Updated 2026-03-30
ADP vs John Hancock 401(k) Comparison
Compare ADP Retirement Services (#7, 8.1/10) and John Hancock (#10, 7.7/10) side by side across fees, ratings, features, and investment options.
Overall Comparison
| Feature | ADP | John Hancock |
|---|---|---|
| Overall Score | 8.1/10 | 7.7/10 |
| Rank | #7 | #10 |
| AUM | $130 billion | $600 billion |
| Participants | 3 million | 3 million |
| Plan Sponsors | 90,000+ | 48,000+ |
| Founded | 1949 | 1862 |
Ratings Comparison
| Category | ADP | John Hancock |
|---|---|---|
| Fees & Costs | 3.4/5 | 3.5/5 |
| Investment Options | 3.5/5 | 3.7/5 |
| Customer Service | 4.0/5 | 4.0/5 |
| Mobile App | 3.7/5 | 3.6/5 |
Fee Comparison
| Fee Type | ADP | John Hancock |
|---|---|---|
| Admin Fees | $2,000 - $5,000/year base | $1,000 - $4,000/year |
| Expense Ratios | Varies by investment partner | 0.30% - 1.3% |
| Trading Fees | Plan dependent | Plan dependent |
| Advisory Fees | 0.35% - 0.75% | 0.40% - 0.90% |
ADP Strengths
- Direct payroll integration
- Automatic contribution processing
- Strong compliance support
- Easy setup for ADP payroll clients
John Hancock Strengths
- Unique wellness program integration
- Vitality rewards for healthy behavior
- Strong financial wellness education
- complete planning tools
Rollover, Loans & Withdrawals
| Feature | ADP | John Hancock |
|---|---|---|
| Rollover Platform | ADP Retirement Portal | myplan.johnhancock.com |
| Loans Available | Yes | Yes |
| Withdrawal Methods | Online via ADP portal, Phone (800-695-7526) | Online via myplan.johnhancock.com, Phone (800-395-1113) |
| Distribution Options | Lump sum, Partial withdrawal, Installment payments, Rollover to IRA | Lump sum, Partial withdrawal, Installment payments, Rollover to IRA |
Which Should You Choose?
Choose ADP if you want:
- ADP payroll users
- Multi-state employers
- HR bundle seekers
- Compliance-focused companies
Choose John Hancock if you want:
- Wellness-focused employers
- Mid-sized companies
- Insurance bundle seekers
Our Verdict: ADP vs John Hancock
ADP Retirement Services wins this comparison with a score of 8.1/10 vs 7.7/10. ADP excels with direct payroll integration, making it the stronger choice for most investors in this matchup. However, the best choice ultimately depends on your specific needs, employer plan availability, and investment preferences.
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ADP vs John Hancock: Complete 401(k) Comparison for 2026
Choosing between ADP Retirement Services and John Hancock for your 401(k) is an important decision that affects your retirement savings. ADP offers payroll integration while John Hancock is known for wellness focus. In terms of fees, ADP charges Varies by investment partner expense ratios compared to John Hancock's 0.30% - 1.3%. ADP manages $130 billion in assets and serves 3 million participants, while John Hancock has $600 billion AUM and 3 million participants.
Key Differences: ADP vs John Hancock
When comparing ADP and John Hancock, consider their core strengths: ADP excels with direct payroll integration, while John Hancock stands out for unique wellness program integration. Both providers offer a wide range of investment options including target-date funds, index funds, and managed accounts. ADP's customer service rating is 4.0/5 compared to John Hancock's 4.0/5. For mobile experience, ADP scores 3.7/5 while John Hancock scores 3.6/5.
Which Provider is Right for You?
Choose ADP if you prioritize adp payroll users. Choose John Hancock if you're looking for wellness-focused employers. Your decision should also consider your employer's plan availability, fee sensitivity, desired investment options, and customer service expectations. For detailed reviews, visit our individual ADP and John Hancock provider pages.
Frequently Asked Questions
ADP Retirement Services scores higher in our 2026 rankings with 8.1/10. ADP is best for adp payroll users, while John Hancock is best for wellness-focused employers. The right choice depends on your employer's plan and your priorities.
ADP charges expense ratios of Varies by investment partner with admin fees of $2,000 - $5,000/year base. John Hancock charges 0.30% - 1.3% expense ratios with admin fees of $1,000 - $4,000/year. ADP's fees rating is 3.4/5 compared to John Hancock's 3.5/5.
Yes, you can roll over between ADP and John Hancock. ADP uses ADP Retirement Portal for rollovers, while John Hancock uses myplan.johnhancock.com. A direct rollover avoids mandatory tax withholding. Contact your new provider to initiate the transfer.
ADP offers 401(k) loans. John Hancock offers 401(k) loans. Both providers typically allow loans up to 50% of your vested balance or $50,000, whichever is less.
ADP scores 3.5/5 for investment options, while John Hancock scores 3.7/5. Both offer target-date funds, index funds, and managed accounts. ADP's investment options include Partner Fund Lineups, Target Date Funds, Stable Value. John Hancock offers Mutual Funds, Target Date Funds, Stable Value.
For small businesses, consider plan minimums and per-participant costs. ADP is best for adp payroll users, multi-state employers, hr bundle seekers, compliance-focused companies. John Hancock is best for wellness-focused employers, mid-sized companies, insurance bundle seekers. Compare admin fees: ADP charges $2,000 - $5,000/year base vs John Hancock's $1,000 - $4,000/year.
Pavlo Pyskunov
Managing Director & Investment Fund Director
Pavlo Pyskunov analyzes employer-sponsored retirement plans using IRS publications and DOL Form 5500 filings, helping workers maximize their 401(k) savings through data-driven guidance.
Last updated: 2026-03-30