Human Interest vs Guideline 401(k) Comparison
Compare Human Interest (#14, 7.2/10) and Guideline (#15, 7.1/10) side by side across fees, ratings, features, and investment options.
Overall Comparison
| Feature | Human Interest | Guideline |
|---|---|---|
| Overall Score | 7.2/10 | 7.1/10 |
| Rank | #14 | #15 |
| AUM | $6 billion | $9 billion |
| Participants | 500,000 | 700,000 |
| Plan Sponsors | 15,000+ | 40,000+ |
| Founded | 2015 | 2016 |
Ratings Comparison
| Category | Human Interest | Guideline |
|---|---|---|
| Fees & Costs | 4.5/5 | 4.7/5 |
| Investment Options | 3.5/5 | 3.3/5 |
| Customer Service | 4.3/5 | 3.9/5 |
| Mobile App | 4.2/5 | 4.0/5 |
Fee Comparison
| Fee Type | Human Interest | Guideline |
|---|---|---|
| Admin Fees | $120/month base + $5/employee | $49/month base + $8/employee |
| Expense Ratios | 0.06% - 0.50% | 0.03% - 0.15% |
| Trading Fees | $0 | $0 |
| Advisory Fees | Included in platform | N/A - self-directed |
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
Guideline Strengths
- Extremely competitive pricing for small business
- Automatic compliance testing and filing
- Seamless payroll integrations
- Low-cost Vanguard index funds
Which Should You Choose?
Choose Human Interest if you want:
- Small businesses
- Startups
- First-time plan sponsors
- Tech-savvy employers
Choose Guideline if you want:
- Small businesses
- Cost-conscious employers
- Hands-off plan sponsors
- Index fund believers
Our Verdict: Human Interest vs Guideline
Human Interest wins this comparison with a score of 7.2/10 vs 7.1/10. 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 Guideline: Complete 401(k) Comparison for 2026
Choosing between Human Interest and Guideline for your 401(k) is an important decision that affects your retirement savings. Human Interest offers small business while Guideline is known for small business. In terms of fees, Human Interest charges 0.06% - 0.50% expense ratios compared to Guideline's 0.03% - 0.15%. Human Interest manages $6 billion in assets and serves 500,000 participants, while Guideline has $9 billion AUM and 700,000 participants.
Key Differences: Human Interest vs Guideline
When comparing Human Interest and Guideline, consider their core strengths: Human Interest excels with flat-fee pricing transparent and affordable, while Guideline stands out for extremely competitive pricing for small business. Both providers offer comprehensive investment options including target-date funds, index funds, and managed accounts. Human Interest's customer service rating is 4.3/5 compared to Guideline's 3.9/5. For mobile experience, Human Interest scores 4.2/5 while Guideline scores 4.0/5.
Which Provider is Right for You?
Choose Human Interest if you prioritize small businesses. Choose Guideline if you're looking for 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 Human Interest and Guideline provider pages.