Gold exchange-traded funds (ETFs) are a convenient way to gain exposure to gold without the hassle of owning physical bullion. On Robinhood, a commission-free trading platform, investors can access a variety of gold ETFs to diversify their portfolios and hedge against inflation or market volatility. In this article, we explore the best gold ETFs available on Robinhood in 2025, based on factors like expense ratios, liquidity, and performance.

Why Invest in Gold ETFs on Robinhood?

Robinhood offers commission-free trading, making it cost-effective for investors to buy and sell ETFs. Gold ETFs provide:

• Liquidity: Easily buy or sell shares during market hours.
• Diversification: Exposure to gold as a safe-haven asset.
• Low Costs: No need to store physical gold, reducing expenses.

With Robinhood's user-friendly app, you can trade ETFs like stocks, and its zero-commission model is ideal for frequent traders. Learn more about Robinhood.

Top Gold ETFs on Robinhood

Based on market data and investor preferences in 2025, here are the top gold ETFs available on Robinhood:

1. SPDR Gold Shares (GLD)

Expense Ratio: 0.40%
AUM: ~$83 billion
Why It Stands Out: GLD is the largest and most liquid gold ETF, tracking the price of physical gold bullion stored in secure vaults. Its high trading volume ensures tight bid-ask spreads, making it ideal for Robinhood investors. Learn more about GLD.

2. iShares Gold Trust (IAU)

Expense Ratio: 0.25%
AUM: ~$30 billion
Why It Stands Out: IAU offers a lower expense ratio than GLD, making it a cost-effective choice for long-term investors. It tracks the price of gold bullion and is stored by JPMorgan Chase in London.

3. SPDR Gold MiniShares Trust (GLDM)

Expense Ratio: 0.10%
AUM: ~$13 billion
Why It Stands Out: GLDM is perfect for retail investors on Robinhood due to its low share price and minimal expense ratio. It mirrors GLD but is more accessible for smaller portfolios.

4. VanEck Vectors Gold Miners ETF (GDX)

Expense Ratio: 0.51%
AUM: ~$13.27 billion
Why It Stands Out: Unlike GLD, IAU, and GLDM, GDX invests in gold mining companies, offering indirect exposure to gold prices. It’s riskier but can outperform during gold price surges.

How to Choose the Best Gold ETF on Robinhood

When selecting a gold ETF, consider:

• Expense Ratio: Lower fees (e.g., GLDM’s 0.10%) maximize returns.
• Liquidity: High AUM and trading volume (e.g., GLD) ensure ease of trading.
• Investment Goal: Choose physical gold ETFs (GLD, IAU, GLDM) for stability or mining ETFs (GDX) for growth potential.
• Historical Performance: Review 5-year returns to align with gold price trends.

Robinhood’s platform allows you to research ETFs easily. Check the ETF’s profile on Robinhood for real-time data.

Conclusion

Gold ETFs on Robinhood, such as SPDR Gold Shares (GLD), iShares Gold Trust (IAU), SPDR Gold MiniShares (GLDM), and VanEck Vectors Gold Miners ETF (GDX), offer diverse ways to invest in gold. With Robinhood’s commission-free trading, you can build a diversified portfolio without high costs. Start by researching these ETFs on Robinhood’s app and align your choice with your financial goals.

Ready to invest? Open a Robinhood account and explore these gold ETFs today! Get started.