Updated 2026-03-20
ADP vs Vestwell 401(k) Comparison
Compare ADP Retirement Services (#7, 8.1/10) and Vestwell (#21, 6.5/10) side by side across fees, ratings, features, and investment options.
Overall Comparison
| Feature | ADP | Vestwell |
|---|---|---|
| Overall Score | 8.1/10 | 6.5/10 |
| Rank | #7 | #21 |
| AUM | $130 billion | $30 billion |
| Participants | 3 million | 300,000 |
| Plan Sponsors | 90,000+ | 25,000+ |
| Founded | 1949 | 2016 |
Ratings Comparison
| Category | ADP | Vestwell |
|---|---|---|
| Fees & Costs | 3.4/5 | 3.6/5 |
| Investment Options | 3.5/5 | 3.8/5 |
| Customer Service | 4.0/5 | 3.6/5 |
| Mobile App | 3.7/5 | 3.5/5 |
Fee Comparison
| Fee Type | ADP | Vestwell |
|---|---|---|
| Admin Fees | $2,000 - $5,000/year base | Set by advisor/distributor |
| Expense Ratios | Varies by investment partner | 0.03% - 1.0% |
| Trading Fees | Plan dependent | $0 |
| Advisory Fees | 0.35% - 0.75% | Set by financial advisor |
ADP Strengths
- Direct payroll integration
- Automatic contribution processing
- Strong compliance support
- Easy setup for ADP payroll clients
Vestwell Strengths
- Modern API-first technology platform
- White-label options for advisors
- Open architecture investment lineup
- Integrates with 100+ payroll providers
Rollover, Loans & Withdrawals
| Feature | ADP | Vestwell |
|---|---|---|
| Rollover Platform | ADP Retirement Portal | Vestwell Portal |
| Loans Available | Yes | Yes |
| Withdrawal Methods | Online via ADP portal, Phone (800-695-7526) | Through financial advisor, Plan administrator portal, Phone support |
| Distribution Options | Lump sum, Partial withdrawal, Installment payments, Rollover to IRA | Lump sum, Partial withdrawal, Installment payments, 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 Vestwell if you want:
- Financial advisors
- Payroll companies
- Institutional distributors
- State IRA mandate compliance
Our Verdict: ADP vs Vestwell
ADP Retirement Services wins this comparison with a score of 8.1/10 vs 6.5/10. 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 Vestwell: Complete 401(k) Comparison for 2026
Choosing between ADP Retirement Services and Vestwell for your 401(k) is an important decision that affects your retirement savings. ADP offers payroll integration while Vestwell is known for white label. In terms of fees, ADP charges Varies by investment partner expense ratios compared to Vestwell's 0.03% - 1.0%. ADP manages $130 billion in assets and serves 3 million participants, while Vestwell has $30 billion AUM and 300,000 participants.
Key Differences: ADP vs Vestwell
When comparing ADP and Vestwell, consider their core strengths: ADP excels with direct payroll integration, while Vestwell stands out for modern api-first technology platform. 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 Vestwell's 3.6/5. For mobile experience, ADP scores 3.7/5 while Vestwell scores 3.5/5.
Which Provider is Right for You?
Choose ADP if you prioritize adp payroll users. Choose Vestwell if you're looking for financial advisors. 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 Vestwell 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 Vestwell is best for financial advisors. 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. Vestwell charges 0.03% - 1.0% expense ratios with admin fees of Set by advisor/distributor. ADP's fees rating is 3.4/5 compared to Vestwell's 3.6/5.
Yes, you can roll over between ADP and Vestwell. ADP uses ADP Retirement Portal for rollovers, while Vestwell uses Vestwell Portal. A direct rollover avoids mandatory tax withholding. Contact your new provider to initiate the transfer.
ADP offers 401(k) loans. Vestwell 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 Vestwell scores 3.8/5. Both offer target-date funds, index funds, and managed accounts. ADP's investment options include Partner Fund Lineups, Target Date Funds, Stable Value. Vestwell offers Open Architecture, Mutual Funds, Target Date 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. Vestwell is best for financial advisors, payroll companies, institutional distributors, state ira mandate compliance. Compare admin fees: ADP charges $2,000 - $5,000/year base vs Vestwell's Set by advisor/distributor.
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