Getting started with investing can feel overwhelming, especially when you're trying to pick individual stocks.

That's where exchange-traded funds (ETFs) come in. With just one click of a button, you can instantly gain exposure to large groups of top stocks.

For beginner investors, it is a smart and simple way to build a diversified portfolio without needing to be an expert stock picker.

So, if you're just starting your investment journey, here are three ASX ETFs that could be the perfect place to begin.

Betashares Nasdaq 100 ETF (ASX: NDQ)

First up is the Betashares Nasdaq 100 ETF. This fund gives investors access to 100 of the largest non-financial companies listed on the Nasdaq stock exchange — the beating heart of global tech innovation.

The Betashares Nasdaq 100 ETF offers exposure to global giants such as Apple (NASDAQ: AAPL), Microsoft (NASDAQ: MSFT), Amazon (NASDAQ: AMZN), and NVIDIA (NASDAQ: NVDA). These companies have powered global growth for more than a decade and continue to be at the forefront of trends like artificial intelligence, cloud computing, and digital transformation.

For long-term investors with a growth mindset, it could be a great way to back some of the most innovative businesses on the planet.

Betashares Australian Quality ETF (ASX: AQLT)

Next is the Betashares Australian Quality ETF. If you're looking to stay closer to home and want to invest in the best local stocks, this ASX ETF is worth a look.

This fund focuses on high-quality Australian stocks that have strong balance sheets, high return on equity, and consistent earnings. Think of it as a curated list of some of the most robust businesses on the ASX. Current holdings include Wesfarmers Ltd (ASX: WES), WiseTech Global Ltd (ASX: WTC), and TechnologyOne Ltd (ASX: TNE) — all companies with a long history of delivering shareholder value.

For new investors, the Betashares Australian Quality ETF provides a disciplined and data-driven approach to stock selection, without the need to analyse company financials yourself. It was recently recommended by the team at Betashares.

Vanguard MSCI Index International Shares ETF (ASX: VGS)

Finally, we have the Vanguard MSCI Index International Shares ETF. This ASX ETF offers instant global diversification by tracking over 1,200 large and mid-cap stocks from developed markets around the world.

This includes Wall Street's tech giants as well as household names like Nestle (SWX: NESN), Procter & Gamble (NYSE: PG), and Johnson & Johnson (NYSE: JNJ). It could be an ideal core holding for any portfolio, particularly for beginners looking to spread their risk across sectors and countries.