QQQ vs ARKK: Head-to-Head Comparison
QQQ vs ARKK: Invesco QQQ Trust has an expense ratio of 0.20% while ARK Innovation ETF charges 0.75%. QQQ holds 101 securities vs ARKK's 35. 5-year returns: 19.50% vs -1.80%.
Last updated: April 2026
Tech vs Innovation
Quick Verdict
QQQ edges out ARKK with a stronger Beginner Suitability Score (8.5 vs 6). It offers lower fees for new investors.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | QQQ | ARKK |
|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.20% | 0.75% |
| AUM | $310.0B | $6.5B |
| Dividend Yield | 0.60% | 0.00% |
| Holdings | 101 | 35 |
| 1-Year Return | 29.80% | 13.50% |
| 5-Year Return (Ann.) | 19.50% | -1.80% |
| 10-Year Return (Ann.) | 18.50% | 4.20% |
| Beta | 1.15 | 1.85 |
| P/E Ratio | 33.2 | N/A |
QQQ 5-year annualized return is 19.50% compared to ARKK's -1.80%. Over 10 years, QQQ returned 18.50% vs ARKK's 4.20%.
View data table
| Period | QQQ Return | ARKK Return |
|---|---|---|
| YTD | 3.50% | 1.20% |
| 1 Year | 29.80% | 13.50% |
| 3 Year | 13.20% | -8.50% |
| 5 Year | 19.50% | -1.80% |
| 10 Year | 18.50% | 4.20% |
Key Differences Between QQQ and ARKK
QQQ (Invesco QQQ Trust) is a u.s. large-cap growth fund managed by Invesco. QQQ tracks the Nasdaq-100 index, which includes 100 of the largest non-financial companies listed on the Nasdaq stock exchange. It is heavily tilted toward technology and growth stocks, making it a favorite for investors who want concentrated exposure to the tech sector. Beginners should understand that QQQ can deliver higher returns than the S&P 500 in good years but also experiences sharper declines during downturns.
ARKK (ARK Innovation ETF) is a u.s. thematic growth fund managed by ARK Invest. ARKK is an actively managed ETF run by Cathie Wood that invests in companies ARK Invest believes are leaders in disruptive innovation, including areas like AI, genomics, fintech, and autonomous vehicles. Unlike index ETFs, ARKK's holdings are chosen by a portfolio manager, which means performance depends heavily on the manager's stock-picking ability. Beginners should understand that ARKK is a high-risk, high-reward fund that can deliver spectacular gains or devastating losses.
The most notable differences are in fees (0.20% vs 0.75%), number of holdings (101 vs 35), and 5-year returns (19.50% vs -1.80%).
QQQ vs ARKK multi-factor comparison: QQQ has a 0.20% expense ratio, 19.50% 5-year return, 101 holdings, 1.15 beta, and 0.60% yield. ARKK has 0.75% expense ratio, -1.80% 5-year return, 35 holdings, 1.85 beta, and 0.00% yield.
View data table
| Metric | QQQ | ARKK |
|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.20% | 0.75% |
| 5-Year Return | 19.50% | -1.80% |
| Holdings | 101 | 35 |
| Beta | 1.15 | 1.85 |
| Dividend Yield | 0.60% | 0.00% |
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Holdings Overlap Analysis
5%
Holdings Overlap
QQQ and ARKK share only 5% of their top holdings. These funds are quite different, making them complementary choices if you want broader market coverage.
QQQ and ARKK share 5% of their top holdings (low overlap). QQQ has 101 total holdings and ARKK has 35. Common holdings include TSLA.
View data table
| Metric | QQQ | ARKK |
|---|---|---|
| Overlap | 5% | 5% |
| Unique Holdings | 95% | 95% |
| Total Holdings | 101 | 35 |
Cost Comparison Over Time
If you invest $10,000 and hold for 20 years (assuming 8% annual returns):
QQQ
Fee cost: $1,696
ARKK
Fee cost: $6,064
Over 20 years, the fee difference amounts to $4,368 on a $10,000 investment. QQQ saves you more in fees over time.
On a $10,000 investment over 20 years at 8% return, QQQ (0.20% fee) grows to $44,913 while ARKK (0.75% fee) grows to $40,546. The fee difference costs $4,367.
View data table
| Year | QQQ Value | ARKK Value |
|---|---|---|
| 0 | $10,000 | $10,000 |
| 5 | $14,558 | $14,190 |
| 10 | $21,193 | $20,136 |
| 15 | $30,852 | $28,573 |
| 20 | $44,913 | $40,546 |
Which One Should a Beginner Choose?
Choose QQQ if: You want growth-oriented investors with a long time horizon and higher risk tolerance, investors who want concentrated exposure to technology and innovation leaders, younger investors who can tolerate short-term volatility for potentially higher long-term returns. It's managed by Invesco with an expense ratio of 0.20%.
Choose ARKK if: You want high-risk-tolerance investors who believe in disruptive technology themes for the long term, investors who want exposure to speculative, high-growth companies through a managed portfolio, those willing to accept extreme volatility in pursuit of potentially outsized returns. It's managed by ARK Invest with an expense ratio of 0.75%.
Can You Own Both QQQ and ARKK?
Absolutely! With only 5% overlap, QQQ and ARKK 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.
Frequently Asked Questions
Should I buy QQQ or ARKK?▾
QQQ edges out ARKK with a stronger Beginner Suitability Score (8.5 vs 6). It offers lower fees for new investors. However, both are solid options. QQQ is best for investors who want growth-oriented investors with a long time horizon and higher risk tolerance, while ARKK is better suited for high-risk-tolerance investors who believe in disruptive technology themes for the long term.
What is the difference between QQQ and ARKK?▾
QQQ (Invesco QQQ Trust) tracks u.s. large-cap growth investments with 101 holdings and a 0.20% expense ratio. ARKK (ARK Innovation ETF) focuses on u.s. thematic growth with 35 holdings at 0.75%. Their top holdings overlap by 5%.
Can I own both QQQ and ARKK?▾
Yes! With only 5% holdings overlap, QQQ and ARKK complement each other well. Owning both gives you broader diversification.