Updated 2026-03-20
Prudential vs Morgan Stanley 401(k) Comparison
Compare Prudential Financial (#12, 7.4/10) and Morgan Stanley at Work (#19, 6.8/10) side by side across fees, ratings, features, and investment options.
Overall Comparison
| Feature | Prudential | Morgan Stanley |
|---|---|---|
| Overall Score | 7.4/10 | 6.8/10 |
| Rank | #12 | #19 |
| AUM | $1.4 trillion | $6.2 trillion |
| Participants | 5 million | 6 million |
| Plan Sponsors | 25,000+ | 15,000+ |
| Founded | 1875 | 1935 |
Ratings Comparison
| Category | Prudential | Morgan Stanley |
|---|---|---|
| Fees & Costs | 3.5/5 | 3.0/5 |
| Investment Options | 3.7/5 | 4.5/5 |
| Customer Service | 3.9/5 | 4.1/5 |
| Mobile App | 3.6/5 | 4.0/5 |
Fee Comparison
| Fee Type | Prudential | Morgan Stanley |
|---|---|---|
| Admin Fees | $1,000 - $4,000/year | Varies by plan size and services |
| Expense Ratios | 0.20% - 1.1% | 0.03% - 1.5% |
| Trading Fees | Plan dependent | $0 for stocks/ETFs via E*Trade |
| Advisory Fees | 0.40% - 0.90% | 0.50% - 1.5% |
Prudential Strengths
- Strong guaranteed income options
- complete financial wellness programs
- Insurance product integration
- Long track record and stability
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
Rollover, Loans & Withdrawals
| Feature | Prudential | Morgan Stanley |
|---|---|---|
| Rollover Platform | Prudential via Empower | Morgan Stanley at Work Portal |
| Loans Available | Yes | Yes |
| Withdrawal Methods | Online via Empower platform, Phone (877-778-2100) | Online via Morgan Stanley portal, Phone (800-869-3326), Through Morgan Stanley financial advisor, Branch office visit |
| Distribution Options | Lump sum, Partial withdrawal, Installment payments, Guaranteed lifetime income (IncomeFlex), Rollover to IRA | Lump sum, Partial withdrawal, Systematic withdrawals, Rollover to IRA, Required Minimum Distributions |
Which Should You Choose?
Choose Prudential if you want:
- Guaranteed income seekers
- Large employers
- Insurance-focused planning
Choose Morgan Stanley if you want:
- Companies with stock plans
- Employees wanting full brokerage access
- High-net-worth participants
- Self-directed traders
Our Verdict: Prudential vs Morgan Stanley
Prudential Financial wins this comparison with a score of 7.4/10 vs 6.8/10. 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 Morgan Stanley: Complete 401(k) Comparison for 2026
Choosing between Prudential Financial and Morgan Stanley at Work for your 401(k) is an important decision that affects your retirement savings. Prudential offers guaranteed income while Morgan Stanley is known for wealth management. In terms of fees, Prudential charges 0.20% - 1.1% expense ratios compared to Morgan Stanley's 0.03% - 1.5%. Prudential manages $1.4 trillion in assets and serves 5 million participants, while Morgan Stanley has $6.2 trillion AUM and 6 million participants.
Key Differences: Prudential vs Morgan Stanley
When comparing Prudential and Morgan Stanley, consider their core strengths: Prudential excels with strong guaranteed income options, while Morgan Stanley stands out for access to morgan stanley financial advisors. 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 Morgan Stanley's 4.1/5. For mobile experience, Prudential scores 3.6/5 while Morgan Stanley scores 4.0/5.
Which Provider is Right for You?
Choose Prudential if you prioritize guaranteed income seekers. Choose Morgan Stanley if you're looking for companies with stock plans. 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 Morgan Stanley 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 Morgan Stanley is best for companies with stock plans. 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. Morgan Stanley charges 0.03% - 1.5% expense ratios with admin fees of Varies by plan size and services. Prudential's fees rating is 3.5/5 compared to Morgan Stanley's 3.0/5.
Yes, you can roll over between Prudential and Morgan Stanley. Prudential uses Prudential via Empower for rollovers, while Morgan Stanley uses Morgan Stanley at Work Portal. A direct rollover avoids mandatory tax withholding. Contact your new provider to initiate the transfer.
Prudential offers 401(k) loans. Morgan Stanley 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 Morgan Stanley scores 4.5/5. Both offer target-date funds, index funds, and managed accounts. Prudential's investment options include Mutual Funds, Target Date Funds, Guaranteed Income. Morgan Stanley offers Mutual Funds, Target Date Funds, Index Funds.
For small businesses, consider plan minimums and per-participant costs. Prudential is best for guaranteed income seekers, large employers, insurance-focused planning. Morgan Stanley is best for companies with stock plans, employees wanting full brokerage access, high-net-worth participants, self-directed traders. Compare admin fees: Prudential charges $1,000 - $4,000/year vs Morgan Stanley's Varies by plan size and services.
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