Updated 2026-03-30
Empower vs ADP 401(k) Comparison
Compare Empower Retirement (#4, 8.7/10) and ADP Retirement Services (#7, 8.1/10) side by side across fees, ratings, features, and investment options.
Overall Comparison
| Feature | Empower | ADP |
|---|---|---|
| Overall Score | 8.7/10 | 8.1/10 |
| Rank | #4 | #7 |
| AUM | $1.4 trillion | $130 billion |
| Participants | 18 million | 3 million |
| Plan Sponsors | 71,000+ | 90,000+ |
| Founded | 2014 | 1949 |
Ratings Comparison
| Category | Empower | ADP |
|---|---|---|
| Fees & Costs | 4.3/5 | 3.4/5 |
| Investment Options | 4.2/5 | 3.5/5 |
| Customer Service | 4.3/5 | 4.0/5 |
| Mobile App | 3.8/5 | 3.7/5 |
Fee Comparison
| Fee Type | Empower | ADP |
|---|---|---|
| Admin Fees | Varies by plan size | $2,000 - $5,000/year base |
| Expense Ratios | 0.03% - 1.0% | Varies by investment partner |
| Trading Fees | Plan dependent | Plan dependent |
| Advisory Fees | 0.25% - 0.89% | 0.35% - 0.75% |
Empower Strengths
- Strong participant education programs
- Excellent plan sponsor tools
- Competitive institutional pricing
- Personal Capital integration for all-in-one planning
ADP Strengths
- Direct payroll integration
- Automatic contribution processing
- Strong compliance support
- Easy setup for ADP payroll clients
Rollover, Loans & Withdrawals
| Feature | Empower | ADP |
|---|---|---|
| Rollover Platform | Empower.com | ADP Retirement Portal |
| Loans Available | Yes | Yes |
| Withdrawal Methods | Online via Empower.com, Phone (800-338-4015) | Online via ADP portal, Phone (800-695-7526) |
| Distribution Options | Lump sum, Partial withdrawal, Installment payments, Annuity purchase, Rollover to IRA | Lump sum, Partial withdrawal, Installment payments, Rollover to IRA |
Which Should You Choose?
Choose Empower if you want:
- Mid to large employers
- Those valuing education
- Managed account seekers
- Income-focused retirees
Choose ADP if you want:
- ADP payroll users
- Multi-state employers
- HR bundle seekers
- Compliance-focused companies
Our Verdict: Empower vs ADP
Empower Retirement wins this comparison with a score of 8.7/10 vs 8.1/10. Empower excels with strong participant education programs, 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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Empower vs ADP: Complete 401(k) Comparison for 2026
Choosing between Empower Retirement and ADP Retirement Services for your 401(k) is an important decision that affects your retirement savings. Empower offers 2nd largest while ADP is known for payroll integration. In terms of fees, Empower charges 0.03% - 1.0% expense ratios compared to ADP's Varies by investment partner. Empower manages $1.4 trillion in assets and serves 18 million participants, while ADP has $130 billion AUM and 3 million participants.
Key Differences: Empower vs ADP
When comparing Empower and ADP, consider their core strengths: Empower excels with strong participant education programs, while ADP stands out for direct payroll integration. Both providers offer a wide range of investment options including target-date funds, index funds, and managed accounts. Empower's customer service rating is 4.3/5 compared to ADP's 4.0/5. For mobile experience, Empower scores 3.8/5 while ADP scores 3.7/5.
Which Provider is Right for You?
Choose Empower if you prioritize mid to large employers. Choose ADP if you're looking for adp payroll users. 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 Empower and ADP provider pages.
Frequently Asked Questions
Empower Retirement scores higher in our 2026 rankings with 8.7/10. Empower is best for mid to large employers, while ADP is best for adp payroll users. The right choice depends on your employer's plan and your priorities.
Empower charges expense ratios of 0.03% - 1.0% with admin fees of Varies by plan size. ADP charges Varies by investment partner expense ratios with admin fees of $2,000 - $5,000/year base. Empower's fees rating is 4.3/5 compared to ADP's 3.4/5.
Yes, you can roll over between Empower and ADP. Empower uses Empower.com for rollovers, while ADP uses ADP Retirement Portal. A direct rollover avoids mandatory tax withholding. Contact your new provider to initiate the transfer.
Empower offers 401(k) loans. ADP offers 401(k) loans. Both providers typically allow loans up to 50% of your vested balance or $50,000, whichever is less.
Empower scores 4.2/5 for investment options, while ADP scores 3.5/5. Both offer target-date funds, index funds, and managed accounts. Empower's investment options include Index Funds, Target Date Funds, Mutual Funds. ADP offers Partner Fund Lineups, Target Date Funds, Stable Value.
For small businesses, consider plan minimums and per-participant costs. Empower is best for mid to large employers, those valuing education, managed account seekers, income-focused retirees. ADP is best for adp payroll users, multi-state employers, hr bundle seekers, compliance-focused companies. Compare admin fees: Empower charges Varies by plan size vs ADP's $2,000 - $5,000/year base.
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