Head to Head
Vanguard vs Betashares
Australia's two biggest ETF providers. Both charge $0 brokerage on their own funds. The difference is in the range, the MERs, and which one suits your strategy.
BrokerVsBroker Verdict
Vanguard wins for pure passive investing — lower MERs on broad index funds and a trusted 40-year track record. Betashares wins for range — crypto ETFs, sector ETFs, thematic funds and a wider product suite. If you want a simple low-cost diversified portfolio, Vanguard. If you want more choice and access to newer asset classes, Betashares.
Neither platform charges brokerage on their own ETFs — so the only ongoing cost is the MER. Even small differences compound significantly over decades. Here's how the key funds stack up:
Vanguard ETFs
VAS — ASX 3000.07% p.a.
VGS — Global shares0.18% p.a.
VDHG — High growth0.27% p.a.
VGE — Emerging markets0.48% p.a.
VIF — Int. fixed income0.20% p.a.
Betashares ETFs
A200 — ASX 2000.07% p.a.
BGBL — Global shares0.08% p.a.
DHHF — All-world0.19% p.a.
NDQ — NASDAQ 1000.48% p.a.
CRYP — Crypto0.67% p.a.
You want the simplest low-cost portfolio
Vanguard wins
VDHG or VAS + VGS is a classic passive portfolio. Ultra-low MERs, globally trusted brand, auto-invest available.
You want international share exposure
Betashares wins
BGBL at 0.08% p.a. is cheaper than VGS at 0.18% for global shares. A meaningful difference at scale.
You want crypto exposure via ETF
Betashares wins
CRYP gives Bitcoin and Ethereum exposure in a regulated ASX-listed ETF. Vanguard has no crypto offering.
You want to set up auto-invest
Vanguard wins
Vanguard Personal Investor supports scheduled automatic investments. Betashares Direct doesn't offer this yet.
You're starting with under $500
Betashares wins
No minimum investment on Betashares Direct. Vanguard requires $500 to open. For small starting amounts, Betashares is accessible.
You want thematic or sector ETFs
Betashares wins
Clean energy, healthcare, cybersecurity, AI — Betashares has a deep thematic range. Vanguard sticks to broad index funds.
Is Vanguard or Betashares better for passive investing?
Vanguard edges ahead for pure passive investing — lower MERs on broad index funds, auto-invest, and a 40-year global track record. But Betashares DHHF and BGBL are genuine alternatives with competitive MERs.
Can I buy both Vanguard and Betashares ETFs through a broker?
Yes. Both Vanguard ETFs (VAS, VGS, VDHG etc.) and Betashares ETFs (A200, BGBL, NDQ etc.) are listed on the ASX and can be purchased through any Australian broker. You only get $0 brokerage when buying through the fund manager's own platform.
What is the difference between VAS and A200?
VAS (Vanguard) tracks the ASX 300 — the top 300 Australian companies. A200 (Betashares) tracks the ASX 200 — the top 200. Both have the same 0.07% MER. VAS has broader coverage, A200 has higher liquidity. For most investors the difference is negligible.
Are Vanguard and Betashares safe?
Both are ASIC-regulated and well-established. Vanguard is one of the world's largest asset managers with over $9 trillion AUD globally. Betashares is Australia's second-largest ETF provider with over $25 billion in assets under management.
Which has lower fees overall?
It depends on the specific ETF. For Australian shares, both charge 0.07% MER. For international shares, Betashares BGBL (0.08%) is cheaper than Vanguard VGS (0.18%). Always compare the specific fund, not just the provider brand.