John Hancock vs Guideline 401(k) Comparison
Compare John Hancock (#10, 7.7/10) and Guideline (#15, 7.1/10) side by side across fees, ratings, features, and investment options.
Overall Comparison
| Feature | John Hancock | Guideline |
|---|---|---|
| Overall Score | 7.7/10 | 7.1/10 |
| Rank | #10 | #15 |
| AUM | $600 billion | $9 billion |
| Participants | 3 million | 700,000 |
| Plan Sponsors | 48,000+ | 40,000+ |
| Founded | 1862 | 2016 |
Ratings Comparison
| Category | John Hancock | Guideline |
|---|---|---|
| Fees & Costs | 3.5/5 | 4.7/5 |
| Investment Options | 3.7/5 | 3.3/5 |
| Customer Service | 4.0/5 | 3.9/5 |
| Mobile App | 3.6/5 | 4.0/5 |
Fee Comparison
| Fee Type | John Hancock | Guideline |
|---|---|---|
| Admin Fees | $1,000 - $4,000/year | $49/month base + $8/employee |
| Expense Ratios | 0.30% - 1.3% | 0.03% - 0.15% |
| Trading Fees | Plan dependent | $0 |
| Advisory Fees | 0.40% - 0.90% | N/A - self-directed |
John Hancock Strengths
- Unique wellness program integration
- Vitality rewards for healthy behavior
- Strong financial wellness education
- Comprehensive planning tools
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 John Hancock if you want:
- Wellness-focused employers
- Mid-sized companies
- Insurance bundle seekers
Choose Guideline if you want:
- Small businesses
- Cost-conscious employers
- Hands-off plan sponsors
- Index fund believers
Our Verdict: John Hancock vs Guideline
John Hancock wins this comparison with a score of 7.7/10 vs 7.1/10. 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 Guideline: Complete 401(k) Comparison for 2026
Choosing between John Hancock and Guideline for your 401(k) is an important decision that affects your retirement savings. John Hancock offers wellness focus while Guideline is known for small business. In terms of fees, John Hancock charges 0.30% - 1.3% expense ratios compared to Guideline's 0.03% - 0.15%. John Hancock manages $600 billion in assets and serves 3 million participants, while Guideline has $9 billion AUM and 700,000 participants.
Key Differences: John Hancock vs Guideline
When comparing John Hancock and Guideline, consider their core strengths: John Hancock excels with unique wellness program integration, 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. John Hancock's customer service rating is 4.0/5 compared to Guideline's 3.9/5. For mobile experience, John Hancock scores 3.6/5 while Guideline scores 4.0/5.
Which Provider is Right for You?
Choose John Hancock if you prioritize wellness-focused employers. 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 John Hancock and Guideline provider pages.