Top 10 High-Yield Equity Dividend ETFs to Grow Your Income in 2025 and Beyond

Dividend investing has always struck me as one of the smartest ways to build wealth while generating steady cash flow, and right now, some equity ETFs really stand out.

What makes them exciting isn’t just the high yields—many of them are paying north of 6%, 8%, or even 10%—but also the consistency of their payouts and the strategies behind them.

From monthly income funds built for aggressive yield hunters to globally diversified options that balance growth with dividends, these equity ETFs offer something for every income-focused investor. Let’s dive into the top high-yield equity dividend ETFs every income-focused investor should know.

1. Invesco KBW High Dividend Yield Financial ETF (KBWD)

• Price as of Aug. 29, 2025: $14.13
• Dividend Frequency: Monthly
• Annual Dividend Yield as of Aug. 29, 2025: 13.59%
• Expense Ratio as of Aug. 29, 2025: 4.93%
• 52‑Week Range as of Aug. 29, 2025: $11.34 – $14.70
• YTD Return as of Aug. 29, 2025: 4.53%

If you’re looking for serious income potential, the Invesco KBW High Dividend Yield Financial ETF (NASDAQ: KBWD) is worth considering. With a massive 13.59% annual dividend yield paid monthly, this fund delivers one of the most consistent cash flows you’ll find in the ETF space.

Yes, the expense ratio is high at 4.93%, and the holdings lean toward riskier small- and mid-cap financial firms, but that’s the tradeoff for such outsized income. If you’re willing to accept some added volatility in exchange for monthly payouts that could significantly boost your portfolio’s yield, KBWD is definitely worth a look.

2. iShares Emerging Markets Dividend ETF (DVYE)

• Price as of Aug. 29, 2025: $29.77
• Dividend Frequency: Quarterly
• Annual Dividend Yield as of Aug. 29, 2025: 10.35%
• Expense Ratio as of Aug. 29, 2025: 0.49%
• 52‑Week Range as of Aug. 29, 2025: $23.21 – $30.11
• YTD Return as of Aug. 29, 2025: 18.79%

Interested in high yield and global diversification? The iShares Emerging Markets Dividend ETF (NYSE: DVYE) deserves a spot on your radar. It offers a hefty 10.35% annual dividend yield, paid quarterly, giving you reliable cash flow while tapping into the growth potential of emerging markets.

With a low 0.49% expense ratio, DVYE keeps costs in check compared to many peers. I especially like how it focuses on dividend-paying companies, which tend to be more stable and less volatile in these markets. Plus, with an 18.79% YTD return, it’s proven that income potential doesn’t have to come at the expense of growth. Overall, this ETF is a strong option for long-term, income-focused investors.

3. Global X SuperDividend ETF (SDIV)

• Price as of Aug. 29, 2025: $23.86
• Dividend Frequency: Monthly
• Annual Dividend Yield as of Aug. 29, 2025: 9.73%
• Expense Ratio as of Aug. 29, 2025: 0.58%
• 52‑Week Range as of Aug. 29, 2025: $17.26 – $24.06
• YTD Return as of Aug. 29, 2025: 23.18%

The Global X SuperDividend ETF (NYSE: SDIV) is a strong contender for those seeking consistent income with global diversification. With a nearly double-digit 9.73% yield paid out monthly, it provides reliable cash flow while giving you exposure to 100 high-yielding companies worldwide.

Its 0.58% expense ratio is reasonable for a fund offering global reach, and the equal-weighted approach ensures no single stock dominates, keeping things balanced. Add in its impressive 23.18% YTD return, and SDIV shows it can deliver both income and growth. If you want monthly income plus global equity exposure in one package, SDIV delivers a compelling mix.

4. FT Vest S&P 500 Dividend Aristocrats Target Income ETF (KNG)

• Price as of Aug. 29, 2025: $50.36
• Dividend Frequency: Monthly
• Annual Dividend Yield as of Aug. 29, 2025: 8.77%
• Expense Ratio as of Aug. 29, 2025: 0.75%
• 52‑Week Range as of Aug. 29, 2025: $43.05 – $51.29
• YTD Return as of Aug. 29, 2025: 6.22%

How does the idea of dependable dividend income from proven dividend growers sound? Think it sounds good? Then the FT Vest S&P 500 Dividend Aristocrats Target Income ETF (NYSE: KNG) offers a compelling choice.

This ETF combines the stability of Dividend Aristocrats (blue-chip stocks with 25+ years of dividend growth) with a buy-write strategy that boosts income by selling covered calls. The result? A generous 8.77% annual yield, paid monthly, that far exceeds the S&P 500’s average.

While the 0.75% expense ratio is higher than plain-vanilla index funds, you’re paying for a smart strategy designed to deliver steady cash flow with limited downside. If you value reliability and monthly income, KNG deserves your attention.

5. Cullen Enhanced Equity Income ETF (DIVP)

• Price as of Aug. 29, 2025: $25.63
• Dividend Frequency: Monthly
• Annual Dividend Yield as of Aug. 29, 2025: 7.09%
• Expense Ratio as of Aug. 29, 2025: 0.55%
• 52‑Week Range as of Aug. 29, 2025: $22.36 – $26.67
• YTD Return as of Aug. 29, 2025: 6.15%

For those looking for monthly income without giving up equity growth potential, the Cullen Enhanced Equity Income ETF (NYSE: DIVP) strikes a nice balance. With a 7.09% yield paid monthly, DIVP combines dividends from high-quality large-cap stocks with option premiums generated through a selective covered call strategy. I particularly like that the ETF administrators write options on only 25,40% of holdings, which means you get to earn extra income without capping too much upside.

The expense ratio is a modest 0.55%, which is reasonable for active management that fine-tunes risk and income opportunities. Overall, DIVP offers a disciplined, income-focused approach for investors seeking steady payouts.

6. Global X SuperDividend U.S. ETF (DIV)

• Price as of Aug. 29, 2025: $17.89
• Dividend Frequency: Monthly
• Annual Dividend Yield as of Aug. 29, 2025: 6.51%
• Expense Ratio as of Aug. 29, 2025: 0.45%
• 52‑Week Range as of Aug. 29, 2025: $15.80 – $18.52
• YTD Return as of Aug. 29, 2025: 3.30%

Global X SuperDividend U.S. ETF (NYSE: DIV) is designed for investors who want steady income with lower volatility. By focusing on 50 of the highest-yielding U.S. equities, DIV offers an attractive 6.51% annual dividend yield, paid monthly. With a low 0.45% expense ratio, it keeps costs efficient while providing consistent cash flow.

What makes DIV stand out is its 11-year track record of uninterrupted monthly distributions and its index methodology that screens for low-beta stocks. That combination delivers both reliable income and reduced market swings, making DIV a practical choice for income-focused investors seeking stability in their portfolios.

7. FlexShares International Quality Dividend Dynamic Index Fund (IQDY)

• Price as of Aug. 29, 2025: $33.35
• Dividend Frequency: Quarterly
• Annual Dividend Yield as of Aug. 29, 2025: 6.32%
• Expense Ratio as of Aug. 29, 2025: 0.47%
• 52‑Week Range as of Aug. 29, 2025: $24.84 – $33.90
• YTD Return as of Aug. 29, 2025: 23.14%

With an appealing 6.32% annual yield, FlexShares International Quality Dividend Dynamic Index Fund (NYSE: IQDY) gives you access to high-quality dividend payers across developed and emerging markets outside the U.S. Dividends are distributed quarterly, and the fund’s low 0.47% expense ratio allows you to keep more of the income generated in your pocket.

IQDY stands out because of its focus on “dividend quality,” which makes it gravitate towards firms with strong fundamentals and sustainable payouts. The fund also targets above-market beta, meaning it leans into higher-return opportunities while maintaining diversification caps by sector and region.

With a strong 23.14% YTD return, IQDY has proven it can deliver both yield and growth from international equities, making it a compelling option for yield seekers.

8. FlexShares International Quality Dividend Index Fund (IQDF)

• Price as of Aug. 29, 2025: $28.25
• Dividend Frequency: Quarterly
• Annual Dividend Yield as of Aug. 29, 2025: 6.04%
• Expense Ratio as of Aug. 29, 2025: 0.47%
• 52‑Week Range as of Aug. 29, 2025: $21.52 – $28.72
• YTD Return as of Aug. 29, 2025: 23.86%

FlexShares International Quality Dividend Index Fund (NYSE: IQDF) offers a balanced way to capture high-quality income from companies across developed and emerging markets outside the U.S. With a 6.04% annual yield paid quarterly and a low 0.47% expense ratio, it’s built to deliver steady dividends without excessive costs.

Like its sister fund IQDY, IQDF also screens for “dividend quality,” focusing on companies with strong fundamentals while capping sector and regional weights to reduce concentration risk. The key difference is that, unlike IQDY, IQDF is designed to maintain a beta profile in line with the broader market.

Up 23.86% year-to-date, this ETF has proven it can combine growth with reliable payouts. If you want global diversification with consistent income, IQDF is a solid option.

9. Global X MSCI SuperDividend Emerging Markets ETF (SDEM)

• Price as of Aug. 29, 2025: $28.05
• Dividend Frequency: Monthly
• Annual Dividend Yield as of Aug. 29, 2025: 5.77%
• Expense Ratio as of Aug. 29, 2025: 0.68%
• 52‑Week Range as of Aug. 29, 2025: $22.41 – $28.58
• YTD Return as of Aug. 29, 2025: 20.69%

The Global X MSCI SuperDividend Emerging Markets ETF (NYSE: SDEM) is all about giving you steady income while tapping into the faster growth of emerging markets. It holds 50 of the highest-yielding stocks across these economies and has paid monthly dividends for nine years straight, so you can count on consistent cash flow.

Right now, the fund offers a 5.77% annual yield, and with a 20.69% YTD return, it’s proving it can capture growth too. The expense ratio of 0.68% is reasonable given its targeted approach, and the fund’s value-oriented strategy tilts it toward stable, income-producing companies. If you’re looking for reliable income plus global diversification, SDEM is worth a serious look.

10. Schwab US Dividend Equity ETF (SCHD)

• Price as of Aug. 29, 2025: $27.87
• Dividend Frequency: Quarterly
• Annual Dividend Yield as of Aug. 29, 2025: 5.50%
• Expense Ratio as of Aug. 29, 2025: 0.06%
• 52‑Week Range as of Aug. 29, 2025: $23.64 – $28.90
• YTD Return as of Aug. 29, 2025: 3.93%

The Schwab U.S. Dividend Equity ETF (NYSE: SCHD) is one of the most cost-effective ways to earn steady dividend income from top-tier U.S. companies. It currently yields 5.50% annually, paid quarterly, and charges an ultra-low 0.06% in fees, so more of that income stays in your pocket.

SCHD focuses only on companies with strong, consistent dividend histories, steering clear of speculative plays. That means you’re investing in proven businesses with both stability and room for dividend growth. Up 3.93% year-to-date, the ETF works well as either a core holding or a high-yield complement to a broader equity portfolio.

The Bottom Line

After looking at these high-yield equity dividend ETFs, I’m convinced they offer some of the best tools for income-focused investors right now. What stands out to me is how diverse the strategies are: some lean heavily on monthly cash flow, others mix in global growth, and a few use covered call overlays to enhance payouts.

What’s more, the yields are hard to ignore, especially with several funds delivering between 6% and 13% annually. For income-focused investors, these ETFs provide flexible tools to generate reliable cash flow while keeping growth on the table. The key is choosing the mix that fits your portfolio best.