If you want to invest for 10, 20, or even 30 years, you don’t necessarily need to spend your evenings researching individual stocks.

For many long-term investors, ETFs (exchange-traded funds) can provide a simple way to own a diversified collection of investments while keeping costs relatively low.

But choosing the right ETF still matters. Different funds have different goals, risks, fees, geographic exposure, and levels of diversification.

In this guide, we’ll look at some of the best ETFs to buy and hold for the long term, what each one does, who it may suit, and how you could think about building a long-term ETF portfolio.

Important: ETF information, expense ratios, holdings, and fund strategies can change. The fund details below were checked against current issuer information available in 2026, but investors should verify the latest prospectus and fund page before investing.

What Is an ETF?

An ETF, or exchange-traded fund, is an investment fund that trades on a stock exchange like an individual stock.

Instead of buying one company’s shares, you can buy a single ETF that owns many stocks, bonds, or other investments.

For example, a broad-market ETF can give you exposure to hundreds or thousands of companies through one investment.

This can make ETFs particularly useful for investors who want diversification, simplicity, and a long-term investing approach.

Best ETFs to Buy and Hold for the Long Term

Here are seven ETFs worth researching for different long-term investing goals:

ETF	Main Focus	Potential Role
VTI	Total U.S. stock market	Core U.S. holding
IVV	S&P 500	Large U.S. companies
VT	Global stocks	One-fund global diversification
VXUS	International stocks	Non-U.S. diversification
QQQM	Nasdaq-100	Growth-oriented complement
SCHD	U.S. dividend stocks	Dividend-focused complement
BND	U.S. bonds	Portfolio stability

There isn’t one ETF that is automatically best for everyone.

The right choice depends on your goals, time horizon, risk tolerance, existing investments, and need for diversification.

1. VTI — Vanguard Total Stock Market ETF

VTI is one of the simplest ETFs to understand if your goal is broad exposure to the U.S. stock market.

It seeks to track the overall U.S. stock market rather than focusing only on large companies. Vanguard currently lists an expense ratio of 0.03%.

Why long-term investors consider VTI

VTI can provide exposure to:

Large-cap companies
Mid-cap companies
Small-cap companies
Thousands of U.S. stocks
Multiple economic sectors

That broad exposure is one of its biggest attractions.

Instead of trying to decide which individual U.S. companies will perform best over the next couple of decades, you’re spreading your investment across a much wider portion of the market.

Who might consider VTI?

VTI may make sense for an investor looking for a simple U.S. stock-market core holding.

It can also work well as part of a broader portfolio that includes international stocks and bonds.

2. IVV — iShares Core S&P 500 ETF

IVV tracks the S&P 500 Index, giving investors exposure to large U.S. companies.

BlackRock’s iShares currently lists IVV with a 0.03% expense ratio.

Why IVV can work for long-term investing

The S&P 500 includes many of the largest publicly traded U.S. companies.

That means one ETF can give you exposure to businesses across areas such as:

Technology
Healthcare
Financial services
Consumer companies
Industrials
Communication services

The major difference between IVV and VTI is that VTI covers a broader portion of the U.S. stock market, while IVV focuses on the large-cap S&P 500.

VTI vs. IVV

For a beginner, this isn’t necessarily a decision where one ETF is dramatically “better.”

Both can serve as a core U.S. equity holding.

The more important question is whether the fund’s strategy fits your overall portfolio.

3. VT — Vanguard Total World Stock ETF

If you don’t want your long-term portfolio to depend entirely on the U.S. market, VT is an interesting option.

VT seeks to track the FTSE Global All Cap Index, covering developed and emerging markets around the world. Vanguard currently lists an expense ratio of 0.06% and more than 10,000 holdings as of July 2026.

Why global diversification matters

Different countries and economies don’t always perform the same way at the same time.

By owning stocks across multiple regions, you reduce the risk of concentrating your entire stock portfolio in one country.

VT can therefore be attractive to investors who want a single global stock ETF rather than building separate U.S. and international positions.

The trade-off

Global diversification doesn’t eliminate investment risk.

International markets can still experience recessions, political uncertainty, currency movements, and significant market declines.

4. VXUS — Vanguard Total International Stock ETF

VXUS focuses on stocks outside the United States.

Vanguard says the fund tracks a benchmark covering developed and emerging markets while excluding the U.S.; its current expense ratio is 0.05%.

Why consider VXUS?

If you already own a U.S. ETF such as VTI, VXUS can add international exposure.

For example, a hypothetical investor might choose:

VTI for U.S. stocks
VXUS for international stocks
BND for bonds

This gives the investor control over how much of the portfolio is allocated to each major asset category.

VTI + VXUS vs. VT

Both approaches can provide broad global stock exposure.

The difference is mainly how much control you want over your U.S. and international allocation.

VT: One global stock ETF.

VTI + VXUS: Two ETFs that let you choose your U.S./international split.

Neither approach is automatically right for everyone.

5. QQQM — Invesco NASDAQ 100 ETF

If you’re looking for a more growth-oriented ETF, QQQM is another fund worth researching.

QQQM tracks the Nasdaq-100 Index, which includes 100 of the largest domestic and international nonfinancial companies listed on Nasdaq. Invesco currently lists a 0.15% total expense ratio.

Why investors consider QQQM

The fund gives investors exposure to many large companies in technology and other growth-oriented industries.

That can make QQQM appealing to investors with a long time horizon who are comfortable with potentially larger fluctuations.

But there is an important catch

QQQM shouldn’t automatically replace a diversified broad-market ETF.

A portfolio heavily concentrated in one market segment can experience larger declines when that segment falls out of favor.

For many investors, a fund like QQQM may make more sense as a complement to a diversified core holding, rather than the entire portfolio.

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

If you’re particularly interested in dividend-paying companies, SCHD is another ETF to research.

SCHD tracks the Dow Jones U.S. Dividend 100 Index and currently has a 0.06% total expense ratio, according to Schwab Asset Management.

The fund focuses on companies selected for dividend characteristics and financial strength.

Why dividend ETFs attract long-term investors

Dividend-paying companies can appeal to investors who value:

Regular distributions
Established businesses
Dividend-focused strategies
Long-term income potential

But remember that a dividend isn’t free money.

When a company or fund distributes cash, that money is no longer inside the investment. Investors should look at total return, not simply the dividend yield.

SCHD is also not the same thing as a broad-market ETF, so adding it can increase certain types of concentration.

7. BND — Vanguard Total Bond Market ETF

Not every long-term portfolio needs to be 100% stocks.

BND provides broad exposure to the U.S. investment-grade bond market and currently has a 0.03% expense ratio, according to Vanguard.

Why bonds can matter

Stocks offer long-term growth potential, but they can also experience substantial declines.

Bonds may help provide a different source of diversification and can make sense for investors who want to reduce the overall volatility of a portfolio.

BND isn’t a guaranteed source of profits or a substitute for cash.

Bond funds can decline in value, particularly when interest rates and other market conditions change.

How to Choose the Best Long-Term ETF for You

Instead of asking, “Which ETF is the best?”

A better question is:

“Which ETF best fits my investment plan?”

Consider these factors before buying.

1. Your Time Horizon

Your time horizon is how long you expect to leave your money invested.

Someone investing for retirement 25 years from now may have a very different portfolio from someone who needs the money in three years.

Generally, money needed soon should not automatically be placed into highly volatile stock ETFs.

2. Your Risk Tolerance

Ask yourself how you’d react if your investment account dropped substantially during a market downturn.

If a major decline would cause you to sell everything in panic, your portfolio may be taking more risk than you can realistically tolerate.

Your ability to handle risk and your emotional willingness to handle risk are both important.

3. Diversification

Diversification means spreading your money across different investments rather than depending heavily on one company, sector, or country.

A broad ETF can make diversification much easier.

However, owning several ETFs doesn’t automatically mean you’re diversified.

For example, owning multiple funds that all heavily hold the same large technology companies may create more overlap than you realize.

How Much Should You Invest in ETFs?

There isn’t a universal percentage that everyone should invest.

Your allocation should reflect your:

Age and financial goals
Investment time horizon
Income stability
Emergency savings
Debt situation
Risk tolerance
Other investments
Need for future liquidity

A hypothetical investor with a long retirement horizon might tolerate a larger stock allocation than someone approaching retirement.

The key is choosing an allocation you can actually stick with through difficult markets.

A Simple Long-Term ETF Portfolio Example

Let’s look at a hypothetical example, not a recommendation.

Imagine someone wants a diversified portfolio using three broad ETFs.

They could research an allocation such as:

60% VTI — U.S. stocks
25% VXUS — international stocks
15% BND — bonds

If the investor had $10,000, that hypothetical allocation would represent:

$6,000 in VTI
$2,500 in VXUS
$1,500 in BND

The numbers are simply an illustration of how an allocation works.

They are not a prediction of future returns or a recommendation that this allocation is suitable for you.

Another Simple Approach: One Global Stock ETF

Some investors want fewer moving parts.

For example, an investor could research whether a global fund such as VT fits their strategy.

The attraction is simplicity: instead of deciding how much to allocate to U.S. and international stocks separately, one fund provides broad global stock exposure.

The downside is that you have less control over the precise geographic allocation.

What About a 100% Stock ETF Portfolio?

A 100% stock portfolio can offer substantial long-term growth potential, but it can also experience large temporary losses.

If you’re investing for decades and have the financial and emotional ability to remain invested during severe downturns, a stock-heavy portfolio may be reasonable for some investors.

But don’t confuse a long time horizon with guaranteed success.

Stocks can decline sharply, and there is no guarantee that a particular ETF will produce positive returns over any specific period.

ETF Fees Matter More Than They Look

An ETF’s expense ratio is the annual operating cost charged by the fund, expressed as a percentage of assets.

For example, an expense ratio of 0.03% means approximately $3 per year for every $10,000 invested, before considering changes in the investment’s value.

That sounds small.

But over several decades, differences in fees can compound.

This doesn’t mean you should automatically buy the ETF with the lowest fee. Consider the fund’s diversification, strategy, tracking quality, liquidity, tax characteristics, and overall fit as well.

Don’t Ignore Taxes

Taxes can affect your real-world investment results.

The tax treatment of ETF dividends, capital gains, account types, and investment transactions varies depending on where you live and the type of account you use.

For investors outside the United States, additional considerations may apply to U.S.-listed ETFs, including local tax rules and potential cross-border issues.

If you’re unsure about the tax consequences, consider speaking with a qualified tax professional familiar with your country and circumstances.

Common Mistakes to Avoid When Buying ETFs

Even a simple ETF strategy can go wrong if you make avoidable decisions.

1. Chasing Last Year’s Winner

An ETF that performed extremely well recently isn’t automatically the best ETF for the next decade.

Past performance does not guarantee future results.

2. Buying Too Many ETFs

More ETFs don’t necessarily mean better diversification.

Five overlapping funds can sometimes provide less meaningful diversification than one or two carefully selected broad-market funds.

3. Ignoring Fees

Small differences in annual expenses can matter over long periods.

Always check the current expense ratio and fund documents before investing.

4. Panic Selling During Market Declines

Long-term investing becomes difficult when markets fall.

Selling because you’re scared can turn a temporary decline into a permanent loss.

Before investing, decide what your strategy is for market downturns.

5. Investing Money You’ll Need Soon

An ETF isn’t a replacement for an emergency fund.

If you may need money in the near future, consider whether exposing that money to stock-market volatility is appropriate.

6. Confusing Dividends With Free Returns

A high dividend yield doesn’t automatically make an ETF a better investment.

Look at the entire investment strategy and total return, not just the cash distribution.

How to Build a Long-Term ETF Strategy

If you’re starting from scratch, keep the process simple.

Step 1: Define Your Goal

Are you investing for:

Retirement?
A future home?
Long-term wealth building?
Financial independence?
Another long-term objective?

Your goal determines your time horizon.

Step 2: Build Your Financial Foundation

Before aggressively investing, consider whether you have:

An emergency fund
Manageable high-interest debt
Appropriate insurance
A stable budget

Investing works better when you aren’t forced to sell investments because of an unexpected financial emergency.

Step 3: Choose Your Asset Allocation

Decide how much you want in:

U.S. stocks
International stocks
Bonds
Cash or other assets

Your allocation is often more important than trying to identify the “perfect” ETF.

Step 4: Compare ETFs

Check:

What index does it track?
What does it own?
Expense ratio
Geographic exposure
Sector concentration
Dividend policy
Historical volatility
Fund size and liquidity
Tax considerations

Step 5: Invest Consistently

If your financial situation allows, investing regularly can help you avoid making every decision based on short-term market movements.

You don’t need to predict the perfect day to invest.

Step 6: Rebalance When Necessary

Over time, some investments may grow faster than others.

Rebalancing means bringing your portfolio back toward your intended allocation.

You don’t necessarily need to check your portfolio every day.

Best ETFs for Different Long-Term Goals

Here’s a simple way to think about the funds discussed above.

Your Goal	ETF to Research	Why
Broad U.S. exposure	VTI	Covers the overall U.S. stock market
Large U.S. companies	IVV	Tracks the S&P 500
Global stock exposure	VT	Covers stocks around the world
International diversification	VXUS	Focuses on stocks outside the U.S.
Growth-oriented exposure	QQQM	Tracks the Nasdaq-100
Dividend-focused strategy	SCHD	Focuses on U.S. dividend stocks
Bond diversification	BND	Broad U.S. bond-market exposure

Think of this table as a starting point for research rather than a list of funds you must buy.

Are ETFs Good for Long-Term Investing?

They can be.

ETFs can offer several useful characteristics for long-term investors:

Diversification
Relatively low costs
Easy trading
Transparency
Access to different markets
Flexible portfolio construction

But an ETF is simply a vehicle.

A poorly chosen or overly concentrated ETF can still carry significant risk.

The best long-term strategy is usually the one that matches your financial goals and that you can realistically maintain through both good and bad markets.

Your Simple Long-Term ETF Checklist

Before buying an ETF, ask yourself:

What exactly does this ETF own?
What index or strategy does it follow?
How diversified is it?
What is the current expense ratio?
Does it overlap with my other ETFs?
How much risk am I taking?
How long can I leave the money invested?
Will I need this money soon?
What are the tax implications for me?
Would I still be comfortable owning it during a major market decline?

If you can’t answer these questions, take a little more time before investing.

Final Thoughts on the Best ETFs to Buy and Hold for the Long Term

The best ETFs to buy and hold for the long term aren’t necessarily the funds with the biggest recent gains.

For many investors, the more useful qualities are broad diversification, reasonable costs, a clear strategy, appropriate risk, and the ability to stay invested for many years.

Funds such as VTI, IVV, VT, VXUS, QQQM, SCHD, and BND each serve different purposes. The right choice depends on what you’re trying to accomplish and how much risk you can comfortably handle.

If you’re a beginner, don’t feel pressured to build a complicated portfolio immediately.

Start by defining your goal, understand your asset allocation, research a small number of diversified ETFs, check the current fund information, and create a strategy you can stick with when markets become uncomfortable.

Investing is a long-term process, not a race to find the next winning fund.

Disclaimer: This article is for educational and informational purposes only and should not be considered personalized financial, investment, tax, or legal advice. Investment decisions involve risk, and you should consider your own financial situation, goals, risk tolerance, and time horizon. Investments can lose value, and past performance does not guarantee future results.