Computed head-to-head · 6 dimensions
VEA vs VYM
VANGUARD FTSE DEVELOPED MARKETS ETF versus Vanguard High Dividend Yield ETF — yield, safety, growth trend, cost, scale, and tax treatment.
VEA wins 3–0 on our six-dimension comparison, but VYM can still be the better fit depending on your priorities — see each dimension below.
Scorecard at a glance
| Dimension | VEA | VYM | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Yield | 2.54% | 2.30% | VEA wins |
| Dividend safety | 8.1/10 | 7.9/10 | Tie |
| Growth trend | — | — | Tie |
| Expense ratio | 3.00% | 4.00% | VEA wins |
| Scale | $316.3B | $96.2B | VEA wins |
| Tax efficiency | Qualified-eligible | Qualified-eligible | Tie |
| Overall | 3 wins | 0 wins | VEA wins |
Dimension by dimension
VEA wins on yield (2.54% vs 2.30%)
On a $10,000 investment that's about $24 more in annual dividend income before taxes — though higher yield often comes with higher risk.
VEA's higher yield (2.54%) 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.
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 4.00%)
On a $10,000 position the lower expense ratio saves about $100/year — small annually but compounds significantly over 20+ years.
VEA is 3.3× 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, VEA or VYM?
VEA wins 3–0 on our six-dimension comparison, but VYM can still be the better fit depending on your priorities — see each dimension below.
VEA vs VYM: which has a higher dividend yield?
VEA yields 2.54% and VYM yields 2.30%. On a $10,000 investment that's about $24 more in annual dividend income before taxes — though higher yield often comes with higher risk.
Is VEA or VYM a safer dividend in 2026?
VEA scores 8.1/10 (Strong) on the Infnits dividend safety scale. VYM scores 7.9/10 (Solid). VEA is the safer pick on our scoring model.
Which has better dividend growth, VEA or VYM?
One or both tickers are missing 5-year average yield data.
VEA 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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