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If you’re in it for the long haul, which is a better bang for your buck- VTSAX or VTI?

I’m looking for some insight from experienced investors. If you’re planning to invest for the long term—think 10, 20, or even 30+ years—which fund do you believe gives you a better bang for your buck: **VTSAX** or **VTI**?

I understand that both track the same index (the total U.S. stock market), but they differ slightly in structure—VTSAX is a mutual fund, while VTI is an ETF.

Beyond that, I’m curious to hear from people who’ve chosen one over the other and why. Are the differences in expense ratios, minimum investments, or trading flexibility significant in the long run?

I’d love to hear about your personal strategies, what’s worked for you, and any pros or cons you’ve noticed over time.

Not looking for one-size-fits-all advice—just honest experiences to help me weigh the options.

Thanks in advance for sharing your thoughts!

[Anna]

Vti and vtsax is basically the same thing – one being an ETF and one being a mutual fund. Pick one and stay consistent.

I tend toward ETFs.

[Bond]

If you are in it for the long haul, and you have a long time horizon, and you want to buy an index ETF, I would choose a Nasdaq 100 ETF like QQQ/QQQM/ONEQ/etc.

it’s more volatile, but in the long run, it outpaces S&P500.

Move to something less volatile as you approach the time to liquidate.

[Andrew]

I don’t think there’s a meaningful difference between any of the major S&P 500 index funds.

[Tan]

VTI is rather versatile.
Held in in my IRA and have converted it into my Roth.

Starting year 7 of retirement this year and while I have increased fixed income, a total market index fund/ETF makes up 66% of our portfolio.

Bottom line, they both work well.

[Ben]

Equally great. VTI expense ratio .03% VTSAX .04% but can’t go wrong either way.

Just start buying either one and continue routinely regardless of where the market is at

I personally choose VTSAX because I feel it further encourages long term investing by trading as a mutual fund.

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