What's the main difference between VYM and VOO?

VYM is a high-dividend etf from Vanguard; VOO is a broad-market index etf from Vanguard. A higher-yield dividend tilt versus the plain S&P 500 — more income today versus more growth.

Does VYM or VOO pay more dividends?

It depends on current figures, which change — use the calculators linked below with each fund's live yield rather than a fixed number. As a rule, higher-yield funds pay more today, while dividend-growth funds start lower and raise the payout over time.

Which is better, VYM or VOO?

Neither is universally better — they suit different goals. VYM fits an investor who wants a higher current yield from a diversified large-cap base; VOO fits one who wants simple low-cost total-market growth with dividends as a secondary benefit. Match the fund to your objective, time horizon, and tax situation, and consider a licensed advisor.

Can I hold both VYM and VOO?

Many investors do, to blend current income with growth. Just be aware of overlap — if both hold similar large-cap US stocks, you may be less diversified than the two tickers suggest.

VYM vs VOO

A higher-yield dividend tilt versus the plain S&P 500 — more income today versus more growth. Here’s how VYM and VOO compare for dividend investors — with a calculator for each so you can model the income yourself.

VYM

Vanguard High Dividend Yield ETF

Type: High-dividend ETF
Issuer: Vanguard
Pays: quarterly

VYM tracks the FTSE High Dividend Yield Index, weighting toward established U.S. companies that pay above-average dividends. It aims for a higher current yield than the broad market while keeping a diversified, large-cap profile.

VYM dividend calculator

VOO

Vanguard S&P 500 ETF

Type: Broad-market index ETF
Issuer: Vanguard
Pays: quarterly

VOO tracks the S&P 500, giving exposure to 500 of the largest U.S. companies. Its dividend yield is modest because it is a total-market fund rather than an income product, but its dividend has grown over time alongside corporate earnings.

VOO dividend calculator

How VYM and VOO differ

VYM — VYM tracks the FTSE High Dividend Yield Index, weighting toward established U.S. companies that pay above-average dividends. It aims for a higher current yield than the broad market while keeping a diversified, large-cap profile.

VOO — VOO tracks the S&P 500, giving exposure to 500 of the largest U.S. companies. Its dividend yield is modest because it is a total-market fund rather than an income product, but its dividend has grown over time alongside corporate earnings.

In practice the choice comes down to your goal. VYM suits an investor who wants a higher current yield from a diversified large-cap base, while VOO suits one who wants simple low-cost total-market growth with dividends as a secondary benefit. The two are not mutually exclusive — plenty of portfolios hold a growth-oriented fund and an income-oriented one together. What matters is matching each to its job and not judging a fund on its headline yield alone.

Rather than compare a single snapshot yield (which moves daily), open each calculator and enter current figures: the VYM calculator and the VOO calculator. To compare long-term compounding head to head, run the same contributions through the dividend reinvestment calculator with each fund’s assumptions.

Educational comparison only — not a recommendation to buy or sell either fund. Yields and strategies change; verify current figures and consider a licensed advisor.

VYM vs VOO FAQ

What's the main difference between VYM and VOO?: VYM is a high-dividend etf from Vanguard; VOO is a broad-market index etf from Vanguard. A higher-yield dividend tilt versus the plain S&P 500 — more income today versus more growth.
Does VYM or VOO pay more dividends?: It depends on current figures, which change — use the calculators linked below with each fund's live yield rather than a fixed number. As a rule, higher-yield funds pay more today, while dividend-growth funds start lower and raise the payout over time.
Which is better, VYM or VOO?: Neither is universally better — they suit different goals. VYM fits an investor who wants a higher current yield from a diversified large-cap base; VOO fits one who wants simple low-cost total-market growth with dividends as a secondary benefit. Match the fund to your objective, time horizon, and tax situation, and consider a licensed advisor.
Can I hold both VYM and VOO?: Many investors do, to blend current income with growth. Just be aware of overlap — if both hold similar large-cap US stocks, you may be less diversified than the two tickers suggest.

See all dividend ETF comparisons →