Updated 2026-03-20
Empower vs Ubiquity 401(k) Comparison
Compare Empower Retirement (#4, 8.7/10) and Ubiquity Retirement + Savings (#23, 6.3/10) side by side across fees, ratings, features, and investment options.
Overall Comparison
| Feature | Empower | Ubiquity |
|---|---|---|
| Overall Score | 8.7/10 | 6.3/10 |
| Rank | #4 | #23 |
| AUM | $1.4 trillion | $3.5 billion |
| Participants | 18 million | 100,000 |
| Plan Sponsors | 71,000+ | 10,000+ |
| Founded | 2014 | 1999 |
Ratings Comparison
| Category | Empower | Ubiquity |
|---|---|---|
| Fees & Costs | 4.3/5 | 4.0/5 |
| Investment Options | 4.2/5 | 3.7/5 |
| Customer Service | 4.3/5 | 3.9/5 |
| Mobile App | 3.8/5 | 3.2/5 |
Fee Comparison
| Fee Type | Empower | Ubiquity |
|---|---|---|
| Admin Fees | Varies by plan size | $115 - $250/month flat fee |
| Expense Ratios | 0.03% - 1.0% | 0.03% - 0.80% |
| Trading Fees | Plan dependent | $0 |
| Advisory Fees | 0.25% - 0.89% | Optional, varies |
Empower Strengths
- Strong participant education programs
- Excellent plan sponsor tools
- Competitive institutional pricing
- Personal Capital integration for all-in-one planning
Ubiquity Strengths
- True flat-fee pricing with no asset-based charges
- Costs become more competitive as assets grow
- Open architecture investment options
- Over 25 years of experience
Rollover, Loans & Withdrawals
| Feature | Empower | Ubiquity |
|---|---|---|
| Rollover Platform | Empower.com | Ubiquity Portal |
| Loans Available | Yes | Yes |
| Withdrawal Methods | Online via Empower.com, Phone (800-338-4015) | Online via Ubiquity portal, Phone (855-831-7344), Dedicated account manager |
| Distribution Options | Lump sum, Partial withdrawal, Installment payments, Annuity purchase, Rollover to IRA | Lump sum, Partial withdrawal, Installment payments, 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 Ubiquity if you want:
- Growing small businesses
- Cost-transparent seekers
- Companies with growing plan assets
- Custom plan designers
Our Verdict: Empower vs Ubiquity
Empower Retirement wins this comparison with a score of 8.7/10 vs 6.3/10. 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.
Other Popular Comparisons
Compare these 401(k) providers head-to-head
Vanguard vs UbiquityCompare these 401(k) providers head-to-head
Schwab vs UbiquityCompare these 401(k) providers head-to-head
Empower 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 Ubiquity: Complete 401(k) Comparison for 2026
Choosing between Empower Retirement and Ubiquity Retirement + Savings for your 401(k) is an important decision that affects your retirement savings. Empower offers 2nd largest while Ubiquity is known for flat fee. In terms of fees, Empower charges 0.03% - 1.0% expense ratios compared to Ubiquity's 0.03% - 0.80%. Empower manages $1.4 trillion in assets and serves 18 million participants, while Ubiquity has $3.5 billion AUM and 100,000 participants.
Key Differences: Empower vs Ubiquity
When comparing Empower and Ubiquity, consider their core strengths: Empower excels with strong participant education programs, while Ubiquity stands out for true flat-fee pricing with no asset-based charges. 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 Ubiquity's 3.9/5. For mobile experience, Empower scores 3.8/5 while Ubiquity scores 3.2/5.
Which Provider is Right for You?
Choose Empower if you prioritize mid to large employers. Choose Ubiquity if you're looking for growing small businesses. 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 Ubiquity 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 Ubiquity is best for growing small businesses. 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. Ubiquity charges 0.03% - 0.80% expense ratios with admin fees of $115 - $250/month flat fee. Empower's fees rating is 4.3/5 compared to Ubiquity's 4.0/5.
Yes, you can roll over between Empower and Ubiquity. Empower uses Empower.com for rollovers, while Ubiquity uses Ubiquity Portal. A direct rollover avoids mandatory tax withholding. Contact your new provider to initiate the transfer.
Empower offers 401(k) loans. Ubiquity 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 Ubiquity 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. Ubiquity offers Open Architecture, Mutual Funds, Target Date 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. Ubiquity is best for growing small businesses, cost-transparent seekers, companies with growing plan assets, custom plan designers. Compare admin fees: Empower charges Varies by plan size vs Ubiquity's $115 - $250/month flat fee.
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