Updated 2026-03-30
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 all-in-one 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
Rollover, Loans & Withdrawals
| Feature | Empower | Human Interest |
|---|---|---|
| Rollover Platform | Empower.com | Human Interest Dashboard |
| Loans Available | Yes | No |
| Withdrawal Methods | Online via Empower.com, Phone (800-338-4015) | Online via Human Interest 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 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 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 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.
Frequently Asked Questions
Empower Retirement scores higher in our 2026 rankings with 8.7/10. Empower is best for mid to large employers, while Human Interest 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. Human Interest charges 0.06% - 0.50% expense ratios with admin fees of $120/month base + $5/employee. Empower's fees rating is 4.3/5 compared to Human Interest's 4.5/5.
Yes, you can roll over between Empower and Human Interest. Empower uses Empower.com for rollovers, while Human Interest uses Human Interest Dashboard. A direct rollover avoids mandatory tax withholding. Contact your new provider to initiate the transfer.
Empower offers 401(k) loans. Human Interest does not offer 401(k) loans.
Empower scores 4.2/5 for investment options, while Human Interest 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. Human Interest offers Index Funds, Target Date Funds, ESG Options.
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. Human Interest is best for small businesses, startups, first-time plan sponsors, tech-savvy employers. Compare admin fees: Empower charges Varies by plan size vs Human Interest's $120/month base + $5/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