Updated 2026-03-20
Human Interest vs Betterment 401(k) Comparison
Compare Human Interest (#14, 7.2/10) and Betterment at Work (#20, 6.7/10) side by side across fees, ratings, features, and investment options.
Overall Comparison
| Feature | Human Interest | Betterment |
|---|---|---|
| Overall Score | 7.2/10 | 6.7/10 |
| Rank | #14 | #20 |
| AUM | $6 billion | $45 billion |
| Participants | 500,000 | 400,000 |
| Plan Sponsors | 15,000+ | 1,500+ |
| Founded | 2015 | 2010 |
Ratings Comparison
| Category | Human Interest | Betterment |
|---|---|---|
| Fees & Costs | 4.5/5 | 4.0/5 |
| Investment Options | 3.5/5 | 3.2/5 |
| Customer Service | 4.3/5 | 4.0/5 |
| Mobile App | 4.2/5 | 4.4/5 |
Fee Comparison
| Fee Type | Human Interest | Betterment |
|---|---|---|
| Admin Fees | $120/month base + $5/employee | $150/month + $6/employee |
| Expense Ratios | 0.06% - 0.50% | 0.03% - 0.15% |
| Trading Fees | $0 | $0 |
| Advisory Fees | Included in platform | Included in platform fee |
Human Interest Strengths
- Flat-fee pricing transparent and affordable
- Modern, easy-to-use technology platform
- Quick and simple plan setup
- Payroll integrations with major providers
Betterment Strengths
- Fully automated portfolio management
- Tax-loss harvesting and tax-smart strategies
- Clean, modern user interface
- Low-cost ETF portfolios
Rollover, Loans & Withdrawals
| Feature | Human Interest | Betterment |
|---|---|---|
| Rollover Platform | Human Interest Dashboard | Betterment App |
| Loans Available | No | No |
| Withdrawal Methods | Online via Human Interest dashboard | Online via Betterment app, Email support |
| Distribution Options | Lump sum, Partial withdrawal, Rollover to IRA | Lump sum, Partial withdrawal, Rollover to IRA, Required Minimum Distributions |
Which Should You Choose?
Choose Human Interest if you want:
- Small businesses
- Startups
- First-time plan sponsors
- Tech-savvy employers
Choose Betterment if you want:
- Tech companies
- Startups
- Hands-off investors
- ESG-conscious employers
Our Verdict: Human Interest vs Betterment
Human Interest wins this comparison with a score of 7.2/10 vs 6.7/10. Human Interest excels with flat-fee pricing transparent and affordable, 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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Human Interest vs Betterment: Complete 401(k) Comparison for 2026
Choosing between Human Interest and Betterment at Work for your 401(k) is an important decision that affects your retirement savings. Human Interest offers small business while Betterment is known for robo-advisor. In terms of fees, Human Interest charges 0.06% - 0.50% expense ratios compared to Betterment's 0.03% - 0.15%. Human Interest manages $6 billion in assets and serves 500,000 participants, while Betterment has $45 billion AUM and 400,000 participants.
Key Differences: Human Interest vs Betterment
When comparing Human Interest and Betterment, consider their core strengths: Human Interest excels with flat-fee pricing transparent and affordable, while Betterment stands out for fully automated portfolio management. Both providers offer a wide range of investment options including target-date funds, index funds, and managed accounts. Human Interest's customer service rating is 4.3/5 compared to Betterment's 4.0/5. For mobile experience, Human Interest scores 4.2/5 while Betterment scores 4.4/5.
Which Provider is Right for You?
Choose Human Interest if you prioritize small businesses. Choose Betterment if you're looking for tech companies. 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 Human Interest and Betterment provider pages.
Frequently Asked Questions
Human Interest scores higher in our 2026 rankings with 7.2/10. Human Interest is best for small businesses, while Betterment is best for tech companies. The right choice depends on your employer's plan and your priorities.
Human Interest charges expense ratios of 0.06% - 0.50% with admin fees of $120/month base + $5/employee. Betterment charges 0.03% - 0.15% expense ratios with admin fees of $150/month + $6/employee. Human Interest's fees rating is 4.5/5 compared to Betterment's 4.0/5.
Yes, you can roll over between Human Interest and Betterment. Human Interest uses Human Interest Dashboard for rollovers, while Betterment uses Betterment App. A direct rollover avoids mandatory tax withholding. Contact your new provider to initiate the transfer.
Human Interest does not offer 401(k) loans. Betterment does not offer 401(k) loans.
Human Interest scores 3.5/5 for investment options, while Betterment scores 3.2/5. Both offer target-date funds, index funds, and managed accounts. Human Interest's investment options include Index Funds, Target Date Funds, ESG Options. Betterment offers ETF Portfolios, Target Date Portfolios, Socially Responsible Portfolios.
For small businesses, consider plan minimums and per-participant costs. Human Interest is best for small businesses, startups, first-time plan sponsors, tech-savvy employers. Betterment is best for tech companies, startups, hands-off investors, esg-conscious employers. Compare admin fees: Human Interest charges $120/month base + $5/employee vs Betterment's $150/month + $6/employee.
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