VOO vs SCHX: Head-to-Head Comparison
VOO vs SCHX: Vanguard S&P 500 ETF has an expense ratio of 0.03% while Schwab U.S. Large-Cap ETF charges 0.03%. VOO holds 503 securities vs SCHX's 750. 5-year returns: 15.80% vs 15.50%.
Last updated: April 2026
US Large-Cap
Quick Verdict
Both ETFs score equally well for beginners (9.5/10). Your choice depends on your specific investment goals.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | VOO | SCHX |
|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.03% | 0.03% |
| AUM | $560.0B | $40.0B |
| Dividend Yield | 1.30% | 1.30% |
| Holdings | 503 | 750 |
| 1-Year Return | 26.70% | 26.50% |
| 5-Year Return (Ann.) | 15.80% | 15.50% |
| 10-Year Return (Ann.) | 13.30% | 13.00% |
| Beta | 1.00 | 1.00 |
| P/E Ratio | 25.8 | 24.5 |
VOO 5-year annualized return is 15.80% compared to SCHX's 15.50%. Over 10 years, VOO returned 13.30% vs SCHX's 13.00%.
View data table
| Period | VOO Return | SCHX Return |
|---|---|---|
| YTD | 3.20% | 3.10% |
| 1 Year | 26.70% | 26.50% |
| 3 Year | 11.20% | 11.00% |
| 5 Year | 15.80% | 15.50% |
| 10 Year | 13.30% | 13.00% |
Key Differences Between VOO and SCHX
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.
SCHX (Schwab U.S. Large-Cap ETF) is a u.s. large-cap blend fund managed by Schwab. SCHX tracks the Dow Jones U.S. Large-Cap Total Stock Market Index, holding about 750 of America's biggest companies at a rock-bottom cost. It provides broad large-cap exposure similar to an S&P 500 fund but with a slightly wider net. Beginners who want simple, diversified ownership of America's largest corporations often start with SCHX.
The most notable differences are in fees (0.03% vs 0.03%), number of holdings (503 vs 750), and 5-year returns (15.80% vs 15.50%).
VOO vs SCHX multi-factor comparison: VOO has a 0.03% expense ratio, 15.80% 5-year return, 503 holdings, 1.00 beta, and 1.30% yield. SCHX has 0.03% expense ratio, 15.50% 5-year return, 750 holdings, 1.00 beta, and 1.30% yield.
View data table
| Metric | VOO | SCHX |
|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.03% | 0.03% |
| 5-Year Return | 15.80% | 15.50% |
| Holdings | 503 | 750 |
| Beta | 1.00 | 1.00 |
| Dividend Yield | 1.30% | 1.30% |
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Holdings Overlap Analysis
100%
Holdings Overlap
VOO and SCHX share 100% 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.
VOO and SCHX share 100% of their top holdings (high overlap). VOO has 503 total holdings and SCHX has 750. Common holdings include AAPL, MSFT, NVDA.
View data table
| Metric | VOO | SCHX |
|---|---|---|
| Overlap | 100% | 100% |
| Unique Holdings | 0% | 0% |
| Total Holdings | 503 | 750 |
Cost Comparison Over Time
If you invest $10,000 and hold for 20 years (assuming 8% annual returns):
VOO
Fee cost: $258
SCHX
Fee cost: $258
Over 20 years, the fee difference amounts to $0 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, VOO (0.03% fee) grows to $46,351 while SCHX (0.03% fee) grows to $46,351. The fee difference costs $0.
View data table
| Year | VOO Value | SCHX Value |
|---|---|---|
| 0 | $10,000 | $10,000 |
| 5 | $14,673 | $14,673 |
| 10 | $21,529 | $21,529 |
| 15 | $31,590 | $31,590 |
| 20 | $46,351 | $46,351 |
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 SCHX if: You want schwab brokerage customers seeking a zero-commission large-cap core holding, cost-conscious investors who want the cheapest u.s. large-cap exposure, beginners looking for a simple one-fund approach to large-cap u.s. stocks. It's managed by Schwab with an expense ratio of 0.03%.
Can You Own Both VOO and SCHX?
With 100% 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 VOO or SCHX?▾
Both ETFs score equally well for beginners (9.5/10). Your choice depends on your specific investment goals. However, both are solid options. VOO is best for investors who want beginning investors looking for a simple core portfolio holding, while SCHX is better suited for schwab brokerage customers seeking a zero-commission large-cap core holding.
What is the difference between VOO and SCHX?▾
VOO (Vanguard S&P 500 ETF) tracks u.s. large-cap blend investments with 503 holdings and a 0.03% expense ratio. SCHX (Schwab U.S. Large-Cap ETF) focuses on u.s. large-cap blend with 750 holdings at 0.03%. Their top holdings overlap by 100%.
Can I own both VOO and SCHX?▾
Since VOO and SCHX have 100% holdings overlap, owning both means significant duplication. Most beginners are better off choosing one.