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Best Technology ETFs on the ASX

Technology ETFs provide concentrated exposure to the tech sector, which has been the dominant driver of global equity returns over the past decade. These range from broad tech indexes to niche themes like cybersecurity and semiconductors.

5
ETFs tracked
0.48%
Lowest MER
+79.5%
Best 1Y return
$2,484M
Total AUM
ATEC
Top pick
Fees (MER) - Lower is better
ATEC
0.48%SEMI
0.57%RBTZ
0.57%CLDD
0.57%HACK
0.67%
1-Year Returns
SEMI
+79.5%RBTZ
+8.2%HACK
-7.5%CLDD
-15.0%ATEC
-24.6%

All Technology ETFs

sorted by Score · highest firstclick any column to sort
ETF Name Score MER 1Y Return 3Y Return Yield AUM ($M)
ATECBetaShares S&P/ASX Australian Technology ETF430.48%-24.6%+5.3%3.13%475.2
SEMIBetaShares Global Semiconductors ETF410.57%+79.5%+40.0%4.95%557.5
HACKBetaShares Global Cybersecurity ETF370.67%-7.5%+13.2%3.72%1,099.8
RBTZBetaShares Global Robotics and AI ETF300.57%+8.2%+9.2%1.85%321.4
CLDDBetaShares Global Cloud Computing ETF60.57%-15.0%+1.5%-30.1

Overview

Technology ETFs provide concentrated exposure to the tech sector, which has been the dominant driver of global equity returns over the past decade. These range from broad tech indexes to niche themes like cybersecurity and semiconductors.

What to look for

ATEC (0.48%) covers Australian tech specifically. SEMI (0.57%) focuses on global semiconductors - the picks-and-shovels of AI. HACK (0.67%) targets cybersecurity. RBTZ (0.57%) covers robotics and AI. CLDD (0.57%) focuses on cloud computing. Consider whether you already have significant tech exposure through VGS, NDQ, or IVV before adding a dedicated tech ETF.

Considerations

Technology ETFs are sector-specific and should typically be satellite holdings, not core positions. The Nasdaq 100 (NDQ) already provides heavy tech exposure. Adding HACK or SEMI on top creates significant sector concentration. These ETFs tend to be more volatile than broad market alternatives and have higher fees.

Compare Technology ETFs

ARMRvsHACK
Defence vs cybersecurity tech theme
NDQvsSEMI
Nasdaq 100 vs pure semiconductors

Frequently Asked Questions

What is a Technology ETF?+

A Technology ETF invests in technology companies, ranging from Australian tech firms to global giants. On the ASX, ATEC (BetaShares Australian Technology) covers domestic names like Xero, WiseTech, and NextDC. For global exposure, NDQ (BetaShares Nasdaq 100) holds Apple, Microsoft, and Nvidia, while specialist options include SEMI (Global X Semiconductor), HACK (BetaShares Cybersecurity), and RBTZ (BetaShares Robotics & AI). These ETFs span software, semiconductors, cloud computing, and emerging AI themes.

What should investors look for when choosing a Technology ETF?+

Determine whether you want broad tech exposure (NDQ) or thematic concentration (SEMI for chips, HACK for cybersecurity). Check currency hedging - NDQ is unhedged in USD, while HNDQ offers AUD-hedged Nasdaq 100 exposure, which matters significantly given AUD/USD volatility. Compare fees (NDQ charges 0.48%, ATEC 0.48%, SEMI 0.57%) and assess concentration: NDQ has roughly 50% in its top 10 holdings. For SMSF trustees, verify the ETF is ASIC-regulated and ASX-listed, and consider the tax implications of unfranked foreign income distributions.

What is the difference between broad tech ETFs like NDQ and thematic tech ETFs like SEMI or HACK?+

NDQ tracks the Nasdaq 100, which includes mega-caps like Apple, Microsoft, Amazon, and Nvidia - it's diversified across software, hardware, e-commerce, and biotech, providing broad US growth exposure beyond pure technology. Thematic ETFs like SEMI concentrate specifically on semiconductor companies (TSMC, ASML, Nvidia), while HACK focuses on cybersecurity firms (CrowdStrike, Palo Alto). Thematic ETFs carry higher concentration and volatility but offer targeted exposure to specific trends - SEMI surged with AI demand in 2023–2024, significantly outperforming broad tech indices.

What are the risks of Technology ETFs and who are they suited for?+

Technology ETFs are highly sensitive to interest rates - rising rates increase discount rates on future earnings, compressing valuations of growth stocks significantly, as seen in the 2022 tech sell-off when NDQ fell over 25%. Concentration risk is substantial, with mega-caps dominating returns. Most distributions are unfranked foreign income, reducing after-tax appeal compared to franked Australian equity ETFs. These ETFs suit growth-oriented investors with a long time horizon (7+ years), tolerance for drawdowns, and a portfolio that already includes defensive assets for balance.

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