ETF Comparison
XLK vs SOXX: Which Is the Better Pick in 2026?
A head-to-head comparison of Technology Select Sector SPDR Fund and iShares Semiconductor ETF covering yield, cost, risk, and income potential.
Data updated April 5, 2026
Side-by-side snapshot
| XLK | SOXX | |
|---|---|---|
| Full name | Technology Select Sector SPDR Fund | iShares Semiconductor ETF |
| Issuer | State Street | iShares |
| Price | $134.91 | $338.54 |
| Distribution yield | 0.56% | 0.49% |
| Expense ratio | 0.08% | 0.34% |
| AUM | $87.7B | $21.7B |
| Distribution frequency | Quarterly | — |
| Underlying index | Technology Select Sector Index | — |
| Objective | Track the Technology Select Sector Index, providing exposure to the information technology constituents of the S&P 500. | Tracks the ICE Semiconductor Index of US-listed semiconductor companies. |
| Asset class | Equity | Equity |
| Inception date | 12/16/1998 | — |
| Beta | 1.24 | 1.79 |
| Last dividend | $0.17 | $0.21 |
| Ex-dividend date | 03/23/2026 | 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
XLK (Technology Select Sector SPDR Fund) and SOXX (iShares Semiconductor ETF) are both popular quarterly-pay track the technology select sector index, providing exposure to the information technology constituents of the s&p 500. ETFs, but they take different approaches.
XLK offers the higher yield at 0.56% vs 0.49% for SOXX. A higher yield means more current income per dollar invested, though it may come with different risk characteristics.
XLK is cheaper with an expense ratio of 0.08% compared to 0.34%.
XLK is the larger fund by assets ($87.7B), which generally means tighter spreads and better liquidity.
Deep dive
Yield & income
On a $10,000 investment, XLK would generate roughly $4.67/month while SOXX would produce $4.08/month at current distribution rates. Both pay quarterly distributions.
Cost & efficiency
Over 10 years on $10,000, XLK would cost approximately $80 in fees vs $340 for SOXX (simplified, not compounded). The $260.00 difference may be offset by yield or performance.
Strategy & risk
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, while SOXX tracks — using a tracks the ice semiconductor index of us-listed semiconductor companies. strategy. Beta is 1.24 for XLK and 1.79 for SOXX, indicating XLK is less volatile relative to the market.
Fund details
XLK is managed by State Street (launched 12/16/1998) with $87.7B 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 XLK or SOXX better for dividend income?
It depends on your goals. XLK 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 XLK and SOXX?
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, while SOXX (iShares Semiconductor ETF) tracks — with a tracks the ice semiconductor index of us-listed semiconductor companies. approach. They are issued by State Street and iShares respectively.
Can I hold both XLK 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, XLK or SOXX?
XLK has an expense ratio of 0.08% 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 XLK vs SOXX generate?
At current yields, $10,000 in XLK would generate roughly $4.67 per month ($56.00 annually). The same in SOXX would produce about $4.08 per month ($49.00 annually).
More comparisons to explore
People also compare XLK with
People also compare SOXX with
Popular comparisons
Go deeper
Use the full ETF Comparator to add more funds, view radar charts, and generate AI reports.