Updated 2026-03-20

Principal vs Ubiquity 401(k) Comparison

Compare Principal Financial (#6, 8.3/10) and Ubiquity Retirement + Savings (#23, 6.3/10) side by side across fees, ratings, features, and investment options.

Overall Comparison

FeaturePrincipalUbiquity
Overall Score8.3/106.3/10
Rank#6#23
AUM$700 billion$3.5 billion
Participants6 million100,000
Plan Sponsors46,000+10,000+
Founded18791999

Ratings Comparison

CategoryPrincipalUbiquity
Fees & Costs3.5/54.0/5
Investment Options3.8/53.7/5
Customer Service4.2/53.9/5
Mobile App3.9/53.2/5

Fee Comparison

Fee TypePrincipalUbiquity
Admin Fees$1,500 - $5,000/year for small plans$115 - $250/month flat fee
Expense Ratios0.25% - 1.5%0.03% - 0.80%
Trading FeesVaries$0
Advisory Fees0.40% - 1.0%Optional, varies

Principal Strengths

Ubiquity Strengths

Rollover, Loans & Withdrawals

FeaturePrincipalUbiquity
Rollover PlatformPrincipal.comUbiquity Portal
Loans AvailableYesYes
Withdrawal MethodsOnline via Principal.com, Phone (800-547-7754)Online via Ubiquity portal, Phone (855-831-7344), Dedicated account manager
Distribution OptionsLump sum, Partial withdrawal, Installment payments, Annuity purchase, Rollover to IRALump sum, Partial withdrawal, Installment payments, Rollover to IRA, Required Minimum Distributions

Which Should You Choose?

Choose Principal if you want:

  • Small businesses
  • Bundled benefit seekers
  • Companies wanting insurance integration

Choose Ubiquity if you want:

  • Growing small businesses
  • Cost-transparent seekers
  • Companies with growing plan assets
  • Custom plan designers

Our Verdict: Principal vs Ubiquity

Principal Financial wins this comparison with a score of 8.3/10 vs 6.3/10. 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.

Full Principal Review Full Ubiquity Review

Other Popular Comparisons

Fidelity vs Ubiquity

Compare these 401(k) providers head-to-head

 Vanguard vs Ubiquity

Compare these 401(k) providers head-to-head

 Schwab vs Ubiquity

Compare these 401(k) providers head-to-head

 Empower vs Ubiquity

Compare these 401(k) providers head-to-head

 T. Rowe Price vs Ubiquity

Compare these 401(k) providers head-to-head

 Principal vs ADP

Compare these 401(k) providers head-to-head

Principal vs Ubiquity: Complete 401(k) Comparison for 2026

Choosing between Principal Financial and Ubiquity Retirement + Savings for your 401(k) is an important decision that affects your retirement savings. Principal offers small business focus while Ubiquity is known for flat fee. In terms of fees, Principal charges 0.25% - 1.5% expense ratios compared to Ubiquity's 0.03% - 0.80%. Principal manages $700 billion in assets and serves 6 million participants, while Ubiquity has $3.5 billion AUM and 100,000 participants.

Key Differences: Principal vs Ubiquity

When comparing Principal and Ubiquity, consider their core strengths: Principal excels with excellent for small business 401(k) plans, 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. Principal's customer service rating is 4.2/5 compared to Ubiquity's 3.9/5. For mobile experience, Principal scores 3.9/5 while Ubiquity scores 3.2/5.

Which Provider is Right for You?

Choose Principal if you prioritize small businesses. 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 Principal and Ubiquity provider pages.

Frequently Asked Questions

Principal Financial scores higher in our 2026 rankings with 8.3/10. Principal is best for small businesses, while Ubiquity is best for growing small businesses. The right choice depends on your employer's plan and your priorities.

Principal charges expense ratios of 0.25% - 1.5% with admin fees of $1,500 - $5,000/year for small plans. Ubiquity charges 0.03% - 0.80% expense ratios with admin fees of $115 - $250/month flat fee. Principal's fees rating is 3.5/5 compared to Ubiquity's 4.0/5.

Yes, you can roll over between Principal and Ubiquity. Principal uses Principal.com for rollovers, while Ubiquity uses Ubiquity Portal. A direct rollover avoids mandatory tax withholding. Contact your new provider to initiate the transfer.

Principal 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.

Principal scores 3.8/5 for investment options, while Ubiquity scores 3.7/5. Both offer target-date funds, index funds, and managed accounts. Principal's investment options include Mutual Funds, Target Date Funds, Stable Value. Ubiquity offers Open Architecture, Mutual Funds, Target Date Funds.

For small businesses, consider plan minimums and per-participant costs. Principal is best for small businesses, bundled benefit seekers, companies wanting insurance integration. Ubiquity is best for growing small businesses, cost-transparent seekers, companies with growing plan assets, custom plan designers. Compare admin fees: Principal charges $1,500 - $5,000/year for small plans vs Ubiquity's $115 - $250/month flat fee.

Pavlo Pyskunov

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