2 ASX dividend shares I'd buy for passive income right now

High yields and defensive qualities make these ASX dividend shares stand out.

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ASX dividend shares are a favorite for passive-income seeking investors.

There is a huge range of options too. From banks to telcos, healthcare to infrastructure, and even mining, there are lots of different types of dividend stocks to suit your risk appetite.

Here are two of my favorite ASX dividend shares I'd buy right now, and they'll both pay you a passive income for years to come. 

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IPH Ltd (ASX: IPH)

IPH is a long-term high-yielding dividend-paying ASX share. 

The company is an intellectual property (IP) services provider. Because IP protection is a legal necessity regardless of economic cycles, the company benefits from consistent cash flow and solid earnings visibility, even when share markets are volatile.

IPH shares have performed well through 2026 so far, which is great news for investors after several years of losses.

The company faced significant headwinds over the past few years, including underperformance in its Australia and New Zealand segments, concerns about the transition to a new CEO, a decline in US patent filings, and currency volatility.

It looks like the share price has finally turned a corner this year, thanks to new executive leadership and improving investor sentiment.

Its consistently high-yield dividend payout has also helped retain some investor interest. The ASX dividend shares have paid regular semi-annual dividends to shareholders for years. IPH started paying dividends in 2016 and has gradually increased its annual payout each year since 2018.

IPH maintains a high payout ratio of 80% to 90%. In March, the company paid its shareholders an interim dividend of 19 cents per share, 20% franked. That implies a yield of around 9.6% at the time of writing.

Origin Energy Ltd (ASX: ORG)

Origin is another ASX dividend share favourite of mine.

The leading energy company provides Australian homes and businesses with electricity, natural gas, solar and LPG. 

The company's shares are a great option for passive income because they generate substantial cash flows, especially when energy prices are elevated. This means the company can then pay high yields to shareholders. 

The stock is defensive too, which means the company can be resilient to sharemarket volatility and global uncertainty. After all, energy is an essential service. People won't stop powering their homes because the purse strings have tightened.

Origin's assets operate under long-term contracts, often with rising income, which gives it another defensive quality.

In the first half of FY26, Origin Energy paid its investors 30 cents per share, fully franked. Brokers predict the business will increase its annual payout to 61 cents in FY26, which translates to a forward yield of around 5.6%, including franking credits, at the time of writing.

Motley Fool contributor Samantha Menzies has no position in any of the stocks mentioned. The Motley Fool Australia's parent company Motley Fool Holdings Inc. has no position in any of the stocks mentioned. The Motley Fool Australia has recommended IPH Ltd. The Motley Fool has a disclosure policy. This article contains general investment advice only (under AFSL 400691). Authorised by Scott Phillips.

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