Updated 2026-03-30
Fidelity vs T. Rowe Price 401(k) Comparison
Compare Fidelity Investments (#1, 9.5/10) and T. Rowe Price (#5, 8.5/10) side by side across fees, ratings, features, and investment options.
Overall Comparison
| Feature | Fidelity | T. Rowe Price |
|---|---|---|
| Overall Score | 9.5/10 | 8.5/10 |
| Rank | #1 | #5 |
| AUM | $4.5 trillion | $1.3 trillion |
| Participants | 43 million | 10 million |
| Plan Sponsors | 23,000+ | 4,500+ |
| Founded | 1946 | 1937 |
Ratings Comparison
| Category | Fidelity | T. Rowe Price |
|---|---|---|
| Fees & Costs | 4.9/5 | 3.8/5 |
| Investment Options | 4.9/5 | 4.6/5 |
| Customer Service | 4.8/5 | 4.4/5 |
| Mobile App | 4.7/5 | 4.2/5 |
Fee Comparison
| Fee Type | Fidelity | T. Rowe Price |
|---|---|---|
| Admin Fees | $0 - varies by plan | $0 - $50/year |
| Expense Ratios | 0.00% - 0.75% | 0.30% - 1.2% |
| Trading Fees | $0 for stocks/ETFs | $0 for T. Rowe Price funds |
| Advisory Fees | 0.35% - 1.0% | 0.30% - 1.25% |
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
T. Rowe Price Strengths
- Excellent actively managed fund performance
- Best-in-class target date funds
- Strong research capabilities
- No-transaction-fee mutual fund platform
Rollover, Loans & Withdrawals
| Feature | Fidelity | T. Rowe Price |
|---|---|---|
| Rollover Platform | NetBenefits | Individual.troweprice.com |
| Loans Available | Yes | Yes |
| Withdrawal Methods | Online via NetBenefits, Phone (800-343-3548), Fidelity branch offices | Online portal, Phone (800-225-5132) |
| Distribution Options | Lump sum, Partial withdrawal, Installment payments, Rollover to IRA | Lump sum, Partial withdrawal, Installment payments, Rollover to IRA |
Which Should You Choose?
Choose Fidelity if you want:
- Large employers
- Cost-conscious investors
- Self-directed investors
- Solo 401(k) seekers
Choose T. Rowe Price if you want:
- Active fund believers
- Target-date fund users
- Research-oriented investors
- Long-term holders
Our Verdict: Fidelity vs T. Rowe Price
Fidelity Investments wins this comparison with a score of 9.5/10 vs 8.5/10. 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 T. Rowe Price: Complete 401(k) Comparison for 2026
Choosing between Fidelity Investments and T. Rowe Price for your 401(k) is an important decision that affects your retirement savings. Fidelity offers largest provider while T. Rowe Price is known for active management. In terms of fees, Fidelity charges 0.00% - 0.75% expense ratios compared to T. Rowe Price's 0.30% - 1.2%. Fidelity manages $4.5 trillion in assets and serves 43 million participants, while T. Rowe Price has $1.3 trillion AUM and 10 million participants.
Key Differences: Fidelity vs T. Rowe Price
When comparing Fidelity and T. Rowe Price, consider their core strengths: Fidelity excels with zero expense ratio index funds (fzrox, fzilx), while T. Rowe Price stands out for excellent actively managed fund performance. Both providers offer a wide range of investment options including target-date funds, index funds, and managed accounts. Fidelity's customer service rating is 4.8/5 compared to T. Rowe Price's 4.4/5. For mobile experience, Fidelity scores 4.7/5 while T. Rowe Price scores 4.2/5.
Which Provider is Right for You?
Choose Fidelity if you prioritize 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 Fidelity and T. Rowe Price provider pages.
Frequently Asked Questions
Fidelity Investments scores higher in our 2026 rankings with 9.5/10. Fidelity is best for large employers, while T. Rowe Price is best for active fund believers. The right choice depends on your employer's plan and your priorities.
Fidelity charges expense ratios of 0.00% - 0.75% with admin fees of $0 - varies by plan. T. Rowe Price charges 0.30% - 1.2% expense ratios with admin fees of $0 - $50/year. Fidelity's fees rating is 4.9/5 compared to T. Rowe Price's 3.8/5.
Yes, you can roll over between Fidelity and T. Rowe Price. Fidelity uses NetBenefits for rollovers, while T. Rowe Price uses Individual.troweprice.com. A direct rollover avoids mandatory tax withholding. Contact your new provider to initiate the transfer.
Fidelity offers 401(k) loans. T. Rowe Price offers 401(k) loans. Both providers typically allow loans up to 50% of your vested balance or $50,000, whichever is less.
Fidelity scores 4.9/5 for investment options, while T. Rowe Price scores 4.6/5. Both offer target-date funds, index funds, and managed accounts. Fidelity's investment options include Index Funds, Target Date Funds, Mutual Funds. T. Rowe Price offers Active Mutual Funds, Target Date Funds, Index Funds.
For small businesses, consider plan minimums and per-participant costs. Fidelity is best for large employers, cost-conscious investors, self-directed investors, solo 401(k) seekers. T. Rowe Price is best for active fund believers, target-date fund users, research-oriented investors, long-term holders. Compare admin fees: Fidelity charges $0 - varies by plan vs T. Rowe Price's $0 - $50/year.
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: 2026-03-30