Updated 2026-03-20
Guideline vs Ubiquity 401(k) Comparison
Compare Guideline (#15, 7.1/10) and Ubiquity Retirement + Savings (#23, 6.3/10) side by side across fees, ratings, features, and investment options.
Overall Comparison
| Feature | Guideline | Ubiquity |
|---|---|---|
| Overall Score | 7.1/10 | 6.3/10 |
| Rank | #15 | #23 |
| AUM | $9 billion | $3.5 billion |
| Participants | 700,000 | 100,000 |
| Plan Sponsors | 40,000+ | 10,000+ |
| Founded | 2016 | 1999 |
Ratings Comparison
| Category | Guideline | Ubiquity |
|---|---|---|
| Fees & Costs | 4.7/5 | 4.0/5 |
| Investment Options | 3.3/5 | 3.7/5 |
| Customer Service | 3.9/5 | 3.9/5 |
| Mobile App | 4.0/5 | 3.2/5 |
Fee Comparison
| Fee Type | Guideline | Ubiquity |
|---|---|---|
| Admin Fees | $49/month base + $8/employee | $115 - $250/month flat fee |
| Expense Ratios | 0.03% - 0.15% | 0.03% - 0.80% |
| Trading Fees | $0 | $0 |
| Advisory Fees | N/A - self-directed | Optional, varies |
Guideline Strengths
- Extremely competitive pricing for small business
- Automatic compliance testing and filing
- Direct payroll integrations
- Low-cost Vanguard index funds
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 | Guideline | Ubiquity |
|---|---|---|
| Rollover Platform | Guideline Dashboard | Ubiquity Portal |
| Loans Available | No | Yes |
| Withdrawal Methods | Online via Guideline dashboard | Online via Ubiquity portal, Phone (855-831-7344), Dedicated account manager |
| Distribution Options | Lump sum, Partial withdrawal, Rollover to IRA | Lump sum, Partial withdrawal, Installment payments, Rollover to IRA, Required Minimum Distributions |
Which Should You Choose?
Choose Guideline if you want:
- Small businesses
- Cost-conscious employers
- Hands-off plan sponsors
- Index fund believers
Choose Ubiquity if you want:
- Growing small businesses
- Cost-transparent seekers
- Companies with growing plan assets
- Custom plan designers
Our Verdict: Guideline vs Ubiquity
Guideline wins this comparison with a score of 7.1/10 vs 6.3/10. Guideline excels with extremely competitive pricing for small business, 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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Guideline vs Ubiquity: Complete 401(k) Comparison for 2026
Choosing between Guideline and Ubiquity Retirement + Savings for your 401(k) is an important decision that affects your retirement savings. Guideline offers small business while Ubiquity is known for flat fee. In terms of fees, Guideline charges 0.03% - 0.15% expense ratios compared to Ubiquity's 0.03% - 0.80%. Guideline manages $9 billion in assets and serves 700,000 participants, while Ubiquity has $3.5 billion AUM and 100,000 participants.
Key Differences: Guideline vs Ubiquity
When comparing Guideline and Ubiquity, consider their core strengths: Guideline excels with extremely competitive pricing for small business, 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. Guideline's customer service rating is 3.9/5 compared to Ubiquity's 3.9/5. For mobile experience, Guideline scores 4.0/5 while Ubiquity scores 3.2/5.
Which Provider is Right for You?
Choose Guideline if you prioritize small businesses. 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 Guideline and Ubiquity provider pages.
Frequently Asked Questions
Guideline scores higher in our 2026 rankings with 7.1/10. Guideline is best for small businesses, while Ubiquity is best for growing small businesses. The right choice depends on your employer's plan and your priorities.
Guideline charges expense ratios of 0.03% - 0.15% with admin fees of $49/month base + $8/employee. Ubiquity charges 0.03% - 0.80% expense ratios with admin fees of $115 - $250/month flat fee. Guideline's fees rating is 4.7/5 compared to Ubiquity's 4.0/5.
Yes, you can roll over between Guideline and Ubiquity. Guideline uses Guideline Dashboard for rollovers, while Ubiquity uses Ubiquity Portal. A direct rollover avoids mandatory tax withholding. Contact your new provider to initiate the transfer.
Guideline does not offer 401(k) loans. Ubiquity offers 401(k) loans.
Guideline scores 3.3/5 for investment options, while Ubiquity scores 3.7/5. Both offer target-date funds, index funds, and managed accounts. Guideline's investment options include Vanguard Index Funds, Target Date Funds, Bond Funds. Ubiquity offers Open Architecture, Mutual Funds, Target Date Funds.
For small businesses, consider plan minimums and per-participant costs. Guideline is best for small businesses, cost-conscious employers, hands-off plan sponsors, index fund believers. Ubiquity is best for growing small businesses, cost-transparent seekers, companies with growing plan assets, custom plan designers. Compare admin fees: Guideline charges $49/month base + $8/employee 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