Schwab has built one of the most cost-competitive ETF lineups in the industry. Most Schwab ETFs charge between 0.03% and 0.07% per year, which is among the lowest you will find anywhere. For investors who want broad, cheap exposure to U.S. and international markets, the Schwab ETF shelf covers nearly every major asset class.
All Schwab ETFs are commission-free when purchased through a Schwab account. They are also available commission-free on Robinhood, which makes them accessible even if you do not have a Schwab account. If you are still deciding between the two platforms, a breakdown of Charles Schwab vs Robinhood covers the key differences in features and costs.
Top Schwab ETFs in 2026
1. Schwab US Large-Cap ETF (SCHX)
SCHX tracks the Dow Jones US Large-Cap Total Stock Market Index, holding about 750 of the largest U.S. companies. It is slightly broader than the S&P 500, which has 500 stocks. Expense ratio: 0.03%. For clarity on how SCHX differs from Schwab's actual S&P 500 product, see our guide to the Schwab S&P 500 ETF and SWPPX.
This is a good core holding for investors who want large-cap U.S. exposure at minimal cost.
2. Schwab US Broad Market ETF (SCHB)
SCHB tracks roughly 2,500 U.S. companies across all sizes, from large-cap to small-cap. It gives you exposure to the entire U.S. stock market in one fund. Expense ratio: 0.03%.
If you want the widest possible U.S. market coverage, SCHB is a solid choice. Schwab also offers SWTSX, a mutual fund version of the total market strategy — the Schwab total stock market fund guide explains when the mutual fund format makes more sense.
3. Schwab International Equity ETF (SCHF)
SCHF holds stocks from developed markets outside the U.S., including Europe, Japan, Australia, and Canada. It provides geographic diversification for investors who want exposure beyond U.S. borders. Expense ratio: 0.06%.
4. Schwab Emerging Markets Equity ETF (SCHE)
SCHE focuses on stocks from emerging market countries like China, India, Brazil, and South Korea. Emerging markets carry more risk than developed markets but offer growth potential that U.S. and developed market stocks may not. Expense ratio: 0.11%.
5. Schwab US Dividend Equity ETF (SCHD)
SCHD is one of the most popular dividend ETFs in existence. It focuses on high-quality U.S. companies with strong dividend growth histories. It does not just chase the highest yield. It screens for financial health and consistency. Expense ratio: 0.06%.
SCHD appeals to income investors and those approaching retirement who want regular cash flow.
6. Schwab US Large-Cap Growth ETF (SCHG)
SCHG tracks the Dow Jones US Large-Cap Growth Total Stock Market Index. It focuses on large U.S. companies with strong earnings growth characteristics, skewing toward technology and consumer sectors. Expense ratio: 0.04%.
7. Schwab US Small-Cap ETF (SCHA)
SCHA gives exposure to U.S. small-cap stocks, covering companies ranked roughly 751 to 2,500 by market cap. Small-caps tend to be more volatile than large-caps, but have historically outperformed over long periods. Expense ratio: 0.04%.
8. Schwab Short-Term US Treasury ETF (SCHO)
SCHO holds short-term U.S. Treasury bonds with maturities between 1 and 3 years. It is a low-risk fixed income option for investors who want stability or are parking money temporarily. Expense ratio: 0.03%.
9. Schwab US TIPS ETF (SCHP)
SCHP holds Treasury Inflation-Protected Securities (TIPS), which are U.S. government bonds that adjust their principal based on inflation. SCHP is useful for investors concerned about inflation eroding their purchasing power. Expense ratio: 0.03%.
Schwab ETF Summary Table
| Ticker | Focus | Expense Ratio |
|---|---|---|
| SCHX | US Large-Cap | 0.03% |
| SCHB | US Broad Market | 0.03% |
| SCHF | International Developed | 0.06% |
| SCHE | Emerging Markets | 0.11% |
| SCHD | US Dividend | 0.06% |
| SCHG | US Large-Cap Growth | 0.04% |
| SCHA | US Small-Cap | 0.04% |
| SCHO | Short-Term Treasuries | 0.03% |
| SCHP | TIPS (Inflation-Protected) | 0.03% |
All of the above ETFs are commission-free at Schwab. They are also available commission-free on Robinhood, where you can buy fractional shares starting at $1. That means you can build a diversified portfolio across multiple Schwab ETFs even with a small starting balance.
Investing involves risk, including possible loss of principal. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
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)
How to Build a Portfolio with Schwab ETFs
You do not need every ETF on this list. A simple three-fund approach using Schwab ETFs could look like this:
- SCHB for total U.S. market exposure
- SCHF for international developed market exposure
- SCHO or SCHP for a bond allocation
Adjust the mix based on your time horizon and risk tolerance. Younger investors with decades until retirement typically hold more stocks and fewer bonds. Those closer to retirement often shift toward bonds for stability. For anyone new to the process, a guide on investing for beginners walks through how to build a first portfolio step by step.
For income-focused investors, adding SCHD to capture dividend growth is a popular strategy. SCHD has a history of growing its dividend payout year over year, which can be valuable for investors in or near retirement.
Schwab ETFs vs Competitors
Schwab ETFs compete directly with Vanguard and iShares ETFs. SCHB (0.03%) is comparable to VTI (Vanguard Total Market, 0.03%). SCHD (0.06%) competes with VYM (Vanguard High Dividend Yield, 0.06%). For most categories, Schwab matches or comes very close to its competitors on cost. A full breakdown of Schwab vs Fidelity vs Vanguard is useful if you are deciding which brokerage ecosystem to build your portfolio in.
The main advantage of Schwab ETFs is their commission-free availability at multiple brokers, including Robinhood. You are not locked into Schwab's platform to take advantage of these funds.
Frequently Asked Questions
Are Schwab ETFs commission-free everywhere?
Schwab ETFs are commission-free at Schwab and at Robinhood. At other brokers, commissions may apply. Most major brokers have eliminated commissions on ETF trades, but it is worth confirming with your specific provider before buying.
What is the difference between SCHX and SCHB?
SCHX focuses on the largest 750 or so U.S. companies, similar in scope to a large-cap index. SCHB covers about 2,500 U.S. companies across all market capitalizations, including small-cap and mid-cap stocks. Both charge 0.03% per year. SCHB provides slightly broader diversification. If you are also thinking about how ETFs compare to individual stocks as an investment format, see our ETF vs stock explainer.
Is SCHD a good ETF for dividend income?
SCHD is one of the most well-regarded dividend ETFs available. It selects for companies with strong dividend growth histories and financial health, not just the highest current yield. This approach has historically led to growing dividends over time rather than stagnant or cut payments. It is worth considering if steady income is a priority, though dividend payments are not guaranteed.
Can I buy Schwab ETFs on Robinhood?
Yes. Schwab ETFs are available commission-free on Robinhood. You can also buy fractional shares of most ETFs on Robinhood, meaning you can invest any dollar amount rather than having to buy whole shares.
