Fidelity vs Prudential 401(k) Comparison
Compare Fidelity Investments (#1, 9.5/10) and Prudential Financial (#12, 7.4/10) side by side across fees, ratings, features, and investment options.
Overall Comparison
| Feature | Fidelity | Prudential |
|---|---|---|
| Overall Score | 9.5/10 | 7.4/10 |
| Rank | #1 | #12 |
| AUM | $4.5 trillion | $1.4 trillion |
| Participants | 43 million | 5 million |
| Plan Sponsors | 23,000+ | 25,000+ |
| Founded | 1946 | 1875 |
Ratings Comparison
| Category | Fidelity | Prudential |
|---|---|---|
| Fees & Costs | 4.9/5 | 3.5/5 |
| Investment Options | 4.9/5 | 3.7/5 |
| Customer Service | 4.8/5 | 3.9/5 |
| Mobile App | 4.7/5 | 3.6/5 |
Fee Comparison
| Fee Type | Fidelity | Prudential |
|---|---|---|
| Admin Fees | $0 - varies by plan | $1,000 - $4,000/year |
| Expense Ratios | 0.00% - 0.75% | 0.20% - 1.1% |
| Trading Fees | $0 for stocks/ETFs | Plan dependent |
| Advisory Fees | 0.35% - 1.0% | 0.40% - 0.90% |
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
Prudential Strengths
- Strong guaranteed income options
- Comprehensive financial wellness programs
- Insurance product integration
- Long track record and stability
Which Should You Choose?
Choose Fidelity if you want:
- Large employers
- Cost-conscious investors
- Self-directed investors
- Solo 401(k) seekers
Choose Prudential if you want:
- Guaranteed income seekers
- Large employers
- Insurance-focused planning
Our Verdict: Fidelity vs Prudential
Fidelity Investments wins this comparison with a score of 9.5/10 vs 7.4/10. 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 Prudential: Complete 401(k) Comparison for 2026
Choosing between Fidelity Investments and Prudential Financial for your 401(k) is an important decision that affects your retirement savings. Fidelity offers largest provider while Prudential is known for guaranteed income. In terms of fees, Fidelity charges 0.00% - 0.75% expense ratios compared to Prudential's 0.20% - 1.1%. Fidelity manages $4.5 trillion in assets and serves 43 million participants, while Prudential has $1.4 trillion AUM and 5 million participants.
Key Differences: Fidelity vs Prudential
When comparing Fidelity and Prudential, consider their core strengths: Fidelity excels with zero expense ratio index funds (fzrox, fzilx), while Prudential stands out for strong guaranteed income options. 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 Prudential's 3.9/5. For mobile experience, Fidelity scores 4.7/5 while Prudential scores 3.6/5.
Which Provider is Right for You?
Choose Fidelity if you prioritize large employers. Choose Prudential if you're looking for guaranteed income seekers. 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 Prudential provider pages.