21 top dividend ETFs compared by yield, expense ratio, and strategy — from high-yield income funds to dividend growth compounders.
Updated: August 2026
| Symbol | Fund | Yield | Expense Ratio |
|---|---|---|---|
| JEPQ | JPMorgan Nasdaq Equity Premium Income ETF Monthly Income | 9.2% | 0.35% |
| JEPI | JPMorgan Equity Premium Income ETF Monthly Income | 7.4% | 0.35% |
| IDV | iShares International Select Dividend ETF International | 5.6% | 0.51% |
| DIVO | Amplify CWP Enhanced Dividend Income ETF Monthly Income | 4.7% | 0.56% |
| SPYD | SPDR Portfolio S&P 500 High Dividend ETF High Yield | 4.3% | 0.07% |
| SPHD | Invesco S&P 500 High Dividend Low Volatility ETF High Yield | 4.2% | 0.30% |
| VYMI | Vanguard International High Dividend Yield ETF International | 4.2% | 0.17% |
| SCHY | Schwab International Dividend Equity ETF International | 4.1% | 0.08% |
| VNQ | Vanguard Real Estate ETF Real Estate | 3.9% | 0.13% |
| SCHD | Schwab U.S. Dividend Equity ETF Balanced | 3.6% | 0.06% |
| DVY | iShares Select Dividend ETF High Yield | 3.5% | 0.38% |
| HDV | iShares Core High Dividend ETF High Yield | 3.3% | 0.08% |
| FDVV | Fidelity High Dividend ETF Balanced | 2.9% | 0.16% |
| VYM | Vanguard High Dividend Yield ETF High Yield | 2.8% | 0.06% |
| SDY | SPDR S&P Dividend ETF Dividend Growth | 2.5% | 0.35% |
| DGRO | iShares Core Dividend Growth ETF Dividend Growth | 2.2% | 0.08% |
| NOBL | ProShares S&P 500 Dividend Aristocrats ETF Dividend Growth | 2.0% | 0.35% |
| RDVY | First Trust Rising Dividend Achievers ETF Dividend Growth | 1.9% | 0.48% |
| VIGI | Vanguard International Dividend Appreciation ETF International | 1.9% | 0.10% |
| VIG | Vanguard Dividend Appreciation ETF Dividend Growth | 1.7% | 0.06% |
| DGRW | WisdomTree U.S. Quality Dividend Growth Fund Dividend Growth | 1.6% | 0.28% |
Plug any yield from this list into our dividend calculator and project your income with reinvestment.
Dividend ETFs hold baskets of dividend-paying stocks, so one purchase gives you instant diversification and a steady income stream. New to funds? Start with our guide on what ETFs are and how they work.
The funds above fall into a few distinct strategies:
Two of these funds are built directly on the lists we track: NOBL holds only the Dividend Aristocrats (25+ years of increases), and SDY requires 20+ year streaks. If you prefer owning the elite payers directly, browse the Dividend Kings list instead.
When comparing funds, weigh three numbers: the yield (income today), the expense ratio (your annual cost — under 0.10% is excellent), and the dividend growth rate (income tomorrow). Chasing the highest yield alone usually means taking the highest risk.
For deeper strategy — sample portfolios, monthly-income scheduling, and fund-by-fund breakdowns — read our full dividend ETF guide, then compare brokers that offer commission-free ETF trades with automatic dividend reinvestment.
There's no single best fund — it depends on your goal. SCHD is the most popular all-around pick for combining a ~3.5% yield with quality screens and a 0.06% expense ratio. For maximum income today, look at high-yield funds like SPYD or monthly payers like JEPI. For rising income over decades, dividend growth funds like VIG and DGRO lead.
JEPI, JEPQ, DIVO, SPHD, and DGRW all pay monthly distributions. You can also create a monthly paycheck from quarterly payers by combining funds with staggered payment schedules.
ETFs win on diversification and simplicity; individual stocks win on control and yield customization. Many investors use both: a dividend ETF as the core holding, plus a handful of Dividend Kings or Aristocrats as satellites.
Yield changes, expense ratio cuts, and new fund launches — plus weekly dividend insights delivered to your inbox.
No spam. Unsubscribe anytime.
Yields and expense ratios are approximate and change over time. Distribution yields for covered-call funds vary month to month. Always verify current fund data on the provider's website before investing. This is not investment advice.