ETF Comparison
SMH vs SOXX: Which Is the Better Pick in 2026?
A head-to-head comparison of VanEck Semiconductor ETF and iShares Semiconductor ETF covering yield, cost, risk, and income potential.
Data updated April 5, 2026
Side-by-side snapshot
| SMH | SOXX | |
|---|---|---|
| Full name | VanEck Semiconductor ETF | iShares Semiconductor ETF |
| Issuer | VanEck | iShares |
| Price | $391.97 | $338.54 |
| Distribution yield | 0.27% | 0.49% |
| Expense ratio | 0.35% | 0.34% |
| AUM | $46.2B | $21.7B |
| Distribution frequency | Quarterly | — |
| Underlying index | MVIS US Listed Semiconductor 25 Index | — |
| Objective | Track the MVIS US Listed Semiconductor 25 Index. | Tracks the ICE Semiconductor Index of US-listed semiconductor companies. |
| Asset class | Equity | Equity |
| Inception date | 12/20/2011 | — |
| Beta | 1.67 | 1.79 |
| Last dividend | $1.10 | $0.21 |
| Ex-dividend date | 12/22/2025 | 03/17/2026 |
Visual comparison
Key metrics
Projected income on $10K
Projections assume the current yield and share price remain constant. Actual results will vary.
Quick verdict
SMH (VanEck Semiconductor ETF) and SOXX (iShares Semiconductor ETF) are both popular quarterly-pay track the mvis us listed semiconductor 25 index. ETFs, but they take different approaches.
SOXX offers the higher yield at 0.49% vs 0.27% for SMH. A higher yield means more current income per dollar invested, though it may come with different risk characteristics.
SOXX is cheaper with an expense ratio of 0.34% compared to 0.35%.
SMH is the larger fund by assets ($46.2B), which generally means tighter spreads and better liquidity.
Deep dive
Yield & income
On a $10,000 investment, SMH would generate roughly $2.25/month while SOXX would produce $4.08/month at current distribution rates. Both pay quarterly distributions.
Cost & efficiency
Over 10 years on $10,000, SMH would cost approximately $350 in fees vs $340 for SOXX (simplified, not compounded). The $10.00 difference may be offset by yield or performance.
Strategy & risk
SMH tracks MVIS US Listed Semiconductor 25 Index with a track the mvis us listed semiconductor 25 index. approach, while SOXX tracks — using a tracks the ice semiconductor index of us-listed semiconductor companies. strategy. Beta is 1.67 for SMH and 1.79 for SOXX, indicating SMH is less volatile relative to the market.
Fund details
SMH is managed by VanEck (launched 12/20/2011) with $46.2B in assets. SOXX is managed by iShares (launched —) with $21.7B in assets.
Income calculator
See how much monthly income a hypothetical investment would generate in each ETF at current yields.
Frequently asked questions
Is SMH or SOXX better for dividend income?
It depends on your goals. SOXX 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 SMH and SOXX?
SMH (VanEck Semiconductor ETF) tracks MVIS US Listed Semiconductor 25 Index with a track the mvis us listed semiconductor 25 index. strategy, while SOXX (iShares Semiconductor ETF) tracks — with a tracks the ice semiconductor index of us-listed semiconductor companies. approach. They are issued by VanEck and iShares respectively.
Can I hold both SMH and SOXX?
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, SMH or SOXX?
SMH has an expense ratio of 0.35% while SOXX charges 0.34%. Lower fees mean more of your investment returns stay in your pocket over time.
How much income does $10,000 in SMH vs SOXX generate?
At current yields, $10,000 in SMH would generate roughly $2.25 per month ($27.00 annually). The same in SOXX would produce about $4.08 per month ($49.00 annually).
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