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Index Funds vs Actively Managed Funds

Finance — Honest comparison to help you decide

Index Funds

  • Lower fees (0.03-0.20% vs 0.5-1.5%)
  • Beat 90% of active funds over 15 years
  • Tax efficient (lower turnover)
  • Simple and transparent
  • Warren Buffett recommends for most investors
VS

Actively Managed

  • Potential to outperform market
  • Active risk management
  • Sector/theme specialization
  • Downside protection strategies
  • Manager expertise in niche markets

The Verdict

For 90%+ of investors: index funds win. The fee difference alone (0.5-1% annually) compounds to 20-30% less wealth over 30 years. Active only if you have a specific edge.

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