Computed head-to-head · 6 dimensions
VEA vs VT
Vanguard FTSE Developed Markets Index Fund ETF Shares versus Vanguard Total World Stock Index Fund ETF Shares — yield, safety, growth trend, cost, scale, and tax treatment.
VEA wins 3–0 on our six-dimension comparison, but VT can still be the better fit depending on your priorities — see each dimension below.
VEA or VT — which is better?
VEA wins this comparison 3–0 across 6 dimensions. VEA yields 2.41% — higher than VT's 1.53% — and carries a 8.1/10 dividend safety score (Strong) vs 7.9/10 for VT (Solid). VEA wins 3–0 on our six-dimension comparison, but VT can still be the better fit depending on your priorities — see each dimension below.
On yield alone, VEA generates 2.41% vs 1.53% — a 0.88% difference that translates to $880 more per year on a $100,000 investment.
Scorecard at a glance
| Dimension | VEA | VT | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Yield | 2.41% | 1.53% | VEA wins |
| Dividend safety | 8.1/10 | 7.9/10 | Tie |
| Growth trend | — | — | Tie |
| Expense ratio | 3.00% | 6.00% | VEA wins |
| Scale | $313.5B | $101.2B | VEA wins |
| Tax efficiency | Qualified-eligible | Qualified-eligible | Tie |
| Overall | 3 wins | 0 wins | VEA wins |
Dimension by dimension
VEA wins on yield (2.41% vs 1.53%)
On a $10,000 investment that's about $88 more in annual dividend income before taxes — though higher yield often comes with higher risk.
VEA's higher yield (2.41%) looks attractive but investors should weigh whether the extra income compensates for any additional risk versus VT's 1.53% — especially if the higher yield is driven by covered calls or a falling share price.
Safety scores are too close to call (8.1/10 vs 7.9/10)
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.
VEA is cheaper (3.00% vs 6.00%)
On a $10,000 position the lower expense ratio saves about $300/year — small annually but compounds significantly over 20+ years.
VEA is 3.1× 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 VEA dividends qualified and are VT 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
VEA or VT — which is better?
VEA is better on our scoring, winning 3–0 across six dimensions: yield, dividend safety, growth, cost, scale, and tax treatment. VEA wins 3–0 on our six-dimension comparison, but VT can still be the better fit depending on your priorities — see each dimension below.
Which is better for income, VEA or VT?
VEA wins 3–0 on our six-dimension comparison, but VT can still be the better fit depending on your priorities — see each dimension below.
VEA vs VT: which has a higher dividend yield?
VEA yields 2.41% and VT yields 1.53%. On a $10,000 investment that's about $88 more in annual dividend income before taxes — though higher yield often comes with higher risk.
Is VEA or VT a safer dividend in 2026?
VEA scores 8.1/10 (Strong) on the Infnits dividend safety scale. VT scores 7.9/10 (Solid). VEA is the safer pick on our scoring model.
Which has better dividend growth, VEA or VT?
One or both tickers are missing 5-year average yield data.
VEA vs VT: 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 VEA and VT 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 VEA diversifies you or just duplicates what you hold. No account, no download.