Updated 2026-03-30
Empower vs Prudential 401(k) Comparison
Compare Empower Retirement (#4, 8.7/10) and Prudential Financial (#12, 7.4/10) side by side across fees, ratings, features, and investment options.
Overall Comparison
| Feature | Empower | Prudential |
|---|---|---|
| Overall Score | 8.7/10 | 7.4/10 |
| Rank | #4 | #12 |
| AUM | $1.4 trillion | $1.4 trillion |
| Participants | 18 million | 5 million |
| Plan Sponsors | 71,000+ | 25,000+ |
| Founded | 2014 | 1875 |
Ratings Comparison
| Category | Empower | Prudential |
|---|---|---|
| Fees & Costs | 4.3/5 | 3.5/5 |
| Investment Options | 4.2/5 | 3.7/5 |
| Customer Service | 4.3/5 | 3.9/5 |
| Mobile App | 3.8/5 | 3.6/5 |
Fee Comparison
| Fee Type | Empower | Prudential |
|---|---|---|
| Admin Fees | Varies by plan size | $1,000 - $4,000/year |
| Expense Ratios | 0.03% - 1.0% | 0.20% - 1.1% |
| 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
Prudential Strengths
- Strong guaranteed income options
- complete financial wellness programs
- Insurance product integration
- Long track record and stability
Rollover, Loans & Withdrawals
| Feature | Empower | Prudential |
|---|---|---|
| Rollover Platform | Empower.com | Prudential via Empower |
| Loans Available | Yes | Yes |
| Withdrawal Methods | Online via Empower.com, Phone (800-338-4015) | Online via Empower platform, Phone (877-778-2100) |
| Distribution Options | Lump sum, Partial withdrawal, Installment payments, Annuity purchase, Rollover to IRA | Lump sum, Partial withdrawal, Installment payments, Guaranteed lifetime income (IncomeFlex), 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 Prudential if you want:
- Guaranteed income seekers
- Large employers
- Insurance-focused planning
Our Verdict: Empower vs Prudential
Empower Retirement wins this comparison with a score of 8.7/10 vs 7.4/10. 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 Prudential: Complete 401(k) Comparison for 2026
Choosing between Empower Retirement and Prudential Financial for your 401(k) is an important decision that affects your retirement savings. Empower offers 2nd largest while Prudential is known for guaranteed income. In terms of fees, Empower charges 0.03% - 1.0% expense ratios compared to Prudential's 0.20% - 1.1%. Empower manages $1.4 trillion in assets and serves 18 million participants, while Prudential has $1.4 trillion AUM and 5 million participants.
Key Differences: Empower vs Prudential
When comparing Empower and Prudential, consider their core strengths: Empower excels with strong participant education programs, while Prudential stands out for strong guaranteed income options. 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 Prudential's 3.9/5. For mobile experience, Empower scores 3.8/5 while Prudential scores 3.6/5.
Which Provider is Right for You?
Choose Empower if you prioritize mid to large employers. Choose Prudential if you're looking for guaranteed income seekers. 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 Prudential 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 Prudential is best for guaranteed income seekers. 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. Prudential charges 0.20% - 1.1% expense ratios with admin fees of $1,000 - $4,000/year. Empower's fees rating is 4.3/5 compared to Prudential's 3.5/5.
Yes, you can roll over between Empower and Prudential. Empower uses Empower.com for rollovers, while Prudential uses Prudential via Empower. A direct rollover avoids mandatory tax withholding. Contact your new provider to initiate the transfer.
Empower offers 401(k) loans. Prudential 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 Prudential 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. Prudential offers Mutual Funds, Target Date Funds, Guaranteed Income.
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. Prudential is best for guaranteed income seekers, large employers, insurance-focused planning. Compare admin fees: Empower charges Varies by plan size vs Prudential'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