Computed head-to-head · 6 dimensions
QYLD vs YMAX
Global X Nasdaq 100 Covered Call ETF versus YieldMax Universe Fund of Option Income ETFs — yield, safety, growth trend, cost, scale, and tax treatment.
QYLD wins 3–1 on our six-dimension comparison, but YMAX can still be the better fit depending on your priorities — see each dimension below.
QYLD wins this comparison 3–1 across 6 dimensions. QYLD yields 9.88% — lower than YMAX's 44.58% — and carries a 5.1/10 dividend safety score (Mixed) vs 4.7/10 for YMAX (Weak). QYLD wins 3–1 on our six-dimension comparison, but YMAX can still be the better fit depending on your priorities — see each dimension below.
On yield alone, YMAX generates 44.58% vs 9.88% — a 34.70% difference that translates to $34,700 more per year on a $100,000 investment.
Scorecard at a glance
| Dimension | QYLD | YMAX | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Yield | 9.88% | 44.58% | YMAX wins |
| Dividend safety | 5.1/10 | 4.7/10 | QYLD wins |
| Growth trend | — | — | Tie |
| Expense ratio | 60.00% | 133.00% | QYLD wins |
| Scale | $8.1B | $386M | QYLD wins |
| Tax efficiency | Ordinary income | Ordinary income | Tie |
| Overall | 3 wins | 1 wins | QYLD wins |
Dimension by dimension
YMAX wins on yield (44.58% vs 9.88%)
On a $10,000 investment that's about $3470 more in annual dividend income before taxes — though higher yield often comes with higher risk.
YMAX's higher yield (44.58%) looks attractive but investors should weigh whether the extra income compensates for any additional risk versus QYLD's 9.88% — especially if the higher yield is driven by covered calls or a falling share price.
QYLD wins on safety (5.1/10 vs 4.7/10)
Our score combines yield zone, payout ratio, trend vs 5-year average, instrument type, and size. QYLD scores better on the weighted average of those factors.
Yield-trend comparison unavailable
One or both tickers are missing 5-year average yield data.
QYLD is cheaper (60.00% vs 133.00%)
On a $10,000 position the lower expense ratio saves about $7300/year — small annually but compounds significantly over 20+ years.
On $10,000 invested, QYLD's lower expense ratio saves roughly $73/year in fees versus YMAX. Over 20 years that compounds to a meaningful drag — expense ratios are one of the few costs investors fully control.
QYLD is 21.0× larger by AUM
Larger funds tend to have tighter spreads, deeper liquidity, and lower closure risk.
Both have similar tax-treatment concerns
Both pay primarily ordinary-income distributions (covered call ETF, REIT, or mREIT). Hold in a tax-advantaged account for the cleanest treatment.
QYLD uses a covered-call or options strategy that typically generates ordinary income taxed at your full marginal rate. YMAX's dividends may qualify for the 0–20% qualified dividend rate. In a taxable account, YMAX 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 YMAX?
QYLD wins 3–1 on our six-dimension comparison, but YMAX can still be the better fit depending on your priorities — see each dimension below.
QYLD vs YMAX: which has a higher dividend yield?
QYLD yields 9.88% and YMAX yields 44.58%. On a $10,000 investment that's about $3470 more in annual dividend income before taxes — though higher yield often comes with higher risk.
Is QYLD or YMAX a safer dividend in 2026?
QYLD scores 5.1/10 (Mixed) on the Infnits dividend safety scale. YMAX scores 4.7/10 (Weak). QYLD is the safer pick on our scoring model.
Which has better dividend growth, QYLD or YMAX?
One or both tickers are missing 5-year average yield data.
QYLD vs YMAX: which is more tax-efficient?
Both pay primarily ordinary-income distributions (covered call ETF, REIT, or mREIT). Hold in a tax-advantaged account for the cleanest treatment.
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