VOO vs VTI: what's the difference, and which should you buy?
VOO and VTI are two of Vanguard's most popular funds. They're very similar, and both are great low-cost choices. The main difference is how many companies they own.
Key points
- VOO owns about 500 large U.S. companies (the S&P 500).
- VTI owns thousands of U.S. companies of all sizes.
- Both charge just 0.03% a year, and their returns have been very close.
Quick comparison
| VOO | VTI | |
|---|---|---|
| Follows | S&P 500 | Total U.S. stock market |
| Number of companies | About 500 | Thousands |
| Company sizes | Large | Large, medium and small |
| Yearly fee | 0.03% | 0.03% |
| Dividend yield (approx.) | 1.3% | 1.3% |
| 10-year yearly return (approx.) | 13.5% | 13.0% |
Returns are rounded estimates through mid-2026.
They overlap a lot
The biggest companies make up most of VTI's value. Those are the same companies in VOO. So even though VTI owns thousands more companies, it moves almost the same as VOO most days.
The extra companies in VTI are medium and small businesses. Over some periods, small companies do better. Over others, like the last 10 years, big companies have won.
A 30-year example
$200 every two weeks at each fund's approximate 10-year rate:
| Years | VOO (13.5%) | VTI (13.0%) |
|---|---|---|
| 20 | $474,641 | $446,675 |
| 30 | $1,788,296 | $1,617,910 |
The gap comes from large companies beating small ones over the last decade. That won't always happen. Over other long periods, the two have traded places.
Which should you pick?
- Pick VOO if you want the classic S&P 500, the most-followed U.S. index.
- Pick VTI if you want the whole U.S. market in one fund, small companies included.
- Don't stress. Either is a solid core holding. Owning both is mostly the same as owning one.
Similar funds from other companies include FXAIX and SWPPX (S&P 500) and VTSAX (total market, as a mutual fund).
Compare VOO and VTI, or add a third fund, with your own numbers.
Compare fundsQuick answers
Is VOO or VTI better?
Neither is clearly better. VOO holds large companies only. VTI adds medium and small ones. Their returns have been very close over time.
Should I own both VOO and VTI?
There's little reason to. VTI already includes almost everything in VOO.
Do VOO and VTI have the same fee?
Yes, both charge 0.03% a year.
Is VTSAX the same as VTI?
They hold the same total U.S. market. VTSAX is a mutual fund version with a $3,000 minimum, while VTI is an ETF.
Sources
Keep learning
This article is for learning only. It is not financial, tax or legal advice. Example returns are not promises. Talk to a licensed professional about your own situation.