iShares Large Cap Max Buffer Sep ETF (SMAX) Alternatives
iShares Large Cap Max Buffer Sep ETF (SMAX) belongs to the Defined Outcome category. Below you'll find alternative ETFs from the same category, ranked by key criteria, plus funds that investors commonly compare with SMAX. Use the tables to find lower-cost options, better risk-adjusted returns, or funds that fit a different role in your portfolio.
Cheapest Alternatives to SMAX
SMAX charges 0.50% annually. Among ETFs in the Defined Outcome category, these options have the lowest expense ratios among SMAX alternatives.
| Symbol | Name | Expense Ratio | Inception | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Fidelity Dynamic Buffered Equity ETF | 0.48% | Apr 9, 2024 | SMAX vs FBUF | |
| iShares Large Cap Max Buffer December ETF | 0.50% | Dec 31, 2024 | SMAX vs DMAX | |
| iShares Large Cap Max Buffer Mar ETF | 0.50% | Mar 31, 2025 | SMAX vs MMAX | |
| PGIM Laddered S&P 500 Buffer 20 ETF | 0.50% | Jun 11, 2024 | SMAX vs PBFR | |
| PGIM Laddered S&P 500 Buffer 12 ETF | 0.50% | Jun 11, 2024 | SMAX vs BUFP |
Best Risk-Adjusted Alternatives to SMAX
Among ETFs in the Defined Outcome category, these options rank highest on PortfoliosLab's risk-adjusted score, which accounts for volatility, drawdown, and return consistency over a 1-year period.
| Symbol | Name | Risk / Return Rank | Inception | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Innovator Equity Defined Protection ETF - 1 Yr Dec... | 97 | Dec 1, 2024 | SMAX vs ZDEK | |
| Innovator Equity Defined Protection ETF - 1 Yr Feb... | 97 | Feb 3, 2025 | SMAX vs ZFEB | |
| iShares Large Cap Max Buffer December ETF | 96 | Dec 31, 2024 | SMAX vs DMAX | |
| Innovator Equity Defined Protection ETF - 1 Yr Mar... | 96 | Mar 3, 2025 | SMAX vs ZMAR | |
| Innovator Equity Defined Protection ETF - 1 Yr Jan... | 95 | Dec 31, 2024 | SMAX vs ZJAN |
Top Performing SMAX Alternatives (YTD)
SMAX alternatives from the Defined Outcome category, sorted by year-to-date return.
| Symbol | Name | YTD Return | Inception | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Innovator Russell 2000 Power Buffer ETF - April | 3.19% | Mar 31, 2020 | SMAX vs KAPR | |
| Innovator International Developed Power Buffer ETF... | 2.69% | Mar 31, 2021 | SMAX vs IAPR | |
| FT Vest U.S. Equity Buffer ETF - March | 2.16% | Mar 19, 2021 | SMAX vs FMAR | |
| Innovator U.S. Equity Buffer ETF - April | 2.08% | Mar 29, 2019 | SMAX vs BAPR | |
| Pacer Swan SOS Moderate (April) ETF | 1.94% | Mar 31, 2021 | SMAX vs PSMR |
Lowest Volatility Alternatives to SMAX
SMAX alternatives from the Defined Outcome category, sorted by annualized volatility over the past year.
| Symbol | Name | Volatility 1Y | Inception | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Innovator Equity Defined Protection ETF - 1 Yr May | 1.51% | May 1, 2025 | SMAX vs ZMAY | |
| Innovator Equity Defined Protection ETF - 1 Yr Jun... | 1.91% | May 30, 2025 | SMAX vs ZJUN | |
| AllianzIM U.S. Equity Buffer100 Protection ETF | 1.99% | Jun 30, 2025 | SMAX vs AIOO | |
| iShares Large Cap Max Buffer Mar ETF | 2.61% | Mar 31, 2025 | SMAX vs MMAX | |
| Innovator Equity Defined Protection ETF - 1 Yr Apr... | 2.62% | Apr 1, 2025 | SMAX vs ZAPR |
Lowest Drawdown Alternatives to SMAX
SMAX alternatives from the Defined Outcome category, sorted by maximum drawdown over the past year.
| Symbol | Name | Max Drawdown 1Y | Inception | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Innovator Equity Defined Protection ETF - 1 Yr Dec... | -1.57% | Dec 1, 2024 | SMAX vs ZDEK | |
| Innovator Equity Defined Protection ETF - 1 Yr Feb... | -1.73% | Feb 3, 2025 | SMAX vs ZFEB | |
| Innovator Equity Defined Protection ETF - 1 Yr Jan... | -1.87% | Dec 31, 2024 | SMAX vs ZJAN | |
| Innovator Equity Defined Protection ETF - 1 Yr Oct... | -1.91% | Oct 1, 2024 | SMAX vs ZOCT | |
| Innovator Equity Defined Protection ETF - 1 Yr Mar... | -1.92% | Mar 3, 2025 | SMAX vs ZMAR |
Other ETFs from iShares
Most popular iShares ETFs on PortfoliosLab, across asset classes.
| Symbol | Name | Category | Risk / Return Rank | YTD Return | Inception | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| iShares 0-3 Month Treasury Bond ETF | Ultrashort Bond | 100 | 0.86% | May 26, 2020 | SMAX vs SGOV | |
| iShares Bitcoin Trust ETF | Cryptocurrency | 6 | -22.62% | Jan 5, 2024 | SMAX vs IBIT | |
| iShares Core S&P 500 ETF | S&P 500 | 65 | -4.38% | May 15, 2000 | SMAX vs IVV | |
| iShares 20+ Year Treasury Bond ETF | Government Bonds, Long-Term Bond | 12 | 0.17% | Jul 22, 2002 | SMAX vs TLT | |
| iShares Core Dividend Growth ETF | Large Cap Growth Equities, Dividend | 69 | 1.57% | Jun 10, 2014 | SMAX vs DGRO | |
| iShares Silver Trust | Precious Metals | 89 | 5.77% | Apr 21, 2006 | SMAX vs SLV | |
| iShares Semiconductor ETF | Semiconductors, Technology Equities | 92 | 9.20% | Jul 10, 2001 | SMAX vs SOXX | |
| iShares Gold Trust | Gold, Precious Metals | 87 | 8.61% | Jan 21, 2005 | SMAX vs IAU | |
| iShares Russell 2000 ETF | Small Cap Blend Equities | 69 | 0.93% | May 22, 2000 | SMAX vs IWM | |
| iShares MSCI ACWI ETF | Large Cap Growth Equities | 75 | -2.21% | Mar 26, 2008 | SMAX vs ACWI |
Often Compared With SMAX
What investors most often compare with SMAX, based on PortfoliosLab usage data.
Compare SMAX with Any Fund or Stock
Compare SMAX with any ETF, mutual fund, or stock using PortfoliosLab's comparison tool.