Principal vs John Hancock 401(k) Comparison
Compare Principal Financial (#6, 8.3/10) and John Hancock (#10, 7.7/10) side by side across fees, ratings, features, and investment options.
Overall Comparison
| Feature | Principal | John Hancock |
|---|---|---|
| Overall Score | 8.3/10 | 7.7/10 |
| Rank | #6 | #10 |
| AUM | $700 billion | $600 billion |
| Participants | 6 million | 3 million |
| Plan Sponsors | 46,000+ | 48,000+ |
| Founded | 1879 | 1862 |
Ratings Comparison
| Category | Principal | John Hancock |
|---|---|---|
| Fees & Costs | 3.5/5 | 3.5/5 |
| Investment Options | 3.8/5 | 3.7/5 |
| Customer Service | 4.2/5 | 4.0/5 |
| Mobile App | 3.9/5 | 3.6/5 |
Fee Comparison
| Fee Type | Principal | John Hancock |
|---|---|---|
| Admin Fees | $1,500 - $5,000/year for small plans | $1,000 - $4,000/year |
| Expense Ratios | 0.25% - 1.5% | 0.30% - 1.3% |
| Trading Fees | Varies | Plan dependent |
| Advisory Fees | 0.40% - 1.0% | 0.40% - 0.90% |
Principal Strengths
- Excellent for small business 401(k) plans
- Bundled benefits solutions
- Strong customer service for plan sponsors
- SimpleInvest managed portfolios
John Hancock Strengths
- Unique wellness program integration
- Vitality rewards for healthy behavior
- Strong financial wellness education
- Comprehensive planning tools
Which Should You Choose?
Choose Principal if you want:
- Small businesses
- Bundled benefit seekers
- Companies wanting insurance integration
Choose John Hancock if you want:
- Wellness-focused employers
- Mid-sized companies
- Insurance bundle seekers
Our Verdict: Principal vs John Hancock
Principal Financial wins this comparison with a score of 8.3/10 vs 7.7/10. 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 John Hancock: Complete 401(k) Comparison for 2026
Choosing between Principal Financial and John Hancock for your 401(k) is an important decision that affects your retirement savings. Principal offers small business focus while John Hancock is known for wellness focus. In terms of fees, Principal charges 0.25% - 1.5% expense ratios compared to John Hancock's 0.30% - 1.3%. Principal manages $700 billion in assets and serves 6 million participants, while John Hancock has $600 billion AUM and 3 million participants.
Key Differences: Principal vs John Hancock
When comparing Principal and John Hancock, consider their core strengths: Principal excels with excellent for small business 401(k) plans, while John Hancock stands out for unique wellness program integration. 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 John Hancock's 4.0/5. For mobile experience, Principal scores 3.9/5 while John Hancock scores 3.6/5.
Which Provider is Right for You?
Choose Principal if you prioritize small businesses. Choose John Hancock if you're looking for wellness-focused employers. 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 John Hancock provider pages.