Updated 2026-03-20
Ascensus vs Betterment 401(k) Comparison
Compare Ascensus (#18, 6.8/10) and Betterment at Work (#20, 6.7/10) side by side across fees, ratings, features, and investment options.
Overall Comparison
| Feature | Ascensus | Betterment |
|---|---|---|
| Overall Score | 6.8/10 | 6.7/10 |
| Rank | #18 | #20 |
| AUM | $800 billion | $45 billion |
| Participants | 12 million | 400,000 |
| Plan Sponsors | 100,000+ | 1,500+ |
| Founded | 1975 | 2010 |
Ratings Comparison
| Category | Ascensus | Betterment |
|---|---|---|
| Fees & Costs | 3.5/5 | 4.0/5 |
| Investment Options | 4.0/5 | 3.2/5 |
| Customer Service | 3.7/5 | 4.0/5 |
| Mobile App | 3.3/5 | 4.4/5 |
Fee Comparison
| Fee Type | Ascensus | Betterment |
|---|---|---|
| Admin Fees | Varies by advisor and plan | $150/month + $6/employee |
| Expense Ratios | 0.03% - 1.5% | 0.03% - 0.15% |
| Trading Fees | Plan dependent | $0 |
| Advisory Fees | Set by financial advisor | Included in platform fee |
Ascensus Strengths
- Largest independent recordkeeper in the US
- Works through financial advisor network
- Supports 401(k), IRA, 529, and HSA plans
- Strong compliance and administration
Betterment Strengths
- Fully automated portfolio management
- Tax-loss harvesting and tax-smart strategies
- Clean, modern user interface
- Low-cost ETF portfolios
Rollover, Loans & Withdrawals
| Feature | Ascensus | Betterment |
|---|---|---|
| Rollover Platform | Ascensus Portal | Betterment App |
| Loans Available | Yes | No |
| Withdrawal Methods | Through financial advisor, Phone (800-345-6363), Plan administrator portal | Online via Betterment app, Email support |
| Distribution Options | Lump sum, Partial withdrawal, Installment payments, Rollover to IRA, Required Minimum Distributions | Lump sum, Partial withdrawal, Rollover to IRA, Required Minimum Distributions |
Which Should You Choose?
Choose Ascensus if you want:
- Financial advisor clients
- Businesses wanting advisor-guided plans
- Multi-plan employers
- Open architecture seekers
Choose Betterment if you want:
- Tech companies
- Startups
- Hands-off investors
- ESG-conscious employers
Our Verdict: Ascensus vs Betterment
Ascensus wins this comparison with a score of 6.8/10 vs 6.7/10. Ascensus excels with largest independent recordkeeper in the us, 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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Ascensus vs Betterment: Complete 401(k) Comparison for 2026
Choosing between Ascensus and Betterment at Work for your 401(k) is an important decision that affects your retirement savings. Ascensus offers largest independent while Betterment is known for robo-advisor. In terms of fees, Ascensus charges 0.03% - 1.5% expense ratios compared to Betterment's 0.03% - 0.15%. Ascensus manages $800 billion in assets and serves 12 million participants, while Betterment has $45 billion AUM and 400,000 participants.
Key Differences: Ascensus vs Betterment
When comparing Ascensus and Betterment, consider their core strengths: Ascensus excels with largest independent recordkeeper in the us, while Betterment stands out for fully automated portfolio management. Both providers offer a wide range of investment options including target-date funds, index funds, and managed accounts. Ascensus's customer service rating is 3.7/5 compared to Betterment's 4.0/5. For mobile experience, Ascensus scores 3.3/5 while Betterment scores 4.4/5.
Which Provider is Right for You?
Choose Ascensus if you prioritize financial advisor clients. Choose Betterment if you're looking for tech companies. 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 Ascensus and Betterment provider pages.
Frequently Asked Questions
Ascensus scores higher in our 2026 rankings with 6.8/10. Ascensus is best for financial advisor clients, while Betterment is best for tech companies. The right choice depends on your employer's plan and your priorities.
Ascensus charges expense ratios of 0.03% - 1.5% with admin fees of Varies by advisor and plan. Betterment charges 0.03% - 0.15% expense ratios with admin fees of $150/month + $6/employee. Ascensus's fees rating is 3.5/5 compared to Betterment's 4.0/5.
Yes, you can roll over between Ascensus and Betterment. Ascensus uses Ascensus Portal for rollovers, while Betterment uses Betterment App. A direct rollover avoids mandatory tax withholding. Contact your new provider to initiate the transfer.
Ascensus offers 401(k) loans. Betterment does not offer 401(k) loans.
Ascensus scores 4.0/5 for investment options, while Betterment scores 3.2/5. Both offer target-date funds, index funds, and managed accounts. Ascensus's investment options include Open Architecture, Mutual Funds, Target Date Funds. Betterment offers ETF Portfolios, Target Date Portfolios, Socially Responsible Portfolios.
For small businesses, consider plan minimums and per-participant costs. Ascensus is best for financial advisor clients, businesses wanting advisor-guided plans, multi-plan employers, open architecture seekers. Betterment is best for tech companies, startups, hands-off investors, esg-conscious employers. Compare admin fees: Ascensus charges Varies by advisor and plan vs Betterment's $150/month + $6/employee.
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