Computed head-to-head · 6 dimensions
HDV vs VYM
iShares Core High Dividend ETF versus Vanguard High Dividend Yield ETF — yield, safety, growth trend, cost, scale, and tax treatment.
VYM wins 3–1 on our six-dimension comparison, but HDV can still be the better fit depending on your priorities — see each dimension below.
HDV or VYM — which is better?
VYM wins this comparison 3–1 across 6 dimensions. VYM yields 2.37% — lower than HDV's 3.05% — and carries a 7.9/10 dividend safety score (Solid) vs 7.6/10 for HDV (Solid). VYM wins 3–1 on our six-dimension comparison, but HDV can still be the better fit depending on your priorities — see each dimension below.
On yield alone, HDV generates 3.05% vs 2.37% — a 0.68% difference that translates to $680 more per year on a $100,000 investment.
Scorecard at a glance
| Dimension | HDV | VYM | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Yield | 3.05% | 2.37% | HDV wins |
| Dividend safety | 7.6/10 | 7.9/10 | VYM wins |
| Growth trend | — | — | Tie |
| Expense ratio | 8.00% | 4.00% | VYM wins |
| Scale | $14.5B | $95.8B | VYM wins |
| Tax efficiency | Qualified-eligible | Qualified-eligible | Tie |
| Overall | 1 wins | 3 wins | VYM wins |
Dimension by dimension
HDV wins on yield (3.05% vs 2.37%)
On a $10,000 investment that's about $68 more in annual dividend income before taxes — though higher yield often comes with higher risk.
HDV's higher yield (3.05%) looks attractive but investors should weigh whether the extra income compensates for any additional risk versus VYM's 2.37% — especially if the higher yield is driven by covered calls or a falling share price.
VYM 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. VYM scores better on the weighted average of those factors.
Yield-trend comparison unavailable
One or both tickers are missing 5-year average yield data.
VYM 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.
VYM is 6.6× 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 HDV dividends qualified and are VYM 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
HDV or VYM — which is better?
VYM is better on our scoring, winning 3–1 across six dimensions: yield, dividend safety, growth, cost, scale, and tax treatment. VYM wins 3–1 on our six-dimension comparison, but HDV can still be the better fit depending on your priorities — see each dimension below.
Which is better for income, HDV or VYM?
VYM wins 3–1 on our six-dimension comparison, but HDV can still be the better fit depending on your priorities — see each dimension below.
HDV vs VYM: which has a higher dividend yield?
HDV yields 3.05% and VYM yields 2.37%. On a $10,000 investment that's about $68 more in annual dividend income before taxes — though higher yield often comes with higher risk.
Is HDV or VYM a safer dividend in 2026?
HDV scores 7.6/10 (Solid) on the Infnits dividend safety scale. VYM scores 7.9/10 (Solid). VYM is the safer pick on our scoring model.
Which has better dividend growth, HDV or VYM?
One or both tickers are missing 5-year average yield data.
HDV vs VYM: 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 HDV and VYM 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 VYM diversifies you or just duplicates what you hold. No account, no download.