VB vs SCHA: Head-to-Head Comparison
VB vs SCHA: Vanguard Small-Cap ETF has an expense ratio of 0.05% while Schwab U.S. Small-Cap ETF charges 0.04%. VB holds 1,400 securities vs SCHA's 1,750. 5-year returns: 9.00% vs 10.50%.
Last updated: April 2026
Small Cap
Quick Verdict
Both ETFs score equally well for beginners (9/10). Your choice depends on your specific investment goals.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | VB | SCHA |
|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.05% | 0.04% |
| AUM | $55.0B | $17.0B |
| Dividend Yield | 1.40% | 1.20% |
| Holdings | 1,400 | 1,750 |
| 1-Year Return | 10.00% | 19.50% |
| 5-Year Return (Ann.) | 9.00% | 10.50% |
| 10-Year Return (Ann.) | 8.50% | 9.50% |
| Beta | 1.15 | 1.18 |
| P/E Ratio | 20.5 | 18.2 |
VB 5-year annualized return is 9.00% compared to SCHA's 10.50%. Over 10 years, VB returned 8.50% vs SCHA's 9.50%.
View data table
| Period | VB Return | SCHA Return |
|---|---|---|
| YTD | 2.00% | 1.80% |
| 1 Year | 10.00% | 19.50% |
| 3 Year | 5.00% | 6.50% |
| 5 Year | 9.00% | 10.50% |
| 10 Year | 8.50% | 9.50% |
Key Differences Between VB and SCHA
VB (Vanguard Small-Cap ETF) is a us small-cap fund managed by Vanguard. VB tracks the CRSP US Small Cap Index, providing exposure to a broad range of small U.S. companies with higher growth potential but also more volatility. Small-cap stocks have historically outperformed larger companies over very long periods, though with bumpier rides along the way. This fund is a low-cost way to tap into the entrepreneurial engine of the American economy.
SCHA (Schwab U.S. Small-Cap ETF) is a u.s. small-cap blend fund managed by Schwab. SCHA provides exposure to roughly 1,750 small-cap U.S. companies that larger index funds typically miss. Small-cap stocks have historically delivered higher long-term returns than large-caps, though with more volatility along the way. Beginners who want to capture the growth potential of smaller American businesses can use SCHA to broaden their portfolio beyond the usual large-cap names.
The most notable differences are in fees (0.05% vs 0.04%), number of holdings (1,400 vs 1,750), and 5-year returns (9.00% vs 10.50%).
VB vs SCHA multi-factor comparison: VB has a 0.05% expense ratio, 9.00% 5-year return, 1,400 holdings, 1.15 beta, and 1.40% yield. SCHA has 0.04% expense ratio, 10.50% 5-year return, 1,750 holdings, 1.18 beta, and 1.20% yield.
View data table
| Metric | VB | SCHA |
|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.05% | 0.04% |
| 5-Year Return | 9.00% | 10.50% |
| Holdings | 1,400 | 1,750 |
| Beta | 1.15 | 1.18 |
| Dividend Yield | 1.40% | 1.20% |
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Holdings Overlap Analysis
18%
Holdings Overlap
VB and SCHA share only 18% of their top holdings. These funds are quite different, making them complementary choices if you want broader market coverage.
VB and SCHA share 18% of their top holdings (low overlap). VB has 1,400 total holdings and SCHA has 1,750. Common holdings include IBP, FIX, SPSC.
View data table
| Metric | VB | SCHA |
|---|---|---|
| Overlap | 18% | 18% |
| Unique Holdings | 82% | 82% |
| Total Holdings | 1,400 | 1,750 |
Cost Comparison Over Time
If you invest $10,000 and hold for 20 years (assuming 8% annual returns):
VB
Fee cost: $430
SCHA
Fee cost: $344
Over 20 years, the fee difference amounts to $86 on a $10,000 investment. The cost difference is negligible — choose based on other factors.
On a $10,000 investment over 20 years at 8% return, VB (0.05% fee) grows to $46,180 while SCHA (0.04% fee) grows to $46,266. The fee difference costs $86.
View data table
| Year | VB Value | SCHA Value |
|---|---|---|
| 0 | $10,000 | $10,000 |
| 5 | $14,659 | $14,666 |
| 10 | $21,490 | $21,509 |
| 15 | $31,502 | $31,546 |
| 20 | $46,180 | $46,266 |
Which One Should a Beginner Choose?
Choose VB if: You want aggressive long-term investors willing to tolerate higher volatility, portfolio completion strategies needing small-cap representation, investors building a total market portfolio with separate size-based etfs. It's managed by Vanguard with an expense ratio of 0.05%.
Choose SCHA if: You want long-term investors who want exposure to smaller, faster-growing u.s. companies, portfolio diversifiers looking to complement large-cap core holdings, schwab customers seeking low-cost small-cap exposure with no commissions. It's managed by Schwab with an expense ratio of 0.04%.
Can You Own Both VB and SCHA?
Absolutely! With only 18% overlap, VB and SCHA 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 VB or SCHA?▾
Both ETFs score equally well for beginners (9/10). Your choice depends on your specific investment goals. However, both are solid options. VB is best for investors who want aggressive long-term investors willing to tolerate higher volatility, while SCHA is better suited for long-term investors who want exposure to smaller, faster-growing u.s. companies.
What is the difference between VB and SCHA?▾
VB (Vanguard Small-Cap ETF) tracks us small-cap investments with 1,400 holdings and a 0.05% expense ratio. SCHA (Schwab U.S. Small-Cap ETF) focuses on u.s. small-cap blend with 1,750 holdings at 0.04%. Their top holdings overlap by 18%.
Can I own both VB and SCHA?▾
Yes! With only 18% holdings overlap, VB and SCHA complement each other well. Owning both gives you broader diversification.