VOO vs SPLG: Head-to-Head Comparison
VOO vs SPLG: Vanguard S&P 500 ETF has an expense ratio of 0.03% while SPDR Portfolio S&P 500 ETF charges 0.02%. VOO holds 503 securities vs SPLG's 503. 5-year returns: 15.80% vs 14.00%.
Last updated: April 2026
S&P 500
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 | SPLG |
|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.03% | 0.02% |
| AUM | $560.0B | $40.0B |
| Dividend Yield | 1.30% | 1.40% |
| Holdings | 503 | 503 |
| 1-Year Return | 26.70% | 22.00% |
| 5-Year Return (Ann.) | 15.80% | 14.00% |
| 10-Year Return (Ann.) | 13.30% | 12.00% |
| Beta | 1.00 | 1.00 |
| P/E Ratio | 25.8 | 25.5 |
VOO 5-year annualized return is 15.80% compared to SPLG's 14.00%. Over 10 years, VOO returned 13.30% vs SPLG's 12.00%.
View data table
| Period | VOO Return | SPLG Return |
|---|---|---|
| YTD | 3.20% | 3.20% |
| 1 Year | 26.70% | 22.00% |
| 3 Year | 11.20% | 10.00% |
| 5 Year | 15.80% | 14.00% |
| 10 Year | 13.30% | 12.00% |
Key Differences Between VOO and SPLG
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.
SPLG (SPDR Portfolio S&P 500 ETF) is a us large-cap blend fund managed by State Street. SPLG tracks the S&P 500 Index at an expense ratio of just 0.02%, making it one of the absolute cheapest ways to own America's 500 largest companies. It is the low-cost sibling of the famous SPY ETF, designed specifically for long-term buy-and-hold investors rather than active traders. The lower share price compared to SPY also makes it more accessible for smaller investment amounts.
The most notable differences are in fees (0.03% vs 0.02%), number of holdings (503 vs 503), and 5-year returns (15.80% vs 14.00%).
VOO vs SPLG multi-factor comparison: VOO has a 0.03% expense ratio, 15.80% 5-year return, 503 holdings, 1.00 beta, and 1.30% yield. SPLG has 0.02% expense ratio, 14.00% 5-year return, 503 holdings, 1.00 beta, and 1.40% yield.
View data table
| Metric | VOO | SPLG |
|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.03% | 0.02% |
| 5-Year Return | 15.80% | 14.00% |
| Holdings | 503 | 503 |
| Beta | 1.00 | 1.00 |
| Dividend Yield | 1.30% | 1.40% |
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Holdings Overlap Analysis
100%
Holdings Overlap
VOO and SPLG 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 SPLG share 100% of their top holdings (high overlap). VOO has 503 total holdings and SPLG has 503. Common holdings include AAPL, MSFT, NVDA.
View data table
| Metric | VOO | SPLG |
|---|---|---|
| Overlap | 100% | 100% |
| Unique Holdings | 0% | 0% |
| Total Holdings | 503 | 503 |
Cost Comparison Over Time
If you invest $10,000 and hold for 20 years (assuming 8% annual returns):
VOO
Fee cost: $258
SPLG
Fee cost: $172
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, VOO (0.03% fee) grows to $46,351 while SPLG (0.02% fee) grows to $46,437. The fee difference costs $86.
View data table
| Year | VOO Value | SPLG Value |
|---|---|---|
| 0 | $10,000 | $10,000 |
| 5 | $14,673 | $14,680 |
| 10 | $21,529 | $21,549 |
| 15 | $31,590 | $31,634 |
| 20 | $46,351 | $46,437 |
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 SPLG if: You want cost-conscious long-term investors who prioritize the lowest possible fees, beginning investors wanting affordable entry into s&p 500 investing, retirement savers using tax-advantaged accounts where trading volume matters less. It's managed by State Street with an expense ratio of 0.02%.
Can You Own Both VOO and SPLG?
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 SPLG?▾
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 SPLG is better suited for cost-conscious long-term investors who prioritize the lowest possible fees.
What is the difference between VOO and SPLG?▾
VOO (Vanguard S&P 500 ETF) tracks u.s. large-cap blend investments with 503 holdings and a 0.03% expense ratio. SPLG (SPDR Portfolio S&P 500 ETF) focuses on us large-cap blend with 503 holdings at 0.02%. Their top holdings overlap by 100%.
Can I own both VOO and SPLG?▾
Since VOO and SPLG have 100% holdings overlap, owning both means significant duplication. Most beginners are better off choosing one.