Updated 2026-03-20
Empower vs Vestwell 401(k) Comparison
Compare Empower Retirement (#4, 8.7/10) and Vestwell (#21, 6.5/10) side by side across fees, ratings, features, and investment options.
Overall Comparison
| Feature | Empower | Vestwell |
|---|---|---|
| Overall Score | 8.7/10 | 6.5/10 |
| Rank | #4 | #21 |
| AUM | $1.4 trillion | $30 billion |
| Participants | 18 million | 300,000 |
| Plan Sponsors | 71,000+ | 25,000+ |
| Founded | 2014 | 2016 |
Ratings Comparison
| Category | Empower | Vestwell |
|---|---|---|
| Fees & Costs | 4.3/5 | 3.6/5 |
| Investment Options | 4.2/5 | 3.8/5 |
| Customer Service | 4.3/5 | 3.6/5 |
| Mobile App | 3.8/5 | 3.5/5 |
Fee Comparison
| Fee Type | Empower | Vestwell |
|---|---|---|
| Admin Fees | Varies by plan size | Set by advisor/distributor |
| Expense Ratios | 0.03% - 1.0% | 0.03% - 1.0% |
| Trading Fees | Plan dependent | $0 |
| Advisory Fees | 0.25% - 0.89% | Set by financial advisor |
Empower Strengths
- Strong participant education programs
- Excellent plan sponsor tools
- Competitive institutional pricing
- Personal Capital integration for all-in-one planning
Vestwell Strengths
- Modern API-first technology platform
- White-label options for advisors
- Open architecture investment lineup
- Integrates with 100+ payroll providers
Rollover, Loans & Withdrawals
| Feature | Empower | Vestwell |
|---|---|---|
| Rollover Platform | Empower.com | Vestwell Portal |
| Loans Available | Yes | Yes |
| Withdrawal Methods | Online via Empower.com, Phone (800-338-4015) | Through financial advisor, Plan administrator portal, Phone support |
| 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 Vestwell if you want:
- Financial advisors
- Payroll companies
- Institutional distributors
- State IRA mandate compliance
Our Verdict: Empower vs Vestwell
Empower Retirement wins this comparison with a score of 8.7/10 vs 6.5/10. 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 Vestwell: Complete 401(k) Comparison for 2026
Choosing between Empower Retirement and Vestwell for your 401(k) is an important decision that affects your retirement savings. Empower offers 2nd largest while Vestwell is known for white label. In terms of fees, Empower charges 0.03% - 1.0% expense ratios compared to Vestwell's 0.03% - 1.0%. Empower manages $1.4 trillion in assets and serves 18 million participants, while Vestwell has $30 billion AUM and 300,000 participants.
Key Differences: Empower vs Vestwell
When comparing Empower and Vestwell, consider their core strengths: Empower excels with strong participant education programs, while Vestwell stands out for modern api-first technology platform. 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 Vestwell's 3.6/5. For mobile experience, Empower scores 3.8/5 while Vestwell scores 3.5/5.
Which Provider is Right for You?
Choose Empower if you prioritize mid to large employers. Choose Vestwell if you're looking for financial advisors. 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 Vestwell 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 Vestwell is best for financial advisors. 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. Vestwell charges 0.03% - 1.0% expense ratios with admin fees of Set by advisor/distributor. Empower's fees rating is 4.3/5 compared to Vestwell's 3.6/5.
Yes, you can roll over between Empower and Vestwell. Empower uses Empower.com for rollovers, while Vestwell uses Vestwell Portal. A direct rollover avoids mandatory tax withholding. Contact your new provider to initiate the transfer.
Empower offers 401(k) loans. Vestwell 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 Vestwell scores 3.8/5. Both offer target-date funds, index funds, and managed accounts. Empower's investment options include Index Funds, Target Date Funds, Mutual Funds. Vestwell 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. Vestwell is best for financial advisors, payroll companies, institutional distributors, state ira mandate compliance. Compare admin fees: Empower charges Varies by plan size vs Vestwell's Set by advisor/distributor.
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