Computed head-to-head · 6 dimensions
VIG vs VWO
Vanguard Dividend Appreciation ETF versus Vanguard FTSE Emerging Markets ETF — yield, safety, growth trend, cost, scale, and tax treatment.
VIG and VWO are evenly matched (1–1 across six dimensions) — the right pick comes down to which dimension you weight most.
VIG or VWO — which is better?
Neither VIG nor VWO wins outright — the two are nearly equivalent across all 6 dimensions, making the choice largely a matter of which account you hold them in and personal preference on yield vs stability. VIG and VWO are evenly matched (1–1 across six dimensions) — the right pick comes down to which dimension you weight most.
On yield alone, VWO generates 2.05% vs 1.56% — a 0.49% difference that translates to $490 more per year on a $100,000 investment.
Scorecard at a glance
| Dimension | VIG | VWO | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Yield | 1.56% | 2.05% | VWO wins |
| Dividend safety | 7.9/10 | 7.9/10 | Tie |
| Growth trend | — | — | Tie |
| Expense ratio | 4.00% | 6.00% | VIG wins |
| Scale | $127.6B | $164.7B | Tie |
| Tax efficiency | Qualified-eligible | Qualified-eligible | Tie |
| Overall | 1 wins | 1 wins | Tie |
Dimension by dimension
VWO wins on yield (2.05% vs 1.56%)
On a $10,000 investment that's about $49 more in annual dividend income before taxes — though higher yield often comes with higher risk.
VWO's higher yield (2.05%) looks attractive but investors should weigh whether the extra income compensates for any additional risk versus VIG's 1.56% — especially if the higher yield is driven by covered calls or a falling share price.
Safety scores are too close to call (7.9/10 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.
VIG is cheaper (4.00% vs 6.00%)
On a $10,000 position the lower expense ratio saves about $200/year — small annually but compounds significantly over 20+ years.
Comparable scale ($127.6B vs $164.7B)
Within 1.5x of each other on market cap / AUM — similar institutional footprint.
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 VIG dividends qualified and are VWO 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
VIG or VWO — which is better?
Neither — VIG and VWO tie 1–1 across the six dimensions we score. VIG and VWO are evenly matched (1–1 across six dimensions) — the right pick comes down to which dimension you weight most.
Which is better for income, VIG or VWO?
VIG and VWO are evenly matched (1–1 across six dimensions) — the right pick comes down to which dimension you weight most.
VIG vs VWO: which has a higher dividend yield?
VIG yields 1.56% and VWO yields 2.05%. On a $10,000 investment that's about $49 more in annual dividend income before taxes — though higher yield often comes with higher risk.
Is VIG or VWO a safer dividend in 2026?
VIG scores 7.9/10 (Solid) on the Infnits dividend safety scale. VWO scores 7.9/10 (Solid). Both have comparable safety scores.
Which has better dividend growth, VIG or VWO?
One or both tickers are missing 5-year average yield data.
VIG vs VWO: 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 VIG and VWO 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 either diversifies you or just duplicates what you hold. No account, no download.