QQQ vs VOO: Head-to-Head Comparison
QQQ vs VOO: Invesco QQQ Trust has an expense ratio of 0.20% while Vanguard S&P 500 ETF charges 0.03%. QQQ holds 101 securities vs VOO's 503. 5-year returns: 19.50% vs 15.80%.
Last updated: April 2026
Growth vs Broad Market
Quick Verdict
VOO edges out QQQ with a stronger Beginner Suitability Score (9.5 vs 8.5). It offers lower fees for new investors.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | QQQ | VOO |
|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.20% | 0.03% |
| AUM | $310.0B | $560.0B |
| Dividend Yield | 0.60% | 1.30% |
| Holdings | 101 | 503 |
| 1-Year Return | 29.80% | 26.70% |
| 5-Year Return (Ann.) | 19.50% | 15.80% |
| 10-Year Return (Ann.) | 18.50% | 13.30% |
| Beta | 1.15 | 1.00 |
| P/E Ratio | 33.2 | 25.8 |
QQQ 5-year annualized return is 19.50% compared to VOO's 15.80%. Over 10 years, QQQ returned 18.50% vs VOO's 13.30%.
View data table
| Period | QQQ Return | VOO Return |
|---|---|---|
| YTD | 3.50% | 3.20% |
| 1 Year | 29.80% | 26.70% |
| 3 Year | 13.20% | 11.20% |
| 5 Year | 19.50% | 15.80% |
| 10 Year | 18.50% | 13.30% |
Key Differences Between QQQ and VOO
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.
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 (0.20% vs 0.03%), number of holdings (101 vs 503), and 5-year returns (19.50% vs 15.80%).
QQQ vs VOO multi-factor comparison: QQQ has a 0.20% expense ratio, 19.50% 5-year return, 101 holdings, 1.15 beta, and 0.60% yield. VOO has 0.03% expense ratio, 15.80% 5-year return, 503 holdings, 1.00 beta, and 1.30% yield.
View data table
| Metric | QQQ | VOO |
|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.20% | 0.03% |
| 5-Year Return | 19.50% | 15.80% |
| Holdings | 101 | 503 |
| Beta | 1.15 | 1.00 |
| Dividend Yield | 0.60% | 1.30% |
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Holdings Overlap Analysis
82%
Holdings Overlap
QQQ and VOO share 82% of their top holdings. This means they are very similar funds — owning both would result in significant duplication in your portfolio. For most beginners, choosing one is sufficient.
QQQ and VOO share 82% of their top holdings (high overlap). QQQ has 101 total holdings and VOO has 503. Common holdings include AAPL, MSFT, NVDA.
View data table
| Metric | QQQ | VOO |
|---|---|---|
| Overlap | 82% | 82% |
| Unique Holdings | 18% | 18% |
| Total Holdings | 101 | 503 |
Cost Comparison Over Time
If you invest $10,000 and hold for 20 years (assuming 8% annual returns):
QQQ
Fee cost: $1,696
VOO
Fee cost: $258
Over 20 years, the fee difference amounts to $1,438 on a $10,000 investment. VOO 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 VOO (0.03% fee) grows to $46,351. The fee difference costs $1,438.
View data table
| Year | QQQ Value | VOO Value |
|---|---|---|
| 0 | $10,000 | $10,000 |
| 5 | $14,558 | $14,673 |
| 10 | $21,193 | $21,529 |
| 15 | $30,852 | $31,590 |
| 20 | $44,913 | $46,351 |
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 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 QQQ and VOO?
With 82% holdings overlap, owning both means you're essentially doubling down on the same stocks. For beginners, we recommend picking one to keep things simple. If you want more diversification, consider pairing your choice with an international ETF like VXUS or a bond ETF like BND instead.
Frequently Asked Questions
Should I buy QQQ or VOO?▾
VOO edges out QQQ with a stronger Beginner Suitability Score (9.5 vs 8.5). 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 VOO is better suited for beginning investors looking for a simple core portfolio holding.
What is the difference between QQQ and VOO?▾
QQQ (Invesco QQQ Trust) tracks u.s. large-cap growth investments with 101 holdings and a 0.20% 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 82%.
Can I own both QQQ and VOO?▾
Since QQQ and VOO have 82% holdings overlap, owning both means significant duplication. Most beginners are better off choosing one.