ETF Comparison
SMH vs SOXX vs VGT vs XLK: Which Is the Better Pick in 2026?
A side-by-side comparison of VanEck Semiconductor ETF, iShares Semiconductor ETF, Vanguard Information Technology ETF and Technology Select Sector SPDR Fund covering yield, cost, risk, and income potential.
Data updated April 5, 2026
Side-by-side snapshot
| SMH | SOXX | VGT | XLK | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Full name | VanEck Semiconductor ETF | iShares Semiconductor ETF | Vanguard Information Technology ETF | Technology Select Sector SPDR Fund |
| Issuer | VanEck | iShares | Vanguard | State Street |
| Price | $391.97 | $338.54 | $706.65 | $134.91 |
| Distribution yield | 0.27% | 0.49% | 0.42% | 0.56% |
| Expense ratio | 0.35% | 0.34% | 0.09% | 0.08% |
| AUM | $46.2B | $21.7B | $126.5B | $87.7B |
| Distribution frequency | Quarterly | — | Quarterly | Quarterly |
| Underlying index | MVIS US Listed Semiconductor 25 Index | — | Basket (Vanguard Information Technology ETF holdings) | Technology Select Sector Index |
| Objective | Track the MVIS US Listed Semiconductor 25 Index. | Tracks the ICE Semiconductor Index of US-listed semiconductor companies. | Seeks to track the performance of the MSCI US Investable Market Index/Information Technology 25/50, an index made up of stocks of large, mid-size, and small U.S. companies within the information technology sector, including technology software and services, hardware and equipment, and semiconductor manufacturers. | Track the Technology Select Sector Index, providing exposure to the information technology constituents of the S&P 500. |
| Asset class | Equity | Equity | Equity | Equity |
| Inception date | 12/20/2011 | — | 01/26/2004 | 12/16/1998 |
| Beta | 1.67 | 1.79 | 1.32 | 1.24 |
| Last dividend | $1.10 | $0.21 | $0.74 | $0.17 |
| Ex-dividend date | 12/22/2025 | 03/17/2026 | 03/24/2026 | 03/23/2026 |
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), SOXX (iShares Semiconductor ETF), VGT (Vanguard Information Technology ETF), XLK (Technology Select Sector SPDR Fund) are popular dividend ETFs that take different approaches.
XLK offers the highest yield at 0.56%, followed by SOXX at 0.49%, VGT at 0.42%, SMH at 0.27%.
XLK is the cheapest with an expense ratio of 0.08%, compared to 0.09% for VGT and 0.34% for SOXX and 0.35% for SMH.
VGT is the largest fund by assets ($126.5B), which generally means tighter spreads and better liquidity.
Deep dive
Yield & income
On a $10,000 investment: SMH generates ~$2.25/month, SOXX generates ~$4.08/month, VGT generates ~$3.50/month, XLK generates ~$4.67/month at current distribution rates.
Cost & efficiency
Over 10 years on $10,000: SMH costs ~$350, SOXX costs ~$340, VGT costs ~$90, XLK costs ~$80 in fees (simplified, not compounded).
Strategy & risk
SMH tracks MVIS US Listed Semiconductor 25 Index with a track the mvis us listed semiconductor 25 index. approach; SOXX tracks — with a tracks the ice semiconductor index of us-listed semiconductor companies. approach; VGT tracks Basket (Vanguard Information Technology ETF holdings) with a seeks to track the performance of the msci us investable market index/information technology 25/50, an index made up of stocks of large, mid-size, and small u.s. companies within the information technology sector, including technology software and services, hardware and equipment, and semiconductor manufacturers. approach; XLK tracks Technology Select Sector Index with a track the technology select sector index, providing exposure to the information technology constituents of the s&p 500. approach.
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. VGT is managed by Vanguard (launched 01/26/2004) with $126.5B in assets. XLK is managed by State Street (launched 12/16/1998) with $87.7B in assets.
Income calculator
See how much monthly income a hypothetical investment would generate in each ETF at current yields.
Frequently asked questions
Which of SMH, SOXX, VGT, and XLK is best for dividend income?
It depends on your goals. XLK currently offers the highest 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, SOXX, VGT, and XLK?
SMH (VanEck Semiconductor ETF) tracks MVIS US Listed Semiconductor 25 Index with a track the mvis us listed semiconductor 25 index. strategy, issued by VanEck. SOXX (iShares Semiconductor ETF) tracks — with a tracks the ice semiconductor index of us-listed semiconductor companies. strategy, issued by iShares. VGT (Vanguard Information Technology ETF) tracks Basket (Vanguard Information Technology ETF holdings) with a seeks to track the performance of the msci us investable market index/information technology 25/50, an index made up of stocks of large, mid-size, and small u.s. companies within the information technology sector, including technology software and services, hardware and equipment, and semiconductor manufacturers. strategy, issued by Vanguard. XLK (Technology Select Sector SPDR Fund) tracks Technology Select Sector Index with a track the technology select sector index, providing exposure to the information technology constituents of the s&p 500. strategy, issued by State Street.
Can I hold SMH, SOXX, VGT, and XLK together?
Yes. Many income investors hold multiple dividend ETFs to diversify across different strategies and underlying indexes. This can reduce concentration risk while maintaining a strong income stream.
Which has the lowest fees among SMH, SOXX, VGT, and XLK?
SMH has an expense ratio of 0.35%, SOXX has an expense ratio of 0.34%, VGT has an expense ratio of 0.09%, XLK has an expense ratio of 0.08%. Lower fees mean more of your investment returns stay in your pocket over time.
How much income does $10,000 generate in each?
$10,000 in SMH yields ~$2.25/month ($27.00/year). $10,000 in SOXX yields ~$4.08/month ($49.00/year). $10,000 in VGT yields ~$3.50/month ($42.00/year). $10,000 in XLK yields ~$4.67/month ($56.00/year).
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