How to invest in active ETFs

How can I invest in actively managed ETFs?

Most ETFs replicate an index. This is one of the main differences between ETFs and traditional mutual funds, where an active management approach is used to achieve a higher return than that of a certain benchmark index. However, studies show that actively managed funds only very rarely fulfil this objective. One of the main reasons for this is the ongoing charges (TER), which are generally significantly higher for mutual funds than for ETFs. ETFs also have other advantages over traditional funds, such as more transparency and greater trading flexibility (ETFs can be traded at any time during normal stock exchange opening hours. Traditional funds, on the other hand, can only be traded once a day).

Active ETFs attempt to take advantage of these benefits of ETFs and at the same time fulfil the promise of ‘outperforming’ the market through active management. The idea is to combine the best of both worlds. In our article ‘Active ETFs: What are they and do you need them?’, we take a detailed look at the characteristics of active ETFs and possible advantages and disadvantages compared to passive ETFs.

Although the active ETF segment is still relatively small compared to the overall ETF market, it has grown considerably in recent years. In this ETF guide you will find all currently available active equity ETFs.

 

The best Active ETFs by 1-year fund return as of 28.02.26

All active equity ETFs ranked by fund return

The largest Active ETFs by fund size in EUR

All active equity ETFs ranked by fund size

The cheapest Active ETFs by total expense ratio

All active equity ETFs ranked by total expense ratio

Besides return, there are further important factors to consider when selecting an active ETF. In order to provide a sound decision basis, you find a list of all active equity ETFs with details on size, cost, age, use of profits and fund domicile ranked by fund size.

Compare all active equity ETFs in detail
Compare all active equity ETFs in a chart

Source: justETF.com; As of 31.03.26

Return comparison of all active equity ETFs

The table shows the returns of all active equity ETFs in comparison. All return figures are including dividends as of month end. Besides the return the reference date on which you conduct the comparison is important. In order to find the best active ETFs you can also perform a chart comparison.

• Cumulative
• Calendar year

Source: justETF.com; As of 28.02.26; Calculations in EUR including dividends