Updated 2026-03-20

Ascensus vs Ubiquity 401(k) Comparison

Compare Ascensus (#18, 6.8/10) and Ubiquity Retirement + Savings (#23, 6.3/10) side by side across fees, ratings, features, and investment options.

Overall Comparison

FeatureAscensusUbiquity
Overall Score6.8/106.3/10
Rank#18#23
AUM$800 billion$3.5 billion
Participants12 million100,000
Plan Sponsors100,000+10,000+
Founded19751999

Ratings Comparison

CategoryAscensusUbiquity
Fees & Costs3.5/54.0/5
Investment Options4.0/53.7/5
Customer Service3.7/53.9/5
Mobile App3.3/53.2/5

Fee Comparison

Fee TypeAscensusUbiquity
Admin FeesVaries by advisor and plan$115 - $250/month flat fee
Expense Ratios0.03% - 1.5%0.03% - 0.80%
Trading FeesPlan dependent$0
Advisory FeesSet by financial advisorOptional, varies

Ascensus Strengths

Ubiquity Strengths

Rollover, Loans & Withdrawals

FeatureAscensusUbiquity
Rollover PlatformAscensus PortalUbiquity Portal
Loans AvailableYesYes
Withdrawal MethodsThrough financial advisor, Phone (800-345-6363), Plan administrator portalOnline via Ubiquity portal, Phone (855-831-7344), Dedicated account manager
Distribution OptionsLump sum, Partial withdrawal, Installment payments, Rollover to IRA, Required Minimum DistributionsLump sum, Partial withdrawal, Installment payments, 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 Ubiquity if you want:

  • Growing small businesses
  • Cost-transparent seekers
  • Companies with growing plan assets
  • Custom plan designers

Our Verdict: Ascensus vs Ubiquity

Ascensus wins this comparison with a score of 6.8/10 vs 6.3/10. 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.

Full Ascensus Review Full Ubiquity Review

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Ascensus vs Ubiquity: Complete 401(k) Comparison for 2026

Choosing between Ascensus and Ubiquity Retirement + Savings for your 401(k) is an important decision that affects your retirement savings. Ascensus offers largest independent while Ubiquity is known for flat fee. In terms of fees, Ascensus charges 0.03% - 1.5% expense ratios compared to Ubiquity's 0.03% - 0.80%. Ascensus manages $800 billion in assets and serves 12 million participants, while Ubiquity has $3.5 billion AUM and 100,000 participants.

Key Differences: Ascensus vs Ubiquity

When comparing Ascensus and Ubiquity, consider their core strengths: Ascensus excels with largest independent recordkeeper in the us, while Ubiquity stands out for true flat-fee pricing with no asset-based charges. 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 Ubiquity's 3.9/5. For mobile experience, Ascensus scores 3.3/5 while Ubiquity scores 3.2/5.

Which Provider is Right for You?

Choose Ascensus if you prioritize financial advisor clients. Choose Ubiquity if you're looking for growing small businesses. 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 Ubiquity provider pages.

Frequently Asked Questions

Ascensus scores higher in our 2026 rankings with 6.8/10. Ascensus is best for financial advisor clients, while Ubiquity is best for growing small businesses. 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. Ubiquity charges 0.03% - 0.80% expense ratios with admin fees of $115 - $250/month flat fee. Ascensus's fees rating is 3.5/5 compared to Ubiquity's 4.0/5.

Yes, you can roll over between Ascensus and Ubiquity. Ascensus uses Ascensus Portal for rollovers, while Ubiquity uses Ubiquity Portal. A direct rollover avoids mandatory tax withholding. Contact your new provider to initiate the transfer.

Ascensus offers 401(k) loans. Ubiquity offers 401(k) loans. Both providers typically allow loans up to 50% of your vested balance or $50,000, whichever is less.

Ascensus scores 4.0/5 for investment options, while Ubiquity scores 3.7/5. Both offer target-date funds, index funds, and managed accounts. Ascensus's investment options include Open Architecture, Mutual Funds, Target Date Funds. Ubiquity offers Open Architecture, Mutual Funds, Target Date Funds.

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. Ubiquity is best for growing small businesses, cost-transparent seekers, companies with growing plan assets, custom plan designers. Compare admin fees: Ascensus charges Varies by advisor and plan vs Ubiquity's $115 - $250/month flat fee.

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