VUG vs VOOG
Vanguard Growth (VUG) vs S&P 500 Growth (VOOG) — Two Vanguard growth strategies compared
Understanding VUG and VOOG
VUG (Vanguard Growth ETF) tracks the CRSP US Large Cap Growth Index, holding approximately 200 large-cap growth stocks. It uses a broader definition of "growth" and includes companies from any US exchange, resulting in more diversified growth exposure at Vanguard's lowest expense ratio.
VOOG (Vanguard S&P 500 Growth ETF) tracks only the growth portion of the S&P 500, holding approximately 230 stocks. It's limited to S&P 500 constituents and uses S&P's stricter growth criteria, making it a more concentrated bet on large-cap growth.
The practical difference: VUG is cheaper (0.03% vs 0.07%) and larger. Returns are nearly identical since both target large-cap growth stocks. Most investors prefer VUG for its lower cost and better liquidity, but VOOG works if you specifically want S&P 500 growth.
Head to Head
Both VUG and VOOG target large-cap growth stocks, but with different approaches. VUG uses factor-based screening across all U.S. stocks, while VOOG filters S&P 500 companies by growth characteristics. Compare expense ratios, returns, and risk metrics below.
| Metric | VUG | VOOG | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.03% | 0.07% | VUG |
| Total Assets | $335.9B | $21.9B | VUG |
| Number of Holdings | ~200 | ~230 | Similar |
| 1 Year Return | +21.81% | +26.00% | VOOG |
| 5 Year Return | +79.81% | +99.35% | VOOG |
| 10 Year Return | +359.22% | +369.19% | VOOG |
| Volatility (3Y) | 15.0% | 13.7% | VOOG |
| Max Drawdown | -47.2% | -30.5% | VOOG |
| Current Price | N/A | $425.46 | — |
Growth of $10,000
What if you had invested $10,000 in each ETF? Since both target growth stocks, their performance tracks closely. VUG's slightly lower expense ratio compounds over time, but the difference is minimal. The chart shows how closely these two growth ETFs move together.
Monthly Returns Comparison
The heatmaps below show month-by-month returns for both ETFs. Green indicates positive months, red indicates negative. Since both are growth-focused, you'll notice nearly identical patterns—when growth stocks rally, both funds rise together.
VUG Monthly Returns
VOOG Monthly Returns
Key Differences
VUG (Vanguard Growth)
- • Tracks CRSP US Large Cap Growth Index
- • ~200 large-cap growth stocks
- • Lower expense ratio (0.03%)
- • Broader growth definition
- • Much larger AUM = better liquidity
VOOG (S&P 500 Growth)
- • Tracks S&P 500 Growth Index
- • ~230 S&P 500 growth stocks
- • Higher expense ratio (0.07%)
- • Stricter S&P growth criteria
- • Only S&P 500 constituents
The Bottom Line
Choose VUG for a lower expense ratio and broader growth stock coverage with better liquidity. Choose VOOG if you specifically want growth stocks from the S&P 500 index. Performance is nearly identical — the main difference is VUG's lower cost and larger size.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the difference between VUG and VOOG?
VUG tracks the CRSP US Large Cap Growth Index (broader growth definition), while VOOG tracks the S&P 500 Growth Index (growth stocks from S&P 500 only). VUG has a lower expense ratio and larger assets under management.
Which is better: VUG or VOOG?
Performance is very similar. VUG has a lower expense ratio (0.03% vs 0.07%) and much more assets under management, making it the preferred choice for most investors seeking large-cap growth exposure.
Are VUG and VOOG good investments?
Both are excellent low-cost growth ETFs from Vanguard. They provide exposure to large-cap growth stocks and have performed well historically. Choose based on your preference for index methodology and expense ratio.
What is the expense ratio for VUG vs VOOG?
VUG has an expense ratio of 0.03%, while VOOG has an expense ratio of 0.07%. VUG is significantly cheaper to hold long-term.
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Last updated: 3/13/2026