Principal vs Human Interest 401(k) Comparison
Compare Principal Financial (#6, 8.3/10) and Human Interest (#14, 7.2/10) side by side across fees, ratings, features, and investment options.
Overall Comparison
| Feature | Principal | Human Interest |
|---|---|---|
| Overall Score | 8.3/10 | 7.2/10 |
| Rank | #6 | #14 |
| AUM | $700 billion | $6 billion |
| Participants | 6 million | 500,000 |
| Plan Sponsors | 46,000+ | 15,000+ |
| Founded | 1879 | 2015 |
Ratings Comparison
| Category | Principal | Human Interest |
|---|---|---|
| Fees & Costs | 3.5/5 | 4.5/5 |
| Investment Options | 3.8/5 | 3.5/5 |
| Customer Service | 4.2/5 | 4.3/5 |
| Mobile App | 3.9/5 | 4.2/5 |
Fee Comparison
| Fee Type | Principal | Human Interest |
|---|---|---|
| Admin Fees | $1,500 - $5,000/year for small plans | $120/month base + $5/employee |
| Expense Ratios | 0.25% - 1.5% | 0.06% - 0.50% |
| Trading Fees | Varies | $0 |
| Advisory Fees | 0.40% - 1.0% | Included in platform |
Principal Strengths
- Excellent for small business 401(k) plans
- Bundled benefits solutions
- Strong customer service for plan sponsors
- SimpleInvest managed portfolios
Human Interest Strengths
- Flat-fee pricing transparent and affordable
- Modern, easy-to-use technology platform
- Quick and simple plan setup
- Payroll integrations with major providers
Which Should You Choose?
Choose Principal if you want:
- Small businesses
- Bundled benefit seekers
- Companies wanting insurance integration
Choose Human Interest if you want:
- Small businesses
- Startups
- First-time plan sponsors
- Tech-savvy employers
Our Verdict: Principal vs Human Interest
Principal Financial wins this comparison with a score of 8.3/10 vs 7.2/10. Principal excels with excellent for small business 401(k) plans, 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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Principal vs Human Interest: Complete 401(k) Comparison for 2026
Choosing between Principal Financial and Human Interest for your 401(k) is an important decision that affects your retirement savings. Principal offers small business focus while Human Interest is known for small business. In terms of fees, Principal charges 0.25% - 1.5% expense ratios compared to Human Interest's 0.06% - 0.50%. Principal manages $700 billion in assets and serves 6 million participants, while Human Interest has $6 billion AUM and 500,000 participants.
Key Differences: Principal vs Human Interest
When comparing Principal and Human Interest, consider their core strengths: Principal excels with excellent for small business 401(k) plans, while Human Interest stands out for flat-fee pricing transparent and affordable. Both providers offer comprehensive investment options including target-date funds, index funds, and managed accounts. Principal's customer service rating is 4.2/5 compared to Human Interest's 4.3/5. For mobile experience, Principal scores 3.9/5 while Human Interest scores 4.2/5.
Which Provider is Right for You?
Choose Principal if you prioritize small businesses. Choose Human Interest 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 Principal and Human Interest provider pages.