NOBL vs VIG: Head-to-Head Comparison
Last updated: March 2026 • Dividend
Quick Verdict
VIG edges out NOBL with a stronger Beginner Suitability Score (9 vs 8.5). It offers lower fees for new investors.
Side-by-Side Comparison
Key Differences Between NOBL and VIG
NOBL (ProShares S&P 500 Dividend Aristocrats ETF) is a dividend aristocrats fund managed by ProShares. NOBL exclusively holds S&P 500 companies that have raised their dividends for at least 25 consecutive years, known as Dividend Aristocrats. These elite companies have proven their ability to maintain and grow dividends through recessions and market crises. Beginners who value financial stability and consistent income will appreciate that NOBL holds only the most committed dividend growers in America.
VIG (Vanguard Dividend Appreciation ETF) is a u.s. large-cap dividend growth fund managed by Vanguard. VIG invests in U.S. companies that have increased their dividends for at least 10 consecutive years, focusing on dividend growth rather than high current yield. This approach tends to select financially healthy companies with sustainable business models. Beginners who want quality companies that regularly reward shareholders will appreciate VIG's focus on consistent dividend growers.
The most notable differences are in fees (0.35% vs 0.06%), number of holdings (67 vs 338), and 5-year returns (9.50% vs 13.10%).
Recommended: This beginner-friendly ETF course on Udemy covers everything from ETF fundamentals to building a recession-proof portfolio in 7 days.
Holdings Overlap Analysis
0%
Holdings Overlap
NOBL and VIG share only 0% of their top holdings. These funds are quite different, making them complementary choices if you want broader market coverage.
Cost Comparison Over Time
If you invest $10,000 and hold for 20 years (assuming 8% annual returns):
NOBL
Fee cost: $2,930
VIG
Fee cost: $515
Over 20 years, the fee difference amounts to $2,415 on a $10,000 investment. VIG saves you more in fees over time.
Which One Should a Beginner Choose?
Choose NOBL if: You want income investors who want the most reliable and proven dividend growers, conservative equity investors seeking companies with recession-tested dividends, retirees who depend on growing dividend income to maintain purchasing power. It's managed by ProShares with an expense ratio of 0.35%.
Choose VIG if: You want long-term investors who want dividend growth compounding over decades, investors seeking a balance between growth potential and income reliability, those who prefer quality companies with proven financial discipline. It's managed by Vanguard with an expense ratio of 0.06%.
Can You Own Both NOBL and VIG?
Absolutely! With only 0% overlap, NOBL and VIG complement each other well. A simple portfolio might allocate 60% to one and 40% to the other, or you could pair them with a bond ETF like BND for a complete three-fund portfolio.
Get the Free ETF Starter Checklist
7 steps to make your first ETF investment with confidence. No spam, unsubscribe anytime.
Frequently Asked Questions
Should I buy NOBL or VIG?▾
VIG edges out NOBL with a stronger Beginner Suitability Score (9 vs 8.5). It offers lower fees for new investors. However, both are solid options. NOBL is best for investors who want income investors who want the most reliable and proven dividend growers, while VIG is better suited for long-term investors who want dividend growth compounding over decades.
What is the difference between NOBL and VIG?▾
NOBL (ProShares S&P 500 Dividend Aristocrats ETF) tracks dividend aristocrats investments with 67 holdings and a 0.35% expense ratio. VIG (Vanguard Dividend Appreciation ETF) focuses on u.s. large-cap dividend growth with 338 holdings at 0.06%. Their top holdings overlap by 0%.
Can I own both NOBL and VIG?▾
Yes! With only 0% holdings overlap, NOBL and VIG complement each other well. Owning both gives you broader diversification.