Updated 2026-03-30
ADP vs Prudential 401(k) Comparison
Compare ADP Retirement Services (#7, 8.1/10) and Prudential Financial (#12, 7.4/10) side by side across fees, ratings, features, and investment options.
Overall Comparison
| Feature | ADP | Prudential |
|---|---|---|
| Overall Score | 8.1/10 | 7.4/10 |
| Rank | #7 | #12 |
| AUM | $130 billion | $1.4 trillion |
| Participants | 3 million | 5 million |
| Plan Sponsors | 90,000+ | 25,000+ |
| Founded | 1949 | 1875 |
Ratings Comparison
| Category | ADP | Prudential |
|---|---|---|
| Fees & Costs | 3.4/5 | 3.5/5 |
| Investment Options | 3.5/5 | 3.7/5 |
| Customer Service | 4.0/5 | 3.9/5 |
| Mobile App | 3.7/5 | 3.6/5 |
Fee Comparison
| Fee Type | ADP | Prudential |
|---|---|---|
| Admin Fees | $2,000 - $5,000/year base | $1,000 - $4,000/year |
| Expense Ratios | Varies by investment partner | 0.20% - 1.1% |
| 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
Prudential Strengths
- Strong guaranteed income options
- complete financial wellness programs
- Insurance product integration
- Long track record and stability
Rollover, Loans & Withdrawals
| Feature | ADP | Prudential |
|---|---|---|
| Rollover Platform | ADP Retirement Portal | Prudential via Empower |
| Loans Available | Yes | Yes |
| Withdrawal Methods | Online via ADP portal, Phone (800-695-7526) | Online via Empower platform, Phone (877-778-2100) |
| Distribution Options | Lump sum, Partial withdrawal, Installment payments, Rollover to IRA | Lump sum, Partial withdrawal, Installment payments, Guaranteed lifetime income (IncomeFlex), 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 Prudential if you want:
- Guaranteed income seekers
- Large employers
- Insurance-focused planning
Our Verdict: ADP vs Prudential
ADP Retirement Services wins this comparison with a score of 8.1/10 vs 7.4/10. 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 Prudential: Complete 401(k) Comparison for 2026
Choosing between ADP Retirement Services and Prudential Financial for your 401(k) is an important decision that affects your retirement savings. ADP offers payroll integration while Prudential is known for guaranteed income. In terms of fees, ADP charges Varies by investment partner expense ratios compared to Prudential's 0.20% - 1.1%. ADP manages $130 billion in assets and serves 3 million participants, while Prudential has $1.4 trillion AUM and 5 million participants.
Key Differences: ADP vs Prudential
When comparing ADP and Prudential, consider their core strengths: ADP excels with direct payroll integration, while Prudential stands out for strong guaranteed income options. 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 Prudential's 3.9/5. For mobile experience, ADP scores 3.7/5 while Prudential scores 3.6/5.
Which Provider is Right for You?
Choose ADP if you prioritize adp payroll users. Choose Prudential if you're looking for guaranteed income seekers. 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 Prudential 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 Prudential is best for guaranteed income seekers. 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. Prudential charges 0.20% - 1.1% expense ratios with admin fees of $1,000 - $4,000/year. ADP's fees rating is 3.4/5 compared to Prudential's 3.5/5.
Yes, you can roll over between ADP and Prudential. ADP uses ADP Retirement Portal for rollovers, while Prudential uses Prudential via Empower. A direct rollover avoids mandatory tax withholding. Contact your new provider to initiate the transfer.
ADP offers 401(k) loans. Prudential 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 Prudential 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. Prudential offers Mutual Funds, Target Date Funds, Guaranteed Income.
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. Prudential is best for guaranteed income seekers, large employers, insurance-focused planning. Compare admin fees: ADP charges $2,000 - $5,000/year base vs Prudential'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