Updated 2026-03-20
Empower vs Ascensus 401(k) Comparison
Compare Empower Retirement (#4, 8.7/10) and Ascensus (#18, 6.8/10) side by side across fees, ratings, features, and investment options.
Overall Comparison
| Feature | Empower | Ascensus |
|---|---|---|
| Overall Score | 8.7/10 | 6.8/10 |
| Rank | #4 | #18 |
| AUM | $1.4 trillion | $800 billion |
| Participants | 18 million | 12 million |
| Plan Sponsors | 71,000+ | 100,000+ |
| Founded | 2014 | 1975 |
Ratings Comparison
| Category | Empower | Ascensus |
|---|---|---|
| Fees & Costs | 4.3/5 | 3.5/5 |
| Investment Options | 4.2/5 | 4.0/5 |
| Customer Service | 4.3/5 | 3.7/5 |
| Mobile App | 3.8/5 | 3.3/5 |
Fee Comparison
| Fee Type | Empower | Ascensus |
|---|---|---|
| Admin Fees | Varies by plan size | Varies by advisor and plan |
| Expense Ratios | 0.03% - 1.0% | 0.03% - 1.5% |
| Trading Fees | Plan dependent | Plan dependent |
| Advisory Fees | 0.25% - 0.89% | Set by financial advisor |
Empower Strengths
- Strong participant education programs
- Excellent plan sponsor tools
- Competitive institutional pricing
- Personal Capital integration for all-in-one planning
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
Rollover, Loans & Withdrawals
| Feature | Empower | Ascensus |
|---|---|---|
| Rollover Platform | Empower.com | Ascensus Portal |
| Loans Available | Yes | Yes |
| Withdrawal Methods | Online via Empower.com, Phone (800-338-4015) | Through financial advisor, Phone (800-345-6363), Plan administrator portal |
| Distribution Options | Lump sum, Partial withdrawal, Installment payments, Annuity purchase, Rollover to IRA | Lump sum, Partial withdrawal, Installment payments, Rollover to IRA, Required Minimum Distributions |
Which Should You Choose?
Choose Empower if you want:
- Mid to large employers
- Those valuing education
- Managed account seekers
- Income-focused retirees
Choose Ascensus if you want:
- Financial advisor clients
- Businesses wanting advisor-guided plans
- Multi-plan employers
- Open architecture seekers
Our Verdict: Empower vs Ascensus
Empower Retirement wins this comparison with a score of 8.7/10 vs 6.8/10. 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 Ascensus: Complete 401(k) Comparison for 2026
Choosing between Empower Retirement and Ascensus for your 401(k) is an important decision that affects your retirement savings. Empower offers 2nd largest while Ascensus is known for largest independent. In terms of fees, Empower charges 0.03% - 1.0% expense ratios compared to Ascensus's 0.03% - 1.5%. Empower manages $1.4 trillion in assets and serves 18 million participants, while Ascensus has $800 billion AUM and 12 million participants.
Key Differences: Empower vs Ascensus
When comparing Empower and Ascensus, consider their core strengths: Empower excels with strong participant education programs, while Ascensus stands out for largest independent recordkeeper in the us. 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 Ascensus's 3.7/5. For mobile experience, Empower scores 3.8/5 while Ascensus scores 3.3/5.
Which Provider is Right for You?
Choose Empower if you prioritize mid to large employers. Choose Ascensus if you're looking for financial advisor clients. 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 Ascensus 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 Ascensus is best for financial advisor clients. 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. Ascensus charges 0.03% - 1.5% expense ratios with admin fees of Varies by advisor and plan. Empower's fees rating is 4.3/5 compared to Ascensus's 3.5/5.
Yes, you can roll over between Empower and Ascensus. Empower uses Empower.com for rollovers, while Ascensus uses Ascensus Portal. A direct rollover avoids mandatory tax withholding. Contact your new provider to initiate the transfer.
Empower offers 401(k) loans. Ascensus 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 Ascensus scores 4.0/5. Both offer target-date funds, index funds, and managed accounts. Empower's investment options include Index Funds, Target Date Funds, Mutual Funds. Ascensus offers Open Architecture, Mutual Funds, Target Date Funds.
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. Ascensus is best for financial advisor clients, businesses wanting advisor-guided plans, multi-plan employers, open architecture seekers. Compare admin fees: Empower charges Varies by plan size vs Ascensus's Varies by advisor and plan.
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