Computed head-to-head · 6 dimensions
SPYD vs VYM
SPDR Portfolio S&P 500 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 SPYD can still be the better fit depending on your priorities — see each dimension below.
Scorecard at a glance
| Dimension | SPYD | VYM | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Yield | 4.26% | 2.30% | SPYD wins |
| Dividend safety | 6.8/10 | 7.9/10 | VYM wins |
| Growth trend | — | — | Tie |
| Expense ratio | 7.00% | 4.00% | VYM wins |
| Scale | $7.4B | $96.2B | VYM wins |
| Tax efficiency | Qualified-eligible | Qualified-eligible | Tie |
| Overall | 1 wins | 3 wins | VYM wins |
Dimension by dimension
SPYD wins on yield (4.26% vs 2.30%)
On a $10,000 investment that's about $196 more in annual dividend income before taxes — though higher yield often comes with higher risk.
SPYD's higher yield (4.26%) looks attractive but investors should weigh whether the extra income compensates for any additional risk versus VYM's 2.30% — especially if the higher yield is driven by covered calls or a falling share price.
VYM wins on safety (7.9/10 vs 6.8/10)
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.
VYM (7.9/10) scores 1.1 points higher than SPYD (6.8/10). A higher safety score means lower historical indicators of dividend cut risk — payout ratio, yield zone, and trend all factor in.
Yield-trend comparison unavailable
One or both tickers are missing 5-year average yield data.
VYM is cheaper (4.00% vs 7.00%)
On a $10,000 position the lower expense ratio saves about $300/year — small annually but compounds significantly over 20+ years.
VYM is 13.0× 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.
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, SPYD or VYM?
VYM wins 3–1 on our six-dimension comparison, but SPYD can still be the better fit depending on your priorities — see each dimension below.
SPYD vs VYM: which has a higher dividend yield?
SPYD yields 4.26% and VYM yields 2.30%. On a $10,000 investment that's about $196 more in annual dividend income before taxes — though higher yield often comes with higher risk.
Is SPYD or VYM a safer dividend in 2026?
SPYD scores 6.8/10 (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, SPYD or VYM?
One or both tickers are missing 5-year average yield data.
SPYD 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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