Empower vs Transamerica 401(k) Comparison
Compare Empower Retirement (#4, 8.7/10) and Transamerica (#11, 7.5/10) side by side across fees, ratings, features, and investment options.
Overall Comparison
| Feature | Empower | Transamerica |
|---|---|---|
| Overall Score | 8.7/10 | 7.5/10 |
| Rank | #4 | #11 |
| AUM | $1.4 trillion | $300 billion |
| Participants | 18 million | 6 million |
| Plan Sponsors | 71,000+ | 35,000+ |
| Founded | 2014 | 1904 |
Ratings Comparison
| Category | Empower | Transamerica |
|---|---|---|
| Fees & Costs | 4.3/5 | 3.6/5 |
| Investment Options | 4.2/5 | 3.7/5 |
| Customer Service | 4.3/5 | 3.8/5 |
| Mobile App | 3.8/5 | 3.5/5 |
Fee Comparison
| Fee Type | Empower | Transamerica |
|---|---|---|
| Admin Fees | Varies by plan size | $750 - $3,000/year |
| Expense Ratios | 0.03% - 1.0% | 0.25% - 1.2% |
| Trading Fees | Plan dependent | Plan dependent |
| Advisory Fees | 0.25% - 0.89% | 0.35% - 0.85% |
Empower Strengths
- Strong participant education programs
- Excellent plan sponsor tools
- Competitive institutional pricing
- Personal Capital integration for holistic planning
Transamerica Strengths
- Comprehensive financial wellness programs
- Flexible plan design options
- Strong educational resources and tools
- Integrated workplace benefits platform
Which Should You Choose?
Choose Empower if you want:
- Mid to large employers
- Those valuing education
- Managed account seekers
- Income-focused retirees
Choose Transamerica if you want:
- Mid-sized companies
- Integrated benefits seekers
- Financial wellness focus
Our Verdict: Empower vs Transamerica
Empower Retirement wins this comparison with a score of 8.7/10 vs 7.5/10. 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 Transamerica: Complete 401(k) Comparison for 2026
Choosing between Empower Retirement and Transamerica for your 401(k) is an important decision that affects your retirement savings. Empower offers 2nd largest while Transamerica is known for workplace benefits. In terms of fees, Empower charges 0.03% - 1.0% expense ratios compared to Transamerica's 0.25% - 1.2%. Empower manages $1.4 trillion in assets and serves 18 million participants, while Transamerica has $300 billion AUM and 6 million participants.
Key Differences: Empower vs Transamerica
When comparing Empower and Transamerica, consider their core strengths: Empower excels with strong participant education programs, while Transamerica stands out for comprehensive financial wellness programs. 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 Transamerica's 3.8/5. For mobile experience, Empower scores 3.8/5 while Transamerica scores 3.5/5.
Which Provider is Right for You?
Choose Empower if you prioritize mid to large employers. Choose Transamerica if you're looking for mid-sized companies. 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 Transamerica provider pages.