ETF Comparison
VUG vs QQQM: Which Is the Better Pick in 2026?
A head-to-head comparison of Vanguard Growth ETF and Invesco NASDAQ 100 ETF covering yield, cost, risk, and income potential.
Data updated April 5, 2026
Side-by-side snapshot
| VUG | QQQM | |
|---|---|---|
| Full name | Vanguard Growth ETF | Invesco NASDAQ 100 ETF |
| Issuer | Vanguard | Invesco |
| Price | $441.56 | $240.57 |
| Distribution yield | 0.44% | 0.50% |
| Expense ratio | 0.03% | 0.15% |
| AUM | $335.9B | $70.7B |
| Distribution frequency | Quarterly | Quarterly |
| Underlying index | CRSP US Large Cap Growth Index | NASDAQ-100 Index |
| Objective | Track the CRSP US Large Cap Growth Index for diversified exposure to U.S. growth equities. | Track the NASDAQ-100 Index with a lower expense ratio alternative to QQQ. |
| Asset class | Equity | Equity |
| Inception date | 01/26/2004 | 10/13/2020 |
| Beta | 1.21 | 1.15 |
| Last dividend | $0.48 | $0.33 |
| Ex-dividend date | 03/27/2026 | 03/23/2026 |
Visual comparison
Key metrics
Projected income on $10K
Projections assume the current yield and share price remain constant. Actual results will vary.
Quick verdict
VUG (Vanguard Growth ETF) and QQQM (Invesco NASDAQ 100 ETF) are both popular quarterly-pay track the crsp us large cap growth index for diversified exposure to u.s. growth equities. ETFs, but they take different approaches.
QQQM offers the higher yield at 0.50% vs 0.44% for VUG. A higher yield means more current income per dollar invested, though it may come with different risk characteristics.
VUG is cheaper with an expense ratio of 0.03% compared to 0.15%.
They track different benchmarks: VUG is linked to CRSP US Large Cap Growth Index while QQQM tracks NASDAQ-100 Index, which means their performance drivers differ.
VUG is the larger fund by assets ($335.9B), which generally means tighter spreads and better liquidity.
Deep dive
Yield & income
On a $10,000 investment, VUG would generate roughly $3.67/month while QQQM would produce $4.17/month at current distribution rates. Both pay quarterly distributions.
Cost & efficiency
Over 10 years on $10,000, VUG would cost approximately $30 in fees vs $150 for QQQM (simplified, not compounded). The $120.00 difference may be offset by yield or performance.
Strategy & risk
VUG tracks CRSP US Large Cap Growth Index with a track the crsp us large cap growth index for diversified exposure to u.s. growth equities. approach, while QQQM tracks NASDAQ-100 Index using a track the nasdaq-100 index with a lower expense ratio alternative to qqq. strategy. Beta is 1.21 for VUG and 1.15 for QQQM, indicating QQQM is less volatile relative to the market.
Fund details
VUG is managed by Vanguard (launched 01/26/2004) with $335.9B in assets. QQQM is managed by Invesco (launched 10/13/2020) with $70.7B in assets.
Income calculator
See how much monthly income a hypothetical investment would generate in each ETF at current yields.
Frequently asked questions
Is VUG or QQQM better for dividend income?
It depends on your goals. QQQM currently offers the higher distribution yield, which means more income per dollar invested. However, a lower-yield fund may offer better total return or lower volatility. Consider your time horizon and risk tolerance.
What is the difference between VUG and QQQM?
VUG (Vanguard Growth ETF) tracks CRSP US Large Cap Growth Index with a track the crsp us large cap growth index for diversified exposure to u.s. growth equities. strategy, while QQQM (Invesco NASDAQ 100 ETF) tracks NASDAQ-100 Index with a track the nasdaq-100 index with a lower expense ratio alternative to qqq. approach. They are issued by Vanguard and Invesco respectively.
Can I hold both VUG and QQQM?
Yes. Many income investors hold both to diversify across different strategies and underlying indexes. This can reduce concentration risk while maintaining a strong income stream.
Which has lower fees, VUG or QQQM?
VUG has an expense ratio of 0.03% while QQQM charges 0.15%. Lower fees mean more of your investment returns stay in your pocket over time.
How much income does $10,000 in VUG vs QQQM generate?
At current yields, $10,000 in VUG would generate roughly $3.67 per month ($44.00 annually). The same in QQQM would produce about $4.17 per month ($50.00 annually).
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