MOAT vs VOO: Head-to-Head Comparison
Last updated: March 2026 • US Large-Cap
Quick Verdict
VOO edges out MOAT with a stronger Beginner Suitability Score (9.5 vs 8). It offers lower fees for new investors.
Side-by-Side Comparison
Key Differences Between MOAT and VOO
MOAT (VanEck Morningstar Wide Moat ETF) is a wide moat fund managed by VanEck. MOAT invests in companies that Morningstar analysts identify as having sustainable competitive advantages, or wide economic moats, and that are trading at attractive valuations. The fund targets businesses with durable pricing power, network effects, or cost advantages that protect profits over time. For beginners, MOAT offers a research-driven approach to buying high-quality companies at reasonable prices.
VOO (Vanguard S&P 500 ETF) is a u.s. large-cap blend fund managed by Vanguard. VOO tracks the S&P 500 index, giving you ownership in 500 of the largest U.S. companies in a single investment. It is one of the most popular ETFs in the world thanks to its ultra-low expense ratio and broad market exposure. For beginners, VOO is often recommended as a core portfolio holding because it provides instant diversification across America's leading businesses.
The most notable differences are in fees (0.46% vs 0.03%), number of holdings (50 vs 503), and 5-year returns (15.50% vs 15.80%).
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Holdings Overlap Analysis
5%
Holdings Overlap
MOAT and VOO share only 5% of their top holdings. These funds are quite different, making them complementary choices if you want broader market coverage.
Cost Comparison Over Time
If you invest $10,000 and hold for 20 years (assuming 8% annual returns):
MOAT
Fee cost: $3,814
VOO
Fee cost: $258
Over 20 years, the fee difference amounts to $3,556 on a $10,000 investment. VOO saves you more in fees over time.
Which One Should a Beginner Choose?
Choose MOAT if: You want investors who believe in buying quality businesses at fair or discounted prices, those who value analyst-driven stock selection over purely passive indexing, long-term holders looking for companies with sustainable competitive advantages. It's managed by VanEck with an expense ratio of 0.46%.
Choose VOO if: You want beginning investors looking for a simple core portfolio holding, long-term buy-and-hold investors seeking broad u.s. market exposure, cost-conscious investors who want minimal fees. It's managed by Vanguard with an expense ratio of 0.03%.
Can You Own Both MOAT and VOO?
Absolutely! With only 5% overlap, MOAT and VOO complement each other well. A simple portfolio might allocate 60% to one and 40% to the other, or you could pair them with a bond ETF like BND for a complete three-fund portfolio.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Should I buy MOAT or VOO?▾
VOO edges out MOAT with a stronger Beginner Suitability Score (9.5 vs 8). It offers lower fees for new investors. However, both are solid options. MOAT is best for investors who want investors who believe in buying quality businesses at fair or discounted prices, while VOO is better suited for beginning investors looking for a simple core portfolio holding.
What is the difference between MOAT and VOO?▾
MOAT (VanEck Morningstar Wide Moat ETF) tracks wide moat investments with 50 holdings and a 0.46% expense ratio. VOO (Vanguard S&P 500 ETF) focuses on u.s. large-cap blend with 503 holdings at 0.03%. Their top holdings overlap by 5%.
Can I own both MOAT and VOO?▾
Yes! With only 5% holdings overlap, MOAT and VOO complement each other well. Owning both gives you broader diversification.