Side by side

VOO vs QQQ

The broad S&P 500 against the tech-heavy Nasdaq-100. QQQ has more growth potential and bigger drops, and charges a higher fee (0.18% vs 0.03%).

$
$
yrs
Same return for bothIsolates the effect of fees
%
A fair, like-for-like testBoth funds get the same return, so any difference comes from fees alone.
Subtract fund fees
Show in today's moneyAdjust for inflation
Currency

After 25 years

VOO vs QQQ
VOO
$546,058
8% − 0.03% fee · fees cost $2,857
QQQ
$532,028
8% − 0.18% fee · fees cost $16,887

VOO ends $14,030 ahead (2.6% more), entirely because of its lower fee.

You put in $160,000 either way.

How they differ

VOOQQQ
IndexS&P 500Nasdaq-100
Fee (TER)0.03%0.18%
DividendsDistributingDistributing
DomicileUnited StatesUnited States
ListingNYSE Arca (USD)Nasdaq (USD)
ProviderVanguardInvesco

Highlighted rows are where the two funds differ.

Growth side by side

Hover or tap the chart for any year
VOO balanceYour contributionsQQQ
$0$150k$300k$450k$600kNowYr 2Yr 4Yr 6Yr 8Yr 10Yr 12Yr 14Yr 16Yr 18Yr 20Yr 22Yr 25

Assumes monthly compounding at constant rates with contributions at the end of each month. Before personal taxes. Educational estimate only — real returns vary year to year.

Key differences

  • VOO tracks the S&P 500; QQQ tracks the Nasdaq-100. That is the biggest difference in what you actually own.
  • VOO is cheaper: 0.03% a year versus 0.18%. On $10,000 plus $500 a month for 25 years at 7%, that fee gap is worth about $11,512.
  • VOO trades on NYSE Arca in USD; QQQ trades on Nasdaq in USD. Check which your broker offers and what it charges for currency conversion.

About each fund

VOO — Vanguard S&P 500 ETF

One of the most popular S&P 500 funds for US investors, with a very low fee. Non-US investors should check dividend withholding tax and estate-tax rules before buying US-domiciled funds.

QQQ — Invesco QQQ Trust

The best-known Nasdaq-100 fund, concentrated in large technology and growth companies. Higher potential returns come with larger drawdowns.

Fund details checked November 2026. Always confirm current figures on each provider's factsheet.

Questions about VOO vs QQQ

Is VOO or QQQ better?

It depends on what you want to own. VOO gives you the S&P 500; QQQ gives you the Nasdaq-100. Neither is guaranteed to do better — use the calculator above with different return assumptions to see the range.

Which is cheaper, VOO or QQQ?

VOO is cheaper at 0.03% a year, versus 0.18%. Fees checked November 2026; confirm with each provider.

Can I hold both VOO and QQQ?

Yes. Some investors combine them to set their own mix, but check the overlap — many large companies may appear in both.

More comparisons

Other popular matchups

VWRAvsCSPXVWRAvsVWCECSPXvsVUAAVUAAvsVUSACSPXvsSPYLVWRAvsSWDACSPXvsVOOVTvsVWRA