Best International ETFs for 2026
International ETFs provide exposure to equity markets outside the United States, offering geographic diversification that can smooth portfolio returns and capture growth opportunities in regions with different economic cycles. With US stocks having outperformed international markets for over a decade, many investors are underweight foreign equities, but history shows that leadership rotates and international diversification remains a core principle of sound portfolio construction.
VXUS from Vanguard offers the broadest international exposure, holding over 8,000 stocks from both developed and emerging markets worldwide. VEA, also from Vanguard, focuses specifically on developed international markets like Europe, Japan, and Australia, excluding emerging markets for a more conservative international tilt. IEFA from iShares provides similar developed-market exposure with slightly different index methodology and strong liquidity that appeals to institutional investors.
When investing internationally, currency movements can significantly impact returns. A strengthening US dollar hurts international ETF returns for US-based investors, while a weakening dollar provides a tailwind. Some investors choose currency-hedged versions of international ETFs to eliminate this variable, though hedging adds cost. Additionally, international markets often trade at lower valuations than US stocks, which can represent either value opportunities or fundamental differences in corporate quality and growth prospects.
How We Rank
ETFs are ranked by assets under management (AUM). Only ETFs with $50M+ in assets are included. Data is updated daily.
| # | Symbol | Fund Name | AUM |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | VXUS | Vanguard Total International Stock ETF | $606.20B |
| 2 | VEA | Vanguard FTSE Developed Markets ETF | $287.00B |
| 3 | IEFA | iShares Core MSCI EAFE ETF | $172.91B |
| 4 | VWO | Vanguard FTSE Emerging Markets ETF | $151.80B |
| 5 | IEMG | iShares Core MSCI Emerging Markets ETF | $136.63B |
| 6 | BNDX | Vanguard Total International Bond ETF | $115.40B |
| 7 | VEU | Vanguard FTSE All-World ex-US ETF | $84.10B |
| 8 | VT | Vanguard Total World Stock ETF | $80.60B |
| 9 | EFA | iShares MSCI EAFE ETF | $73.18B |
| 10 | QQQM | Invesco NASDAQ 100 ETF | $71.15B |
| 11 | BSV | Vanguard Short-Term Bond ETF | $69.20B |
| 12 | SCHF | Schwab International Equity ETF | $58.37B |
| 13 | IXUS | iShares Core MSCI Total International Stock ETF | $53.84B |
| 14 | BIV | Vanguard Intermediate-Term Bond ETF | $51.20B |
| 15 | VTEB | Vanguard Tax-Exempt Bond ETF | $46.20B |
| 16 | SPDW | State Street SPDR Portfolio Developed World ex-US ETF | $37.56B |
| 17 | EFV | iShares MSCI EAFE Value ETF | $29.49B |
| 18 | EEM | iShares MSCI Emerging Markets ETF | $28.51B |
| 19 | ACWI | iShares MSCI ACWI ETF | $28.27B |
| 20 | IDEV | iShares Core MSCI International Developed Markets ETF | $28.14B |
| 21 | FNDF | Schwab Fundamental International Large Company Index ETF | $21.80B |
| 22 | AVEM | Avantis Emerging Markets Equity ETF | $20.19B |
| 23 | DFIV | Dimensional - International Value ETF | $18.01B |
| 24 | VYMI | Vanguard International High Dividend Yield ETF | $17.80B |
| 25 | EMB | iShares J.P. Morgan USD Emerging Markets Bond ETF | $17.35B |
What to Look For
Decide whether you want developed markets only, emerging markets only, or a blend of both. Developed market ETFs like VEA are less volatile, while emerging market inclusion adds growth potential and risk. Expense ratios range from 0.05% to 0.15% for major international ETFs, which is remarkably low for global diversification.
Check the country and sector weightings, as some international ETFs are heavily concentrated in Japan, the UK, or specific sectors like financials. Consider whether you want currency-hedged exposure, and evaluate the dividend yield, which tends to be higher for international equities than US stocks.
Which International ETFs Is Best for You?
VXUS is the most comprehensive international ETF, covering both developed and emerging markets in a single fund. With over 8,000 holdings across more than 40 countries, it provides maximum diversification at a low 0.07% expense ratio. For investors who want simple, complete international coverage, VXUS is the one-stop solution.
VEA is the best choice for investors who prefer to separate their developed and emerging market allocations. By focusing on developed markets like Europe, Japan, Canada, and Australia, VEA provides more stable international exposure. Many investors pair VEA with a dedicated emerging market ETF to control the allocation mix precisely.
IEFA covers developed international markets similarly to VEA but tracks a different index and has slightly different country weightings. Its excellent liquidity makes it popular with institutional investors and active allocators. IEFA and VEA are largely interchangeable for most purposes, with the choice often depending on brokerage preferences.