QTOP vs. TOPT: Which Mega-Cap ETF Is Right for Your Portfolio? (2025 Data Analysis)
In the ever-expanding universe of ETFs, investors are constantly seeking smarter, more concentrated ways to bet on market leaders. Recently, two new contenders have emerged, capturing the attention of those looking to invest in the titans of the U.S. economy: QTOP and TOPT. But what exactly are they, and which one, if any, deserves a place in your portfolio?
This post will break down the iShares Nasdaq Top 30 Stocks ETF (QTOP) and the iShares Top 20 U.S. Stocks ETF (TOPT). We'll explore their core strategies, compare their key data points, and help you understand what the numbers actually mean for your investment.
Key Takeaways
☑ Core Strategy Deep Dive: Analysis of QTOP's tech-heavy concentration versus TOPT's broader, market-leading approach.
☑ Key Metrics Compared: A side-by-side look at expense ratios, performance, and concentration to see the real-world differences.
☑ Investor Suitability: Guidance on which ETF may be better suited for different investor profiles based on hard data.
QTOP: A Concentrated Bet on Tech Titans
The iShares Nasdaq Top 30 Stocks ETF (QTOP) zeroes in on the 30 largest companies within the NASDAQ-100. This creates a highly concentrated portfolio dominated by the biggest names in technology. QTOP comes with an expense ratio of 0.20%. To put that in perspective, for every $10,000 you invest, you'll pay $20 per year in management fees.
Its concentration is significant: the top three holdings alone—NVIDIA (15%), Microsoft (13%), and Apple (12%)—make up a staggering 40% of the entire fund. This means your investment's fate is closely tied to the performance of just a few giants. While its 1-year return as of September 2025 was an impressive 28%, it's crucial to remember that this level of focus can lead to higher volatility. Past performance is no guarantee of future results.
TOPT: Investing in America's 20 Largest Companies
The iShares Top 20 U.S. Stocks ETF (TOPT) applies a similar strategy to the S&P 500, tracking the 20 largest U.S. companies. This approach is slightly more diversified. Its expense ratio is a more competitive 0.15%, meaning you'd only pay $15 per year for every $10,000 invested.
The top holdings are similar but with less concentration. The top three—Microsoft (12%), Apple (11%), and NVIDIA (10%)—account for 33% of the fund. This slightly broader base contributed to a strong but less volatile 1-year return of 22% as of September 2025. TOPT offers a way to invest in the pillars of the U.S. economy with a slightly smaller fee and a bit less concentration risk.
📊 By the Numbers: QTOP vs. TOPT
QTOP: 0.20% // TOPT: 0.15% (Winner: TOPT)
1-Year Performance (as of Sep 2025):
QTOP: +28% // TOPT: +22% (Winner: QTOP)
Top 3 Holdings Concentration:
QTOP: ~40% // TOPT: ~33% (Higher concentration in QTOP)
Underlying Index:
QTOP: NASDAQ-100 // TOPT: S&P 500
Strategic Outlook: Which Titan Fits Your Portfolio?
The data makes the choice clearer. Your decision between QTOP and TOPT hinges on a classic investment trade-off: higher potential returns versus lower costs and risk.
Consider QTOP if: You are seeking maximum exposure to the top technology innovators and are comfortable with higher concentration and volatility. The 28% return is tempting, but you must be prepared for the risks that come with a 40% allocation to just three stocks. The slightly higher fee is the price you pay for this aggressive focus.
Consider TOPT if: You want a core holding of America's biggest companies with a bit more diversification and a lower annual cost. The 22% return is still excellent, and the lower concentration and cheaper expense ratio make it a more balanced, foundational choice for a long-term portfolio.
From my personal observation, the numbers confirm the story. QTOP is a high-octane satellite position—a targeted bet on tech's continued dominance. TOPT is more of a core holding, offering a slightly gentler, cheaper way to own the absolute top of the U.S. market. Always check the latest data, but more importantly, understand the strategy behind the numbers before you invest.
