Computed head-to-head · 6 dimensions
QYLD vs SPYD
Global X Nasdaq 100 Covered Call ETF versus SPDR Portfolio S&P 500 High Dividend ETF — yield, safety, growth trend, cost, scale, and tax treatment.
SPYD wins 2–1 on our six-dimension comparison, but QYLD can still be the better fit depending on your priorities — see each dimension below.
Scorecard at a glance
| Dimension | QYLD | SPYD | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Yield | 5.77% | 4.26% | QYLD wins |
| Dividend safety | 6.8/10 | 6.8/10 | Tie |
| Growth trend | — | — | Tie |
| Expense ratio | 60.00% | 7.00% | SPYD wins |
| Scale | $8.4B | $7.4B | Tie |
| Tax efficiency | Ordinary income | Qualified-eligible | SPYD wins |
| Overall | 1 wins | 2 wins | SPYD wins |
Dimension by dimension
QYLD wins on yield (5.77% vs 4.26%)
On a $10,000 investment that's about $151 more in annual dividend income before taxes — though higher yield often comes with higher risk.
QYLD's higher yield (5.77%) looks attractive but investors should weigh whether the extra income compensates for any additional risk versus SPYD's 4.26% — especially if the higher yield is driven by covered calls or a falling share price.
Safety scores are too close to call (6.8/10 vs 6.8/10)
Both score within 0.3 points on our 0-10 dividend safety scale — comparable risk profiles on the signals we measure.
Yield-trend comparison unavailable
One or both tickers are missing 5-year average yield data.
SPYD is cheaper (7.00% vs 60.00%)
On a $10,000 position the lower expense ratio saves about $5300/year — small annually but compounds significantly over 20+ years.
On $10,000 invested, SPYD's lower expense ratio saves roughly $53/year in fees versus QYLD. Over 20 years that compounds to a meaningful drag — expense ratios are one of the few costs investors fully control.
Comparable scale ($8.4B vs $7.4B)
Within 1.5x of each other on market cap / AUM — similar institutional footprint.
SPYD is more tax-efficient in a taxable account
QYLD's distributions are typically taxed as ordinary income (covered call ETF, REIT, or mREIT) — versus qualified dividends from SPYD which get the lower long-term capital gains rate.
QYLD uses a covered-call or options strategy that typically generates ordinary income taxed at your full marginal rate. SPYD's dividends may qualify for the 0–20% qualified dividend rate. In a taxable account, SPYD keeps more of your income after taxes.
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
Which is better for income, QYLD or SPYD?
SPYD wins 2–1 on our six-dimension comparison, but QYLD can still be the better fit depending on your priorities — see each dimension below.
QYLD vs SPYD: which has a higher dividend yield?
QYLD yields 5.77% and SPYD yields 4.26%. On a $10,000 investment that's about $151 more in annual dividend income before taxes — though higher yield often comes with higher risk.
Is QYLD or SPYD a safer dividend in 2026?
QYLD scores 6.8/10 (Solid) on the Infnits dividend safety scale. SPYD scores 6.8/10 (Solid). Both have comparable safety scores.
Which has better dividend growth, QYLD or SPYD?
One or both tickers are missing 5-year average yield data.
QYLD vs SPYD: which is more tax-efficient?
QYLD's distributions are typically taxed as ordinary income (covered call ETF, REIT, or mREIT) — versus qualified dividends from SPYD which get the lower long-term capital gains rate.
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