10 Best Vanguard ETFs to Buy for Q2 2025

In this guide, we delve into the world of Vanguard ETFs, renowned for their cost-effectiveness and solid track record, to bring you a curated list of the best Vanguard ETFs to buy in 2025.
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Updated on Jul 8, 2024
Reading time 13 minutes

Our selection criteria focus on performance history, expense ratios, asset allocation, and other key factors that contribute to an ETF’s overall appeal and potential for growth.

As we explore the top Vanguard ETFs, remember that investing wisely is not just about following trends; it’s about understanding how each fund aligns with your individual financial goals and risk tolerance. Let’s dive into the Vanguard ETFs that stand out for each different investing approach.

What are the top Vanguard ETFs to buy?

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Based on returns, total assets under management, and prevailing market conditions, we have selected our top 10 Vanguard ETFs:

#ETF symbolETF nameLearn more
1VUGVanguard Growth ETFLearn more >
2VTVVanguard Value ETFLearn more >
3VOOVanguard S&P 500 ETFLearn more >
4VGTVanguard Information Technology ETFLearn more >
5VIGVanguard Dividend Appreciation ETFLearn more >
6VVVanguard Large Cap ETFLearn more >
7VTIVanguard Total Stock Market ETFLearn more >
8VWOVanguard FTSE Emerging Market ETFLearn more >
9VHTVanguard Health Care ETFLearn more >
10VCRVanguard Consumer Discretionary ETFLearn more >
List chosen by our team of analysts, updated April 2025.

1. Vanguard Growth ETF (NYSEARCA: VUG)

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  • Current price: $375.55
  • AUM: $235.34 billion
  • Annual expense ratio: 0.03%
  • YTD performance: 20.80%
  • Annual dividend yield: 0.49%

VUG is a passively managed fund that selects stocks based on six growth factors: expected long-term growth in EPS, expected short-term growth in EPS, three-year historical growth in EPS, three-year historical growth in sales per share, current investment to asset ratio, and return on assets. The expense ratio of the fund is just 0.04% and the AUM stands at $147.3 billion at the time of writing.

The fund has provided a decent average annual return of 9.73% and 18.85% for 3 years and 5 years respectively. In short, VUG is an excellent choice for investors seeking diversification in their portfolios.

2. Vanguard Value ETF (NYSEARCA: VTV)

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  • Current price: $161.44
  • AUM: $168.68 billion
  • Annual expense ratio: 0.04%
  • YTD performance: 7.99%
  • Annual dividend yield: 2.41%

Next on our list of top Vanguard ETFs is the Vanguard Value ETF (VTV), which meticulously tracks the CRSP US Large Cap Value Index. This ETF zeroes in on large-cap U.S. stocks distinguished by their value-oriented attributes, such as lower price-to-earnings and price-to-book ratios compared to their growth counterparts.

Investors can gain exposure to this strategic investment approach with VTV at an incredibly low expense ratio of just 0.04%. This fee efficiency underscores its appeal as a cost-effective solution for those seeking stability and potential resilience in their investment portfolio. Value stocks traditionally offer a stabilizing effect amidst market fluctuations, making VTV an attractive choice for diversification and long-term growth.

3. Vanguard S&P 500 ETF (NYSEARCA: VOO)

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  • Current price: $502.86
  • AUM: $1.14 trillion
  • Annual expense ratio: 0.03%
  • YTD performance: 15.14%
  • Annual dividend yield: 1.29%

The Vanguard S&P 500 ETF (VOO) stands as a cornerstone in many investors’ portfolios, and for good reason. With over $1.14 trillion in assets under management, VOO offers unparalleled exposure to the 500 largest U.S. companies, making it a robust choice for those seeking broad market diversification.

This ETF tracks the S&P 500 Index meticulously, aiming to replicate its performance, which is often seen as a benchmark for the broader U.S. stock market. VOO’s ultra-low expense ratio of just 0.03% underscores its cost-effectiveness, allowing investors to retain more of their returns over the long haul.

4. Vanguard Information Technology ETF (NYSEARCA: VGT)

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  • Current price: $586.47
  • AUM: $80.30 billion
  • Annual expense ratio: 0.10%
  • YTD performance: 21.17%
  • Annual dividend yield: 0.62%

Vanguard Information Technology ETF (VGT) stands out as a premier choice for investors seeking robust exposure to the dynamic tech sector. With an expense ratio of just 0.10%, VGT offers cost-effective access to a diversified portfolio of 321 leading technology companies, including stalwarts like Microsoft, Apple, and NVIDIA.

In 2024, VGT has shown significant growth, boasting a year-to-date performance of 24.44% as of mid-June. This solid performance underscores its role as a core holding for those looking to capitalize on technological innovation.

With a median market cap of $615.1 billion and a turnover rate of 15.4%, VGT reflects a balanced approach to capturing growth within the tech sector while maintaining stability. Whether you’re bullish on AI, cloud computing, or semiconductor advancements, VGT provides strategic exposure to companies driving the future of technology.

5. Vanguard Dividend Appreciation ETF (NYSEARCA: VIG)

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  • Current price: $184.69
  • AUM: $92.68 billion
  • Annual expense ratio: 0.06%
  • YTD performance: 8.39%
  • Annual dividend yield: 1.77%

The Vanguard Dividend Appreciation ETF is an exchange-traded fund that tracks the NASDAQ US Dividend Achievers Select Index, composed of stocks with at least ten consecutive years of rising dividend payments.

As a passively managed, low-cost ETF, VIG provides exposure to high-quality companies with consistent dividend growth without investors needing to pick individual stocks or pay for active fund managers.

The ETF’s holdings come from several major sectors like consumer staples, industrials, healthcare, and tech. The ETF charges annual fees of just 0.06% and pays a modest dividend yield of around 1.77%.

The fund focuses on companies with consistent dividend growth. Its diversified portfolio of dividend growers makes it an attractive long-term holding for income investors. For those seeking broad, low-maintenance exposure across dividend-paying large caps, VIG is one of Vanguard’s best ETFs.

6. Vanguard Large Cap ETF (NYSEARCA: VV)

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  • Current price: $250.89
  • AUM: $50.88 billion
  • Annual expense ratio: 0.04%
  • YTD performance: 15.01%
  • Annual dividend yield: 1.28%

With a focus on stability and long-term growth, the Vanguard Large Cap ETF (VV) stands out as a robust choice for investors seeking exposure to large-cap U.S. stocks. Tracking the CRSP US Large Cap Index, which mirrors the composition of the S&P 500, VV offers a diversified portfolio comprising approximately 85% of the largest U.S. stocks by market capitalization.

This ETF’s emphasis on technology stocks, constituting about 34.9% of its holdings, aligns it closely with sectors driving current technological megatrends like artificial intelligence and cloud computing.

VV has demonstrated resilience in volatile market conditions, showcasing a total return of 57.7% since its cyclical low in October 2022, slightly outpacing the S&P 500 index’s return of 56.7% over the same period.

Despite its growth tilt, with growth stocks representing 44% of its portfolio compared to 21% in value stocks, VV maintains a balanced risk profile comparable to the broader market. Though slightly higher than some counterparts tracking the S&P 500, Its expense ratio of 0.04% ensures cost efficiency.

7. Vanguard Total Stock Market ETF (NYSEARCA: VTI)

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  • Current price: $268.72
  • AUM: $1.60 trillion
  • Annual expense ratio: 0.03%
  • YTD performance: 13.28%
  • Annual dividend yield: 1.33%

The Vanguard Total Stock Market ETF tracks the CRSP US Total Market Index, which includes well over 4,000 stocks to provide comprehensive exposure to the broad U.S. equity market including large caps, mid caps and small caps.

Charging just 0.03% in fees, VTI is one of the cheapest ways for investors to gain complete diversified exposure to the total investable U.S. stock market. VTI provides a low-cost core holding for long-term investors.

8. Vanguard FTSE Emerging Market ETF (NYSEARCA: VWO)

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  • Current price: $44
  • AUM: $105.76 billion
  • Annual expense ratio: 0.08%
  • YTD performance: 7.06%
  • Annual dividend yield: 3.33%

On the eighth spot on our list of best Vanguard ETFs to buy in 2024 is the Vanguard FTSE Emerging Markets ETF. The ETF tracks its benchmark index, the FTSE Emerging Markets All Cap China A Inclusion Index, holding over 5,000 international stocks across emerging market countries in Asia, Latin America, Europe, Africa and the Middle East.

With a 0.08% expense ratio, VWO is one of the top equity ETFs that provides low-cost exposure to faster-growing developing markets. Emerging markets offer long-term growth potential.

9. Vanguard Health Care ETF (NYSEARCA: VHT)

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  • Current price: $265.61
  • AUM: $20.39 billion
  • Annual expense ratio: 0.10%
  • YTD performance: 5.95%
  • Annual dividend yield: 1.30%

Investors eyeing stability amidst economic uncertainties may find Vanguard Health Care ETF a compelling addition to their portfolios. With an emphasis on major players in the healthcare sector, VHT offers exposure to companies known for resilience in turbulent times.

This ETF boasts an impressively low expense ratio of 0.10%, aligning with Vanguard’s commitment to cost-effective investing solutions. Its performance metrics underscore its reliability, with consistent annual returns averaging around 10% since inception.

Key holdings like Eli Lilly, UnitedHealth Group, and Johnson & Johnson provide robust support to VHT’s portfolio. With dividend stocks like Pfizer offering yields as high as 6%, VHT stands poised to benefit from potential market shifts towards higher-yielding assets amid declining interest rates.

As economic indicators hint at recession risks, healthcare’s defensive nature and steady dividend payouts could position VHT favorably for investors seeking stability and income in their portfolios.

10. Vanguard Consumer Discretionary ETF (NYSEARCA: VCR)

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  • Current price: $310.78
  • AUM: $6.06 billion
  • Annual expense ratio: 0.10%
  • YTD performance: 2.05%
  • Annual dividend yield: 0.81%

Launched in 2004, VCR tracks over 300 holdings across retail, automotive, and restaurant sectors, providing diversified exposure within consumer discretionary spending. Investors seeking exposure to consumer spending trends should consider VCR for its balanced approach.

With Amazon (AMZN) as its top holding, benefiting from strong eCommerce performance, VCR enjoys a solid foundation in consumer spending. However, Tesla (TSLA), its second-largest holding, faces competitive pressures in the electric vehicle market, potentially weighing on the ETF’s performance.

Where to buy the best vanguard ETFs

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Most broker accounts and other online trading platforms allow you to trade ETFs, and for some ETFs, this can include tax-efficient investment options such as an ISA or SIPP (in the UK). ETFs trade like individual stocks, so many of the features sought by investors in a stock-trading account are also relevant to ETF Investors.

We have identified some of the best brokers for trading ETFs in general and you can use the buttons below to buy vanguard ETFs right now.

We found 5 online brokers for users based in

eToro review
4.6
eToro
Min. Deposit $100
Fees 1%
No. assets 3600+
Demo account Yes

eToro review

eToro is a multi-asset investment platform. The value of your investments may go up or down. Your capital is at risk.

Plus500 review
4.5
Plus500
Min. Deposit $100
Fees From 2%
No. assets 2800+
Demo account Yes

Plus500 review

This information is NOT relevant to EU residents who are to be serviced by EU subsidiaries of the Plus500 Group, such as Plus500CY Ltd, authorized by CySEC (Reg. 250/14). Different regulatory requirements apply in Europe, such as leverage limitations and bonus restrictions.

Best Vanguard ETFs
Min. Deposit n/a
Fees -
No. assets n/a
Demo account -

Invest in Vanguard ETFs in 3 Steps

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  1. Open a trading account: the first thing to do is to open a trading account with an online broker. Make sure the broker allows you to trade your chosen assets (in this case ETFs), then compare the fees/commissions charged by the various brokers. Apply for an account with the broker — which might take only minutes — and satisfy the broker’s know-your-customer (KYC) requirements regarding identification.
  2. Choose Vanguard ETFs: your broker’s online platform will display a list of the ETFs (including Vanguard ETFs) that you can buy, and some broker platforms will provide you a comparative analysis of the returns of the different ETFs within the same segment. Select the ETFs which best suit your required returns and risk expectation.
  3. Place your trade: when you’ve found the ETF you want, you can buy it from the broker in the same way that you would buy a stock: at a quoted price during market hours or at a maximum price by placing a limit order inside or outside of the market hours.

What are vanguard ETFs?

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The Vanguard Group Inc. is an American registered investment advisor based in Pennsylvania. It is the largest provider of mutual funds and the second-largest provider of exchange-traded funds in the world. Several mutual funds managed by Vanguard are ranked at the top of the list of US mutual funds by assets-under-management (AUM). Along with BlackRock and State Street, Vanguard is considered one of the “big three” index funds that dominate corporate America.

Founder and former chairman, John C. Bogle, is credited with creating the first index fund available to individual investors, and he was a proponent and major enabler of low-cost investing by individuals.

This company has $7.2 trillion assets under management and it offers 76 ETFs classified into five broad categories: US Bond ETFs, US Stock ETFs, International bond ETFs, International Stock ETFs, and Sector & Speciality ETFs. In consequence, Vanguard is a common place to find some of the top ETFs you can invest in.

Are vanguard ETFs a good investment?

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Vanguard ETFs have several advantages:

  • The average expense ratio across Vanguard index mutual funds and ETFs is 73% less than the industry average.
  • 82% of Vanguard funds and ETFs have performed better than the peer group averages over the last 10 years.
  • Vanguard has been perfecting its benchmark selection and tracking skills since launching the first index fund for individual investors in 1976.
  • Exchange-traded funds have surged in popularity because they offer investors a simple way to build a diversified portfolio with lower expense ratios than traditional funds.

Vanguard ETFs can make excellent long-term investments for most investors due to their low fees, diversification, and tracking of benchmark indexes. Rather than trying to beat the market by picking particular stocks, Vanguard’s ETFs aim to match the performance of entire indexes covering major asset classes like stocks, bonds, and commodities. This passive investing strategy gives low cost exposure across hundreds or thousands of securities.

For example, Vanguard’s Total Stock Market ETF (VTI) holds over 4,100 stocks for an annual fee of just 0.03%. Other popular Vanguard ETFs track indexes like the S&P 500, FTSE Global All Cap ex US, Total Bond Market, and industry sectors like technology and consumer staples.

This makes it easy and affordable to gain exposure equivalent to the overall market or specific areas you want to invest in.

Since Vanguard ETFs are passively managed, and turnover is low, capital gains taxes are minimized as well. However, a lack of active stock selection can underperform when only a few large companies lift an index.

Vanguard’s ETFs provide a straightforward way for long term investors to build diverse, balanced portfolios aligned with goals and risk profiles. The ETFs offer low cost exposure to stocks, bonds and other asset classes without requiring security selection skills.

For passive investors seeking market returns on a budget, Vanguard ETFs are hard to beat due to their competitive fees, breadth of choice, tracking of benchmarks, and decades of indexing expertise.

Methodology: How we choose the best Vanguard ETFs

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At Invezz, we are dedicated to helping investors make informed decisions by providing authoritative, accessible, and engaging advice and recommendations. Our curated section of the best Exchange-Traded Funds (ETFs) is carefully selected by our team of experienced market analysts and reviewed by a sub-editor. This methodology outlines the rigorous process we follow to ensure our ETF recommendations are up-to-date, reliable, and insightful.

  • Analyst research & recommendations: Our seasoned market analysts use their in-depth sector knowledge to identify ETFs with strong potential, ensuring they meet high standards of performance, liquidity, and market potential.
  • ETF evaluation: We evaluate ETFs based on their underlying assets, historical performance, expense ratios, and tracking accuracy, alongside macroeconomic factors and sector trends.
  • Fund performance reports: We assess ETFs through the latest performance reports, analyzing key metrics like returns, volatility, expense ratios, and assets under management (AUM).
  • Sector analysis and external recommendations: Our detailed sector analysis, combined with recommendations from reputable sources like Barron’s and Zacks, provides an additional layer of validation for our selections.
  • Quarterly review & refresh: We update our curated ETF list quarterly, re-evaluating each ETF based on the latest reports, industry developments, and market conditions to ensure our recommendations reflect the most current information available.

FAQs

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01

What is the difference between ETFs and shares?

02

What are the advantages of ETF?

03

What is an inverse ETF?

04

How do ETFs derive their liquidity?

05

Are ETFs only for stocks?

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What happens to the dividends of the underlying stocks?


Sources & references

Ritesh A.

Ritesh A.

Market Analyst & Pro-Trader

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Ritesh is a Market Analyst & Pro-Trader for Invezz, covering the stocks, forex, and commodities markets. With over a decade of experience in fundamental and technical analysis, Ritesh is proficient in financial and quantitative research, financial modelling, and valuations. He handles GAAP, IFRS numbers, and financial statements from around the...