ETF Comparison
VOO vs VUG: Which Is the Better Pick in 2026?
A head-to-head comparison of Vanguard S&P 500 ETF and Vanguard Growth ETF covering yield, cost, risk, and income potential.
Data updated April 5, 2026
Side-by-side snapshot
| VOO | VUG | |
|---|---|---|
| Full name | Vanguard S&P 500 ETF | Vanguard Growth ETF |
| Issuer | Vanguard | Vanguard |
| Price | $602.30 | $441.56 |
| Distribution yield | 1.12% | 0.44% |
| Expense ratio | 0.03% | 0.03% |
| AUM | $1512.9B | $335.9B |
| Distribution frequency | Quarterly | Quarterly |
| Underlying index | S&P 500 Index | CRSP US Large Cap Growth Index |
| Objective | Track the performance of the S&P 500 Index, representing 500 of the largest U.S. companies. | Track the CRSP US Large Cap Growth Index for diversified exposure to U.S. growth equities. |
| Asset class | Equity | Equity |
| Inception date | 09/07/2010 | 01/26/2004 |
| Beta | 1.0 | 1.21 |
| Last dividend | $1.87 | $0.48 |
| Ex-dividend date | 03/27/2026 | 03/27/2026 |
Visual comparison
Key metrics
Projected income on $10K
Projections assume the current yield and share price remain constant. Actual results will vary.
Quick verdict
VOO (Vanguard S&P 500 ETF) and VUG (Vanguard Growth ETF) are both popular quarterly-pay track the performance of the s&p 500 index, representing 500 of the largest u.s. companies. ETFs, but they take different approaches.
VOO offers the higher yield at 1.12% vs 0.44% for VUG. A higher yield means more current income per dollar invested, though it may come with different risk characteristics.
They track different benchmarks: VOO is linked to S&P 500 Index while VUG tracks CRSP US Large Cap Growth Index, which means their performance drivers differ.
VOO is the larger fund by assets ($1512.9B), which generally means tighter spreads and better liquidity.
Deep dive
Yield & income
On a $10,000 investment, VOO would generate roughly $9.33/month while VUG would produce $3.67/month at current distribution rates. Both pay quarterly distributions.
Cost & efficiency
Over 10 years on $10,000, VOO would cost approximately $30 in fees vs $30 for VUG (simplified, not compounded). Both charge the same expense ratio.
Strategy & risk
VOO tracks S&P 500 Index with a track the performance of the s&p 500 index, representing 500 of the largest u.s. companies. approach, while VUG tracks CRSP US Large Cap Growth Index using a track the crsp us large cap growth index for diversified exposure to u.s. growth equities. strategy. Beta is 1.0 for VOO and 1.21 for VUG, indicating VOO is less volatile relative to the market.
Fund details
VOO is managed by Vanguard (launched 09/07/2010) with $1512.9B in assets. VUG is managed by Vanguard (launched 01/26/2004) with $335.9B in assets.
Income calculator
See how much monthly income a hypothetical investment would generate in each ETF at current yields.
Frequently asked questions
Is VOO or VUG better for dividend income?
It depends on your goals. VOO 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 VOO and VUG?
VOO (Vanguard S&P 500 ETF) tracks S&P 500 Index with a track the performance of the s&p 500 index, representing 500 of the largest u.s. companies. strategy, while 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. approach. They are issued by Vanguard and Vanguard respectively.
Can I hold both VOO and VUG?
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, VOO or VUG?
VOO has an expense ratio of 0.03% while VUG charges 0.03%. Lower fees mean more of your investment returns stay in your pocket over time.
How much income does $10,000 in VOO vs VUG generate?
At current yields, $10,000 in VOO would generate roughly $9.33 per month ($112.00 annually). The same in VUG would produce about $3.67 per month ($44.00 annually).
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