whole point of this selection: rather than looking for “the best AI ETF” in absolute terms, identify the one whose exposure genuinely matches the strategy you are seeking.