Quick Comparison
| Factor | VOO | VTI |
|---|---|---|
| Full Name | Vanguard S&P 500 ETF | Vanguard Total Stock Market ETF |
| Index | S&P 500 | CRSP US Total Market |
| Holdings | ~500 | ~3,700 |
| Expense Ratio | 0.03% | 0.03% |
| AUM | $420B | $360B |
| Yield | 1.32% | 1.30% |
| Top 10 Conc. | 34% | 28% |
| YTD | +15.2% | +14.1% |
| 5-Year | +94.8% | +88.5% |
| 10-Year | +231% | +218% |
Visual Comparison
Bar chart comparison across key metrics. VOO in green, VTI in blue.
The Verdict
They Are Nearly Identical
Over long periods, VOO and VTI deliver nearly identical returns because large-cap stocks dominate both indexes. Correlation: 0.99. The choice matters far less than the decision to invest consistently.
Pick VTI for maximum diversification at zero extra cost. You get mid and small caps for free.
Pick VOO if you prefer focusing on America's largest, most established companies.
Key Difference: Small-Cap Exposure
VTI includes small-cap stocks (~5% of the fund) which VOO excludes entirely. Historically, small caps have outperformed large caps over very long periods but add volatility. VTI gives you this exposure at no extra cost.
Vanguard S&P 500 ETF VOO
The industry standard for S&P 500 investing. Just 0.03% annually ($3/yr on $10K). $420B in assets. Among the most liquid ETFs in the world.
Vanguard Total Stock Market ETF VTI
One ETF covering the entire US stock market. Large, mid, small caps. If you could only buy one ETF for life, VTI is the strongest candidate.
When to Choose Each
Choose VTI if you embrace total-market investing, want maximum diversification from a single fund, and believe small and mid caps may outperform in certain cycles.
Choose VOO if you prefer the simplicity of the S&P 500, already have small-cap exposure, or simply do not want to own micro-cap companies you have never heard of.
Bottom Line
You cannot go wrong with either. Pick one, invest consistently, and hold for decades. The difference between VOO and VTI over 30 years is measured in basis points, not percentages.
Frequently Asked Questions
Both are excellent at 0.03%. VTI offers broader diversification (3,700 vs 500 stocks) at the exact same cost. Most investors should prefer VTI. Performance difference is minimal.
Nearly identical. In 2026 YTD VOO leads slightly (+15.2% vs +14.1%). Over 10 years VOO returned +231% vs VTI's +218%. These small gaps are driven by large-cap outperformance and can reverse at any time.
You can, but it is not recommended. VOO is essentially a subset of VTI (about 86% overlap by weight). Owning both creates unnecessary duplication without adding diversification.
Disclaimer: This is not financial advice. All data as of July 2026.