ETF Comparison
DGRO vs VOO: Which Is the Better Pick in 2026?
A head-to-head comparison of iShares Core Dividend Growth ETF and Vanguard S&P 500 ETF covering yield, cost, risk, and income potential.
Data updated April 5, 2026
Side-by-side snapshot
| DGRO | VOO | |
|---|---|---|
| Full name | iShares Core Dividend Growth ETF | Vanguard S&P 500 ETF |
| Issuer | BlackRock | Vanguard |
| Price | $70.20 | $602.30 |
| Distribution yield | 1.96% | 1.12% |
| Expense ratio | 0.08% | 0.03% |
| AUM | $38.8B | $1512.9B |
| Distribution frequency | Quarterly | Quarterly |
| Underlying index | Basket (Growth-focused dividend equity holdings by BlackRock) | S&P 500 Index |
| Objective | Seeks to track the investment results of the Morningstar U.S. Dividend Growth Index, which measures the performance of U.S. equities with a history of consistently growing dividends. Companies must have a payout ratio less than 75% and are excluded if in the top decile based on dividend yield. | Track the performance of the S&P 500 Index, representing 500 of the largest U.S. companies. |
| Asset class | Equity | Equity |
| Inception date | 06/10/2014 | 09/07/2010 |
| Beta | 0.76 | 1.0 |
| Last dividend | $0.33 | $1.87 |
| Ex-dividend date | 03/17/2026 | 03/27/2026 |
Visual comparison
Key metrics
Projected income on $10K
Projections assume the current yield and share price remain constant. Actual results will vary.
Quick verdict
DGRO (iShares Core Dividend Growth ETF) and VOO (Vanguard S&P 500 ETF) are both popular quarterly-pay seeks to track the investment results of the morningstar u.s. dividend growth index, which measures the performance of u.s. equities with a history of consistently growing dividends. companies must have a payout ratio less than 75% and are excluded if in the top decile based on dividend yield. ETFs, but they take different approaches.
DGRO offers the higher yield at 1.96% vs 1.12% for VOO. A higher yield means more current income per dollar invested, though it may come with different risk characteristics.
VOO is cheaper with an expense ratio of 0.03% compared to 0.08%.
They track different benchmarks: DGRO is linked to Basket (Growth-focused dividend equity holdings by BlackRock) while VOO tracks S&P 500 Index, which means their performance drivers differ.
VOO is the larger fund by assets ($1512.9B), which generally means tighter spreads and better liquidity.
Deep dive
Yield & income
On a $10,000 investment, DGRO would generate roughly $16.33/month while VOO would produce $9.33/month at current distribution rates. Both pay quarterly distributions.
Cost & efficiency
Over 10 years on $10,000, DGRO would cost approximately $80 in fees vs $30 for VOO (simplified, not compounded). The $50.00 difference may be offset by yield or performance.
Strategy & risk
DGRO tracks Basket (Growth-focused dividend equity holdings by BlackRock) with a seeks to track the investment results of the morningstar u.s. dividend growth index, which measures the performance of u.s. equities with a history of consistently growing dividends. companies must have a payout ratio less than 75% and are excluded if in the top decile based on dividend yield. approach, while VOO tracks S&P 500 Index using a track the performance of the s&p 500 index, representing 500 of the largest u.s. companies. strategy. Beta is 0.76 for DGRO and 1.0 for VOO, indicating DGRO is less volatile relative to the market.
Fund details
DGRO is managed by BlackRock (launched 06/10/2014) with $38.8B in assets. VOO is managed by Vanguard (launched 09/07/2010) with $1512.9B in assets.
Income calculator
See how much monthly income a hypothetical investment would generate in each ETF at current yields.
Frequently asked questions
Is DGRO or VOO better for dividend income?
It depends on your goals. DGRO currently offers the higher distribution yield, which means more income per dollar invested. However, a lower-yield fund may offer better total return or lower volatility. Consider your time horizon and risk tolerance.
What is the difference between DGRO and VOO?
DGRO (iShares Core Dividend Growth ETF) tracks Basket (Growth-focused dividend equity holdings by BlackRock) with a seeks to track the investment results of the morningstar u.s. dividend growth index, which measures the performance of u.s. equities with a history of consistently growing dividends. companies must have a payout ratio less than 75% and are excluded if in the top decile based on dividend yield. strategy, while VOO (Vanguard S&P 500 ETF) tracks S&P 500 Index with a track the performance of the s&p 500 index, representing 500 of the largest u.s. companies. approach. They are issued by BlackRock and Vanguard respectively.
Can I hold both DGRO and VOO?
Yes. Many income investors hold both to diversify across different strategies and underlying indexes. This can reduce concentration risk while maintaining a strong income stream.
Which has lower fees, DGRO or VOO?
DGRO has an expense ratio of 0.08% while VOO charges 0.03%. Lower fees mean more of your investment returns stay in your pocket over time.
How much income does $10,000 in DGRO vs VOO generate?
At current yields, $10,000 in DGRO would generate roughly $16.33 per month ($196.00 annually). The same in VOO would produce about $9.33 per month ($112.00 annually).
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