VUG vs SCHG: Head-to-Head Comparison
VUG vs SCHG: Vanguard Growth ETF has an expense ratio of 0.04% while Schwab U.S. Large-Cap Growth ETF charges 0.04%. VUG holds 200 securities vs SCHG's 250. 5-year returns: 18.00% vs 19.50%.
Last updated: April 2026
Growth vs Value
Quick Verdict
Both ETFs score equally well for beginners (8.5/10). Your choice depends on your specific investment goals.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | VUG | SCHG |
|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.04% | 0.04% |
| AUM | $130.0B | $30.0B |
| Dividend Yield | 0.60% | 0.50% |
| Holdings | 200 | 250 |
| 1-Year Return | 28.00% | 33.50% |
| 5-Year Return (Ann.) | 18.00% | 19.50% |
| 10-Year Return (Ann.) | 16.00% | 17.00% |
| Beta | 1.15 | 1.15 |
| P/E Ratio | 35.2 | 35.2 |
VUG 5-year annualized return is 18.00% compared to SCHG's 19.50%. Over 10 years, VUG returned 16.00% vs SCHG's 17.00%.
View data table
| Period | VUG Return | SCHG Return |
|---|---|---|
| YTD | 3.50% | 3.80% |
| 1 Year | 28.00% | 33.50% |
| 3 Year | 12.00% | 13.50% |
| 5 Year | 18.00% | 19.50% |
| 10 Year | 16.00% | 17.00% |
Key Differences Between VUG and SCHG
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.
SCHG (Schwab U.S. Large-Cap Growth ETF) is a u.s. large-cap growth fund managed by Schwab. SCHG focuses on large-cap U.S. growth stocks, companies that are expected to increase their earnings faster than the overall market. It holds about 250 stocks and is heavily tilted toward technology and consumer discretionary sectors. For beginners who believe in the long-term potential of innovative, fast-growing companies, SCHG provides that exposure at an extremely low cost.
The most notable differences are in fees (0.04% vs 0.04%), number of holdings (200 vs 250), and 5-year returns (18.00% vs 19.50%).
VUG vs SCHG multi-factor comparison: VUG has a 0.04% expense ratio, 18.00% 5-year return, 200 holdings, 1.15 beta, and 0.60% yield. SCHG has 0.04% expense ratio, 19.50% 5-year return, 250 holdings, 1.15 beta, and 0.50% yield.
View data table
| Metric | VUG | SCHG |
|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.04% | 0.04% |
| 5-Year Return | 18.00% | 19.50% |
| Holdings | 200 | 250 |
| Beta | 1.15 | 1.15 |
| Dividend Yield | 0.60% | 0.50% |
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Holdings Overlap Analysis
82%
Holdings Overlap
VUG and SCHG share 82% 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.
VUG and SCHG share 82% of their top holdings (high overlap). VUG has 200 total holdings and SCHG has 250. Common holdings include AAPL, MSFT, NVDA.
View data table
| Metric | VUG | SCHG |
|---|---|---|
| Overlap | 82% | 82% |
| Unique Holdings | 18% | 18% |
| Total Holdings | 200 | 250 |
Cost Comparison Over Time
If you invest $10,000 and hold for 20 years (assuming 8% annual returns):
VUG
Fee cost: $344
SCHG
Fee cost: $344
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, VUG (0.04% fee) grows to $46,266 while SCHG (0.04% fee) grows to $46,266. The fee difference costs $0.
View data table
| Year | VUG Value | SCHG Value |
|---|---|---|
| 0 | $10,000 | $10,000 |
| 5 | $14,666 | $14,666 |
| 10 | $21,509 | $21,509 |
| 15 | $31,546 | $31,546 |
| 20 | $46,266 | $46,266 |
Which One Should a Beginner Choose?
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%.
Choose SCHG if: You want growth-oriented investors with a long time horizon and higher risk tolerance, schwab customers who want low-cost access to large-cap growth stocks, younger investors willing to ride out volatility for potentially higher returns. It's managed by Schwab with an expense ratio of 0.04%.
Can You Own Both VUG and SCHG?
With 82% 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 VUG or SCHG?▾
Both ETFs score equally well for beginners (8.5/10). Your choice depends on your specific investment goals. However, both are solid options. VUG is best for investors who want younger investors with a long time horizon seeking capital appreciation, while SCHG is better suited for growth-oriented investors with a long time horizon and higher risk tolerance.
What is the difference between VUG and SCHG?▾
VUG (Vanguard Growth ETF) tracks us large-cap growth investments with 200 holdings and a 0.04% expense ratio. SCHG (Schwab U.S. Large-Cap Growth ETF) focuses on u.s. large-cap growth with 250 holdings at 0.04%. Their top holdings overlap by 82%.
Can I own both VUG and SCHG?▾
Since VUG and SCHG have 82% holdings overlap, owning both means significant duplication. Most beginners are better off choosing one.