Compare ETFs
What the ETF comparison tool does
Many ETFs track almost the same thing — three different S&P 500 funds, two semiconductor funds, several total-market funds. On the surface they look interchangeable, but small differences in cost and size compound into real money over years. This tool puts any two ETFs side by side so you can see those differences instantly instead of opening two tabs and squinting.
How to use it
- Choose ETF A in the first dropdown.
- Choose ETF B in the second dropdown.
- Read the table — each metric shows both funds, with the stronger value highlighted in green (lower cost, higher returns, larger assets, higher yield).
- Open either ticker for its full holdings, sector mix and the bull-and-bear view.
What actually matters when two ETFs look the same
- Expense ratio. For funds tracking the same index, the cheaper one almost always wins over time — the fee is a guaranteed annual drag.
- Assets and liquidity. A much larger fund usually has tighter trading spreads and is less likely to close.
- Returns. Compare YTD and multi-year returns, but remember two funds tracking the same index should perform almost identically before fees.
- Yield. For income-focused funds, the distribution yield is a key differentiator.
Tips
- When two funds track the same index, let cost be the tie-breaker.
- Shortlist candidates first with the ETF screener, then compare the finalists here.
- Comparing a fund against a single company instead? Use ETF vs Stock.
Frequently asked questions
How do I compare two ETFs?
Pick an ETF in each dropdown and the tool builds a side-by-side table of expense ratio, assets, YTD and multi-year returns, yield and category, highlighting the stronger figure on each row.
Which is better when two ETFs track the same index?
Usually the one with the lower expense ratio and larger assets, because near-identical funds should deliver near-identical returns before fees, so cost and liquidity become the deciding factors.
Why do two similar ETFs have different returns?
Small gaps come from fees, tracking differences, and the exact index each fund follows. Over a single year these are usually minor, but they add up over time.
Does a higher expense ratio ever make sense?
Sometimes, for specialised, actively managed or niche strategies you cannot get cheaply elsewhere. For plain index exposure, lower is almost always better.
Is this financial advice?
No. The comparison is for research only. ETFs carry market risk and past performance does not predict future results, so always read the fund prospectus and do your own research.