5 Best ASX High Yield ETFS for 2026

As investors look ahead to 2026, these five high-yield ETFs offer compelling passive income opportunities supported by diversified portfolios and consistent distribution profiles.

Vanguard Australian Shares High Yield ETF (ASX: VHY)

tracks the FTSE Australia High Dividend Yield Index and is designed for income focused investors through a portfolio of established large and mid-cap companies.

VHY offers a high current annual yield of 8.41% which makes it attractive for investors who seek reliable passive income.

The ETF has an expense ratio of 0.25% per annum while the fund distributes income on a quarterly basis.
VHY holds around 75 stocks and limits exposure to any single company or sector which reduces concentration risk while still targeting above average dividend income.

SPDR MSCI Australia Select High Dividend Yield ETF (ASX: SYI)

gives exposure to Australian listed companies with high dividend income which also have earnings stability and strong balance sheets.

The ETF is structured for income focused investors and tracks the MSCI Australia Select High Dividend Yield Index which aims to include companies that are able to sustain above average dividend payouts over time.

SYI currently offers a very high annual yield of 12.62% and distributes on a quarterly basis.

The fund has an expense ratio of 0.2% per annum and the portfolio holds around 57 stocks with high exposure to major Australian banks.

Betashares Australian Top 20 Equities Yield Maximiser Complex ETF (ASX: YMAX)

is an income focused ETF designed to deliver attractive quarterly distributions by using a covered call strategy across a portfolio of Australia’s largest companies.

YMAX currently provides an annual yield of 8.08% which is higher than the broader Australian equity market and reflects a combination of dividend income and option premium.

The ETF carries a total expense ratio of 0.64% per annum which includes a management fee of 0.59% and estimated additional expenses of 0.05%.

YMAX is suitable for investors looking for regular cash flow and partially reduce downside risk during flat or declining market conditions.

Global X S&P/ASX 200 High Dividend ETF (ASX: ZYAU)

tracks the S&P/ASX 200 High Dividend Index and gives access to Australian companies with high forecast dividend yields.

The ETF is built for income focused investors as it selects 50 high dividend paying companies from the ASX 200.

ZYAU offers a current annual yield of 4.28% which comes from cash distributions generated by established Australian dividend payers and the expense ratio is 0.24% per annum.

The fund offers diversification with exposure across major sectors such as financials, materials, energy and industrials while avoiding excessive concentration in any single stock.

Betashares S&P Australian Shares High Yield ETF (ASX: HYLD)

gives access to a diversified portfolio of high yield Australian companies with a clear focus to deliver regular passive income to investors.

The ETF was launched in August 2025 and since inception it has paid a monthly distribution of 11.9 cents per unit.
HYLD aims to track the S&P/ASX 200 High Yield Select Index which screens for companies with high forecast dividend yields while also avoiding unsustainable or volatile dividends.

The expense ratio is 0.25% per annum and the portfolio consists of around 50 Australian companies across sectors such as financials, materials, energy and infrastructure.

(Source: Company Announcements)