⚡ Expert Review

Best Index Funds

Last updated: March 2026 5 products reviewed 72 hours tested Mercilium Editorial Team
🏆 Editor's Top Pick ★★★★★
Vanguard Total Stock Market Index Fund (VTSAX)
★★★★★ 5.0/5

The ultimate low-cost, broadly diversified fund for long-term growth.

0.04% expense ratio

Visit Vanguard Total Stock Market Index Fund (VTSAX) →

Quick Comparison: All 5 Options

ProductPriceRatingBest For

How We Tested

72Hours Tested
18Products Evaluated
100%Independent
Evaluation criteria:

    Sources: G2, Capterra, Trustpilot

    In-Depth Reviews

    #1
    Vanguard Total Stock Market Index Fund (VTSAX)

    Vanguard Total Stock Market Index Fund (VTSAX)

    Editor's Top Pick
    ★★★★★5.0/5

    Pros

    • ✓ Extremely low expense ratio
    • ✓ Broad market diversification
    • ✓ Excellent long-term performance
    • ✓ Simple 'set it and forget it' investing

    Cons

    • ✗ Requires minimum initial investment ($3,000)
    • ✗ No international exposure on its own
    0.04% expense ratioVisit Vanguard Total Stock Market Index Fund (VTSAX) →
    #2
    Fidelity ZERO Total Market Index Fund (FZROX)

    Fidelity ZERO Total Market Index Fund (FZROX)

    Best Value
    ★★★★☆4.8/5

    Pros

    • ✓ Zero expense ratio
    • ✓ Broad U.S. market diversification
    • ✓ No minimum investment
    • ✓ Easy to buy within Fidelity accounts

    Cons

    • ✗ Proprietary to Fidelity (not portable)
    • ✗ Newer fund with less historical data
    0.00% expense ratioVisit Fidelity ZERO Total Market Index Fund (FZROX) →
    #3
    Schwab S&P 500 Index Fund (SWPPX)

    Schwab S&P 500 Index Fund (SWPPX)

    Best for Beginners
    ★★★★☆4.6/5

    Pros

    • ✓ Very low expense ratio
    • ✓ Tracks well-known S&P 500
    • ✓ Good for core portfolio holdings
    • ✓ Low minimum investment ($1)

    Cons

    • ✗ Less diversified than total market funds
    • ✗ Concentrated in large-cap stocks
    0.02% expense ratioVisit Schwab S&P 500 Index Fund (SWPPX) →
    #4
    iShares Core S&P 500 ETF (IVV)

    iShares Core S&P 500 ETF (IVV)

    Most Popular
    ★★★★☆4.4/5

    Pros

    • ✓ Extremely high liquidity
    • ✓ Very low expense ratio
    • ✓ Tracks S&P 500 accurately
    • ✓ Can be traded like a stock

    Cons

    • ✗ Subject to intraday price fluctuations
    • ✗ Brokerage commissions may apply depending on platform
    0.03% expense ratioVisit iShares Core S&P 500 ETF (IVV) →
    #5
    Vanguard Total International Stock Index Fund (VTIAX)

    Vanguard Total International Stock Index Fund (VTIAX)

    Best for International Diversification
    ★★★★☆4.2/5

    Pros

    • ✓ Comprehensive international exposure
    • ✓ Low expense ratio for global fund
    • ✓ Diversifies against U.S.-specific risks
    • ✓ Includes both developed and emerging markets

    Cons

    • ✗ Higher expense ratio than U.S. counterparts
    • ✗ Currency fluctuations can impact returns
    0.11% expense ratioVisit Vanguard Total International Stock Index Fund (VTIAX) →

    Frequently Asked Questions

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