Best Gold ETFs for 2026: Your Complete Guide to Spot and Mining Options

When it comes to building a diversified investment portfolio, the best gold ETF offers both accessibility and flexibility that traditional precious metals ownership simply cannot match. Gold exchange-traded funds have become increasingly popular among investors seeking exposure to the precious metals market without the complications of purchasing, storing, and insuring physical bullion. Unlike mutual funds that only trade at day’s end, these instruments provide the liquidity and ease of stock trading while delivering the portfolio protection that gold has historically provided during uncertain economic times.

What Makes Gold ETFs the Best Choice for Precious Metals Investing?

Gold ETFs function similarly to other exchange-traded funds—they track specific assets and trade on exchanges throughout the regular trading day. This structure delivers several compelling advantages that make them attractive to both novice and experienced investors.

The primary appeal lies in simplicity and cost efficiency. Rather than navigating the complexities of purchasing gold bars or coins, then arranging secure storage and insurance, investors can gain immediate exposure to precious metals through a straightforward brokerage account transaction. For those holding positions in US dollar-denominated assets, gold serves as an excellent hedge; when the US dollar weakens, gold typically strengthens, helping to balance portfolio losses. Conversely, investors can easily exit gold positions when the dollar strengthens, offering tactical flexibility that physical ownership cannot provide.

Another significant benefit involves diversification without concentration risk. Gold ETFs that invest in mining companies provide exposure to an entire sector rather than forcing investors to select individual stocks. This approach reduces the risk inherent in betting on single mining operations while still capturing the upside potential of the precious metals industry. Additionally, these funds are managed by sector specialists, increasing the likelihood of sound investment decisions compared to self-directed picking.

It’s important to note that gold ETFs come in two distinct categories. The first type tracks the gold spot price by holding either physical bullion or gold futures contracts. However, even ETFs backed by physical gold typically cannot be redeemed for actual metal—investors own shares tracking the asset, not the metal itself. The second category invests directly in gold mining, development, and exploration companies, along with royalty stocks. Investors should also be aware that physically-backed gold ETFs in the US face collectibles tax treatment, resulting in higher capital gains rates that warrant attention for those in premium tax brackets.

Top Performers: Best Spot Gold ETFs by Total Assets

These five best-in-class spot gold ETFs provide direct exposure to the precious metals price movements. According to data from ETFdb.com as of late 2025, the following represent the largest players in this space:

1. SPDR Gold Shares (ARCA:GLD)

Assets Under Management: US$139.14 billion | Current Price: US$380.58

The SPDR Gold Shares tracks the spot price through a straightforward structure: 100 percent physical gold bullion with a remarkably low 0.4 percent expense ratio. The underlying bullion reflects prices from the 24-hour over-the-counter market, ensuring that ETF investors benefit from the most current market information. This product represents one of the most straightforward paths to gold exposure, eliminating the hassle of physical storage while maintaining the precious metals hedge benefits.

2. iShares Gold Trust (ARCA:IAU)

Assets Under Management: US$64.22 billion | Current Price: US$79.04

This competing best gold ETF option charges just 0.25 percent in annual expenses—among the industry’s lowest—while maintaining entirely physical bullion holdings. The trust’s value directly mirrors gold price performance. Bullion storage occurs in secure vaults across New York, Toronto, and London, providing geographic diversification of holdings. Shares trade seamlessly throughout each business day, offering complete transparency and liquidity.

3. SPDR Gold MiniShares Trust (ARCA:GLDM)

Assets Under Management: US$23.33 billion | Current Price: US$81.89

For cost-conscious investors, this product stands out with an exceptionally competitive 0.1 percent expense ratio—among the lowest available for US-listed physically-backed options. The structure allows fractional ownership interests in physical gold bullion and occasional cash holdings, making it particularly accessible for investors with smaller capital amounts seeking gold exposure.

4. Abrdn Physical Gold Shares ETF (ARCA:SGOL)

Assets Under Management: US$6.95 billion | Current Price: US$39.43

Abrdn’s offering maintains 100 percent backing through London Good Delivery gold bars, refined after January 1, 2012, and stored in London vaults. The 0.17 percent expense ratio sits between budget and premium options, while the fund’s structure delivers spot price performance net of operating costs. This approach appeals to investors valuing geographic specificity in bullion storage.

5. iShares Gold Trust Micro (ARCA:IAUM)

Assets Under Management: US$5.52 billion | Current Price: US$41.84

This product holds the distinction of lowest-cost physically-backed option on the market, with an expense ratio of just 0.09 percent. Designed to track daily gold bullion price movements with minimal drag from fees, the fund holds gold bars in secure vaults and offers exceptional value for long-term precious metals positions.

Best Gold Mining ETFs for Sector Exposure

For investors seeking upside participation in the mining industry rather than passive price tracking, these five mining-focused ETFs deliver exposure to exploration, development, and production companies:

1. VanEck Gold Miners ETF (ARCA:GDX)

Assets Under Management: US$23.89 billion | Current Price: US$79.18

This fund provides the broadest exposure to major global gold producers and royalty companies, with nearly 90 percent of holdings representing firms exceeding US$5 billion market capitalization. The 0.51 percent expense ratio supports active portfolio management. Top holdings include Agnico Eagle Mines (7.9 percent weight), Newmont (7.15 percent), and AngloGold Ashanti (5.71 percent). Quarterly rebalancing maintains exposure to companies with market caps above US$150 million, US$1 million daily trading volume, and minimum monthly volume thresholds.

2. VanEck Junior Gold Miners ETF (ARCA:GDXJ)

Assets Under Management: US$8.66 billion | Current Price: US$101.24

For investors willing to accept higher volatility in pursuit of greater returns, this option focuses on smaller mining companies and junior equities. The same 0.51 percent expense ratio applies, supporting active management and oversight. Key holdings include Pan American Silver (6.45 percent), Equinox Gold (6.39 percent), and Alamos Gold (5.75 percent). Semi-annual reviews with quarterly rebalancing ensure holdings remain aligned with selection criteria.

3. iShares MSCI Global Gold Miners ETF (Nasdaq:RING)

Assets Under Management: US$2.63 billion | Current Price: US$67.87

BlackRock’s offering provides diversified global gold mining exposure through the MSCI index structure, charging 0.39 percent annually. The portfolio emphasizes geographic and operational diversity across major producers: Newmont (15.85 percent), Agnico Eagle (13.33 percent), and Barrick Mining (8.92 percent). This approach reduces single-company risk while maintaining quality in mining operations.

4. Sprott Gold Miners ETF (ARCA:SGDM)

Assets Under Management: US$611.45 million | Current Price: US$64.64

This smaller but specialized fund tracks the Solactive Gold Miners Custom Factors Index, concentrating on major gold equities listed on Canadian and US exchanges. The 0.5 percent management fee supports quarterly rebalancing. Principal holdings feature Agnico Eagle (12.41 percent), Newmont (8.92 percent), and Wheaton Precious Metals (7.83 percent), reflecting a focused approach to sector exposure.

5. Sprott Junior Gold Miners ETF (ARCA:SDGJ)

Assets Under Management: US$280.97 million | Current Price: US$76.56

Targeting smaller junior mining operations with market capitalizations between US$200 million and US$3 billion, this fund captures higher-growth potential in the emerging mining space. The 0.5 percent management fee covers semi-annual rebalancing in March and September. Notable holdings include Bellevue Gold (5.04 percent), Novagold Resources (5.03 percent), and Turk Altin Isletmeleri (4.94 percent).

Selecting the Best Gold ETF for Your Investment Goals

Choosing among these options depends on your investment objectives and risk tolerance. Conservative investors favoring stability should consider the physically-backed spot gold ETFs, particularly those with the lowest expense ratios like IAUM or GLDM. Investors seeking growth and upside participation in mining advances might prefer GDX or GDXJ, accepting higher volatility for sector exposure. Those wanting balanced sector access without excessive size concentration might find RING or SGDM appealing.

The growing popularity of gold ETFs reflects their genuine utility in modern portfolios. Whether seeking a precious metals hedge against currency weakness or exposure to mining sector returns, today’s best gold ETF options offer something for nearly every investment strategy. The key lies in matching the product’s characteristics—spot price versus mining exposure, expense ratio, asset size, and geographic storage preferences—with your own financial objectives and timeline.

This is an updated analysis of gold ETF options for 2026 investors, reflecting market data from late 2025. Always consult with a financial advisor to determine whether gold ETFs align with your specific investment needs and risk profile.

Securities Disclosure: This article discusses various ETF products. Please conduct independent research and consult qualified financial professionals before making investment decisions.