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The Best ESG ETFs

The table below compares the performance and other essential indicators like dividend yield and expense ratio of ESG ETFs.

ESG ETFs, or Environmental, Social, and Governance ETFs, are exchange-traded funds that invest in companies that meet specific environmental, social, and governance (ESG) criteria. These criteria typically focus on climate change, employee diversity and rights, human rights, and ethical business practices. ESG investing is to achieve positive financial returns while promoting positive social and environmental outcomes.

ESG ETFs typically invest in a diversified portfolio of companies that have been screened for ESG factors. The screening process may involve using various data sources and rating agencies that assess the companies' performance on these factors. Some ETFs may also use negative screening to exclude companies that don't meet specific ESG standards, such as those that produce tobacco or weapons.

ESG ETFs can provide investors with a way to align their investments with their values while potentially achieving financial returns. Additionally, since ESG factors can indicate good management and robust risk management, some researchers argue that companies that score well in ESG may be less risky and more stable in the long run. However, it's important to note that the approach and criteria used for screening companies may vary among ESG ETFs, so investors should conduct their research and due diligence before investing in these funds.

Number of ETFs
33
Avg. Expense Ratio
0.36%
Avg. Dividend Yield
1.42%
Avg. 1 Year Return
19.68%
Median Risk/Return Score
53 / 100
The Best ESG ETFs

33 results

SymbolFull NameCategoryInceptionExpense RatioYTD Return10Y Return (Annualized)Dividend Yield

Risk / Return Rank

Max. DrawdownSharpe RatioSortino RatioOmega RatioMartin RatioCalmar RatioUlcer Index
Brown Advisory Sustainable Growth ETFLarge Cap Growth Equities, ESG, Sustainable, Actively ManagedJun 13, 20250.61%
0.38%
0.00%
10
Brown Advisory Sustainable Value ETFLarge Cap Value Equities, ESG, Sustainable, Actively ManagedJun 13, 20250.71%
10.38%
0.37%
49
Clough Select Equity ETFLarge Cap Value Equities, ESGNov 13, 20200.85%
27.58%
0.27%
55
Global X S&P 500 Christian Values ETFS&P 500, ESGSep 23, 20250.29%
7.16%
0.16%
COtwo Advisors Physical European Carbon Allowance ...Commodities, ESGJun 18, 20250.79%
-14.11%
0.00%
10
iShares ESG Aware US Aggregate Bond ETFIntermediate Core Bond, ESGOct 18, 20180.10%
0.90%
3.98%
36
State Street SPDR S&P 500 ESG ETFS&P 500, ESGJul 27, 20200.10%
8.57%
0.98%
71
Xtrackers MSCI Emerging Markets Climate Selection ...Emerging Markets Equities, ESGDec 4, 20180.15%
30.00%
1.46%
73
iShares ESG Aware MSCI USA ETFLarge Cap Blend Equities, ESGDec 1, 20160.15%
8.32%
0.95%
58
Vanguard ESG U.S. Stock ETFLarge Cap Blend Equities, ESGSep 18, 20180.09%
7.69%
0.89%
47
Amplify Etho Climate Leadership U.S. ETFMid Cap Blend Equities, ESGNov 18, 20150.45%
19.20%
0.72%
73
Inspire Faithward Mid Cap Momentum ESG ETFMomentum, Mid Cap Growth Equities, ESGDec 7, 20200.85%
17.99%
0.24%
54
Invesco Global Equity Net Zero ETFESGJul 16, 20250.19%
12.05%
1.80%
Invesco Real Assets ESG ETFESGDec 22, 20200.59%
Adasina Social Justice All Cap Global ETFGlobal Equities, ESGDec 10, 20200.89%
10.21%
1.22%
36
Invesco MSCI North America Climate ETFLarge Cap Blend Equities, ESGDec 11, 20240.09%
7.96%
1.23%
60
BlackRock U.S. Carbon Transition Readiness ETFESG, SustainableApr 6, 20210.15%
6.58%
0.98%
53
Gabelli Love Our Planet & People ETFMid Cap Blend Equities, ESGFeb 1, 20210.00%
17.85%
0.70%
71
Nuveen ESG Mid-Cap Value ETFMid Cap Value Equities, ESGDec 13, 20160.31%
9.74%
1.40%
57
iShares Paris-Aligned Climate Optimized MSCI USA E...Large Cap Blend Equities, ESGFeb 8, 20220.10%
2.20%
0.95%
27

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Best ESG ETFs by Risk/Return Score

The top ESG ETFs by PortfoliosLab Risk/Return Score are PULT (98) and PRVS (81). The score measures risk-adjusted performance over the past year, accounting for volatility, drawdown, and return consistency.

Best-Performing ESG ETFs Over 5 Years

The top ESG ETFs is EFIV (13.85%). Across the lineup, ESG ETFs show an average 1-year return of 19.68% and an average 5-year return of 8.62%, providing a clearer view of performance across different investment horizons.

SymbolNameReturn 5YAUMInception
State Street SPDR S&P 500 ESG ETF
13.85%
1.08BJul 2020
Xtrackers S&P 500 ESG ETF
13.85%
2.68BJun 2019
iShares ESG Screened S&P 500 ETF
12.58%
646.88MSep 2020
iShares ESG Aware MSCI USA ETF
11.82%
17.43BDec 2016
BlackRock U.S. Carbon Transition Readiness ETF
11.54%
1.48BApr 2021

Lowest-Cost ESG ETFs

The top ESG ETFs is XVV (0.08%). With an average expense ratio of 0.36%, ESG ETFs remain a low-cost option for investors seeking broad market exposure, sector allocations, and diversified portfolio building blocks.

SymbolNameExpense RatioAUMInception
iShares ESG Screened S&P 500 ETF0.08%646.88MSep 2020
Vanguard ESG U.S. Stock ETF0.09%13.30BSep 2018
Invesco MSCI North America Climate ETF0.09%Dec 2024
Vanguard ESG International Stock ETF0.10%6.60BSep 2018
State Street SPDR S&P 500 ESG ETF0.10%1.08BJul 2020

Highest-Yield ESG ETFs

The top ESG ETFs is YLDE (6.99%). Across the lineup, ESG ETFs show an average dividend yield of 1.42%, offering investors a steady stream of income through regular dividend payments, making them attractive for income-seeking portfolios.

SymbolNameDividend YieldAUMInception
ClearBridge Dividend Strategy ESG ETF6.99%160.95MMay 2017
Vanguard ESG U.S. Corporate Bond ETF4.63%1.20BSep 2020
Putnam ESG Ultra Short ETF4.25%36.51MJan 2023
iShares ESG Aware US Aggregate Bond ETF3.98%4.86BOct 2018
Tortoise Global Water Fund3.28%56.56MFeb 2017

Top ETFs Categories


Top ETFs Comparisons

Compare the top ETFs symbols based on PortfoliosLab usage data.

Risk vs. Return Scatterplot

The Risk vs. Return Scatterplot allows you to quickly compare funds, stocks, and ETFs in one view. It displays the yearly return of an instrument on one axis and the risk (volatility) on the other.

0%Annualized Volatility0%Annualized Return

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