VOO vs SPLG: Head-to-Head Comparison

Side-by-Side Comparison

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%).

Holdings Overlap Analysis

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.

Cost Comparison Over Time

If you invest $10,000 and hold for 20 years (assuming 8% annual returns):

Over 20 years, the fee difference amounts to $86 on a $10,000 investment. The cost difference is negligible — choose based on other factors.

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