ADP vs Nationwide 401(k) Comparison
Compare ADP Retirement Services (#7, 8.1/10) and Nationwide (#13, 7.3/10) side by side across fees, ratings, features, and investment options.
Overall Comparison
| Feature | ADP | Nationwide |
|---|---|---|
| Overall Score | 8.1/10 | 7.3/10 |
| Rank | #7 | #13 |
| AUM | $130 billion | $250 billion |
| Participants | 3 million | 3.5 million |
| Plan Sponsors | 90,000+ | 30,000+ |
| Founded | 1949 | 1926 |
Ratings Comparison
| Category | ADP | Nationwide |
|---|---|---|
| Fees & Costs | 3.4/5 | 3.4/5 |
| Investment Options | 3.5/5 | 3.5/5 |
| Customer Service | 4.0/5 | 4.0/5 |
| Mobile App | 3.7/5 | 3.4/5 |
Fee Comparison
| Fee Type | ADP | Nationwide |
|---|---|---|
| Admin Fees | $2,000 - $5,000/year base | $800 - $3,500/year |
| Expense Ratios | Varies by investment partner | 0.30% - 1.3% |
| Trading Fees | Plan dependent | Plan dependent |
| Advisory Fees | 0.35% - 0.75% | 0.45% - 0.95% |
ADP Strengths
- Seamless payroll integration
- Automatic contribution processing
- Strong compliance support
- Easy setup for ADP payroll clients
Nationwide Strengths
- Strong in 403(b) and 457 plans
- Guaranteed lifetime income options
- Good public sector solutions
- Stable value fund options
Which Should You Choose?
Choose ADP if you want:
- ADP payroll users
- Multi-state employers
- HR bundle seekers
- Compliance-focused companies
Choose Nationwide if you want:
- Public sector employees
- Teachers and nonprofits
- Guaranteed income seekers
Our Verdict: ADP vs Nationwide
ADP Retirement Services wins this comparison with a score of 8.1/10 vs 7.3/10. ADP excels with seamless 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 Nationwide: Complete 401(k) Comparison for 2026
Choosing between ADP Retirement Services and Nationwide for your 401(k) is an important decision that affects your retirement savings. ADP offers payroll integration while Nationwide is known for public sector. In terms of fees, ADP charges Varies by investment partner expense ratios compared to Nationwide's 0.30% - 1.3%. ADP manages $130 billion in assets and serves 3 million participants, while Nationwide has $250 billion AUM and 3.5 million participants.
Key Differences: ADP vs Nationwide
When comparing ADP and Nationwide, consider their core strengths: ADP excels with seamless payroll integration, while Nationwide stands out for strong in 403(b) and 457 plans. Both providers offer comprehensive investment options including target-date funds, index funds, and managed accounts. ADP's customer service rating is 4.0/5 compared to Nationwide's 4.0/5. For mobile experience, ADP scores 3.7/5 while Nationwide scores 3.4/5.
Which Provider is Right for You?
Choose ADP if you prioritize adp payroll users. Choose Nationwide if you're looking for public sector employees. 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 Nationwide provider pages.