ETF Comparison
VGT vs SOXX: Which Is the Better Pick in 2026?
A head-to-head comparison of Vanguard Information Technology ETF and iShares Semiconductor ETF covering yield, cost, risk, and income potential.
Data updated April 5, 2026
Side-by-side snapshot
| VGT | SOXX | |
|---|---|---|
| Full name | Vanguard Information Technology ETF | iShares Semiconductor ETF |
| Issuer | Vanguard | iShares |
| Price | $706.65 | $338.54 |
| Distribution yield | 0.42% | 0.49% |
| Expense ratio | 0.09% | 0.34% |
| AUM | $126.5B | $21.7B |
| Distribution frequency | Quarterly | — |
| Underlying index | Basket (Vanguard Information Technology ETF holdings) | — |
| Objective | 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. | Tracks the ICE Semiconductor Index of US-listed semiconductor companies. |
| Asset class | Equity | Equity |
| Inception date | 01/26/2004 | — |
| Beta | 1.32 | 1.79 |
| Last dividend | $0.74 | $0.21 |
| Ex-dividend date | 03/24/2026 | 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
VGT (Vanguard Information Technology ETF) and SOXX (iShares Semiconductor ETF) are both popular quarterly-pay 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. ETFs, but they take different approaches.
SOXX offers the higher yield at 0.49% vs 0.42% for VGT. A higher yield means more current income per dollar invested, though it may come with different risk characteristics.
VGT is cheaper with an expense ratio of 0.09% compared to 0.34%.
VGT is the larger fund by assets ($126.5B), which generally means tighter spreads and better liquidity.
Deep dive
Yield & income
On a $10,000 investment, VGT would generate roughly $3.50/month while SOXX would produce $4.08/month at current distribution rates. Both pay quarterly distributions.
Cost & efficiency
Over 10 years on $10,000, VGT would cost approximately $90 in fees vs $340 for SOXX (simplified, not compounded). The $250.00 difference may be offset by yield or performance.
Strategy & risk
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, while SOXX tracks — using a tracks the ice semiconductor index of us-listed semiconductor companies. strategy. Beta is 1.32 for VGT and 1.79 for SOXX, indicating VGT is less volatile relative to the market.
Fund details
VGT is managed by Vanguard (launched 01/26/2004) with $126.5B 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 VGT 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 VGT and SOXX?
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, while SOXX (iShares Semiconductor ETF) tracks — with a tracks the ice semiconductor index of us-listed semiconductor companies. approach. They are issued by Vanguard and iShares respectively.
Can I hold both VGT 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, VGT or SOXX?
VGT has an expense ratio of 0.09% 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 VGT vs SOXX generate?
At current yields, $10,000 in VGT would generate roughly $3.50 per month ($42.00 annually). The same in SOXX would produce about $4.08 per month ($49.00 annually).
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