Computed head-to-head · 6 dimensions
VIG vs VYM
Vanguard Dividend Appreciation ETF versus Vanguard High Dividend Yield ETF — yield, safety, growth trend, cost, scale, and tax treatment.
VYM wins 1–0 on our six-dimension comparison, but VIG can still be the better fit depending on your priorities — see each dimension below.
VIG or VYM — which is better?
VYM wins this comparison 1–0 across 6 dimensions. VYM yields 2.37% — higher than VIG's 1.56% — and carries a 7.9/10 dividend safety score (Solid) vs 7.9/10 for VIG (Solid). VYM wins 1–0 on our six-dimension comparison, but VIG can still be the better fit depending on your priorities — see each dimension below.
On yield alone, VYM generates 2.37% vs 1.56% — a 0.81% difference that translates to $810 more per year on a $100,000 investment.
Scorecard at a glance
| Dimension | VIG | VYM | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Yield | 1.56% | 2.37% | VYM wins |
| Dividend safety | 7.9/10 | 7.9/10 | Tie |
| Growth trend | — | — | Tie |
| Expense ratio | 4.00% | 4.00% | Tie |
| Scale | $127.6B | $95.8B | Tie |
| Tax efficiency | Qualified-eligible | Qualified-eligible | Tie |
| Overall | 0 wins | 1 wins | VYM wins |
Dimension by dimension
VYM wins on yield (2.37% vs 1.56%)
On a $10,000 investment that's about $81 more in annual dividend income before taxes — though higher yield often comes with higher risk.
VYM's higher yield (2.37%) 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.
Expense ratios are effectively identical
Both ETFs charge 4.00% — no meaningful cost difference over decades of compounding.
Comparable scale ($127.6B vs $95.8B)
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 VYM 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 VYM — which is better?
VYM is better on our scoring, winning 1–0 across six dimensions: yield, dividend safety, growth, cost, scale, and tax treatment. VYM wins 1–0 on our six-dimension comparison, but VIG can still be the better fit depending on your priorities — see each dimension below.
Which is better for income, VIG or VYM?
VYM wins 1–0 on our six-dimension comparison, but VIG can still be the better fit depending on your priorities — see each dimension below.
VIG vs VYM: which has a higher dividend yield?
VIG yields 1.56% and VYM yields 2.37%. On a $10,000 investment that's about $81 more in annual dividend income before taxes — though higher yield often comes with higher risk.
Is VIG or VYM a safer dividend in 2026?
VIG scores 7.9/10 (Solid) on the Infnits dividend safety scale. VYM scores 7.9/10 (Solid). Both have comparable safety scores.
Which has better dividend growth, VIG or VYM?
One or both tickers are missing 5-year average yield data.
VIG 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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Compare both against your actual holdings
Put VIG and VYM 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 VYM diversifies you or just duplicates what you hold. No account, no download.