Vanguard Communication Services ETF (VOX): Complete Beginner's Guide
Last updated: March 2026 • Vanguard • Communication Services
Expense Ratio
0.10%
AUM
$4.0B
Dividend Yield
0.80%
Inception
2004
Beginner Score
8.5/10
What is Vanguard Communication Services ETF?
VOX invests in companies that provide communication and media services, including social media platforms, streaming services, telecom carriers, and video game publishers. This sector was reshaped in 2018 when tech and media giants like Google and Meta were reclassified into it. The fund offers exposure to some of the world's most influential digital platforms at a low cost.
VOX is managed by Vanguard and has been available since 2004. With $4.0B in assets under management, it's a growing fund that has attracted significant investor interest. The fund charges an expense ratio of 0.10%, which means for every $10,000 you invest, you pay approximately $10 per year in management fees.
VOX at a Glance — Key Metrics
| Expense Ratio | 0.10% |
| Total Holdings | 115 |
| P/E Ratio | 22.0 |
| Beta | 1.05 |
| Dividend Yield | 0.80% |
| AUM | $4.0B |
| Inception Year | 2004 |
| Issuer | Vanguard |
Top 10 Holdings in VOX
VOX holds 115 different securities. Here are the largest positions that make up the core of this fund:
| # | Company | Ticker | Weight |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Meta Platforms Inc. | META | 22.00% |
| 2 | Alphabet Inc. Class A | GOOGL | 13.00% |
| 3 | Alphabet Inc. Class C | GOOG | 12.00% |
| 4 | Netflix Inc. | NFLX | 6.00% |
| 5 | Comcast Corp. | CMCSA | 4.00% |
| 6 | Walt Disney Co. | DIS | 3.80% |
| 7 | T-Mobile US Inc. | TMUS | 3.50% |
| 8 | Electronic Arts | EA | 2.00% |
| 9 | Activision Blizzard | ATVI | 1.80% |
| 10 | Charter Communications | CHTR | 1.50% |
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VOX Performance History
Here's how VOX has performed over different time periods. Remember that past performance doesn't guarantee future results, but it gives you a sense of the fund's track record:
YTD
3.50%
1 Year
22.00%
3 Year
8.00%
5 Year
11.00%
10 Year
9.00%
Beginner Suitability Score: 8.5/10
Our proprietary Beginner Suitability Score evaluates ETFs based on five factors that matter most to new investors: fees, volatility, diversification, dividend history, and track record length.
VOX scores 8.5/10 because it has very low fees, can be more volatile than the broader market, offers broad diversification across 115 holdings, and has been available since 2004, giving it a proven track record.
How to Buy VOX — Step by Step
- Open a brokerage account — We recommend Fidelity, Charles Schwab, or Vanguard for ETF investing. All offer $0 commissions on ETF trades.
- Fund your account — Transfer money from your bank. You can start with as little as $1 if your broker offers fractional shares.
- Search for "VOX" — Use the search bar in your brokerage platform to find Vanguard Communication Services ETF.
- Place your order — Choose "Market Order" for simplicity or "Limit Order" if you want to set a specific price. Enter how many shares (or dollar amount) you want to buy.
- Set up automatic investing — Most brokers let you schedule recurring purchases (e.g., $100/month on the 1st). This is dollar cost averaging in action.
Dollar Cost Averaging Into VOX
Here's what consistent monthly investing could look like over time, assuming an average annual return of 8% (approximate historical stock market average):
| Monthly | 10 Years | 20 Years | 30 Years |
|---|---|---|---|
| $100/mo | $18,417 | $59,295 | $150,030 |
| $250/mo | $46,041 | $148,237 | $375,074 |
| $500/mo | $92,083 | $296,474 | $750,148 |
*Projections assume 8% average annual return with monthly compounding. Actual returns will vary. Past performance doesn't guarantee future results.
Fee impact: With VOX's expense ratio of 0.10%, a $10,000 investment would lose approximately $856 to fees over 20 years compared to a zero-fee investment. This is a reasonable fee level for the value provided.
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Pros and Cons of VOX
Pros
- ✓Owns dominant digital advertising platforms Meta and Google in a single fund
- ✓Combines high-growth social media stocks with stable telecom dividend payers
- ✓Beneficiary of the global shift toward streaming, digital ads, and online entertainment
- ✓Low Vanguard expense ratio for a sector that includes many of the most powerful tech names
Cons
- ✗Meta and Alphabet combined represent nearly half the fund, creating extreme concentration
- ✗Regulatory risk from potential antitrust actions against major tech platforms
- ✗Advertising revenue can drop sharply during economic slowdowns, hurting top holdings
Frequently Asked Questions
Is VOX a good ETF for beginners?▾
VOX has a Beginner Suitability Score of 8.5/10 on our scale. This makes it a strong choice for new investors due to its low fees and broad diversification.
What is the expense ratio of VOX?▾
VOX has an expense ratio of 0.10%. This means for every $10,000 you invest, you pay approximately $10 per year in fees. This is considered very low and cost-efficient.
How much money do I need to invest in VOX?▾
You can invest in VOX with as little as $1 through brokers that offer fractional shares (like Fidelity, Schwab, or Robinhood). There is no minimum investment required beyond the share price itself, which changes daily. Dollar cost averaging — investing a fixed amount regularly — is a popular strategy.
Does VOX pay dividends?▾
Yes, VOX pays dividends with a current yield of approximately 0.80%. Dividends are typically paid quarterly and can be reinvested automatically through most brokers.
What are the top holdings in VOX?▾
The top holdings in VOX include Meta Platforms Inc. (22.00%), Alphabet Inc. Class A (13.00%), Alphabet Inc. Class C (12.00%), and more. The fund holds 115 total positions, providing broad diversification across many companies.