Jasmine Birtles
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The Best AI ETFs to Buy in 2026
Ruby Layram
5th Oct 2026
Artificial Intelligence is reshaping the world around us, from the way we shop online to how we diagnose diseases, manage businesses and even drive cars. And with the AI boom showing no signs of slowing, many investors are asking the same question: how can I get a slice of the action without gambling on just one tech company?
Enter AI ETFs- a relatively low-risk, diversified way to invest in the most exciting AI-focused companies across the globe.
In this article, we explore the best AI ETFs to buy in 2026 for UK investors, how to access them, and what to keep in mind before diving in.
Also read: The Best Dividend ETFs to Buy in 2026
Why Invest in AI ETFs?
AI is transforming industries and creating new opportunities for growth, which makes it an attractive investment in 2026. But picking individual AI stocks can be tricky and risky. ETFs (Exchange Traded Funds) offer a simple solution by allowing you to invest in a basket of AI-related companies through a single trade.
For UK investors, AI ETFs provide global exposure, diversification, and convenience. Better yet, some are listed on the London Stock Exchange (LSE) and qualify for ISAs or SIPPs.
Best AI ETFs for UK Investors in 2026
So, which AI ETFs should you be looking at in 2026? AI-themed funds have had a huge run, with several of the funds below up 50% or more over the past year. That also means they can fall sharply, so go in with your eyes open. Let’s take a look.
At a glance
| ETF | Ticker | Charge | Style | Recent performance |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Invesco AI Enablers UCITS ETF | IVAI | 0.35% | AI infrastructure & software, ESG-screened | +52.94% 1yr to 31 Aug 2026 |
| iShares Automation & Robotics UCITS ETF | RBOT / RBTX (GBP) | 0.40% | Robotics & automation | +34.99% YTD to 30 Sep 2026 |
| WisdomTree Artificial Intelligence UCITS ETF | WTAI | 0.40% | Concentrated AI companies | +53.97% 1yr to 31 Aug 2026 |
| Global X Robotics & AI ETF (US-listed) | BOTZ | 0.68% | Robotics & AI | +0.06% 1yr to 30 Sep 2026 |
| ARK Autonomous Technology & Robotics ETF (US-listed) | ARKQ | 0.75% | Active, high-growth | See note below |
Performance is as published by each provider and covers different dates, so compare with care.
1. Invesco Artificial Intelligence Enablers UCITS ETF (IVAI)
If you’re looking for a forward-thinking fund that blends AI innovation with ethical investing, the Invesco AI Enablers UCITS ETF is a strong contender. It tracks the S&P Kensho Global Artificial Intelligence Enablers Screened Index, focusing on the companies that provide the tools behind AI: hardware, software, infrastructure and data management.
Why we like it:
- ESG screening is applied, and the fund is classed as Article 8 under EU sustainability rules, meaning it promotes environmental or social characteristics.
- It holds 46 companies. Top holdings include Dell Technologies (4.26%), UiPath (3.94%), NetApp (3.54%), Snowflake (3.41%) and Microsoft (2.74%), so it’s less top-heavy than you might expect.
- Annual fee: 0.35%, the lowest of the AI funds here.
- UCITS-compliant, listed on the London Stock Exchange (IVAI) and listed by Invesco as ISA and SIPP eligible. It launched in October 2024 and is up 52.94% over the year to 31 August 2026.
The catch: it’s a young fund with a short track record, and it leans towards software and infrastructure names rather than the chipmakers that dominate many AI funds.
2. iShares Automation & Robotics UCITS ETF (RBOT)
Next up is a fund from one of the most trusted names in global asset management, BlackRock. Note: the fund we previously listed here, the iShares Robotics and Artificial Intelligence Multisector ETF, is US-listed (it has since been renamed the iShares Future AI & Tech ETF, ARTY), so most UK retail investors can’t buy it. The UCITS alternative is RBOT, which tracks the STOXX Global Automation & Robotics index.
Why we like it:
- It holds 158 companies. By sector it’s around 73% technology and 21.5% industrials.
- It has around $5.9 billion in assets, so it’s large and easy to trade, and returned 34.99% in 2026 up to 30 September (in US dollars).
- 0.40% annual fee, UCITS-compliant and LSE-listed in both US dollars (RBOT) and sterling (RBTX).
The catch: this is more about robots and automation than pure AI, and it had a more modest 17.4% in 2025. Check with your platform whether it can be held in your ISA.
3. WisdomTree Artificial Intelligence UCITS ETF (WTAI)
For those who want to focus more narrowly on AI companies, WTAI tracks the Nasdaq CTA Artificial Intelligence Index. It’s packed with firms at the cutting edge: a recent factsheet listed AMD (4.64%), Marvell (4.09%), Micron (3.67%), Astera Labs and Nebius among its biggest holdings, alongside NVIDIA at 2.46%.
Why we like it:
- Direct exposure to AI innovators, with strong recent returns: 53.97% over the year to 31 August 2026 and 28.59% a year over three years.
- 0.40% annual fee, UCITS-compliant, LSE-listed (WTAI) and listed by WisdomTree as ISA eligible.
- A great option for those seeking more concentrated AI exposure.
The catch: it fell 4.75% in the latest quarter on the factsheet, which shows how bumpy the ride can be. It’s ideal for investors who believe in AI’s potential to disrupt the global economy, but keep it as one part of a wider portfolio.
International AI ETFs (also worth knowing about)
While the funds above are UCITS-compliant and UK-friendly, there are a couple of well-known US-listed AI ETFs. These aren’t UCITS funds, so most UK retail investors can’t buy them because of the rules around Key Information Documents (KIDs). Check with your platform whether they’re available to you, and whether they can be held in an ISA or SIPP. They also expose you to currency risk.
4. Global X Robotics & Artificial Intelligence ETF (BOTZ)
This US-listed ETF focuses on companies that design and build robots and develop AI technologies, tracking the Indxx Global Robotics & Artificial Intelligence Thematic Index.
- It holds 81 companies, with Intuitive Surgical (8.56%), Fanuc (8.21%) and Keyence (8.18%) the largest holdings. It’s heavy on industrials (43.7%) and light on the big US chip names.
- The fee is 0.68%, the highest of the passive funds here.
The catch: performance has been flat, with a 1-year return of just 0.06% to 30 September 2026, compared with the 50%+ of some AI funds. That highlights how different “robotics” and “AI chips” funds can be.
5. ARK Autonomous Technology & Robotics ETF (ARKQ)
Run by ARK Invest, this actively managed fund invests in companies in areas like autonomous vehicles, robotics, batteries, space and AI. At 30 September 2025 (the latest factsheet we could access), its top holdings were Tesla (12.7%), Kratos Defense (10.2%) and Teradyne (7.9%), with Palantir at 6.3%. It holds roughly 30 to 50 companies and charges 0.75% a year.
The catch: a concentrated, high-growth approach means it’s more volatile, and it’s US-listed, so USD exposure comes with it. Check the latest numbers on ARK’s website before you decide.
What to consider before buying an AI ETF
- Concentration. Many AI funds lean on a handful of tech giants, so you may already own them through a global tracker.
- Fees. AI ETFs cost between 0.35% and 0.75% here, much more than a basic global index fund.
- Volatility. Big gains can reverse quickly. Only invest money you can leave alone for five years or more.
- Use UCITS funds. Stick to UCITS ETFs you can buy easily, and check ISA eligibility with your platform.
- Keep it small. Many investors keep themed funds like these as a smaller slice of a diversified portfolio.
Final Thoughts
AI is no longer science fiction- it’s becoming the backbone of how modern society operates. From medicine to logistics to creative design, AI is everywhere, and it’s growing fast.
Investing in AI ETFs allows you to ride this wave of innovation without having to bet the farm on one single company. Whether you want a more ethical fund like Invesco AI Enablers, a diversified play from iShares, or a more aggressive thematic approach with ARKQ, there are plenty of options available.
Just remember to consider where the fund is listed, whether it fits your tax-wrapper strategy, and what fees you’re signing up for.
With the right approach, 2026 could be a breakthrough year for your AI investments.
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Disclaimer: MoneyMagpie is not a licensed financial advisor and therefore information found here including opinions, commentary, suggestions or strategies are for informational, entertainment or educational purposes only. This should not be considered as financial advice. Anyone thinking of investing should conduct their own due diligence. When investing your capital is at risk.
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