Exchange-traded funds now hold over $10 trillion in assets globally, and for good reason. A single ETF can give you exposure to thousands of companies, charge almost nothing in fees, and trade like a stock on any brokerage account. The harder question is not whether to buy ETFs but which ones.
This list breaks down some of the most widely recommended ETFs in 2026 by category, so you can build a portfolio that fits your goals.
Our Top Picks
Broad Market ETFs
VOO: Vanguard S&P 500 ETF
Expense ratio: 0.03% | What it holds: The 500 largest U.S. companies
VOO is one of the most popular ETFs in the world. It tracks the S&P 500, which covers companies like Apple, Microsoft, Amazon, and NVIDIA. With an expense ratio of just 0.03%, it is among the cheapest ways to own a slice of the U.S. economy. VOO is a strong core holding for nearly any long-term portfolio.
VTI: Vanguard Total Stock Market ETF
Expense ratio: 0.03% | What it holds: The entire U.S. stock market (~4,000 stocks)
VTI goes broader than VOO by including mid-cap and small-cap stocks alongside large caps. The added diversification comes at the same price. VTI is a favorite for investors who want maximum U.S. market coverage in one fund.
QQQ: Invesco QQQ Trust
Expense ratio: 0.20% | What it holds: The 100 largest non-financial Nasdaq stocks
QQQ is heavily weighted toward technology. Holdings include Microsoft, Apple, Nvidia, Meta, and Alphabet. It has historically delivered strong returns but also more volatility than VOO or VTI. This fund works well as a growth-focused complement to a broader market ETF. For investors choosing between these two popular options, the SPY vs QQQ comparison breaks down performance, volatility, and cost differences.
You can buy all of these ETFs commission-free through Robinhood, with no account minimum required to get started.
Robinhood
Robinhood
Robinhood is a trading platform that brings stocks, ETFs, options, futures, prediction markets, crypto, and retirement accounts together in one app.
Standout feature
One platform for stocks, ETFs, options, futures, prediction markets, and crypto
Fees
$0 commission on stocks, ETFs, and options.
Pros
Zero-commission trading on stocks, ETFs, and options
Cons
Best perks (high APY, lower margin rates) require Gold subscription ($5/month)
Dividend ETFs
SCHD: Schwab U.S. Dividend Equity ETF
Expense ratio: 0.06% | What it holds: ~100 high-dividend U.S. stocks with quality screens
SCHD selects companies that pay consistent dividends and meet quality criteria like strong cash flow and healthy balance sheets. It has delivered competitive total returns while providing meaningful income. Many income-focused investors use SCHD as a cornerstone of their dividend strategy. For more funds built around yield, the high-yield ETF picks guide covers JEPI, SCHD, and other income-generating options in one place.
JEPI: JPMorgan Equity Premium Income ETF
Expense ratio: 0.35% | What it holds: Large U.S. stocks + covered call options overlay
JEPI generates income by selling covered call options on its stock holdings. This strategy caps upside potential but produces monthly distributions that often yield 6% to 9% annually. JEPI suits investors who prioritize income over growth and can accept lower long-term price appreciation.
International ETFs
VXUS: Vanguard Total International Stock ETF
Expense ratio: 0.07% | What it holds: Over 8,000 stocks outside the U.S.
VXUS covers developed and emerging markets across Europe, Asia, and beyond. Adding international exposure to a U.S.-focused portfolio can reduce concentration risk. Many financial planners suggest holding 20% to 40% of a stock portfolio in international funds. The full guide to international ETFs explores how to evaluate these funds and which ones attract the most institutional interest.
Bond ETFs
BND: Vanguard Total Bond Market ETF
Expense ratio: 0.03% | What it holds: Thousands of U.S. bonds (government and corporate)
BND provides broad exposure to the U.S. bond market, including Treasuries, corporate bonds, and mortgage-backed securities. Bonds tend to be less volatile than stocks and can help stabilize a portfolio during equity market downturns. BND is a common choice for investors approaching retirement or building a conservative allocation.
How to Build a Simple ETF Portfolio
Many investors do well with just two or three ETFs. A straightforward approach might look like this:
- 80% VOO or VTI for U.S. stock exposure
- 15% VXUS for international diversification
- 5% BND for stability
As you get closer to retirement, you might gradually increase the bond allocation. Adding SCHD or JEPI can generate income without selling shares.
ETF investing does not guarantee profits, and all investments carry risk. Market downturns can reduce the value of any ETF, sometimes significantly. Staying consistent and avoiding panic selling has historically helped long-term investors recover from temporary losses.
Frequently Asked Questions
How many ETFs do I actually need?
You can build a well-diversified portfolio with as few as two or three ETFs. A U.S. total market ETF like VTI, an international ETF like VXUS, and a bond ETF like BND together cover most of the global investable market. Adding more ETFs only makes sense if they serve a distinct purpose in your portfolio. For more ideas on what else to consider, see the broader best ETFs for 2026 roundup.
Are ETFs safer than individual stocks?
ETFs are generally less volatile than individual stocks because they spread risk across many holdings. If one company in an ETF drops 50%, its effect on the overall fund is limited. That said, ETFs are not risk-free. A sector ETF focused entirely on technology or energy can still be quite volatile. The ETF vs stock guide goes into more depth on how the risk profiles compare.
What is the difference between VOO and SPY?
Both VOO and SPY track the S&P 500 index, so their performance is nearly identical. The main difference is the expense ratio. VOO charges 0.03% while SPY charges 0.0945%. Over decades, that difference can compound into meaningful savings. VOO is generally the better choice for long-term buy-and-hold investors, while SPY's higher trading volume makes it popular for active traders. For a full breakdown, read the SPY vs VOO comparison.
Can I start investing in ETFs with very little money?
Yes. Most ETFs have no minimum investment beyond the price of one share. Many brokerages, including Robinhood and Fidelity, also offer fractional shares, which means you can invest as little as $1 in funds like VOO or VTI. This makes ETF investing accessible even if you are just getting started with a small amount.
