Updated 2026-03-20
John Hancock vs Betterment 401(k) Comparison
Compare John Hancock (#10, 7.7/10) and Betterment at Work (#20, 6.7/10) side by side across fees, ratings, features, and investment options.
Overall Comparison
| Feature | John Hancock | Betterment |
|---|---|---|
| Overall Score | 7.7/10 | 6.7/10 |
| Rank | #10 | #20 |
| AUM | $600 billion | $45 billion |
| Participants | 3 million | 400,000 |
| Plan Sponsors | 48,000+ | 1,500+ |
| Founded | 1862 | 2010 |
Ratings Comparison
| Category | John Hancock | Betterment |
|---|---|---|
| Fees & Costs | 3.5/5 | 4.0/5 |
| Investment Options | 3.7/5 | 3.2/5 |
| Customer Service | 4.0/5 | 4.0/5 |
| Mobile App | 3.6/5 | 4.4/5 |
Fee Comparison
| Fee Type | John Hancock | Betterment |
|---|---|---|
| Admin Fees | $1,000 - $4,000/year | $150/month + $6/employee |
| Expense Ratios | 0.30% - 1.3% | 0.03% - 0.15% |
| Trading Fees | Plan dependent | $0 |
| Advisory Fees | 0.40% - 0.90% | Included in platform fee |
John Hancock Strengths
- Unique wellness program integration
- Vitality rewards for healthy behavior
- Strong financial wellness education
- complete planning tools
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 | John Hancock | Betterment |
|---|---|---|
| Rollover Platform | myplan.johnhancock.com | Betterment App |
| Loans Available | Yes | No |
| Withdrawal Methods | Online via myplan.johnhancock.com, Phone (800-395-1113) | Online via Betterment app, Email support |
| Distribution Options | Lump sum, Partial withdrawal, Installment payments, Rollover to IRA | Lump sum, Partial withdrawal, Rollover to IRA, Required Minimum Distributions |
Which Should You Choose?
Choose John Hancock if you want:
- Wellness-focused employers
- Mid-sized companies
- Insurance bundle seekers
Choose Betterment if you want:
- Tech companies
- Startups
- Hands-off investors
- ESG-conscious employers
Our Verdict: John Hancock vs Betterment
John Hancock wins this comparison with a score of 7.7/10 vs 6.7/10. John Hancock excels with unique wellness program integration, 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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John Hancock vs Betterment: Complete 401(k) Comparison for 2026
Choosing between John Hancock and Betterment at Work for your 401(k) is an important decision that affects your retirement savings. John Hancock offers wellness focus while Betterment is known for robo-advisor. In terms of fees, John Hancock charges 0.30% - 1.3% expense ratios compared to Betterment's 0.03% - 0.15%. John Hancock manages $600 billion in assets and serves 3 million participants, while Betterment has $45 billion AUM and 400,000 participants.
Key Differences: John Hancock vs Betterment
When comparing John Hancock and Betterment, consider their core strengths: John Hancock excels with unique wellness program integration, 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. John Hancock's customer service rating is 4.0/5 compared to Betterment's 4.0/5. For mobile experience, John Hancock scores 3.6/5 while Betterment scores 4.4/5.
Which Provider is Right for You?
Choose John Hancock if you prioritize wellness-focused employers. 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 John Hancock and Betterment provider pages.
Frequently Asked Questions
John Hancock scores higher in our 2026 rankings with 7.7/10. John Hancock is best for wellness-focused employers, while Betterment is best for tech companies. The right choice depends on your employer's plan and your priorities.
John Hancock charges expense ratios of 0.30% - 1.3% with admin fees of $1,000 - $4,000/year. Betterment charges 0.03% - 0.15% expense ratios with admin fees of $150/month + $6/employee. John Hancock's fees rating is 3.5/5 compared to Betterment's 4.0/5.
Yes, you can roll over between John Hancock and Betterment. John Hancock uses myplan.johnhancock.com for rollovers, while Betterment uses Betterment App. A direct rollover avoids mandatory tax withholding. Contact your new provider to initiate the transfer.
John Hancock offers 401(k) loans. Betterment does not offer 401(k) loans.
John Hancock scores 3.7/5 for investment options, while Betterment scores 3.2/5. Both offer target-date funds, index funds, and managed accounts. John Hancock's investment options include Mutual Funds, Target Date Funds, Stable Value. Betterment offers ETF Portfolios, Target Date Portfolios, Socially Responsible Portfolios.
For small businesses, consider plan minimums and per-participant costs. John Hancock is best for wellness-focused employers, mid-sized companies, insurance bundle seekers. Betterment is best for tech companies, startups, hands-off investors, esg-conscious employers. Compare admin fees: John Hancock charges $1,000 - $4,000/year 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