Fidelity vs Empower 401(k) Comparison
Compare Fidelity Investments (#1, 9.5/10) and Empower Retirement (#4, 8.7/10) side by side across fees, ratings, features, and investment options.
Overall Comparison
| Feature | Fidelity | Empower |
|---|---|---|
| Overall Score | 9.5/10 | 8.7/10 |
| Rank | #1 | #4 |
| AUM | $4.5 trillion | $1.4 trillion |
| Participants | 43 million | 18 million |
| Plan Sponsors | 23,000+ | 71,000+ |
| Founded | 1946 | 2014 |
Ratings Comparison
| Category | Fidelity | Empower |
|---|---|---|
| Fees & Costs | 4.9/5 | 4.3/5 |
| Investment Options | 4.9/5 | 4.2/5 |
| Customer Service | 4.8/5 | 4.3/5 |
| Mobile App | 4.7/5 | 3.8/5 |
Fee Comparison
| Fee Type | Fidelity | Empower |
|---|---|---|
| Admin Fees | $0 - varies by plan | Varies by plan size |
| Expense Ratios | 0.00% - 0.75% | 0.03% - 1.0% |
| Trading Fees | $0 for stocks/ETFs | Plan dependent |
| Advisory Fees | 0.35% - 1.0% | 0.25% - 0.89% |
Fidelity Strengths
- Zero expense ratio index funds (FZROX, FZILX)
- Industry-leading mobile app and online platform
- 24/7 customer service with dedicated retirement specialists
- Extensive investment options including BrokerageLink
Empower Strengths
- Strong participant education programs
- Excellent plan sponsor tools
- Competitive institutional pricing
- Personal Capital integration for holistic planning
Which Should You Choose?
Choose Fidelity if you want:
- Large employers
- Cost-conscious investors
- Self-directed investors
- Solo 401(k) seekers
Choose Empower if you want:
- Mid to large employers
- Those valuing education
- Managed account seekers
- Income-focused retirees
Our Verdict: Fidelity vs Empower
Fidelity Investments wins this comparison with a score of 9.5/10 vs 8.7/10. Fidelity excels with zero expense ratio index funds (fzrox, fzilx), 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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Fidelity vs Empower: Complete 401(k) Comparison for 2026
Choosing between Fidelity Investments and Empower Retirement for your 401(k) is an important decision that affects your retirement savings. Fidelity offers largest provider while Empower is known for 2nd largest. In terms of fees, Fidelity charges 0.00% - 0.75% expense ratios compared to Empower's 0.03% - 1.0%. Fidelity manages $4.5 trillion in assets and serves 43 million participants, while Empower has $1.4 trillion AUM and 18 million participants.
Key Differences: Fidelity vs Empower
When comparing Fidelity and Empower, consider their core strengths: Fidelity excels with zero expense ratio index funds (fzrox, fzilx), while Empower stands out for strong participant education programs. Both providers offer comprehensive investment options including target-date funds, index funds, and managed accounts. Fidelity's customer service rating is 4.8/5 compared to Empower's 4.3/5. For mobile experience, Fidelity scores 4.7/5 while Empower scores 3.8/5.
Which Provider is Right for You?
Choose Fidelity if you prioritize large employers. Choose Empower if you're looking for mid to large employers. 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 Fidelity and Empower provider pages.