Wealthy PotSCHB vs VTI: Schwab's Total Market ETF vs Vanguard's
SCHB and VTI are both total U.S. stock market ETFs that aim to own essentially every American company. They charge the same fee, returned the same over the past decade, and hold nearly the same portfolio. This is about as close as two funds get, so the choice really comes down to which broker you use. This guide uses figures from the funds' own documents.
The Short Answer
- Both are excellent, near-identical total-market ETFs. SCHB (Schwab) and VTI (Vanguard) each charge 0.03% and returned 15.04% a year over the past decade.
- Pick on your broker. SCHB is the natural choice at Schwab; VTI at Vanguard. If you already hold one, there's no reason to switch, they're effectively interchangeable.
Near-Twins
- SCHB is the Schwab U.S. Broad Market ETF. It tracks the Dow Jones U.S. Broad Stock Market Index, holds about 2,354 stocks across large, mid, and small caps, and charges 0.03%.
- VTI is the Vanguard Total Stock Market ETF. It tracks the Morningstar US Total Market Index (renamed from CRSP in 2026), holds about 3,531 stocks, and charges 0.03%.
They use different index providers and VTI holds more names, but both aim to capture the entire U.S. market, and both are cap-weighted, so the same large caps dominate each. The result: 10-year returns within a hundredth of a percent.
SCHB vs VTI Side by Side
| Feature | SCHB | VTI |
|---|---|---|
| Fund | Schwab U.S. Broad Market ETF | Vanguard Total Stock Market ETF |
| Index tracked | Dow Jones U.S. Broad Stock Market | Morningstar US Total Market (formerly CRSP) |
| Expense ratio | 0.03% | 0.03% |
| What it covers | Entire U.S. market (large + mid + small) | Entire U.S. market (large + mid + small) |
| Number of holdings | ~2,354 | ~3,531 |
| SEC 30-day yield | ~1.02% | ~1.01% |
| 10-year return (avg annual, NAV) | 15.04% | 15.04% |
| Inception | Nov 3, 2009 | May 24, 2001 |
Which One Fits You
Choose SCHB if: you invest at Schwab, it's commission-free there and integrates cleanly with Schwab's platform and its own total-market index. It's a perfect U.S. equity core for a Schwab account.
Choose VTI if: you invest at Vanguard, or you simply prefer Vanguard's ecosystem and the more widely held ETF. VTI holds more names and is the most popular total-market ETF, but the practical difference versus SCHB is negligible. If you want the S&P 500 instead of the total market, compare VTI vs VOO.
FAQ
Is SCHB or VTI better?
Neither, really. Both are total U.S. market ETFs charging 0.03%, and both returned 15.04% over the past decade. SCHB tracks a Dow Jones index (~2,354 stocks); VTI tracks the Morningstar (formerly CRSP) index (~3,531 stocks). Choose whichever is commission-free at your broker, SCHB at Schwab, VTI at Vanguard.
Do SCHB and VTI hold the same stocks?
Nearly. Both aim to own the entire U.S. market. VTI holds more individual names (~3,531 vs ~2,354), but both are dominated by the same large caps, so their performance tracks almost exactly.
Can I hold SCHB at Vanguard or VTI at Schwab?
Yes, both are standard ETFs you can buy at any broker. But you may pay a commission buying SCHB outside Schwab or VTI outside Vanguard (each is commission-free at its own firm), which is the main reason to match the fund to your broker.
Should I switch from one to the other?
No. They're effectively interchangeable, and selling one to buy the other in a taxable account could trigger capital-gains tax for no real benefit. Hold whichever you already own.
Related comparisons: VTI vs VOO · VTSAX vs VTI · FZROX vs VTI · IVV vs VOO · All ETF comparisons
Primary sources: expense ratios, indexes, holdings, yields, and returns are from the issuers' official documents for SCHB (Schwab) and VTI (Vanguard), both 10-year returns as of Jun 30, 2026. The CRSP-to-Morningstar index rename is per Morningstar's 2026 announcement. For background, see the SEC's Investor.gov guide to mutual funds and ETFs.
This article is for educational purposes only and is not investment advice. Investing involves risk, including possible loss of principal, and past performance does not guarantee future results. Expense ratios and holdings change over time; confirm current figures on the issuer's site before investing. Consult a qualified financial professional before making investment decisions.