Gold printed a fresh all-time high above $3,500 per ounce on September 2, 2025, signaling powerful demand for the ultimate safe haven. In times like these, if you’re looking for simple and direct exposure to gold’s future upside without the hassle of vaults or insurance, physically-backed gold ETFs stand out as the cleanest option.
What sets these funds apart is their structure. Unlike futures-based products, they actually hold gold in secure vaults, meaning your shares track the spot price directly. This shields you from futures roll costs and the unique risks that come with mining stocks.
And the timing couldn’t be better. With real yields sliding as the Fed shifts toward easing, central banks stacking more reserves, and global tensions heating up, gold is set up for another leg higher, potentially reaching $4,300 by next summer. If you want the purest, most convenient way to ride this rally, physically-backed gold ETFs are where you should be looking right now.
So, which funds should be on your radar? These are the best 5 physically-backed gold ETFs with low fees for 2025.
1. iShares Gold Trust Micro ETF (IAUM)
- Price as of Sep. 03, 2025: $35.27
- Expense Ratio as of Sep. 03, 2025: 0.09%
- Net Assets as of Sep. 03, 2025: $3.23 billion
- 52‑Week Range as of Sep. 03, 2025: $24.76 – $35.30
- YTD Return as of Sep. 03, 2025: 35.55%
The gives you direct exposure to gold’s price at the lowest possible cost.
Trading at $35.27 with a razor-thin expense ratio of just 0.09%, IAUM stands as the cheapest physically-backed gold ETF on the market. That cost advantage hasn’t come at the expense of performance, as returns are up 35.55% year-to-date, with the fund pushing to new 52-week highs.
Backed by $3.23 billion in assets, IAUM stands out as a transparent, low-cost, and highly liquid way to capture gold’s momentum.
2. SPDR Gold MiniShares Trust ETF (GLDM)
- Price as of Sep. 03, 2025: $70.05
- Expense Ratio as of Sep. 03, 2025: 0.10%
- Net Assets as of Sep. 03, 2025: $15.96 billion
- 52‑Week Range as of Sep. 03, 2025: $49.19 – $70.10
- YTD Return as of Sep. 03, 2025: 35.62%
The has quickly become a favorite for cost-conscious investors who want full exposure to gold’s upside.
At $70.05 per share, it’s riding the momentum of a 35.62% YTD return and trading at the top of its 52-week range of $49.19,$70.10. Boasting an expense ratio of just 0.10% and nearly $16 billion in assets, GLDM offers both affordability and scale, making it a trusted vehicle for serious investors.
With its combination of low costs, deep liquidity, and direct bullion backing, GLDM is a highly efficient vehicle for investors looking to capture gold’s momentum.
3. Franklin Responsibly Sourced Gold ETF (FGDL)
- Price as of Sep. 03, 2025: $47.11
- Expense Ratio as of Sep. 03, 2025: 0.15%
- Net Assets as of Sep. 03, 2025: $233.04 million
- 52‑Week Range as of Sep. 03, 2025: $33.15 – $47.38
- YTD Return as of Sep. 03, 2025: 34.60%
The gives you physical gold exposure with an ethical edge. Trading at $47.11 with a 34.60% YTD return, it sits near the top of its 52-week range, showing strong momentum.
With an expense ratio of just 0.15%, FGDL keeps costs low while offering investors peace of mind that its bullion is sourced responsibly under LBMA’s strict guidance. That means your investment aligns with environmental and human rights standards without sacrificing performance.
Backed by $233 million in assets, FGDL provides liquidity, diversification, and the confidence of owning gold with integrity.
4. GraniteShares Gold Trust ETF (BAR)
- Price as of Sep. 03, 2025: $34.89
- Expense Ratio as of Sep. 03, 2025: 0.17%
- Net Assets as of Sep. 03, 2025: $1.11 billion
- 52‑Week Range as of Sep. 03, 2025: $24.51 – $34.92
- YTD Return as of Sep. 03, 2025: 35.55%
The is one of the most cost-effective ways to gain pure exposure to gold. Trading at $34.89 with an ultra-low 0.17% expense ratio, it has already delivered a strong 35.55% YTD return, making it a compelling performer in 2025.
What makes BAR especially appealing is its uncompromising transparency: every gold bar is listed daily, the vault in London is audited twice a year, and no lending or derivatives are allowed. Add $1.11 billion in assets, and you’ve got a secure, liquid, and efficient vehicle for gold investing.
5. abrdn Physical Gold Shares ETF (SGOL)
- Price as of Sep. 03, 2025: $33.74
- Expense Ratio as of Sep. 03, 2025: 0.17%
- Net Assets as of Sep. 03, 2025: $5.16 billion
- 52‑Week Range as of Sep. 03, 2025: $23.71 – $33.76
- YTD Return as of Sep. 03, 2025: 35.56%
The gives you secure, transparent exposure to gold with the added peace of mind of Swiss vault storage.
Trading at $33.74 and delivering a strong 35.56% YTD return, SGOL is right at the top of its 52-week range, reflecting gold’s momentum in 2025. With $5.16 billion in assets and a competitive 0.17% expense ratio, it’s both cost-efficient and widely trusted.
What makes SGOL unique is its focus on security and transparency: every gold bar is stored in Swiss vaults, audited twice a year, and publicly listed by serial number. For investors who value security, accountability, and performance, SGOL stands out as a compelling gold ETF.
The Bottom Line
Gold hitting record highs in 2025 has once again reminded us why it’s seen as the ultimate safe haven. And honestly, if you want to ride this momentum, physically-backed ETFs are one of the simplest and smartest ways to do it.
Whether you want the lowest possible fees, the peace of mind of Swiss storage, or the added confidence of responsibly sourced bullion, these five funds deliver direct exposure without the headaches of futures or mining stocks.
With central banks buying, rates easing, and geopolitical risk rising, the case for gold remains strong. These ETFs make it easy to add that strength to your portfolio.
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