Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | ITOT | VTI |
|---|---|---|
| Type | ETF | ETF |
| Expense Ratio | 3.00% | 3.00% |
| Holdings | 2,500 | 3,645 |
| Dividend Yield | 1.27% | 1.28% |
| Min Investment | None | None |
| Inception | 2004-01-20 | 2001-05-24 |
| Index Tracked | S&P Total Market Index | CRSP US Total Market Index |
| AUM | $58B | $427B |
Fund data last updated: 2025-01-02. Expense ratios, holdings, and yields may change. Always verify with official sources.
Key Differences
- •Both have identical 0.03% expense ratios
- •VTI has more assets under management ($427B vs $58B)
- •VTI tracks CRSP Total Market; ITOT tracks S&P Total Market
- •VTI is from Vanguard; ITOT is from BlackRock (iShares)
Which Should You Choose?
Taxable Brokerage Account
Both are equally suitable. VTI has slightly better liquidity due to larger size, but for individual investors this rarely matters.
IRA (Traditional or Roth)
Either is excellent. No meaningful difference for long-term investors.
401(k)
Use whichever your plan offers with lower expense ratio.
JL Collins' Recommendation
JL Collins recommends Vanguard funds (VTI) due to Vanguard's unique structure. However, ITOT is a perfectly acceptable alternative if it's more convenient or you already own it.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is there any real difference between ITOT and VTI?
For practical purposes, no. Both are total market ETFs with 0.03% expense ratios tracking similar indexes. Performance is virtually identical. Choose based on convenience.
Why is VTI more popular than ITOT?
Vanguard invented the index fund and has strong brand loyalty among passive investors. VTI also has more assets and liquidity. However, ITOT is an equally valid choice.
Which index is better: CRSP or S&P Total Market?
Both capture essentially the same market. CRSP includes slightly more stocks and uses different methodology, but the practical difference is negligible for investors.
Should I switch from ITOT to VTI?
Only if you're consolidating at Vanguard and want simplicity. Otherwise, there's no reason to sell ITOT (potentially triggering taxes) just to buy VTI. They're equivalent.
Ready to Calculate Your FIRE Number?
Now that you know which fund to invest in, find out when you'll reach financial independence.
Try the Calculators