AIQ vs IRBO: Two Ways to Buy the AI Theme
AIQ tilts toward large-cap AI developers and adopters at 0.68%. IRBO equal-weights a broader global set of AI and robotics names at 0.47%. The weighting choice drives the difference.
AIQ (Global X Artificial Intelligence & Technology) and IRBO (iShares Robotics and AI Multisector) chase the same theme through different portfolios. AIQ holds roughly 50 companies and leans toward large-cap technology names that both build and use AI, so it moves more with the megacap tech that has driven recent AI returns. IRBO holds around 100 companies and weights them more evenly, which spreads exposure across smaller and more international AI and robotics firms and reduces dependence on any single megacap. That structural difference matters more than it sounds. AIQ behaves a bit like a tech-tilted large-cap fund with an AI label, so in years megacap tech leads, it tends to do well. IRBO's equal-weight approach gives more genuine small and mid-cap AI exposure but can lag when only the giants are running. On cost, IRBO is cheaper at 0.47% versus AIQ's 0.68%. Neither is a core holding. Both are thematic bets that belong in a small, satellite slice of a portfolio, layered on top of a broad index fund that already owns most of the large-cap AI winners. If you want concentrated megacap AI exposure, AIQ. If you want broader, more equal-weight AI and robotics for a lower fee, IRBO.
Whether the lower-cost fund suits your situation depends on your existing holdings, account type, tax situation, and how you use each fund. This is a cost comparison, not a personalized recommendation.
📋 AIQ vs IRBO — Key Facts Side by Side
| Metric | AIQ | IRBO |
|---|---|---|
| Fund Name | Global X Artificial Intelligence & Technology ETF | iShares Future AI & Tech ETF |
| Issuer | Global X | iShares |
| Tracks Index | Indxx Artificial Intelligence & Big Data | NYSE FactSet Global Robotics & AI |
| Expense Ratio | 0.68% | 0.47% ✓ |
| Cost per $10K/yr | $68.00 | $47.00 |
| AUM | $8.6B | $788.1M |
| Holdings | 50 | 100 |
| Inception | 2018 | 2018 |
| 1-Year Return | +57.54% | +90.32% |
| 3-Year Return | +36.64% | +32.77% |
| 5-Year Return | +17.27% | +11.30% |
| Dividend Yield | 0.17% | 0.58% |
| Holdings Overlap | Moderate. Both hold AI and technology names, but AIQ leans toward large-cap AI adopters and developers, while IRBO spreads more evenly across smaller global AI and robotics firms. — see full overlap → | |
| Avg Bid-Ask Spread | 0.03% | 0.05% |
Expense ratio, AUM, and returns updated May 25, 2026 from ETF BFF database. Returns are annualised. Not investment advice.
📊 AIQ vs IRBO — Annualised Returns
Annualised returns (trailing, price-based). Past performance does not guarantee future results.
🎯 Should You Buy AIQ or IRBO?
- You already use Global X and prefer staying within their fund family
- You want the lowest fees — saves ~$21/yr per $10K vs AIQ
- You want broader diversification (100 holdings vs 50)
💰 What the Fee Difference Actually Costs
Adjust the numbers for your situation. This models each fund's expense ratio compounding against your balance over time.
Assumes a constant annual return reinvested, with each fund's expense ratio deducted yearly. Illustrative only; actual returns vary. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
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❓ AIQ vs IRBO — Frequently Asked Questions
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