VXUS vs VOO: Head-to-Head Comparison
VXUS vs VOO: Vanguard Total International Stock ETF has an expense ratio of 0.07% while Vanguard S&P 500 ETF charges 0.03%. VXUS holds 8,537 securities vs VOO's 503. 5-year returns: 5.50% vs 15.80%.
Last updated: April 2026
International vs US
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 | VXUS | VOO |
|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.07% | 0.03% |
| AUM | $74.0B | $560.0B |
| Dividend Yield | 3.10% | 1.30% |
| Holdings | 8,537 | 503 |
| 1-Year Return | 9.80% | 26.70% |
| 5-Year Return (Ann.) | 5.50% | 15.80% |
| 10-Year Return (Ann.) | 4.80% | 13.30% |
| Beta | 0.85 | 1.00 |
| P/E Ratio | 15.4 | 25.8 |
VXUS 5-year annualized return is 5.50% compared to VOO's 15.80%. Over 10 years, VXUS returned 4.80% vs VOO's 13.30%.
View data table
| Period | VXUS Return | VOO Return |
|---|---|---|
| YTD | 2.20% | 3.20% |
| 1 Year | 9.80% | 26.70% |
| 3 Year | 3.20% | 11.20% |
| 5 Year | 5.50% | 15.80% |
| 10 Year | 4.80% | 13.30% |
Key Differences Between VXUS and VOO
VXUS (Vanguard Total International Stock ETF) is a international equity fund managed by Vanguard. VXUS provides exposure to stocks from developed and emerging markets outside the United States, covering over 8,000 companies across Europe, Asia, and the rest of the world. It is the most popular way to add international diversification to a U.S.-focused portfolio. Beginners building a globally diversified portfolio often pair VXUS with VTI to own virtually every publicly traded stock in the world.
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.
The most notable differences are in fees (0.07% vs 0.03%), number of holdings (8,537 vs 503), and 5-year returns (5.50% vs 15.80%).
VXUS vs VOO multi-factor comparison: VXUS has a 0.07% expense ratio, 5.50% 5-year return, 8,537 holdings, 0.85 beta, and 3.10% yield. VOO has 0.03% expense ratio, 15.80% 5-year return, 503 holdings, 1.00 beta, and 1.30% yield.
View data table
| Metric | VXUS | VOO |
|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.07% | 0.03% |
| 5-Year Return | 5.50% | 15.80% |
| Holdings | 8,537 | 503 |
| Beta | 0.85 | 1.00 |
| Dividend Yield | 3.10% | 1.30% |
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Holdings Overlap Analysis
0%
Holdings Overlap
VXUS and VOO share only 0% of their top holdings. These funds are quite different, making them complementary choices if you want broader market coverage.
VXUS and VOO share 0% of their top holdings (low overlap). VXUS has 8,537 total holdings and VOO has 503.
View data table
| Metric | VXUS | VOO |
|---|---|---|
| Overlap | 0% | 0% |
| Unique Holdings | 100% | 100% |
| Total Holdings | 8,537 | 503 |
Cost Comparison Over Time
If you invest $10,000 and hold for 20 years (assuming 8% annual returns):
VXUS
Fee cost: $600
VOO
Fee cost: $258
Over 20 years, the fee difference amounts to $342 on a $10,000 investment. VOO saves you more in fees over time.
On a $10,000 investment over 20 years at 8% return, VXUS (0.07% fee) grows to $46,009 while VOO (0.03% fee) grows to $46,351. The fee difference costs $342.
View data table
| Year | VXUS Value | VOO Value |
|---|---|---|
| 0 | $10,000 | $10,000 |
| 5 | $14,646 | $14,673 |
| 10 | $21,450 | $21,529 |
| 15 | $31,415 | $31,590 |
| 20 | $46,009 | $46,351 |
Which One Should a Beginner Choose?
Choose VXUS if: You want investors seeking global diversification beyond the u.s. market, those building a complete world stock portfolio when paired with vti, investors who believe international stocks are undervalued relative to u.s. equities. It's managed by Vanguard with an expense ratio of 0.07%.
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%.
Can You Own Both VXUS and VOO?
Absolutely! With only 0% overlap, VXUS and VOO complement each other well. A simple portfolio might allocate 60% to one and 40% to the other, or you could pair them with a bond ETF like BND for a complete three-fund portfolio.
Frequently Asked Questions
Should I buy VXUS or VOO?▾
Both ETFs score equally well for beginners (9.5/10). Your choice depends on your specific investment goals. However, both are solid options. VXUS is best for investors who want investors seeking global diversification beyond the u.s. market, while VOO is better suited for beginning investors looking for a simple core portfolio holding.
What is the difference between VXUS and VOO?▾
VXUS (Vanguard Total International Stock ETF) tracks international equity investments with 8,537 holdings and a 0.07% expense ratio. VOO (Vanguard S&P 500 ETF) focuses on u.s. large-cap blend with 503 holdings at 0.03%. Their top holdings overlap by 0%.
Can I own both VXUS and VOO?▾
Yes! With only 0% holdings overlap, VXUS and VOO complement each other well. Owning both gives you broader diversification.