Empower vs Human Interest 401(k) Comparison
Compare Empower Retirement (#4, 8.7/10) and Human Interest (#14, 7.2/10) side by side across fees, ratings, features, and investment options.
Overall Comparison
| Feature | Empower | Human Interest |
|---|---|---|
| Overall Score | 8.7/10 | 7.2/10 |
| Rank | #4 | #14 |
| AUM | $1.4 trillion | $6 billion |
| Participants | 18 million | 500,000 |
| Plan Sponsors | 71,000+ | 15,000+ |
| Founded | 2014 | 2015 |
Ratings Comparison
| Category | Empower | Human Interest |
|---|---|---|
| Fees & Costs | 4.3/5 | 4.5/5 |
| Investment Options | 4.2/5 | 3.5/5 |
| Customer Service | 4.3/5 | 4.3/5 |
| Mobile App | 3.8/5 | 4.2/5 |
Fee Comparison
| Fee Type | Empower | Human Interest |
|---|---|---|
| Admin Fees | Varies by plan size | $120/month base + $5/employee |
| Expense Ratios | 0.03% - 1.0% | 0.06% - 0.50% |
| Trading Fees | Plan dependent | $0 |
| Advisory Fees | 0.25% - 0.89% | Included in platform |
Empower Strengths
- Strong participant education programs
- Excellent plan sponsor tools
- Competitive institutional pricing
- Personal Capital integration for holistic planning
Human Interest Strengths
- Flat-fee pricing transparent and affordable
- Modern, easy-to-use technology platform
- Quick and simple plan setup
- Payroll integrations with major providers
Which Should You Choose?
Choose Empower if you want:
- Mid to large employers
- Those valuing education
- Managed account seekers
- Income-focused retirees
Choose Human Interest if you want:
- Small businesses
- Startups
- First-time plan sponsors
- Tech-savvy employers
Our Verdict: Empower vs Human Interest
Empower Retirement wins this comparison with a score of 8.7/10 vs 7.2/10. 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 Human Interest: Complete 401(k) Comparison for 2026
Choosing between Empower Retirement and Human Interest for your 401(k) is an important decision that affects your retirement savings. Empower offers 2nd largest while Human Interest is known for small business. In terms of fees, Empower charges 0.03% - 1.0% expense ratios compared to Human Interest's 0.06% - 0.50%. Empower manages $1.4 trillion in assets and serves 18 million participants, while Human Interest has $6 billion AUM and 500,000 participants.
Key Differences: Empower vs Human Interest
When comparing Empower and Human Interest, consider their core strengths: Empower excels with strong participant education programs, while Human Interest stands out for flat-fee pricing transparent and affordable. Both providers offer comprehensive investment options including target-date funds, index funds, and managed accounts. Empower's customer service rating is 4.3/5 compared to Human Interest's 4.3/5. For mobile experience, Empower scores 3.8/5 while Human Interest scores 4.2/5.
Which Provider is Right for You?
Choose Empower if you prioritize mid to large employers. Choose Human Interest 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 Human Interest provider pages.