Empower vs T. Rowe Price 401(k) Comparison
Compare Empower Retirement (#4, 8.7/10) and T. Rowe Price (#5, 8.5/10) side by side across fees, ratings, features, and investment options.
Overall Comparison
| Feature | Empower | T. Rowe Price |
|---|---|---|
| Overall Score | 8.7/10 | 8.5/10 |
| Rank | #4 | #5 |
| AUM | $1.4 trillion | $1.3 trillion |
| Participants | 18 million | 10 million |
| Plan Sponsors | 71,000+ | 4,500+ |
| Founded | 2014 | 1937 |
Ratings Comparison
| Category | Empower | T. Rowe Price |
|---|---|---|
| Fees & Costs | 4.3/5 | 3.8/5 |
| Investment Options | 4.2/5 | 4.6/5 |
| Customer Service | 4.3/5 | 4.4/5 |
| Mobile App | 3.8/5 | 4.2/5 |
Fee Comparison
| Fee Type | Empower | T. Rowe Price |
|---|---|---|
| Admin Fees | Varies by plan size | $0 - $50/year |
| Expense Ratios | 0.03% - 1.0% | 0.30% - 1.2% |
| Trading Fees | Plan dependent | $0 for T. Rowe Price funds |
| Advisory Fees | 0.25% - 0.89% | 0.30% - 1.25% |
Empower Strengths
- Strong participant education programs
- Excellent plan sponsor tools
- Competitive institutional pricing
- Personal Capital integration for holistic planning
T. Rowe Price Strengths
- Excellent actively managed fund performance
- Best-in-class target date funds
- Strong research capabilities
- No-transaction-fee mutual fund platform
Which Should You Choose?
Choose Empower if you want:
- Mid to large employers
- Those valuing education
- Managed account seekers
- Income-focused retirees
Choose T. Rowe Price if you want:
- Active fund believers
- Target-date fund users
- Research-oriented investors
- Long-term holders
Our Verdict: Empower vs T. Rowe Price
Empower Retirement wins this comparison with a score of 8.7/10 vs 8.5/10. 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.
Other Popular Comparisons
Compare these 401(k) providers head-to-head
Vanguard vs T. Rowe PriceCompare these 401(k) providers head-to-head
Schwab vs T. Rowe PriceCompare these 401(k) providers head-to-head
Empower vs PrincipalCompare these 401(k) providers head-to-head
Empower vs ADPCompare these 401(k) providers head-to-head
Empower vs MerrillCompare these 401(k) providers head-to-head
Empower vs T. Rowe Price: Complete 401(k) Comparison for 2026
Choosing between Empower Retirement and T. Rowe Price for your 401(k) is an important decision that affects your retirement savings. Empower offers 2nd largest while T. Rowe Price is known for active management. In terms of fees, Empower charges 0.03% - 1.0% expense ratios compared to T. Rowe Price's 0.30% - 1.2%. Empower manages $1.4 trillion in assets and serves 18 million participants, while T. Rowe Price has $1.3 trillion AUM and 10 million participants.
Key Differences: Empower vs T. Rowe Price
When comparing Empower and T. Rowe Price, consider their core strengths: Empower excels with strong participant education programs, while T. Rowe Price stands out for excellent actively managed fund performance. 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 T. Rowe Price's 4.4/5. For mobile experience, Empower scores 3.8/5 while T. Rowe Price scores 4.2/5.
Which Provider is Right for You?
Choose Empower if you prioritize mid to large employers. Choose T. Rowe Price if you're looking for active fund believers. 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 T. Rowe Price provider pages.