Updated 2026-03-20
Prudential vs Lincoln Financial 401(k) Comparison
Compare Prudential Financial (#12, 7.4/10) and Lincoln Financial (#17, 6.9/10) side by side across fees, ratings, features, and investment options.
Overall Comparison
| Feature | Prudential | Lincoln Financial |
|---|---|---|
| Overall Score | 7.4/10 | 6.9/10 |
| Rank | #12 | #17 |
| AUM | $1.4 trillion | $350 billion |
| Participants | 5 million | 8 million |
| Plan Sponsors | 25,000+ | 10,000+ |
| Founded | 1875 | 1905 |
Ratings Comparison
| Category | Prudential | Lincoln Financial |
|---|---|---|
| Fees & Costs | 3.5/5 | 3.3/5 |
| Investment Options | 3.7/5 | 3.8/5 |
| Customer Service | 3.9/5 | 3.9/5 |
| Mobile App | 3.6/5 | 3.4/5 |
Fee Comparison
| Fee Type | Prudential | Lincoln Financial |
|---|---|---|
| Admin Fees | $1,000 - $4,000/year | Varies by plan size |
| Expense Ratios | 0.20% - 1.1% | 0.10% - 1.5% |
| Trading Fees | Plan dependent | Plan dependent |
| Advisory Fees | 0.40% - 0.90% | 0.40% - 1.0% |
Prudential Strengths
- Strong guaranteed income options
- complete financial wellness programs
- Insurance product integration
- Long track record and stability
Lincoln Financial Strengths
- Strong guaranteed income and annuity options
- Insurance-backed stability
- Lincoln Director platform for plan sponsors
- Managed account services through Lincoln Alliance
Rollover, Loans & Withdrawals
| Feature | Prudential | Lincoln Financial |
|---|---|---|
| Rollover Platform | Prudential via Empower | Lincoln Financial Portal |
| Loans Available | Yes | Yes |
| Withdrawal Methods | Online via Empower platform, Phone (877-778-2100) | Online via Lincoln Financial portal, Phone (800-454-6265), Through plan administrator |
| Distribution Options | Lump sum, Partial withdrawal, Installment payments, Guaranteed lifetime income (IncomeFlex), Rollover to IRA | Lump sum, Partial withdrawal, Annuity conversion, Installment payments, Rollover to IRA, Required Minimum Distributions |
Which Should You Choose?
Choose Prudential if you want:
- Guaranteed income seekers
- Large employers
- Insurance-focused planning
Choose Lincoln Financial if you want:
- Companies wanting guaranteed income options
- Insurance-focused employers
- Mid-size to large plans
- Annuity seekers
Our Verdict: Prudential vs Lincoln Financial
Prudential Financial wins this comparison with a score of 7.4/10 vs 6.9/10. Prudential excels with strong guaranteed income options, 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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Prudential vs Lincoln Financial: Complete 401(k) Comparison for 2026
Choosing between Prudential Financial and Lincoln Financial for your 401(k) is an important decision that affects your retirement savings. Prudential offers guaranteed income while Lincoln Financial is known for top 10 recordkeeper. In terms of fees, Prudential charges 0.20% - 1.1% expense ratios compared to Lincoln Financial's 0.10% - 1.5%. Prudential manages $1.4 trillion in assets and serves 5 million participants, while Lincoln Financial has $350 billion AUM and 8 million participants.
Key Differences: Prudential vs Lincoln Financial
When comparing Prudential and Lincoln Financial, consider their core strengths: Prudential excels with strong guaranteed income options, while Lincoln Financial stands out for strong guaranteed income and annuity options. Both providers offer a wide range of investment options including target-date funds, index funds, and managed accounts. Prudential's customer service rating is 3.9/5 compared to Lincoln Financial's 3.9/5. For mobile experience, Prudential scores 3.6/5 while Lincoln Financial scores 3.4/5.
Which Provider is Right for You?
Choose Prudential if you prioritize guaranteed income seekers. Choose Lincoln Financial if you're looking for companies wanting guaranteed income options. 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 Prudential and Lincoln Financial provider pages.
Frequently Asked Questions
Prudential Financial scores higher in our 2026 rankings with 7.4/10. Prudential is best for guaranteed income seekers, while Lincoln Financial is best for companies wanting guaranteed income options. The right choice depends on your employer's plan and your priorities.
Prudential charges expense ratios of 0.20% - 1.1% with admin fees of $1,000 - $4,000/year. Lincoln Financial charges 0.10% - 1.5% expense ratios with admin fees of Varies by plan size. Prudential's fees rating is 3.5/5 compared to Lincoln Financial's 3.3/5.
Yes, you can roll over between Prudential and Lincoln Financial. Prudential uses Prudential via Empower for rollovers, while Lincoln Financial uses Lincoln Financial Portal. A direct rollover avoids mandatory tax withholding. Contact your new provider to initiate the transfer.
Prudential offers 401(k) loans. Lincoln Financial offers 401(k) loans. Both providers typically allow loans up to 50% of your vested balance or $50,000, whichever is less.
Prudential scores 3.7/5 for investment options, while Lincoln Financial scores 3.8/5. Both offer target-date funds, index funds, and managed accounts. Prudential's investment options include Mutual Funds, Target Date Funds, Guaranteed Income. Lincoln Financial offers Mutual Funds, Target Date Funds, Fixed Annuities.
For small businesses, consider plan minimums and per-participant costs. Prudential is best for guaranteed income seekers, large employers, insurance-focused planning. Lincoln Financial is best for companies wanting guaranteed income options, insurance-focused employers, mid-size to large plans, annuity seekers. Compare admin fees: Prudential charges $1,000 - $4,000/year vs Lincoln Financial's Varies by plan size.
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