Finding the Right Silver ETFs to Buy: Your 2025 Investment Strategy Guide

As precious metals investing gains momentum, more investors are turning to silver exchange-traded funds to gain market exposure without the complexities of physical storage or futures trading. The surge in silver demand in 2025—driven by geopolitical tensions and industrial applications—has made silver ETFs an increasingly attractive option for portfolio diversification. Whether you’re seeking direct silver price exposure or looking to capitalize on mining company growth, understanding the different types of silver ETFs to buy can help you align your investment with your risk tolerance and financial goals.

Silver’s recent performance tells a compelling story. After years of underperformance relative to gold, silver broke through its previous all-time high in late 2025, reaching $58.83 per ounce compared to the 1980 record of $49.95. This milestone reflects broader investor interest in precious metals as economic uncertainty reshapes market dynamics. Unlike purchasing physical bars or navigating the complexity of futures contracts, silver ETFs offer a more accessible entry point—they trade like stocks on exchanges while providing diversification benefits typically associated with funds.

Direct Silver Investment: Physical Silver ETFs and Price-Tracking Options

For investors wanting straightforward exposure to silver’s price movements, several established products deliver solid track records and substantial assets under management.

iShares Silver Trust stands as the category’s heavyweight with approximately $26.33 billion in total assets and unit pricing around $51.21. This fund tracks the London Bullion Market Association silver price and holds over 508 million ounces of physical bullion. However, prospective buyers should note that this vehicle operates as a silver trust rather than a registered investment company, meaning it falls outside the standard regulatory framework for mutual funds and ETFs.

Sprott Physical Silver Trust offers another route for conservative investors. With $11.61 billion in assets and units trading near $18.65, this trust backs its shares with 191.12 million ounces of fully allocated London Good Delivery bars. A unique feature: investors can convert their units directly into physical silver if desired, though minimum conversion requirements (equivalent to ten 1000-ounce bars) apply. This appeals to those seeking the security of tangible assets within an easy-to-trade wrapper.

Aberdeen Standard Physical Silver Shares ETF provides a middle option between the larger funds. Its $3.71 billion in assets and $53.71 unit price reflect steady investor interest. The fund charges a 0.3 percent expense ratio and maintains 45.51 million ounces in a secured JPMorgan Chase vault in London. Like the iShares vehicle, it tracks silver price performance net of operational expenses.

ProShares Ultra Silver ETF targets a completely different investor profile. Established in 2008 and currently managing $1.33 billion, this silver ETF to buy delivers twice the daily performance of the Bloomberg Silver Subindex through derivatives-based strategies. The 0.95 percent expense ratio reflects its complexity. It suits bullish traders with the discipline to monitor positions daily, as leverage amplifies both gains and losses.

ProShares UltraShort Silver ETF flips the strategy entirely. With just $73.71 million in assets and units at $9.51, this inverse vehicle delivers negative two times daily performance. Designed as a hedge during silver price declines, it requires high risk tolerance and daily attention. Like its leveraged counterpart, it carries a 0.95 percent annual cost.

Silver Mining & Royalty ETFs: Growth-Oriented Exposure

When silver prices rise, mining and streaming companies often capture disproportionate gains. These silver ETFs to buy provide equity-based exposure to the industry rather than the commodity itself.

Global X Silver Miners ETF leads this category with $3.93 billion in total assets and $77.66 per unit. Investors gain exposure to a curated basket of silver-mining and royalty companies with geographic diversification. Top holdings include Wheaton Precious Metals (22.5 percent), Pan American Silver (12.3 percent), and Coeur Mining (8.1 percent). The 0.65 percent expense ratio remains competitive within mining-focused funds.

Amplify Junior Silver Miners ETF carved its niche by targeting small-cap miners specifically. Managing $2.97 billion across $26.09-priced units, this fund tracks public companies focused exclusively on silver production at smaller scales. Its 0.69 percent fee and holdings spanning Canada, the US, and the UK provide diversified exposure to growth-stage operators like Hecla Mining (11.3 percent), First Majestic Silver (10.3 percent), and Coeur Mining (8.7 percent).

iShares MSCI Global Silver Miners ETF appeals to cost-conscious investors with its lowest expense ratio among mining-focused silver ETFs to buy at just 0.39 percent. With $630 million in assets and units trading at $31.59, this fund tracks a broad index of silver exploration and mining equities globally. Approximately 69 percent of its holdings trade on Canadian exchanges, while US and Mexican listings comprise 27 percent. Leading positions include Hecla Mining (15.5 percent), Industrias Peñoles (11.7 percent), and Fresnillo (10 percent).

Sprott Silver Miners & Physical Silver ETF launched in January 2025, offering a hybrid approach. Managing $453.7 million at $51.31 per unit, this fund uniquely combines mining equity exposure with physical silver holdings. Its structure—featuring the Sprott Physical Silver Trust at 14.3 percent alongside First Majestic Silver (27.12 percent) and Endeavour Silver (10.6 percent)—allows investors to blend commodity and equity strategies within one vehicle. The 0.65 percent management fee covers active rebalancing.

Sprott Active Gold and Silver Miners ETF represents the newest option, launched in February 2025 with $134.42 million in assets and $41.18-priced units. Its active management approach—emphasizing frequent rebalancing—targets both gold and silver mining companies. Rather than tracking a passive index, portfolio managers make tactical adjustments to enhance returns. Top holdings include OceanaGold (4.32 percent), G Mining Ventures (4.18 percent), and Equinox Gold (4.16 percent), with a 0.89 percent management fee reflecting its active structure.

Choosing Your Silver ETF: What Matters Most

Selecting appropriate silver ETFs to buy depends on several interconnected factors. First, clarify whether you want direct price tracking or equity exposure—physical silver ETFs respond directly to commodity prices, while mining funds benefit from industry operational leverage but carry company-specific risks.

Second, evaluate your trading style and time horizon. Leveraged products suit active traders monitoring positions daily; conservative buy-and-hold investors prefer physical or mining baskets with lower turnover. Third, compare expense ratios carefully—seemingly small percentage differences compound significantly over decades of ownership. Fourth, assess liquidity and asset levels; larger funds like iShares Silver Trust offer tighter spreads and easier exits than smaller vehicles.

Finally, consider your portfolio’s existing composition. If you lack precious metals exposure, starting with a foundational physical silver position makes sense. If mining companies already comprise part of your holdings, a pure price-tracking option avoids overlap. Silver’s 2025 resurgence reflects genuine economic dynamics worth monitoring, and ETFs provide accessible vehicles for implementing your precious metals conviction.

This analysis draws from fund documentation current as of early 2026, incorporating products established through early 2025. Past performance doesn’t guarantee future results. Always review fund prospectuses and consult financial advisors before investing.