Updated 2026-03-20
Empower vs Slavic401k 401(k) Comparison
Compare Empower Retirement (#4, 8.7/10) and Slavic401k (#25, 6.1/10) side by side across fees, ratings, features, and investment options.
Overall Comparison
| Feature | Empower | Slavic401k |
|---|---|---|
| Overall Score | 8.7/10 | 6.1/10 |
| Rank | #4 | #25 |
| AUM | $1.4 trillion | $3 billion |
| Participants | 18 million | 50,000 |
| Plan Sponsors | 71,000+ | 2,500+ |
| Founded | 2014 | 1995 |
Ratings Comparison
| Category | Empower | Slavic401k |
|---|---|---|
| Fees & Costs | 4.3/5 | 3.2/5 |
| Investment Options | 4.2/5 | 4.8/5 |
| Customer Service | 4.3/5 | 3.4/5 |
| Mobile App | 3.8/5 | 3.0/5 |
Fee Comparison
| Fee Type | Empower | Slavic401k |
|---|---|---|
| Admin Fees | Varies by plan size | $1,200 - $2,500/year + per-participant |
| Expense Ratios | 0.03% - 1.0% | Varies by investment choice |
| Trading Fees | Plan dependent | $0 for stocks/ETFs, varies for options |
| Advisory Fees | 0.25% - 0.89% | N/A - self-directed |
Empower Strengths
- Strong participant education programs
- Excellent plan sponsor tools
- Competitive institutional pricing
- Personal Capital integration for all-in-one planning
Slavic401k Strengths
- Full self-directed brokerage within 401(k)
- Trade individual stocks, ETFs, options
- Maximum investment flexibility
- TD Ameritrade/Schwab brokerage window
Rollover, Loans & Withdrawals
| Feature | Empower | Slavic401k |
|---|---|---|
| Rollover Platform | Empower.com | Slavic401k Portal |
| Loans Available | Yes | Yes |
| Withdrawal Methods | Online via Empower.com, Phone (800-338-4015) | Phone (800-356-3009), Online portal |
| Distribution Options | Lump sum, Partial withdrawal, Installment payments, Annuity purchase, Rollover to IRA | Lump sum, Partial withdrawal, In-kind transfer of securities, Rollover to IRA, Required Minimum Distributions |
Which Should You Choose?
Choose Empower if you want:
- Mid to large employers
- Those valuing education
- Managed account seekers
- Income-focused retirees
Choose Slavic401k if you want:
- Self-directed investors
- Active traders
- Sophisticated investors
- Those wanting maximum 401(k) flexibility
Our Verdict: Empower vs Slavic401k
Empower Retirement wins this comparison with a score of 8.7/10 vs 6.1/10. 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 Slavic401k: Complete 401(k) Comparison for 2026
Choosing between Empower Retirement and Slavic401k for your 401(k) is an important decision that affects your retirement savings. Empower offers 2nd largest while Slavic401k is known for self-directed. In terms of fees, Empower charges 0.03% - 1.0% expense ratios compared to Slavic401k's Varies by investment choice. Empower manages $1.4 trillion in assets and serves 18 million participants, while Slavic401k has $3 billion AUM and 50,000 participants.
Key Differences: Empower vs Slavic401k
When comparing Empower and Slavic401k, consider their core strengths: Empower excels with strong participant education programs, while Slavic401k stands out for full self-directed brokerage within 401(k). 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 Slavic401k's 3.4/5. For mobile experience, Empower scores 3.8/5 while Slavic401k scores 3.0/5.
Which Provider is Right for You?
Choose Empower if you prioritize mid to large employers. Choose Slavic401k if you're looking for self-directed investors. 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 Slavic401k 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 Slavic401k is best for self-directed investors. 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. Slavic401k charges Varies by investment choice expense ratios with admin fees of $1,200 - $2,500/year + per-participant. Empower's fees rating is 4.3/5 compared to Slavic401k's 3.2/5.
Yes, you can roll over between Empower and Slavic401k. Empower uses Empower.com for rollovers, while Slavic401k uses Slavic401k Portal. A direct rollover avoids mandatory tax withholding. Contact your new provider to initiate the transfer.
Empower offers 401(k) loans. Slavic401k 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 Slavic401k scores 4.8/5. Both offer target-date funds, index funds, and managed accounts. Empower's investment options include Index Funds, Target Date Funds, Mutual Funds. Slavic401k offers Individual Stocks, ETFs, Mutual Funds.
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. Slavic401k is best for self-directed investors, active traders, sophisticated investors, those wanting maximum 401(k) flexibility. Compare admin fees: Empower charges Varies by plan size vs Slavic401k's $1,200 - $2,500/year + per-participant.
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: 2026-03-20