ETF Comparison
SPLG vs SPY: Which Is the Better Pick in 2026?
A head-to-head comparison of SPDR Portfolio S&P 500 ETF and SPDR S&P 500 ETF Trust covering yield, cost, risk, and income potential.
Data updated April 5, 2026
Side-by-side snapshot
| SPLG | SPY | |
|---|---|---|
| Full name | SPDR Portfolio S&P 500 ETF | SPDR S&P 500 ETF Trust |
| Issuer | State Street | State Street |
| Price | $80.86 | $655.24 |
| Distribution yield | 1.13% | 1.06% |
| Expense ratio | 0.02% | 0.09% |
| AUM | $97.3B | $698.3B |
| Distribution frequency | Quarterly | Quarterly |
| Underlying index | S&P 500 Index | S&P 500 Index |
| Objective | Track the S&P 500 Index at a low expense ratio for core U.S. equity exposure. | Track the S&P 500 Index before expenses. |
| Asset class | Equity | Equity |
| Inception date | 11/08/2005 | 01/22/1993 |
| Beta | 1.0 | 1.0 |
| Last dividend | $0.19 | $1.80 |
| Ex-dividend date | 03/13/2026 | 03/20/2026 |
Visual comparison
Key metrics
Projected income on $10K
Projections assume the current yield and share price remain constant. Actual results will vary.
Quick verdict
SPLG (SPDR Portfolio S&P 500 ETF) and SPY (SPDR S&P 500 ETF Trust) are both popular quarterly-pay track the s&p 500 index at a low expense ratio for core u.s. equity exposure. ETFs, but they take different approaches.
SPLG offers the higher yield at 1.13% vs 1.06% for SPY. A higher yield means more current income per dollar invested, though it may come with different risk characteristics.
SPLG is cheaper with an expense ratio of 0.02% compared to 0.09%.
SPY is the larger fund by assets ($698.3B), which generally means tighter spreads and better liquidity.
Deep dive
Yield & income
On a $10,000 investment, SPLG would generate roughly $9.42/month while SPY would produce $8.83/month at current distribution rates. Both pay quarterly distributions.
Cost & efficiency
Over 10 years on $10,000, SPLG would cost approximately $20 in fees vs $90 for SPY (simplified, not compounded). The $70.00 difference may be offset by yield or performance.
Strategy & risk
SPLG tracks S&P 500 Index with a track the s&p 500 index at a low expense ratio for core u.s. equity exposure. approach, while SPY tracks S&P 500 Index using a track the s&p 500 index before expenses. strategy. Beta is 1.0 for SPLG and 1.0 for SPY, indicating SPY is less volatile relative to the market.
Fund details
SPLG is managed by State Street (launched 11/08/2005) with $97.3B in assets. SPY is managed by State Street (launched 01/22/1993) with $698.3B in assets.
Income calculator
See how much monthly income a hypothetical investment would generate in each ETF at current yields.
Frequently asked questions
Is SPLG or SPY better for dividend income?
It depends on your goals. SPLG 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 SPLG and SPY?
SPLG (SPDR Portfolio S&P 500 ETF) tracks S&P 500 Index with a track the s&p 500 index at a low expense ratio for core u.s. equity exposure. strategy, while SPY (SPDR S&P 500 ETF Trust) tracks S&P 500 Index with a track the s&p 500 index before expenses. approach. They are issued by State Street and State Street respectively.
Can I hold both SPLG and SPY?
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, SPLG or SPY?
SPLG has an expense ratio of 0.02% while SPY charges 0.09%. Lower fees mean more of your investment returns stay in your pocket over time.
How much income does $10,000 in SPLG vs SPY generate?
At current yields, $10,000 in SPLG would generate roughly $9.42 per month ($113.00 annually). The same in SPY would produce about $8.83 per month ($106.00 annually).
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