Top 5 ETFs in India (2026): Detailed Comparison
Exchange Traded Funds (ETFs) are gaining massive popularity among Indian investors due to low expense ratios, real-time trading, diversification, and transparency. Based on the data you provided, here is a well-structured and detailed comparison of the Top 5 ETFs.
1. Nippon India Silver ETF
| Parameter | Details |
| Asset Class | Commodity (Silver) |
| AUM | ₹16,032.64 Cr |
| 1-Year Return | 53.10% |
| 3-Year Return | 61.44% |
| Beta | 2.20 (High Volatility) |
| Expense Ratio | 0.56% |
| Investment Theme | Inflation hedge, commodity exposure |
| Risk Level | High |
Analysis
This ETF delivered the highest 1-year and 3-year returns among the top 5. It tracks physical silver prices and benefits from global demand, industrial usage, and precious metal momentum. However, high beta makes it volatile.
Best For: Aggressive investors seeking commodity diversification.
2. Motilal Oswal NASDAQ 100 ETF
| Parameter | Details |
| Asset Class | International Equity (US Tech) |
| AUM | ₹9,342.15 Cr |
| 1-Year Return | 38.40% |
| 3-Year Return | 35.99% |
| Beta | 1.99 |
| Expense Ratio | 0.58% |
| Investment Theme | Global technology growth |
| Risk Level | High |
Analysis
Provides exposure to leading U.S. tech companies via the NASDAQ 100 Index. Offers geographical diversification and currency benefit (USD exposure), but comes with higher volatility and expense ratio.
Best For: Investors seeking global diversification and tech-led growth.
3️. Kotak Nifty Bank ETF
| Parameter | Details |
| Asset Class | Sectoral Equity (Banking) |
| AUM | ₹11,952.15 Cr |
| 1-Year Return | 7.11% |
| 3-Year Return | 12.26% |
| Beta | 1.11 |
| Expense Ratio | 0.15% |
| Investment Theme | Indian banking growth |
| Risk Level | Moderate |
Analysis
Tracks the Nifty Bank Index and gives concentrated exposure to India’s leading banks. With improving credit growth and asset quality trends, banking remains a strong long-term theme.
Best For: Investors bullish on India’s financial sector.
4️. Nippon India ETF Nifty Bank BeES
| Parameter | Details |
| Asset Class | Sectoral Equity (Banking) |
| AUM | ₹14,721.94 Cr |
| 1-Year Return | 7.12% |
| 3-Year Return | 12.22% |
| Beta | 1.03 |
| Expense Ratio | 0.19% |
| Investment Theme | Large-cap banking exposure |
| Risk Level | Moderate |
Analysis
One of the most liquid and established banking ETFs in India. Returns are similar to Kotak’s ETF, but slightly higher AUM improves liquidity comfort.
Best For: Investors preferring high liquidity in banking ETFs.
5️. UTI BSE Sensex ETF
| Parameter | Details |
| Asset Class | Large Cap Equity |
| AUM | ₹21,722.93 Cr |
| 1-Year Return | 4.34% |
| 3-Year Return | 5.78% |
| Beta | 0.95 |
| Expense Ratio | 0.05% (Lowest) |
| Investment Theme | Broad large-cap exposure |
| Risk Level | Low to Moderate |
Analysis
Tracks the BSE Sensex and offers diversified exposure to 30 blue-chip Indian companies. It has the lowest expense ratio, making it ideal for long-term passive investing.
Best For: Conservative investors seeking stable, low-cost core portfolio exposure.
Final Ranking Based on Performance
- Nippon India Silver ETF
- Motilal Oswal NASDAQ 100 ETF
- Kotak Nifty Bank ETF
- Nippon India Nifty Bank BeES
- UTI BSE Sensex ETF
Which ETF Should You Choose in 2026?
- For high growth & aggressive strategy → Silver ETF
- For international diversification → NASDAQ 100 ETF
- For sectoral banking exposure → Nifty Bank ETFs
- For long-term stable wealth creation → Sensex ETF
Diversification across asset class, geography, and sector can reduce overall portfolio risk while enhancing return potential.
