VOO vs VTI: Head-to-Head Comparison
VOO vs VTI: Vanguard S&P 500 ETF has an expense ratio of 0.03% while Vanguard Total Stock Market ETF charges 0.03%. VOO holds 503 securities vs VTI's 3,644. 5-year returns: 15.80% vs 15.20%.
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 | VTI |
|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.03% | 0.03% |
| AUM | $560.0B | $430.0B |
| Dividend Yield | 1.30% | 1.30% |
| Holdings | 503 | 3,644 |
| 1-Year Return | 26.70% | 25.80% |
| 5-Year Return (Ann.) | 15.80% | 15.20% |
| 10-Year Return (Ann.) | 13.30% | 12.80% |
| Beta | 1.00 | 1.00 |
| P/E Ratio | 25.8 | 24.5 |
VOO 5-year annualized return is 15.80% compared to VTI's 15.20%. Over 10 years, VOO returned 13.30% vs VTI's 12.80%.
View data table
| Period | VOO Return | VTI Return |
|---|---|---|
| YTD | 3.20% | 2.90% |
| 1 Year | 26.70% | 25.80% |
| 3 Year | 11.20% | 10.20% |
| 5 Year | 15.80% | 15.20% |
| 10 Year | 13.30% | 12.80% |
Key Differences Between VOO and VTI
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.
VTI (Vanguard Total Stock Market ETF) is a u.s. total market fund managed by Vanguard. VTI gives you exposure to the entire U.S. stock market in one fund, covering large-cap, mid-cap, and small-cap companies. With over 3,600 holdings, it is one of the most diversified U.S. equity ETFs you can buy. Beginners often choose VTI over S&P 500 funds because it includes smaller companies that have historically provided additional growth potential.
The most notable differences are in fees (0.03% vs 0.03%), number of holdings (503 vs 3,644), and 5-year returns (15.80% vs 15.20%).
VOO vs VTI multi-factor comparison: VOO has a 0.03% expense ratio, 15.80% 5-year return, 503 holdings, 1.00 beta, and 1.30% yield. VTI has 0.03% expense ratio, 15.20% 5-year return, 3,644 holdings, 1.00 beta, and 1.30% yield.
View data table
| Metric | VOO | VTI |
|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.03% | 0.03% |
| 5-Year Return | 15.80% | 15.20% |
| Holdings | 503 | 3,644 |
| Beta | 1.00 | 1.00 |
| Dividend Yield | 1.30% | 1.30% |
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Holdings Overlap Analysis
100%
Holdings Overlap
VOO and VTI 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 VTI share 100% of their top holdings (high overlap). VOO has 503 total holdings and VTI has 3,644. Common holdings include AAPL, MSFT, NVDA.
View data table
| Metric | VOO | VTI |
|---|---|---|
| Overlap | 100% | 100% |
| Unique Holdings | 0% | 0% |
| Total Holdings | 503 | 3,644 |
Cost Comparison Over Time
If you invest $10,000 and hold for 20 years (assuming 8% annual returns):
VOO
Fee cost: $258
VTI
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 VTI (0.03% fee) grows to $46,351. The fee difference costs $0.
View data table
| Year | VOO Value | VTI 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 VTI if: You want investors who want complete u.s. stock market coverage in a single fund, beginners building a simple two-fund or three-fund portfolio, long-term investors who want small-cap exposure alongside large-caps. It's managed by Vanguard with an expense ratio of 0.03%.
Can You Own Both VOO and VTI?
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 VTI?▾
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 VTI is better suited for investors who want complete u.s. stock market coverage in a single fund.
What is the difference between VOO and VTI?▾
VOO (Vanguard S&P 500 ETF) tracks u.s. large-cap blend investments with 503 holdings and a 0.03% expense ratio. VTI (Vanguard Total Stock Market ETF) focuses on u.s. total market with 3,644 holdings at 0.03%. Their top holdings overlap by 100%.
Can I own both VOO and VTI?▾
Since VOO and VTI have 100% holdings overlap, owning both means significant duplication. Most beginners are better off choosing one.