VTI vs SCHX: Head-to-Head Comparison
VTI vs SCHX: Vanguard Total Stock Market ETF has an expense ratio of 0.03% while Schwab U.S. Large-Cap ETF charges 0.03%. VTI holds 3,644 securities vs SCHX's 750. 5-year returns: 15.20% vs 15.50%.
Last updated: April 2026
Total Market
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 | VTI | SCHX |
|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.03% | 0.03% |
| AUM | $430.0B | $40.0B |
| Dividend Yield | 1.30% | 1.30% |
| Holdings | 3,644 | 750 |
| 1-Year Return | 25.80% | 26.50% |
| 5-Year Return (Ann.) | 15.20% | 15.50% |
| 10-Year Return (Ann.) | 12.80% | 13.00% |
| Beta | 1.00 | 1.00 |
| P/E Ratio | 24.5 | 24.5 |
VTI 5-year annualized return is 15.20% compared to SCHX's 15.50%. Over 10 years, VTI returned 12.80% vs SCHX's 13.00%.
View data table
| Period | VTI Return | SCHX Return |
|---|---|---|
| YTD | 2.90% | 3.10% |
| 1 Year | 25.80% | 26.50% |
| 3 Year | 10.20% | 11.00% |
| 5 Year | 15.20% | 15.50% |
| 10 Year | 12.80% | 13.00% |
Key Differences Between VTI and SCHX
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.
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 (3,644 vs 750), and 5-year returns (15.20% vs 15.50%).
VTI vs SCHX multi-factor comparison: VTI has a 0.03% expense ratio, 15.20% 5-year return, 3,644 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 | VTI | SCHX |
|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.03% | 0.03% |
| 5-Year Return | 15.20% | 15.50% |
| Holdings | 3,644 | 750 |
| Beta | 1.00 | 1.00 |
| Dividend Yield | 1.30% | 1.30% |
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Holdings Overlap Analysis
100%
Holdings Overlap
VTI 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.
VTI and SCHX share 100% of their top holdings (high overlap). VTI has 3,644 total holdings and SCHX has 750. Common holdings include AAPL, MSFT, NVDA.
View data table
| Metric | VTI | SCHX |
|---|---|---|
| Overlap | 100% | 100% |
| Unique Holdings | 0% | 0% |
| Total Holdings | 3,644 | 750 |
Cost Comparison Over Time
If you invest $10,000 and hold for 20 years (assuming 8% annual returns):
VTI
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, VTI (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 | VTI 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 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%.
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 VTI 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 VTI 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. VTI is best for investors who want investors who want complete u.s. stock market coverage in a single fund, while SCHX is better suited for schwab brokerage customers seeking a zero-commission large-cap core holding.
What is the difference between VTI and SCHX?▾
VTI (Vanguard Total Stock Market ETF) tracks u.s. total market investments with 3,644 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 VTI and SCHX?▾
Since VTI and SCHX have 100% holdings overlap, owning both means significant duplication. Most beginners are better off choosing one.