Updated 2026-03-30
Empower vs John Hancock 401(k) Comparison
Compare Empower Retirement (#4, 8.7/10) and John Hancock (#10, 7.7/10) side by side across fees, ratings, features, and investment options.
Overall Comparison
| Feature | Empower | John Hancock |
|---|---|---|
| Overall Score | 8.7/10 | 7.7/10 |
| Rank | #4 | #10 |
| AUM | $1.4 trillion | $600 billion |
| Participants | 18 million | 3 million |
| Plan Sponsors | 71,000+ | 48,000+ |
| Founded | 2014 | 1862 |
Ratings Comparison
| Category | Empower | John Hancock |
|---|---|---|
| Fees & Costs | 4.3/5 | 3.5/5 |
| Investment Options | 4.2/5 | 3.7/5 |
| Customer Service | 4.3/5 | 4.0/5 |
| Mobile App | 3.8/5 | 3.6/5 |
Fee Comparison
| Fee Type | Empower | John Hancock |
|---|---|---|
| Admin Fees | Varies by plan size | $1,000 - $4,000/year |
| Expense Ratios | 0.03% - 1.0% | 0.30% - 1.3% |
| Trading Fees | Plan dependent | Plan dependent |
| Advisory Fees | 0.25% - 0.89% | 0.40% - 0.90% |
Empower Strengths
- Strong participant education programs
- Excellent plan sponsor tools
- Competitive institutional pricing
- Personal Capital integration for all-in-one planning
John Hancock Strengths
- Unique wellness program integration
- Vitality rewards for healthy behavior
- Strong financial wellness education
- complete planning tools
Rollover, Loans & Withdrawals
| Feature | Empower | John Hancock |
|---|---|---|
| Rollover Platform | Empower.com | myplan.johnhancock.com |
| Loans Available | Yes | Yes |
| Withdrawal Methods | Online via Empower.com, Phone (800-338-4015) | Online via myplan.johnhancock.com, Phone (800-395-1113) |
| 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 John Hancock if you want:
- Wellness-focused employers
- Mid-sized companies
- Insurance bundle seekers
Our Verdict: Empower vs John Hancock
Empower Retirement wins this comparison with a score of 8.7/10 vs 7.7/10. 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 John Hancock: Complete 401(k) Comparison for 2026
Choosing between Empower Retirement and John Hancock for your 401(k) is an important decision that affects your retirement savings. Empower offers 2nd largest while John Hancock is known for wellness focus. In terms of fees, Empower charges 0.03% - 1.0% expense ratios compared to John Hancock's 0.30% - 1.3%. Empower manages $1.4 trillion in assets and serves 18 million participants, while John Hancock has $600 billion AUM and 3 million participants.
Key Differences: Empower vs John Hancock
When comparing Empower and John Hancock, consider their core strengths: Empower excels with strong participant education programs, while John Hancock stands out for unique wellness program 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 John Hancock's 4.0/5. For mobile experience, Empower scores 3.8/5 while John Hancock scores 3.6/5.
Which Provider is Right for You?
Choose Empower if you prioritize mid to large employers. Choose John Hancock if you're looking for wellness-focused employers. 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 John Hancock 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 John Hancock is best for wellness-focused employers. 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. John Hancock charges 0.30% - 1.3% expense ratios with admin fees of $1,000 - $4,000/year. Empower's fees rating is 4.3/5 compared to John Hancock's 3.5/5.
Yes, you can roll over between Empower and John Hancock. Empower uses Empower.com for rollovers, while John Hancock uses myplan.johnhancock.com. A direct rollover avoids mandatory tax withholding. Contact your new provider to initiate the transfer.
Empower offers 401(k) loans. John Hancock 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 John Hancock scores 3.7/5. Both offer target-date funds, index funds, and managed accounts. Empower's investment options include Index Funds, Target Date Funds, Mutual Funds. John Hancock offers Mutual Funds, 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. John Hancock is best for wellness-focused employers, mid-sized companies, insurance bundle seekers. Compare admin fees: Empower charges Varies by plan size vs John Hancock's $1,000 - $4,000/year.
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