Empower vs Nationwide 401(k) Comparison
Compare Empower Retirement (#4, 8.7/10) and Nationwide (#13, 7.3/10) side by side across fees, ratings, features, and investment options.
Overall Comparison
| Feature | Empower | Nationwide |
|---|---|---|
| Overall Score | 8.7/10 | 7.3/10 |
| Rank | #4 | #13 |
| AUM | $1.4 trillion | $250 billion |
| Participants | 18 million | 3.5 million |
| Plan Sponsors | 71,000+ | 30,000+ |
| Founded | 2014 | 1926 |
Ratings Comparison
| Category | Empower | Nationwide |
|---|---|---|
| Fees & Costs | 4.3/5 | 3.4/5 |
| Investment Options | 4.2/5 | 3.5/5 |
| Customer Service | 4.3/5 | 4.0/5 |
| Mobile App | 3.8/5 | 3.4/5 |
Fee Comparison
| Fee Type | Empower | Nationwide |
|---|---|---|
| Admin Fees | Varies by plan size | $800 - $3,500/year |
| Expense Ratios | 0.03% - 1.0% | 0.30% - 1.3% |
| Trading Fees | Plan dependent | Plan dependent |
| Advisory Fees | 0.25% - 0.89% | 0.45% - 0.95% |
Empower Strengths
- Strong participant education programs
- Excellent plan sponsor tools
- Competitive institutional pricing
- Personal Capital integration for holistic planning
Nationwide Strengths
- Strong in 403(b) and 457 plans
- Guaranteed lifetime income options
- Good public sector solutions
- Stable value fund options
Which Should You Choose?
Choose Empower if you want:
- Mid to large employers
- Those valuing education
- Managed account seekers
- Income-focused retirees
Choose Nationwide if you want:
- Public sector employees
- Teachers and nonprofits
- Guaranteed income seekers
Our Verdict: Empower vs Nationwide
Empower Retirement wins this comparison with a score of 8.7/10 vs 7.3/10. 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 Nationwide: Complete 401(k) Comparison for 2026
Choosing between Empower Retirement and Nationwide for your 401(k) is an important decision that affects your retirement savings. Empower offers 2nd largest while Nationwide is known for public sector. In terms of fees, Empower charges 0.03% - 1.0% expense ratios compared to Nationwide's 0.30% - 1.3%. Empower manages $1.4 trillion in assets and serves 18 million participants, while Nationwide has $250 billion AUM and 3.5 million participants.
Key Differences: Empower vs Nationwide
When comparing Empower and Nationwide, consider their core strengths: Empower excels with strong participant education programs, while Nationwide stands out for strong in 403(b) and 457 plans. 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 Nationwide's 4.0/5. For mobile experience, Empower scores 3.8/5 while Nationwide scores 3.4/5.
Which Provider is Right for You?
Choose Empower if you prioritize mid to large employers. Choose Nationwide if you're looking for public sector employees. 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 Nationwide provider pages.