VOO vs IWM: Head-to-Head Comparison
Last updated: March 2026 • Large vs Small Cap
Quick Verdict
VOO edges out IWM with a stronger Beginner Suitability Score (9.5 vs 8.5). It offers lower fees for new investors.
Side-by-Side Comparison
Key Differences Between VOO and IWM
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.
IWM (iShares Russell 2000 ETF) is a u.s. small-cap blend fund managed by BlackRock. IWM tracks the Russell 2000 index, which includes 2,000 small-cap U.S. companies. Small-cap stocks are younger, faster-growing companies that have historically delivered higher returns than large-caps over very long time periods, but with significantly more volatility. Beginners should view IWM as a way to add growth potential through smaller companies that could become the large-caps of tomorrow.
The most notable differences are in fees (0.03% vs 0.19%), number of holdings (503 vs 1,955), and 5-year returns (15.80% vs 8.20%).
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Holdings Overlap Analysis
0%
Holdings Overlap
VOO and IWM share only 0% 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):
VOO
Fee cost: $258
IWM
Fee cost: $1,613
Over 20 years, the fee difference amounts to $1,355 on a $10,000 investment. VOO saves you more in fees over time.
Which One Should a Beginner Choose?
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%.
Choose IWM if: You want investors with a long time horizon who want small-cap growth exposure, those looking to diversify beyond large-cap stocks in their portfolio, investors who believe small-cap stocks are poised for a rebound relative to large-caps. It's managed by BlackRock with an expense ratio of 0.19%.
Can You Own Both VOO and IWM?
Absolutely! With only 0% overlap, VOO and IWM 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 VOO or IWM?▾
VOO edges out IWM with a stronger Beginner Suitability Score (9.5 vs 8.5). It offers lower fees for new investors. However, both are solid options. VOO is best for investors who want beginning investors looking for a simple core portfolio holding, while IWM is better suited for investors with a long time horizon who want small-cap growth exposure.
What is the difference between VOO and IWM?▾
VOO (Vanguard S&P 500 ETF) tracks u.s. large-cap blend investments with 503 holdings and a 0.03% expense ratio. IWM (iShares Russell 2000 ETF) focuses on u.s. small-cap blend with 1,955 holdings at 0.19%. Their top holdings overlap by 0%.
Can I own both VOO and IWM?▾
Yes! With only 0% holdings overlap, VOO and IWM complement each other well. Owning both gives you broader diversification.