Updated 2026-03-20

ADP vs Morgan Stanley 401(k) Comparison

Compare ADP Retirement Services (#7, 8.1/10) and Morgan Stanley at Work (#19, 6.8/10) side by side across fees, ratings, features, and investment options.

Overall Comparison

FeatureADPMorgan Stanley
Overall Score8.1/106.8/10
Rank#7#19
AUM$130 billion$6.2 trillion
Participants3 million6 million
Plan Sponsors90,000+15,000+
Founded19491935

Ratings Comparison

CategoryADPMorgan Stanley
Fees & Costs3.4/53.0/5
Investment Options3.5/54.5/5
Customer Service4.0/54.1/5
Mobile App3.7/54.0/5

Fee Comparison

Fee TypeADPMorgan Stanley
Admin Fees$2,000 - $5,000/year baseVaries by plan size and services
Expense RatiosVaries by investment partner0.03% - 1.5%
Trading FeesPlan dependent$0 for stocks/ETFs via E*Trade
Advisory Fees0.35% - 0.75%0.50% - 1.5%

ADP Strengths

Morgan Stanley Strengths

Rollover, Loans & Withdrawals

FeatureADPMorgan Stanley
Rollover PlatformADP Retirement PortalMorgan Stanley at Work Portal
Loans AvailableYesYes
Withdrawal MethodsOnline via ADP portal, Phone (800-695-7526)Online via Morgan Stanley portal, Phone (800-869-3326), Through Morgan Stanley financial advisor, Branch office visit
Distribution OptionsLump sum, Partial withdrawal, Installment payments, Rollover to IRALump sum, Partial withdrawal, Systematic withdrawals, Rollover to IRA, Required Minimum Distributions

Which Should You Choose?

Choose ADP if you want:

  • ADP payroll users
  • Multi-state employers
  • HR bundle seekers
  • Compliance-focused companies

Choose Morgan Stanley if you want:

  • Companies with stock plans
  • Employees wanting full brokerage access
  • High-net-worth participants
  • Self-directed traders

Our Verdict: ADP vs Morgan Stanley

ADP Retirement Services wins this comparison with a score of 8.1/10 vs 6.8/10. 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.

Full ADP Review Full Morgan Stanley Review

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ADP vs Morgan Stanley: Complete 401(k) Comparison for 2026

Choosing between ADP Retirement Services and Morgan Stanley at Work for your 401(k) is an important decision that affects your retirement savings. ADP offers payroll integration while Morgan Stanley is known for wealth management. In terms of fees, ADP charges Varies by investment partner expense ratios compared to Morgan Stanley's 0.03% - 1.5%. ADP manages $130 billion in assets and serves 3 million participants, while Morgan Stanley has $6.2 trillion AUM and 6 million participants.

Key Differences: ADP vs Morgan Stanley

When comparing ADP and Morgan Stanley, consider their core strengths: ADP excels with direct payroll integration, while Morgan Stanley stands out for access to morgan stanley financial advisors. 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 Morgan Stanley's 4.1/5. For mobile experience, ADP scores 3.7/5 while Morgan Stanley scores 4.0/5.

Which Provider is Right for You?

Choose ADP if you prioritize adp payroll users. Choose Morgan Stanley if you're looking for companies with stock plans. 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 Morgan Stanley 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 Morgan Stanley is best for companies with stock plans. 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. Morgan Stanley charges 0.03% - 1.5% expense ratios with admin fees of Varies by plan size and services. ADP's fees rating is 3.4/5 compared to Morgan Stanley's 3.0/5.

Yes, you can roll over between ADP and Morgan Stanley. ADP uses ADP Retirement Portal for rollovers, while Morgan Stanley uses Morgan Stanley at Work Portal. A direct rollover avoids mandatory tax withholding. Contact your new provider to initiate the transfer.

ADP offers 401(k) loans. Morgan Stanley 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 Morgan Stanley scores 4.5/5. Both offer target-date funds, index funds, and managed accounts. ADP's investment options include Partner Fund Lineups, Target Date Funds, Stable Value. Morgan Stanley offers Mutual Funds, Target Date Funds, Index Funds.

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. Morgan Stanley is best for companies with stock plans, employees wanting full brokerage access, high-net-worth participants, self-directed traders. Compare admin fees: ADP charges $2,000 - $5,000/year base vs Morgan Stanley's Varies by plan size and services.

Pavlo Pyskunov

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: 2026-03-20