VOO vs VUG: Head-to-Head Comparison
VOO vs VUG: Vanguard S&P 500 ETF has an expense ratio of 0.03% while Vanguard Growth ETF charges 0.04%. VOO holds 503 securities vs VUG's 200. 5-year returns: 15.80% vs 18.00%.
Last updated: April 2026
US Large-Cap
Quick Verdict
VOO edges out VUG with a stronger Beginner Suitability Score (9.5 vs 8.5). It offers lower fees for new investors.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | VOO | VUG |
|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.03% | 0.04% |
| AUM | $560.0B | $130.0B |
| Dividend Yield | 1.30% | 0.60% |
| Holdings | 503 | 200 |
| 1-Year Return | 26.70% | 28.00% |
| 5-Year Return (Ann.) | 15.80% | 18.00% |
| 10-Year Return (Ann.) | 13.30% | 16.00% |
| Beta | 1.00 | 1.15 |
| P/E Ratio | 25.8 | 35.2 |
VOO 5-year annualized return is 15.80% compared to VUG's 18.00%. Over 10 years, VOO returned 13.30% vs VUG's 16.00%.
View data table
| Period | VOO Return | VUG Return |
|---|---|---|
| YTD | 3.20% | 3.50% |
| 1 Year | 26.70% | 28.00% |
| 3 Year | 11.20% | 12.00% |
| 5 Year | 15.80% | 18.00% |
| 10 Year | 13.30% | 16.00% |
Key Differences Between VOO and VUG
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.
VUG (Vanguard Growth ETF) is a us large-cap growth fund managed by Vanguard. VUG tracks the CRSP US Large Cap Growth Index, providing exposure to fast-growing large U.S. companies, especially in the technology sector. It is ideal for investors who want to capture the upside of innovative companies driving the economy forward. The fund's ultra-low cost makes it one of the cheapest ways to invest in large-cap growth stocks.
The most notable differences are in fees (0.03% vs 0.04%), number of holdings (503 vs 200), and 5-year returns (15.80% vs 18.00%).
VOO vs VUG multi-factor comparison: VOO has a 0.03% expense ratio, 15.80% 5-year return, 503 holdings, 1.00 beta, and 1.30% yield. VUG has 0.04% expense ratio, 18.00% 5-year return, 200 holdings, 1.15 beta, and 0.60% yield.
View data table
| Metric | VOO | VUG |
|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.03% | 0.04% |
| 5-Year Return | 15.80% | 18.00% |
| Holdings | 503 | 200 |
| Beta | 1.00 | 1.15 |
| Dividend Yield | 1.30% | 0.60% |
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Holdings Overlap Analysis
67%
Holdings Overlap
VOO and VUG share 67% of their top holdings. There is moderate overlap, so owning both provides some additional diversification but with diminishing returns.
VOO and VUG share 67% of their top holdings (moderate overlap). VOO has 503 total holdings and VUG has 200. Common holdings include AAPL, MSFT, NVDA.
View data table
| Metric | VOO | VUG |
|---|---|---|
| Overlap | 67% | 67% |
| Unique Holdings | 33% | 33% |
| Total Holdings | 503 | 200 |
Cost Comparison Over Time
If you invest $10,000 and hold for 20 years (assuming 8% annual returns):
VOO
Fee cost: $258
VUG
Fee cost: $344
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 VUG (0.04% fee) grows to $46,266. The fee difference costs $85.
View data table
| Year | VOO Value | VUG Value |
|---|---|---|
| 0 | $10,000 | $10,000 |
| 5 | $14,673 | $14,666 |
| 10 | $21,529 | $21,509 |
| 15 | $31,590 | $31,546 |
| 20 | $46,351 | $46,266 |
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 VUG if: You want younger investors with a long time horizon seeking capital appreciation, growth-focused portfolios wanting broad large-cap technology exposure, cost-conscious investors looking for a cheap alternative to actively managed growth funds. It's managed by Vanguard with an expense ratio of 0.04%.
Can You Own Both VOO and VUG?
With 67% 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 VUG?▾
VOO edges out VUG 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 VUG is better suited for younger investors with a long time horizon seeking capital appreciation.
What is the difference between VOO and VUG?▾
VOO (Vanguard S&P 500 ETF) tracks u.s. large-cap blend investments with 503 holdings and a 0.03% expense ratio. VUG (Vanguard Growth ETF) focuses on us large-cap growth with 200 holdings at 0.04%. Their top holdings overlap by 67%.
Can I own both VOO and VUG?▾
Since VOO and VUG have 67% holdings overlap, owning both means significant duplication. Most beginners are better off choosing one.