Updated 2026-03-20
John Hancock vs Vestwell 401(k) Comparison
Compare John Hancock (#10, 7.7/10) and Vestwell (#21, 6.5/10) side by side across fees, ratings, features, and investment options.
Overall Comparison
| Feature | John Hancock | Vestwell |
|---|---|---|
| Overall Score | 7.7/10 | 6.5/10 |
| Rank | #10 | #21 |
| AUM | $600 billion | $30 billion |
| Participants | 3 million | 300,000 |
| Plan Sponsors | 48,000+ | 25,000+ |
| Founded | 1862 | 2016 |
Ratings Comparison
| Category | John Hancock | Vestwell |
|---|---|---|
| Fees & Costs | 3.5/5 | 3.6/5 |
| Investment Options | 3.7/5 | 3.8/5 |
| Customer Service | 4.0/5 | 3.6/5 |
| Mobile App | 3.6/5 | 3.5/5 |
Fee Comparison
| Fee Type | John Hancock | Vestwell |
|---|---|---|
| Admin Fees | $1,000 - $4,000/year | Set by advisor/distributor |
| Expense Ratios | 0.30% - 1.3% | 0.03% - 1.0% |
| Trading Fees | Plan dependent | $0 |
| Advisory Fees | 0.40% - 0.90% | Set by financial advisor |
John Hancock Strengths
- Unique wellness program integration
- Vitality rewards for healthy behavior
- Strong financial wellness education
- complete planning tools
Vestwell Strengths
- Modern API-first technology platform
- White-label options for advisors
- Open architecture investment lineup
- Integrates with 100+ payroll providers
Rollover, Loans & Withdrawals
| Feature | John Hancock | Vestwell |
|---|---|---|
| Rollover Platform | myplan.johnhancock.com | Vestwell Portal |
| Loans Available | Yes | Yes |
| Withdrawal Methods | Online via myplan.johnhancock.com, Phone (800-395-1113) | Through financial advisor, Plan administrator portal, Phone support |
| Distribution Options | Lump sum, Partial withdrawal, Installment payments, Rollover to IRA | Lump sum, Partial withdrawal, Installment payments, 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 Vestwell if you want:
- Financial advisors
- Payroll companies
- Institutional distributors
- State IRA mandate compliance
Our Verdict: John Hancock vs Vestwell
John Hancock wins this comparison with a score of 7.7/10 vs 6.5/10. 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 Vestwell: Complete 401(k) Comparison for 2026
Choosing between John Hancock and Vestwell for your 401(k) is an important decision that affects your retirement savings. John Hancock offers wellness focus while Vestwell is known for white label. In terms of fees, John Hancock charges 0.30% - 1.3% expense ratios compared to Vestwell's 0.03% - 1.0%. John Hancock manages $600 billion in assets and serves 3 million participants, while Vestwell has $30 billion AUM and 300,000 participants.
Key Differences: John Hancock vs Vestwell
When comparing John Hancock and Vestwell, consider their core strengths: John Hancock excels with unique wellness program integration, while Vestwell stands out for modern api-first technology platform. 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 Vestwell's 3.6/5. For mobile experience, John Hancock scores 3.6/5 while Vestwell scores 3.5/5.
Which Provider is Right for You?
Choose John Hancock if you prioritize wellness-focused employers. Choose Vestwell if you're looking for financial advisors. 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 Vestwell 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 Vestwell is best for financial advisors. 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. Vestwell charges 0.03% - 1.0% expense ratios with admin fees of Set by advisor/distributor. John Hancock's fees rating is 3.5/5 compared to Vestwell's 3.6/5.
Yes, you can roll over between John Hancock and Vestwell. John Hancock uses myplan.johnhancock.com for rollovers, while Vestwell uses Vestwell Portal. A direct rollover avoids mandatory tax withholding. Contact your new provider to initiate the transfer.
John Hancock offers 401(k) loans. Vestwell offers 401(k) loans. Both providers typically allow loans up to 50% of your vested balance or $50,000, whichever is less.
John Hancock scores 3.7/5 for investment options, while Vestwell scores 3.8/5. Both offer target-date funds, index funds, and managed accounts. John Hancock's investment options include Mutual Funds, Target Date Funds, Stable Value. Vestwell offers Open Architecture, Mutual Funds, Target Date Funds.
For small businesses, consider plan minimums and per-participant costs. John Hancock is best for wellness-focused employers, mid-sized companies, insurance bundle seekers. Vestwell is best for financial advisors, payroll companies, institutional distributors, state ira mandate compliance. Compare admin fees: John Hancock charges $1,000 - $4,000/year vs Vestwell's Set by advisor/distributor.
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