The 7 Best ETFs for Dollar Cost Averaging in 2025 & 2026

Dollar cost averaging works best with broadly diversified, low-cost investments that you plan to hold for years. Trying to DCA into speculative individual stocks defeats the purpose — the strategy shines when applied to assets with a long-term upward trend. Here are seven ETFs that are ideal for a DCA approach.

What makes a good DCA ETF?

Before we list specific funds, here's what to look for in a DCA-friendly ETF:

• Low expense ratio (under 0.10% ideally)
• Broad diversification (hundreds or thousands of holdings)
• High liquidity (tight bid-ask spreads)
• Fractional share support (so your exact dollar amount gets fully invested)
• Long track record with positive long-term returns

1. VOO — Vanguard S&P 500 ETF

The gold standard for passive investing. VOO tracks the 500 largest U.S. companies with an expense ratio of just 0.03%. If you could only invest in one thing for the rest of your life, this would be the most common answer from financial advisors.

2. VTI — Vanguard Total Stock Market ETF

Similar to VOO but broader — VTI covers the entire U.S. stock market, including small and mid-cap companies. Same 0.03% expense ratio. If you want maximum diversification within U.S. equities, VTI is the pick.

3. VXUS — Vanguard Total International Stock ETF

Pairs perfectly with VTI for global diversification. VXUS covers developed and emerging markets outside the U.S. Many investors use a 70/30 or 60/40 split between VTI and VXUS for worldwide equity exposure at a 0.07% expense ratio.

4. QQQ — Invesco Nasdaq-100 ETF

For investors who want higher exposure to technology and growth companies. QQQ tracks the Nasdaq-100 and has outperformed the S&P 500 over the past decade. Higher volatility makes it an interesting DCA candidate — the swings mean you'll buy more shares when tech dips.

5. SCHD — Schwab U.S. Dividend Equity ETF

If you prefer income-producing investments, SCHD focuses on high-quality dividend-paying U.S. stocks. It's a favorite for DCA investors who want both growth and regular dividend income, with an expense ratio of 0.06%.

6. VT — Vanguard Total World Stock ETF

The one-fund solution. VT holds over 9,000 stocks across every investable market in the world. If simplicity is your priority, this single ETF gives you global diversification at 0.07%. Set up a DCA and never think about allocation again.

7. BND — Vanguard Total Bond Market ETF

For the bond portion of your portfolio. BND provides broad exposure to U.S. investment-grade bonds at 0.03%. Pairs with VTI or VT for a complete two-fund portfolio. DCA into bonds to smooth your overall portfolio volatility.

How to automate your ETF DCA

Automating your ETF investments is straightforward. Choose your amount, pick a daily, weekly, biweekly, or monthly frequency, and let Portfolio Autopilot handle the rest. Once set up, your DCA runs automatically — no manual trades needed.