The ultimate tax saving showdown. Compare top ELSS mutual funds with PPF for returns, risk, and tax efficiency under Section 80C.
Consistently the top-performing ELSS fund in India. Large-cap focused with exposure to quality growth stocks. One of the lowest expense ratios in the ELSS category. Ideal for aggressive investors who want maximum returns from their 80C allocation.
Known for delivering consistent risk-adjusted returns with lower volatility than peers. Strong stock selection across large and mid-cap segments. A solid choice for investors who want equity exposure without extreme fluctuations.
Backed by India's largest AMC with over ₹9.5 lakh crore AUM. One of the oldest ELSS funds with a proven track record across multiple market cycles. Best for investors who value brand trust and long-term stability.
ELSS returns are historical CAGR and not guaranteed. PPF offers guaranteed 7.1% p.a. which is fully tax-free under EEE status.
| ELSS Fund | 3Y Returns | 5Y Returns | Expense Ratio | Min SIP | Risk Level |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Mirae Asset Tax Saver Fund | ~20% CAGR | ~18.5% CAGR | 0.58% | ₹500/month | High |
| Axis Long Term Equity Fund | ~16% CAGR | ~15.2% CAGR | 0.69% | ₹500/month | Moderately High |
| SBI Long Term Equity Fund | ~18% CAGR | ~16.8% CAGR | 0.90% | ₹500/month | High |
| Quant Tax Plan | ~25% CAGR | ~22% CAGR | 0.57% | ₹500/month | Very High |
| HDFC ELSS Tax Saver Fund | ~17% CAGR | ~15% CAGR | 1.04% | ₹500/month | High |
| Kotak Tax Saver Fund | ~16% CAGR | ~15.5% CAGR | 0.73% | ₹500/month | High |
| PPF (for reference) | 7.1% (guaranteed) | 7.1% (guaranteed) | N/A (Govt scheme) | ₹500/year | Zero |
See exactly how your PPF investment grows with guaranteed 7.1% tax-free returns. Compare with ELSS returns side by side.
Open PPF Calculator →It depends on your risk appetite. ELSS has delivered 12-20% historical returns with only a 3-year lock-in, but returns are not guaranteed and carry equity market risk. PPF offers guaranteed 7.1% fully tax-free returns with zero risk but has a 15-year lock-in. For maximum growth, choose ELSS. For safety, choose PPF. Many experts recommend investing in both.
Based on trailing 5-year CAGR, Quant Tax Plan leads with ~22% CAGR, followed by Mirae Asset Tax Saver (~18.5%) and SBI Long Term Equity (~16.8%). However, past performance does not guarantee future returns. Look at consistency across 3Y, 5Y, and 10Y periods, not just recent returns.
No. While ELSS investments qualify for Section 80C deduction (up to ₹1.5 lakh), the returns are not fully tax-free. Long-term capital gains (LTCG) above ₹1.25 lakh per year are taxed at 12.5%. PPF has EEE status — investment, interest, and maturity are ALL tax-free.
Yes, and this is what most financial advisors recommend. The combined Section 80C limit is ₹1,50,000. A popular split is ₹75,000 in PPF (for safety and guaranteed returns) and ₹75,000 in ELSS (for higher growth potential). This gives you the best of both worlds.
ELSS has the shortest lock-in of any 80C investment at just 3 years. Each SIP installment has its own 3-year lock-in from the date of investment. PPF has a 15-year lock-in, though partial withdrawal is allowed from the 7th year and loans can be taken from the 3rd to 6th year.