The best ASX ETFs to buy and hold with $20,000

Let's see what sets these funds apart from the rest.

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Building a long-term portfolio doesn't have to be complicated.

In fact, with just a few high-quality ASX ETFs, investors can gain access to world-class companies and structural growth themes.

If you've got $20,000 ready to invest, here are three outstanding ASX ETFs that could form the foundation of a buy and hold strategy with serious wealth-building potential over the next decade and beyond.

Betashares Global Quality Leaders ETF (ASX: QLTY)

When it comes to long-term investing, quality matters. That's exactly what the Betashares Global Quality Leaders ETF aims to deliver — a portfolio of high-quality global companies with strong balance sheets, consistent earnings, and competitive advantages that help them stay ahead of the pack.

It holds a curated selection of global leaders, including not just tech darlings like Apple (NASDAQ: AAPL) and Microsoft (NASDAQ: MSFT), but also less-talked-about giants like L'Oréal (FRA: OR), and Visa (NYSE: V). These are businesses that tend to do well through various market cycles, thanks to their quality and experienced management.

For investors who value quality over hype, the Betashares Global Quality Leaders ETF is a compelling option for steady, global exposure. It was recently named as one to consider buying by Betashares.

VanEck Morningstar Wide Moat ETF (ASX: MOAT)

If Warren Buffett were to design an ETF, it might look a lot like the VanEck Morningstar Wide Moat ETF.

This ETF targets US companies that have durable competitive advantages — or economic moats — and are trading at a fair value. It blends high-quality fundamentals with a valuation-conscious approach, giving investors access to names with long runways for growth at reasonable prices.

The VanEck Morningstar Wide Moat ETF's portfolio includes names like Alphabet (NASDAQ: GOOGL) and Meta Platforms (NASDAQ: META), as well as wide-moat businesses like Pepsico (NASDAQ: PEP), Nike (NYSE: NKE), and Salesforce (NYSE: CRM). It could be a smart way to tilt your portfolio toward enduring quality with a value-conscious lens.

Betashares Global Cybersecurity ETF (ASX: HACK)

For a bit of thematic spice, the Betashares Global Cybersecurity ETF offers targeted exposure to one of the most pressing and long-lasting trends of the digital age: cybersecurity.

As the world becomes more connected, the need to defend against cyberattacks is growing — and governments, businesses, and consumers are spending accordingly.

It isn't surprising to see why. According to Betashares, data from Cybersecurity Ventures suggests the cost of global cybercrime could top US$10.5 trillion this year.

The Betashares Global Cybersecurity ETF's portfolio includes global leaders like CrowdStrike (NASDAQ: CRWD), Palo Alto Networks (NASDAQ: PANW) and Fortinet (NASDAQ: FTNT), all of which are riding the wave of rising demand for digital protection.

While it may come with a little more volatility, this ASX ETF's long-term growth prospects remain very strong.

Suzanne Frey, an executive at Alphabet, is a member of The Motley Fool’s board of directors. Randi Zuckerberg, a former director of market development and spokeswoman for Facebook and sister to Meta Platforms CEO Mark Zuckerberg, is a member of The Motley Fool's board of directors. Motley Fool contributor James Mickleboro has positions in Nike and VanEck Morningstar Wide Moat ETF. The Motley Fool Australia's parent company Motley Fool Holdings Inc. has positions in and has recommended Alphabet, Apple, BetaShares Global Cybersecurity ETF, CrowdStrike, Fortinet, Meta Platforms, Microsoft, Nike, Salesforce, and Visa. The Motley Fool Australia's parent company Motley Fool Holdings Inc. has recommended Palo Alto Networks and has recommended the following options: long January 2026 $395 calls on Microsoft and short January 2026 $405 calls on Microsoft. The Motley Fool Australia has recommended Alphabet, Apple, CrowdStrike, Meta Platforms, Microsoft, Nike, Salesforce, VanEck Morningstar Wide Moat ETF, and Visa. The Motley Fool has a disclosure policy. This article contains general investment advice only (under AFSL 400691). Authorised by Scott Phillips.

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