Computed head-to-head · 6 dimensions
DGRO vs VIG
iShares Core Dividend Growth ETF versus Vanguard Dividend Appreciation ETF — yield, safety, growth trend, cost, scale, and tax treatment.
VIG wins 3–1 on our six-dimension comparison, but DGRO can still be the better fit depending on your priorities — see each dimension below.
DGRO or VIG — which is better?
VIG wins this comparison 3–1 across 6 dimensions. VIG yields 1.56% — lower than DGRO's 1.98% — and carries a 7.9/10 dividend safety score (Solid) vs 7.6/10 for DGRO (Solid). VIG wins 3–1 on our six-dimension comparison, but DGRO can still be the better fit depending on your priorities — see each dimension below.
On yield alone, DGRO generates 1.98% vs 1.56% — a 0.42% difference that translates to $420 more per year on a $100,000 investment.
Scorecard at a glance
| Dimension | DGRO | VIG | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Yield | 1.98% | 1.56% | DGRO wins |
| Dividend safety | 7.6/10 | 7.9/10 | VIG wins |
| Growth trend | — | — | Tie |
| Expense ratio | 8.00% | 4.00% | VIG wins |
| Scale | $41.9B | $127.6B | VIG wins |
| Tax efficiency | Qualified-eligible | Qualified-eligible | Tie |
| Overall | 1 wins | 3 wins | VIG wins |
Dimension by dimension
DGRO wins on yield (1.98% vs 1.56%)
On a $10,000 investment that's about $42 more in annual dividend income before taxes — though higher yield often comes with higher risk.
DGRO's higher yield (1.98%) looks attractive but investors should weigh whether the extra income compensates for any additional risk versus VIG's 1.56% — especially if the higher yield is driven by covered calls or a falling share price.
VIG wins on safety (7.9/10 vs 7.6/10)
Our score combines yield zone, payout ratio, trend vs 5-year average, instrument type, and size. VIG scores better on the weighted average of those factors.
Yield-trend comparison unavailable
One or both tickers are missing 5-year average yield data.
VIG is cheaper (4.00% vs 8.00%)
On a $10,000 position the lower expense ratio saves about $400/year — small annually but compounds significantly over 20+ years.
VIG is 3.0× larger by AUM
Larger funds tend to have tighter spreads, deeper liquidity, and lower closure risk.
Both pay qualified-dividend-eligible distributions
Neither is structurally flagged for ordinary-income tax treatment. Most distributions should qualify for the lower long-term capital gains rate if holding-period requirements are met.
Full breakdown per ticker: are DGRO dividends qualified and are VIG dividends qualified — each with the after-tax income at every federal bracket.
How we compare these
Every comparison on this page is computed from current public data, not written by hand. Yield comes from the most recent dividend distribution annualized over current price. Safety scores combine yield zone, payout ratio, trend vs 5-year average, instrument type, and size — see our methodology for the exact formula. Tax-efficiency flags identify covered-call ETFs, REITs, and mREITs which distribute primarily as ordinary income.
This is educational, not investment advice. Scores reflect a snapshot of public data on the "as of" dates shown on each ticker's safety page. Verify on the issuer's investor relations page or your brokerage before making decisions.
Frequently asked
DGRO or VIG — which is better?
VIG is better on our scoring, winning 3–1 across six dimensions: yield, dividend safety, growth, cost, scale, and tax treatment. VIG wins 3–1 on our six-dimension comparison, but DGRO can still be the better fit depending on your priorities — see each dimension below.
Which is better for income, DGRO or VIG?
VIG wins 3–1 on our six-dimension comparison, but DGRO can still be the better fit depending on your priorities — see each dimension below.
DGRO vs VIG: which has a higher dividend yield?
DGRO yields 1.98% and VIG yields 1.56%. On a $10,000 investment that's about $42 more in annual dividend income before taxes — though higher yield often comes with higher risk.
Is DGRO or VIG a safer dividend in 2026?
DGRO scores 7.6/10 (Solid) on the Infnits dividend safety scale. VIG scores 7.9/10 (Solid). VIG is the safer pick on our scoring model.
Which has better dividend growth, DGRO or VIG?
One or both tickers are missing 5-year average yield data.
DGRO vs VIG: which is more tax-efficient?
Neither is structurally flagged for ordinary-income tax treatment. Most distributions should qualify for the lower long-term capital gains rate if holding-period requirements are met.
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Compare both against your actual holdings
Put DGRO and VIG into the free analyzer with the rest of your portfolio. You'll see what each one contributes to your annual income, your weighted safety score, and whether adding VIG diversifies you or just duplicates what you hold. No account, no download.