Best ETFs Under $50 Per Share
Not all brokers offer fractional shares. Here are quality ETFs priced under $50 so you can invest with smaller amounts.
Don't have time? Here's what you need to know:
- 1ETF share price only matters if your broker does not offer fractional shares
- 2Schwab ETFs (SCHA, SCHF, SCHB) tend to have lower share prices than Vanguard equivalents
- 3The real solution is using a broker with fractional shares (Fidelity, Schwab, Robinhood)
- 4Share price does not affect returns, fees, or fund quality — expense ratio is what matters
Best ETFs Under $50 Per Share
*Share prices fluctuate. Check current prices before purchasing. Many Schwab ETFs were designed with lower share prices to improve accessibility.
| ETF | Category | Share Price (Approx) | Expense Ratio | U.S. Equivalent |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| SCHA | U.S. Small-Cap | ~$24 | 0.04% | Alternative to VB ($210) |
| SCHB | U.S. Total Market | ~$55* | 0.03% | Alternative to VTI ($260) |
| SCHF | Intl Developed | ~$38 | 0.06% | Alternative to VEA ($50) |
| SGOL | Physical Gold | ~$20 | 0.17% | Alternative to GLD ($190) |
| SPDW | Developed Markets | ~$35 | 0.03% | Alternative to VEA ($50) |
| BIL | 1-3 Month T-Bills | ~$91* | 0.14% | Cash alternative |
| GLDM | Gold (mini shares) | ~$42 | 0.10% | Alternative to GLD ($190) |
The Better Solution: Use a Broker With Fractional Shares
If you are choosing ETFs based on share price, the real fix is switching to a broker that offers fractional shares. Fidelity, Schwab, and Robinhood all allow you to buy $1+ of any ETF. This eliminates the share price constraint entirely and lets you buy the best fund for each category regardless of price.
If you must use a broker without fractional shares (Vanguard for ETFs, many international brokers), the ETFs listed above provide solid coverage across major asset classes at affordable share prices.
Tip: At Vanguard, you can buy Vanguard mutual funds (VTSAX, VTIAX) with exact dollar amounts and no fractional share limitation. The mutual fund versions have slightly higher minimums ($3,000) but allow precise dollar investing after the initial purchase.
Ready to invest? Open an IBKR account in 10 minutes and get free stock. $0 commissions on US ETFs • Fractional shares from $1 • 150+ global markets.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does a lower share price mean the ETF is cheaper?
No. Share price has nothing to do with cost or value. An ETF priced at $50 and one at $500 can hold identical stocks. The expense ratio (annual fee as a percentage) is what determines cost. A $500 ETF at 0.03% is cheaper than a $50 ETF at 0.50%.
Will VOO always be expensive per share?
VOO's share price rises as the S&P 500 rises. It was $160 in 2014 and $500+ in 2024. ETF providers can do stock splits to reduce share price (SPY has done this), but Vanguard has not split VOO. Fractional shares are the modern solution.
Should I choose an ETF based on share price?
Only if your broker does not offer fractional shares. Otherwise, choose ETFs based on expense ratio, index tracked, and portfolio fit. Share price is cosmetic — it does not affect returns, fees, or diversification.
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Alex Harrington
CFA Level II Candidate, Finance & Economics
Alex Harrington is an independent ETF researcher and personal finance writer with over 8 years of experience analyzing exchange-traded funds. A CFA Level II candidate with a background in economics, Alex has reviewed 800+ ETFs and helped thousands of beginners build their first investment portfolios through clear, jargon-free education.
This content is for educational purposes only and does not constitute financial advice. Past performance does not guarantee future results. Consult a licensed financial advisor before making investment decisions.