AVUV vs VBR: Active Factor Tilts vs Passive Small-Cap Value
AVUV uses academic factor research to overweight the cheapest, most profitable small-caps. VBR is a pure passive index approach. The fee gap is significant — but so is the difference in approach.
AVUV (Avantis US Small Cap Value ETF) and VBR (Vanguard Small-Cap Value ETF) both target small-cap value stocks, but take different approaches. VBR passively tracks the CRSP US Small Cap Value index (~840 stocks) at a very low 0.07%, owning every qualifying value stock in proportion to market cap. AVUV is an actively managed ETF that applies Fama-French factor research to specifically overweight stocks with strong value characteristics AND high profitability — a combination with strong academic backing. AVUV charges 0.25% for this disciplined active tilting. Since its 2019 launch, AVUV has meaningfully outperformed VBR, though the track record is short. Investors who believe in factor investing and are willing to pay 18 extra basis points tend to prefer AVUV; those who want passive simplicity prefer VBR.
Whether the lower-cost fund suits your situation depends on your existing holdings, account type, tax situation, and how you use each fund. This is a cost comparison, not a personalized recommendation.
📋 AVUV vs VBR — Key Facts Side by Side
| Metric | AVUV | VBR |
|---|---|---|
| Fund Name | Avantis US Small Cap Value ETF | Vanguard Small-Cap Value Index Fund ETF Shares |
| Issuer | Avantis | Vanguard |
| Tracks Index | Active (Factor-Based) | CRSP US Small Cap Value |
| Expense Ratio | 0.25% | 0.07% ✓ |
| Cost per $10K/yr | $25.00 | $7.00 |
| AUM | $29.1B | $67.8B |
| Holdings | 730 | 840 |
| Inception | 2019 | 2004 |
| 1-Year Return | +30.38% | +20.01% |
| 3-Year Return | +18.77% | +15.75% |
| 5-Year Return | +12.24% | +9.22% |
| Dividend Yield | 1.25% | 1.78% |
| Holdings Overlap | See holdings overlap → | |
| Avg Bid-Ask Spread | 0.01% | 0.01% |
Expense ratio, AUM, and returns updated Jul 14, 2026 from ETF BFF database. Returns are annualised. Not investment advice.
📊 AVUV vs VBR — Annualised Returns
Annualised returns (trailing, price-based). Past performance does not guarantee future results.
🎯 Which Fund Fits Which Investor?
- already use Avantis and prefer staying within one fund family
- want the lowest fees: saves ~$18/yr per $10K vs AVUV
- already use Vanguard and prefer staying within one fund family
💰 What the Fee Difference Actually Costs
Adjust the numbers for your situation. This models each fund's expense ratio compounding against your balance over time.
Assumes a constant annual return reinvested, with each fund's expense ratio deducted yearly. Illustrative only; actual returns vary. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
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❓ AVUV vs VBR — Frequently Asked Questions
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