VTI vs SPTM: Head-to-Head Comparison
VTI vs SPTM: Vanguard Total Stock Market ETF has an expense ratio of 0.03% while SPDR Portfolio S&P 1500 Composite Stock Market ETF charges 0.03%. VTI holds 3,644 securities vs SPTM's 1,500. 5-year returns: 15.20% vs 13.00%.
Last updated: April 2026
Total Market
Quick Verdict
VTI edges out SPTM with a stronger Beginner Suitability Score (9.5 vs 9). It offers better overall characteristics for new investors.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | VTI | SPTM |
|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.03% | 0.03% |
| AUM | $430.0B | $10.0B |
| Dividend Yield | 1.30% | 1.40% |
| Holdings | 3,644 | 1,500 |
| 1-Year Return | 25.80% | 20.00% |
| 5-Year Return (Ann.) | 15.20% | 13.00% |
| 10-Year Return (Ann.) | 12.80% | 11.50% |
| Beta | 1.00 | 1.01 |
| P/E Ratio | 24.5 | 24.0 |
VTI 5-year annualized return is 15.20% compared to SPTM's 13.00%. Over 10 years, VTI returned 12.80% vs SPTM's 11.50%.
View data table
| Period | VTI Return | SPTM Return |
|---|---|---|
| YTD | 2.90% | 3.00% |
| 1 Year | 25.80% | 20.00% |
| 3 Year | 10.20% | 9.50% |
| 5 Year | 15.20% | 13.00% |
| 10 Year | 12.80% | 11.50% |
Key Differences Between VTI and SPTM
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.
SPTM (SPDR Portfolio S&P 1500 Composite Stock Market ETF) is a us total market fund managed by State Street. SPTM tracks the S&P Composite 1500 Index, which combines the S&P 500, S&P MidCap 400, and S&P SmallCap 600 into one fund covering the full range of U.S. stock market capitalization. It offers near-total market coverage at an ultra-low cost, with the added benefit of S&P's profitability screening across all size segments. This is a one-stop shop for U.S. stock exposure.
The most notable differences are in fees (0.03% vs 0.03%), number of holdings (3,644 vs 1,500), and 5-year returns (15.20% vs 13.00%).
VTI vs SPTM 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. SPTM has 0.03% expense ratio, 13.00% 5-year return, 1,500 holdings, 1.01 beta, and 1.40% yield.
View data table
| Metric | VTI | SPTM |
|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.03% | 0.03% |
| 5-Year Return | 15.20% | 13.00% |
| Holdings | 3,644 | 1,500 |
| Beta | 1.00 | 1.01 |
| Dividend Yield | 1.30% | 1.40% |
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Holdings Overlap Analysis
100%
Holdings Overlap
VTI and SPTM 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 SPTM share 100% of their top holdings (high overlap). VTI has 3,644 total holdings and SPTM has 1,500. Common holdings include AAPL, MSFT, NVDA.
View data table
| Metric | VTI | SPTM |
|---|---|---|
| Overlap | 100% | 100% |
| Unique Holdings | 0% | 0% |
| Total Holdings | 3,644 | 1,500 |
Cost Comparison Over Time
If you invest $10,000 and hold for 20 years (assuming 8% annual returns):
VTI
Fee cost: $258
SPTM
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 SPTM (0.03% fee) grows to $46,351. The fee difference costs $0.
View data table
| Year | VTI Value | SPTM 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 SPTM if: You want minimalists who want total u.s. stock market coverage in a single fund, investors who value s&p quality screens across all company sizes, tax-efficient portfolios wanting to minimize the number of holdings to track. It's managed by State Street with an expense ratio of 0.03%.
Can You Own Both VTI and SPTM?
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 SPTM?▾
VTI edges out SPTM with a stronger Beginner Suitability Score (9.5 vs 9). It offers better overall characteristics for new investors. 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 SPTM is better suited for minimalists who want total u.s. stock market coverage in a single fund.
What is the difference between VTI and SPTM?▾
VTI (Vanguard Total Stock Market ETF) tracks u.s. total market investments with 3,644 holdings and a 0.03% expense ratio. SPTM (SPDR Portfolio S&P 1500 Composite Stock Market ETF) focuses on us total market with 1,500 holdings at 0.03%. Their top holdings overlap by 100%.
Can I own both VTI and SPTM?▾
Since VTI and SPTM have 100% holdings overlap, owning both means significant duplication. Most beginners are better off choosing one.