Updated 2026-03-30
Empower vs Guideline 401(k) Comparison
Compare Empower Retirement (#4, 8.7/10) and Guideline (#15, 7.1/10) side by side across fees, ratings, features, and investment options.
Overall Comparison
| Feature | Empower | Guideline |
|---|---|---|
| Overall Score | 8.7/10 | 7.1/10 |
| Rank | #4 | #15 |
| AUM | $1.4 trillion | $9 billion |
| Participants | 18 million | 700,000 |
| Plan Sponsors | 71,000+ | 40,000+ |
| Founded | 2014 | 2016 |
Ratings Comparison
| Category | Empower | Guideline |
|---|---|---|
| Fees & Costs | 4.3/5 | 4.7/5 |
| Investment Options | 4.2/5 | 3.3/5 |
| Customer Service | 4.3/5 | 3.9/5 |
| Mobile App | 3.8/5 | 4.0/5 |
Fee Comparison
| Fee Type | Empower | Guideline |
|---|---|---|
| Admin Fees | Varies by plan size | $49/month base + $8/employee |
| Expense Ratios | 0.03% - 1.0% | 0.03% - 0.15% |
| Trading Fees | Plan dependent | $0 |
| Advisory Fees | 0.25% - 0.89% | N/A - self-directed |
Empower Strengths
- Strong participant education programs
- Excellent plan sponsor tools
- Competitive institutional pricing
- Personal Capital integration for all-in-one planning
Guideline Strengths
- Extremely competitive pricing for small business
- Automatic compliance testing and filing
- Direct payroll integrations
- Low-cost Vanguard index funds
Rollover, Loans & Withdrawals
| Feature | Empower | Guideline |
|---|---|---|
| Rollover Platform | Empower.com | Guideline Dashboard |
| Loans Available | Yes | No |
| Withdrawal Methods | Online via Empower.com, Phone (800-338-4015) | Online via Guideline dashboard |
| Distribution Options | Lump sum, Partial withdrawal, Installment payments, Annuity purchase, Rollover to IRA | Lump sum, Partial withdrawal, 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 Guideline if you want:
- Small businesses
- Cost-conscious employers
- Hands-off plan sponsors
- Index fund believers
Our Verdict: Empower vs Guideline
Empower Retirement wins this comparison with a score of 8.7/10 vs 7.1/10. 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 Guideline: Complete 401(k) Comparison for 2026
Choosing between Empower Retirement and Guideline for your 401(k) is an important decision that affects your retirement savings. Empower offers 2nd largest while Guideline is known for small business. In terms of fees, Empower charges 0.03% - 1.0% expense ratios compared to Guideline's 0.03% - 0.15%. Empower manages $1.4 trillion in assets and serves 18 million participants, while Guideline has $9 billion AUM and 700,000 participants.
Key Differences: Empower vs Guideline
When comparing Empower and Guideline, consider their core strengths: Empower excels with strong participant education programs, while Guideline stands out for extremely competitive pricing for small business. 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 Guideline's 3.9/5. For mobile experience, Empower scores 3.8/5 while Guideline scores 4.0/5.
Which Provider is Right for You?
Choose Empower if you prioritize mid to large employers. Choose Guideline if you're looking for 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 Empower and Guideline 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 Guideline is best for small businesses. 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. Guideline charges 0.03% - 0.15% expense ratios with admin fees of $49/month base + $8/employee. Empower's fees rating is 4.3/5 compared to Guideline's 4.7/5.
Yes, you can roll over between Empower and Guideline. Empower uses Empower.com for rollovers, while Guideline uses Guideline Dashboard. A direct rollover avoids mandatory tax withholding. Contact your new provider to initiate the transfer.
Empower offers 401(k) loans. Guideline does not offer 401(k) loans.
Empower scores 4.2/5 for investment options, while Guideline scores 3.3/5. Both offer target-date funds, index funds, and managed accounts. Empower's investment options include Index Funds, Target Date Funds, Mutual Funds. Guideline offers Vanguard Index Funds, Target Date Funds, Bond 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. Guideline is best for small businesses, cost-conscious employers, hands-off plan sponsors, index fund believers. Compare admin fees: Empower charges Varies by plan size vs Guideline's $49/month base + $8/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: 2026-03-30