Updated 2026-03-20
Morgan Stanley vs Ubiquity 401(k) Comparison
Compare Morgan Stanley at Work (#19, 6.8/10) and Ubiquity Retirement + Savings (#23, 6.3/10) side by side across fees, ratings, features, and investment options.
Overall Comparison
| Feature | Morgan Stanley | Ubiquity |
|---|---|---|
| Overall Score | 6.8/10 | 6.3/10 |
| Rank | #19 | #23 |
| AUM | $6.2 trillion | $3.5 billion |
| Participants | 6 million | 100,000 |
| Plan Sponsors | 15,000+ | 10,000+ |
| Founded | 1935 | 1999 |
Ratings Comparison
| Category | Morgan Stanley | Ubiquity |
|---|---|---|
| Fees & Costs | 3.0/5 | 4.0/5 |
| Investment Options | 4.5/5 | 3.7/5 |
| Customer Service | 4.1/5 | 3.9/5 |
| Mobile App | 4.0/5 | 3.2/5 |
Fee Comparison
| Fee Type | Morgan Stanley | Ubiquity |
|---|---|---|
| Admin Fees | Varies by plan size and services | $115 - $250/month flat fee |
| Expense Ratios | 0.03% - 1.5% | 0.03% - 0.80% |
| Trading Fees | $0 for stocks/ETFs via E*Trade | $0 |
| Advisory Fees | 0.50% - 1.5% | Optional, varies |
Morgan Stanley Strengths
- Access to Morgan Stanley financial advisors
- E*Trade self-directed brokerage window
- Full wealth management integration
- Stock plan and equity compensation expertise
Ubiquity Strengths
- True flat-fee pricing with no asset-based charges
- Costs become more competitive as assets grow
- Open architecture investment options
- Over 25 years of experience
Rollover, Loans & Withdrawals
| Feature | Morgan Stanley | Ubiquity |
|---|---|---|
| Rollover Platform | Morgan Stanley at Work Portal | Ubiquity Portal |
| Loans Available | Yes | Yes |
| Withdrawal Methods | Online via Morgan Stanley portal, Phone (800-869-3326), Through Morgan Stanley financial advisor, Branch office visit | Online via Ubiquity portal, Phone (855-831-7344), Dedicated account manager |
| Distribution Options | Lump sum, Partial withdrawal, Systematic withdrawals, Rollover to IRA, Required Minimum Distributions | Lump sum, Partial withdrawal, Installment payments, Rollover to IRA, Required Minimum Distributions |
Which Should You Choose?
Choose Morgan Stanley if you want:
- Companies with stock plans
- Employees wanting full brokerage access
- High-net-worth participants
- Self-directed traders
Choose Ubiquity if you want:
- Growing small businesses
- Cost-transparent seekers
- Companies with growing plan assets
- Custom plan designers
Our Verdict: Morgan Stanley vs Ubiquity
Morgan Stanley at Work wins this comparison with a score of 6.8/10 vs 6.3/10. Morgan Stanley excels with access to morgan stanley financial advisors, 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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Morgan Stanley vs Ubiquity: Complete 401(k) Comparison for 2026
Choosing between Morgan Stanley at Work and Ubiquity Retirement + Savings for your 401(k) is an important decision that affects your retirement savings. Morgan Stanley offers wealth management while Ubiquity is known for flat fee. In terms of fees, Morgan Stanley charges 0.03% - 1.5% expense ratios compared to Ubiquity's 0.03% - 0.80%. Morgan Stanley manages $6.2 trillion in assets and serves 6 million participants, while Ubiquity has $3.5 billion AUM and 100,000 participants.
Key Differences: Morgan Stanley vs Ubiquity
When comparing Morgan Stanley and Ubiquity, consider their core strengths: Morgan Stanley excels with access to morgan stanley financial advisors, while Ubiquity stands out for true flat-fee pricing with no asset-based charges. Both providers offer a wide range of investment options including target-date funds, index funds, and managed accounts. Morgan Stanley's customer service rating is 4.1/5 compared to Ubiquity's 3.9/5. For mobile experience, Morgan Stanley scores 4.0/5 while Ubiquity scores 3.2/5.
Which Provider is Right for You?
Choose Morgan Stanley if you prioritize companies with stock plans. Choose Ubiquity if you're looking for growing 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 Morgan Stanley and Ubiquity provider pages.
Frequently Asked Questions
Morgan Stanley at Work scores higher in our 2026 rankings with 6.8/10. Morgan Stanley is best for companies with stock plans, while Ubiquity is best for growing small businesses. The right choice depends on your employer's plan and your priorities.
Morgan Stanley charges expense ratios of 0.03% - 1.5% with admin fees of Varies by plan size and services. Ubiquity charges 0.03% - 0.80% expense ratios with admin fees of $115 - $250/month flat fee. Morgan Stanley's fees rating is 3.0/5 compared to Ubiquity's 4.0/5.
Yes, you can roll over between Morgan Stanley and Ubiquity. Morgan Stanley uses Morgan Stanley at Work Portal for rollovers, while Ubiquity uses Ubiquity Portal. A direct rollover avoids mandatory tax withholding. Contact your new provider to initiate the transfer.
Morgan Stanley offers 401(k) loans. Ubiquity offers 401(k) loans. Both providers typically allow loans up to 50% of your vested balance or $50,000, whichever is less.
Morgan Stanley scores 4.5/5 for investment options, while Ubiquity scores 3.7/5. Both offer target-date funds, index funds, and managed accounts. Morgan Stanley's investment options include Mutual Funds, Target Date Funds, Index Funds. Ubiquity offers Open Architecture, Mutual Funds, Target Date Funds.
For small businesses, consider plan minimums and per-participant costs. Morgan Stanley is best for companies with stock plans, employees wanting full brokerage access, high-net-worth participants, self-directed traders. Ubiquity is best for growing small businesses, cost-transparent seekers, companies with growing plan assets, custom plan designers. Compare admin fees: Morgan Stanley charges Varies by plan size and services vs Ubiquity's $115 - $250/month flat fee.
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