Whether you're aiming to grow your super balance , build a diversified portfolio outside of super, or simply set yourself up for Financial Independence , ETFs offer a simple and effective way to get started. With just a few trades, you can own a slice of hundreds (or even thousands) of companies across industries and countries.

That said, not all ETFs are created equal, and what works for one investor won’t necessarily work for another. Some focus on income, others on growth. Some are narrow and thematic, while others are designed to cover entire markets. So while there’s no single “best” ETF, looking at what other long-term investors are choosing can be a place to start.

With that in mind, we’ve compiled a list of the 10 most popular Australian ETFs among Pearler investors. Please note, this isn’t a definitive top 10 or a recommendation list. However, it might help spark ideas, highlight new options, or give you a clearer sense of what’s out there.

Recap: what's an ETF?

An ETF is a type of investment fund that trades on a stock exchange, just like a regular share. But unlike an individual company's stock, an ETF contains a bundle of assets – usually shares or bonds. Some track indexes like the ASX 200 and S&P 500 , while others focus on sectors, countries, or even sustainability themes.

Because they're diversified and relatively low-cost, ETFs are particularly popular with long-term investors. You don't need to pick the "right" company to invest in. You get exposure to a whole basket, which spreads your risk.

They also come with added benefits like liquidity, transparency, and tax efficiency. Whether you're a beginner or a seasoned investor, there's likely an ETF out there that matches your financial goals.

The best ETFs for long-term investing

Now, let's explore 10 ASX-listed ETFs Pearler investors are currently backing.

1. Vanguard Australian Shares Index ETF (VAS)

VAS has become a go-to for Aussie investors who want broad exposure to the local market. It tracks the S&P/ASX 300 Index, which includes around 300 of the largest companies listed on the Australian Securities Exchange (ASX) .

That means you're getting a slice of names like BHP, Commonwealth Bank, CSL, and Woolworths. It's diversified across sectors like financials, materials, healthcare, and consumer staples.

VAS is often chosen for its simplicity, reliable performance, and local focus. It also pays dividends , which appeals to income-focused investors, especially those in retirement or approaching it. It has often been used by Pearler investors as a foundational ETF in Australian portfolios.

2. iShares Core S&P 500 ETF (IVV)

This one has become popular for those looking to invest in the US economy. IVV tracks the S&P 500 Index , which represents 500 of the largest publicly traded companies in the United States.

The US is home to many of the world's biggest and most innovative companies, and this ETF can offer a straightforward way to get exposure. It includes iconic names like Apple, Amazon, Alphabet (Google), and Johnson & Johnson.

IVV is one of the largest ETFs in the world, with high liquidity and low fees. Many investors use it as a core US exposure ETF alongside Australian and global picks.

3. Vanguard MSCI Index International Shares ETF (VGS)

VGS gives you instant global diversification without the need to pick individual overseas stocks. It tracks the MSCI World ex-Australia Index, which includes around 1,500 large and mid-sized companies from 22 developed countries – think Apple, Microsoft, Nestlé, and Toyota. You're buying into big players across the US, Europe, and Asia.

For some, VGS has become a building block for international exposure. It aims to complement Aussie-focused ETFs like VAS by broadening a portfolio beyond Australia's resource-heavy economy.

VGS is unhedged , meaning it’s impacted by currency fluctuations . While this adds some volatility, it may also boost returns when the Australian dollar weakens.

4. Vanguard Diversified High Growth Index ETF (VDHG)

VDHG is a diversified all-in-one ETF that blends multiple Vanguard funds into a single product. It allocates about 90% of its holdings to growth assets (such as shares) and 10% to defensive assets (like bonds).

This ETF gives you exposure to both Australian and international equities, plus a modest allocation to fixed income. For this reason, it can be a favoured choice for standalone portfolios . For investors who want diversification without needing to pick multiple ETFs, VDHG seeks to offer simplicity and balance in one place.

5. BetaShares NASDAQ 100 ETF (NDQ)

Often known as the tech innovation ETF, NDQ tracks the NASDAQ-100 Index . This provides exposure to 100 of the largest non-financial companies listed on the NASDAQ stock exchange.

When you invest in NDQ, you're buying disruptive businesses like Apple, Amazon, Meta, Microsoft, and NVIDIA. NDQ is heavily weighted toward tech, which brings growth potential, but also more volatility.

This ETF is often picked by investors who believe in the long-term future of tech and don’t mind the ups and downs along the way. Many Pearler investors combine NDQ with broader ETFs to add a growth tilt to their portfolios.

6. BetaShares Australia 200 ETF (A200)

A200 offers simple, affordable exposure to the top 200 companies on the ASX. It covers big names you’ve likely heard of – think BHP, CommBank, CSL, and Woolies. While it might seem similar to VAS, it has a slightly narrower focus (the top 200 companies instead of the top 300).

One of the main reasons people love A200 is its low fees. It’s one of the cheapest ETFs in Australia, which can make a big difference over time if you’re investing for the long haul.

Because it tracks the 200 largest companies in the country, A200 leans heavily into the financial and mining sectors, both of which play a big role in the Australian economy.

Many long-term investors use A200 as their core Aussie exposure, often pairing it with global ETFs to build a balanced portfolio. It’s a set-and-forget kind of investment that gives you a big chunk of the local market in one package.

7. BetaShares Diversified All Growth ETF (DHHF)

DHHF is an all-in-one ETF designed to give investors exposure to a wide spread of global shares. Rather than tracking a single index, it contains a mix of investments, which together cover Australian, US, and global developed and emerging markets .

This ETF has a 100% allocation to equities, making it more favoured by investors with longer time horizons who can ride out market fluctuations. It’s often used by people who want a complete portfolio in one fund, without having to worry about balancing asset classes or regularly rebalancing their portfolio .

DHHF’s simplicity and broad exposure has made it a popular choice among Pearler users looking to invest consistently over time with minimal effort.

8. BetaShares Global Sustainability Leaders ETF (ETHI)

ETHI is designed for the values-driven investor. It tracks an index of large global companies that meet strict sustainability and ethical criteria , meaning it excludes things like fossil fuels, tobacco, weapons, and animal cruelty.

Some of the top holdings include names like Apple, NVIDIA, and other companies known for promoting their sustainability efforts.

It's become increasingly popular among younger investors who want their money to support companies with positive environmental and social impacts. It seeks to be growth-focused, but with an ethical lens. It’s a good example of how you can align your portfolio with your personal values without necessarily sacrificing performance.

9. Vanguard US Total Market Shares Index ETF (VTS)

Want even more US exposure than what IVV offers? VTS might be what you're looking for. It tracks the CRSP US Total Market Index, which includes not just large caps , but also mid- and small-cap companies.

That means you're investing in the entire US stock market, from giants like Apple to smaller, fast-growing companies you may not have heard of yet. This broader exposure gives you more diversification across sectors and company sizes, which may help smooth out the performance of your US allocation over time.

VTS is often used alongside VEU (which we'll get to shortly) to create a near-complete global portfolio. It's also a key building block in some all-in-one ETFs like DHHF, making it a popular option among those looking to round out their international exposure.

10. Vanguard All-World ex-US Shares Index ETF (VEU)

As the name suggests, VEU gives you exposure to global markets excluding the United States. It covers both developed and emerging economies, with around 3,500 companies from countries like Japan, the UK, Germany, China, and Brazil.

It's often used to complement VTS, because together, they offer broad global coverage. While the US dominates many portfolios, there could be long-term potential in other markets, and VEU is one way to tap into it.

VEU may also help smooth out risk if US markets experience a downturn, offering a bit more balance to your global allocation. Emerging markets can be more volatile, but they may also present potential growth opportunities not found in developed economies.

How Pearler investors use these ETFs

One of the most insightful ways to understand the appeal of these ETFs is to look at how real people use them in the wild, and Pearler investors offer some great examples. Many use these ETFs as the backbone of a consistent, long-term investing strategy .

A common approach is to combine one or two Australian ETFs with a global or US-focused one. This allows investors to maintain a solid foundation in the domestic market while gaining exposure to international ETFs .

Thanks to features like Pearler’s Automate , it’s also common to see investors contributing small amounts on a regular basis, using ETFs to dollar-cost average into the market over time. This set-and-forget mentality aligns well with long-term wealth building.

Some users also layer in ethical or thematic ETFs to reflect their personal values or interests, while others opt for high-yield ETFs for a steady stream of passive income .

The takeaway? There’s no single “right” way to use ETFs. And, like any investment, all of the above ETFs carry risk. Nothing from this list is a recommendation, and it's possible that none of these choices align with your goals. However, by understanding how the Pearler community invests, you can hopefully draw some inspiration for your investing journey.

What to look for in an ETF

Choosing an ETF might feel like a big decision, but it gets easier when you know what to focus on. Here's what to look for:

• Define your investment goal: Are you investing for growth, income, diversification, or a mix of all three? Your purpose will help narrow your choices.
• Check the index it tracks: Some ETFs follow broad indices like the ASX 200 or S&P 500. Others zoom in on specific themes like technology, sustainability , or high dividend yield. Broader ETFs often offer more diversification, while thematic ones may be more volatile but aligned with your interests.
• Compare costs: One of the biggest advantages of ETFs is their relatively low fees. Always check the management fee (MER). Even small differences (e.g. 0.2%) can make a big impact over the long term.
• Review size and liquidity: Bigger ETFs that get bought and sold more often tend to have steadier prices. This means they're easier to trade without losing much money on fees or price changes.

Ultimately, the best ETF is the one that fits your strategy, matches your values, and is simple enough for you to stick with over the long term. For more insight into choosing the right ETF, you can use these guides:

• How to choose the right ETF
• How can I decide whether an ETF is right for me?
• How do I determine an ETF’s performance?
• How do I choose between similar ETFs?

Popular doesn't mean perfect

The 10 ETFs listed above are among the most popular choices for long-term investing on Pearler. That popularity says something: they're generally low-cost, diversified, and aligned with long-term strategies. But here's the key takeaway: popular doesn't mean perfect .

To stress the point, what works for someone else might not work for you. Your goals, time horizon, income needs, and risk tolerance should drive your decisions, not a "top 10" list.

Still, exploring what other investors are doing can be incredibly helpful. It can introduce you to ETFs you hadn't considered, or help you build confidence in your current portfolio.

Whether you're just getting started or fine-tuning your investing strategy, the important part is staying informed and staying consistent. Long-term investing is a marathon, not a sprint, and ETFs can be great running partners along the way.

If you’re still unsure where to begin, start by asking yourself a few simple questions: What’s your investment timeframe? Are you looking for income, growth, or both? How comfortable are you with market ups and downs? Your answers can help guide you toward the ETFs that make the most sense for your unique path.

And of course, remember you can always reach out to a licensed financial adviser if you need support.

Happy investing!