Updated 2026-03-20

Human Interest vs Morgan Stanley 401(k) Comparison

Compare Human Interest (#14, 7.2/10) and Morgan Stanley at Work (#19, 6.8/10) side by side across fees, ratings, features, and investment options.

Overall Comparison

FeatureHuman InterestMorgan Stanley
Overall Score7.2/106.8/10
Rank#14#19
AUM$6 billion$6.2 trillion
Participants500,0006 million
Plan Sponsors15,000+15,000+
Founded20151935

Ratings Comparison

CategoryHuman InterestMorgan Stanley
Fees & Costs4.5/53.0/5
Investment Options3.5/54.5/5
Customer Service4.3/54.1/5
Mobile App4.2/54.0/5

Fee Comparison

Fee TypeHuman InterestMorgan Stanley
Admin Fees$120/month base + $5/employeeVaries by plan size and services
Expense Ratios0.06% - 0.50%0.03% - 1.5%
Trading Fees$0$0 for stocks/ETFs via E*Trade
Advisory FeesIncluded in platform0.50% - 1.5%

Human Interest Strengths

Morgan Stanley Strengths

Rollover, Loans & Withdrawals

FeatureHuman InterestMorgan Stanley
Rollover PlatformHuman Interest DashboardMorgan Stanley at Work Portal
Loans AvailableNoYes
Withdrawal MethodsOnline via Human Interest dashboardOnline via Morgan Stanley portal, Phone (800-869-3326), Through Morgan Stanley financial advisor, Branch office visit
Distribution OptionsLump sum, Partial withdrawal, Rollover to IRALump sum, Partial withdrawal, Systematic withdrawals, 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 Morgan Stanley if you want:

  • Companies with stock plans
  • Employees wanting full brokerage access
  • High-net-worth participants
  • Self-directed traders

Our Verdict: Human Interest vs Morgan Stanley

Human Interest wins this comparison with a score of 7.2/10 vs 6.8/10. 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.

Full Human Interest Review Full Morgan Stanley Review

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Human Interest vs Morgan Stanley: Complete 401(k) Comparison for 2026

Choosing between Human Interest and Morgan Stanley at Work for your 401(k) is an important decision that affects your retirement savings. Human Interest offers small business while Morgan Stanley is known for wealth management. In terms of fees, Human Interest charges 0.06% - 0.50% expense ratios compared to Morgan Stanley's 0.03% - 1.5%. Human Interest manages $6 billion in assets and serves 500,000 participants, while Morgan Stanley has $6.2 trillion AUM and 6 million participants.

Key Differences: Human Interest vs Morgan Stanley

When comparing Human Interest and Morgan Stanley, consider their core strengths: Human Interest excels with flat-fee pricing transparent and affordable, while Morgan Stanley stands out for access to morgan stanley financial advisors. 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 Morgan Stanley's 4.1/5. For mobile experience, Human Interest scores 4.2/5 while Morgan Stanley scores 4.0/5.

Which Provider is Right for You?

Choose Human Interest if you prioritize small businesses. Choose Morgan Stanley if you're looking for companies with stock plans. 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 Morgan Stanley 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 Morgan Stanley is best for companies with stock plans. 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. Morgan Stanley charges 0.03% - 1.5% expense ratios with admin fees of Varies by plan size and services. Human Interest's fees rating is 4.5/5 compared to Morgan Stanley's 3.0/5.

Yes, you can roll over between Human Interest and Morgan Stanley. Human Interest uses Human Interest Dashboard for rollovers, while Morgan Stanley uses Morgan Stanley at Work Portal. A direct rollover avoids mandatory tax withholding. Contact your new provider to initiate the transfer.

Human Interest does not offer 401(k) loans. Morgan Stanley offers 401(k) loans.

Human Interest scores 3.5/5 for investment options, while Morgan Stanley scores 4.5/5. Both offer target-date funds, index funds, and managed accounts. Human Interest's investment options include Index Funds, Target Date Funds, ESG Options. Morgan Stanley offers Mutual Funds, Target Date Funds, Index Funds.

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. Morgan Stanley is best for companies with stock plans, employees wanting full brokerage access, high-net-worth participants, self-directed traders. Compare admin fees: Human Interest charges $120/month base + $5/employee vs Morgan Stanley's Varies by plan size and services.

Pavlo Pyskunov

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