ETF Comparison
HDV vs VIG: Which Is the Better Pick in 2026?
A head-to-head comparison of iShares Core High Dividend ETF and Vanguard Dividend Appreciation Index Fund ETF Shares covering yield, cost, risk, and income potential.
Data updated April 5, 2026
Side-by-side snapshot
| HDV | VIG | |
|---|---|---|
| Full name | iShares Core High Dividend ETF | Vanguard Dividend Appreciation Index Fund ETF Shares |
| Issuer | iShares | Vanguard |
| Price | $133.97 | $215.68 |
| Distribution yield | 2.79% | 1.56% |
| Expense ratio | 0.08% | 0.04% |
| AUM | $13.8B | $123.8B |
| Distribution frequency | Quarterly | Quarterly |
| Underlying index | Morningstar Dividend Yield Focus Index | Basket (Vanguard Dividend Appreciation ETF holdings) |
| Objective | Dividend Income | Seeks to track the performance of the S&P U.S. Dividend Growers Index, which consists of common stocks of companies that have a record of at least 10 years of increasing regular cash dividend payments. |
| Asset class | Equity | Equity |
| Inception date | 03/29/2011 | 04/21/2006 |
| Beta | 0.42 | 0.81 |
| Last dividend | $0.84 | $0.83 |
| 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
HDV (iShares Core High Dividend ETF) and VIG (Vanguard Dividend Appreciation Index Fund ETF Shares) are both popular quarterly-pay dividend income ETFs, but they take different approaches.
HDV offers the higher yield at 2.79% vs 1.56% for VIG. A higher yield means more current income per dollar invested, though it may come with different risk characteristics.
VIG is cheaper with an expense ratio of 0.04% compared to 0.08%.
They track different benchmarks: HDV is linked to Morningstar Dividend Yield Focus Index while VIG tracks Basket (Vanguard Dividend Appreciation ETF holdings), which means their performance drivers differ.
VIG is the larger fund by assets ($123.8B), which generally means tighter spreads and better liquidity.
Deep dive
Yield & income
On a $10,000 investment, HDV would generate roughly $23.25/month while VIG would produce $13.00/month at current distribution rates. Both pay quarterly distributions.
Cost & efficiency
Over 10 years on $10,000, HDV would cost approximately $80 in fees vs $40 for VIG (simplified, not compounded). The $40.00 difference may be offset by yield or performance.
Strategy & risk
HDV tracks Morningstar Dividend Yield Focus Index with a dividend income approach, while VIG tracks Basket (Vanguard Dividend Appreciation ETF holdings) using a seeks to track the performance of the s&p u.s. dividend growers index, which consists of common stocks of companies that have a record of at least 10 years of increasing regular cash dividend payments. strategy. Beta is 0.42 for HDV and 0.81 for VIG, indicating HDV is less volatile relative to the market.
Fund details
HDV is managed by iShares (launched 03/29/2011) with $13.8B in assets. VIG is managed by Vanguard (launched 04/21/2006) with $123.8B in assets.
Income calculator
See how much monthly income a hypothetical investment would generate in each ETF at current yields.
Frequently asked questions
Is HDV or VIG better for dividend income?
It depends on your goals. HDV 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 HDV and VIG?
HDV (iShares Core High Dividend ETF) tracks Morningstar Dividend Yield Focus Index with a dividend income strategy, while VIG (Vanguard Dividend Appreciation Index Fund ETF Shares) tracks Basket (Vanguard Dividend Appreciation ETF holdings) with a seeks to track the performance of the s&p u.s. dividend growers index, which consists of common stocks of companies that have a record of at least 10 years of increasing regular cash dividend payments. approach. They are issued by iShares and Vanguard respectively.
Can I hold both HDV and VIG?
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, HDV or VIG?
HDV has an expense ratio of 0.08% while VIG charges 0.04%. Lower fees mean more of your investment returns stay in your pocket over time.
How much income does $10,000 in HDV vs VIG generate?
At current yields, $10,000 in HDV would generate roughly $23.25 per month ($279.00 annually). The same in VIG would produce about $13.00 per month ($156.00 annually).
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