UK Tax Drag has 4 interactive ETF tools and multiple editorial frameworks. The tools generate answers from data; the frameworks teach you how to think about the asset class. They work together. The fastest route to the right one: identify whether your question is about discovery (which ETFs exist?), comparison (are these two/three the same?), portfolio fit (what does this look like together?), or understanding (what does this metric/category even mean?).
The 4 interactive tools
| Tool | Use when you're asking... | Output |
|---|---|---|
| ETF Browser | "What ETFs exist in [category]?" | Filterable list of ETFs by asset class, geography, structure |
| ETF Compare | "How do these specific tickers differ?" | Side-by-side comparison of selected ETFs across OCF, AUM, yield, holdings |
| ETF Builder | "What does my whole portfolio look like together?" | Weighted-portfolio view of cost, yield, beta, concentration, region mix |
| ETF Overlap Checker | "Am I accidentally owning the same stocks twice?" | Estimated overlap between two or more ETFs by holdings |
The editorial decision frameworks
These are not tools — they're written guides that teach you how to think about a specific asset class or product family. Use them before the comparison tools, to know what questions you should be asking.
- Bond ETF decision framework — duration, hedging, credit, the three questions that matter before opening the Compare tool.
- Income ETF decision framework — the three income buckets (dividend / covered-call / overlay) that should never be compared in one league table.
- One-fund vs modular framework — when a single all-world ETF beats a 5-ETF allocation, and vice versa.
- ETF due diligence checklist — the 15-point check before any ETF goes into a real portfolio.
- How to read an ETF factsheet — every line on a KIID/KID, in order.
The reference + transparency layer
Underneath the tools and frameworks sits the transparency layer — exactly what data is used, how each metric is calculated, and what the limitations are.
- ETF Data Methodology — sources, confidence labels, special treatment for overlay-income products.
- ETF Metrics Transparency — every metric used in the tools with its formula, data source, and worked example.
- ETF Metrics Glossary — short definitions of every metric and structural term.
The "best of" pages — when to use them
Five "best of" pages exist, each with explicit, narrow selection criteria — not subjective rankings.
- Best global ETFs — broad single-fund core options that pass the institutional shortlist test.
- Best S&P 500 ETFs UK — Ireland-domiciled UCITS S&P 500 trackers ranked by OCF + tracking history.
- Best bond ETFs — broad ballast bond funds (not income, not tactical).
- Best income ETFs — distribution-focused funds with the income-trap warning applied.
- Best ESG ETFs without greenwashing — ETFs where the ESG screen is methodologically real.
Each "best" list documents its own selection criteria. Click through to see the exact filters used — we're not aggregating subjective rankings.
The portfolio templates — when each fits
| Template | Best for |
|---|---|
| One-fund global | Beginners, small accounts, low-maintenance preference |
| Cautious core | Lower-risk savers, pre-retirees focused on capital preservation |
| iShares starter | Investors committed to the iShares ecosystem |
| Income portfolio | Retirees + near-retirees prioritising yield |
| Drawdown portfolio | Retired investors structuring decumulation |
The most common journeys
Journey A — "I want one global ETF and that's it"
- Read one-fund vs modular framework.
- Open best global ETFs.
- Run final candidates through ETF Compare.
- Decide. Done.
Journey B — "I want to build a 3-5 ETF portfolio"
- Read 3-fund portfolio guide.
- Pick candidates from best global, best bond.
- Test in ETF Builder.
- Check overlap with overlap checker.
- Review tax fit per wrapper matrix.
Journey C — "I need income"
- Read income framework first — understand the 3 buckets.
- Choose your bucket.
- Open best income ETFs for that bucket.
- Compare via ETF Compare.
Journey D — "I want to understand a metric I keep seeing"
- Quick definition: metrics glossary.
- Full transparency including formula: metrics transparency hub.
- Per-metric deep dive (linked from the hub).
Sources and methodology
The tools draw on the data documented in the ETF Data Methodology. Every metric is fully transparent — see the Metrics Transparency hub. UK Tax Drag does not earn commission from any ETF provider — see how we make money. The site methodology documents the broader review process.
Related ETF guides
ETF deep-dive reading list
When you need to go beyond the calculators, these pieces explain the mechanics behind the most-asked ETF questions UK investors have.
How UK Tax Drag holds itself to account
Every page is reviewed against the editorial standards, written from primary sources, sourced openly, and corrected publicly. No affiliate revenue. No sponsored content. No paid placements.