Prudential vs Nationwide 401(k) Comparison
Compare Prudential Financial (#12, 7.4/10) and Nationwide (#13, 7.3/10) side by side across fees, ratings, features, and investment options.
Overall Comparison
| Feature | Prudential | Nationwide |
|---|---|---|
| Overall Score | 7.4/10 | 7.3/10 |
| Rank | #12 | #13 |
| AUM | $1.4 trillion | $250 billion |
| Participants | 5 million | 3.5 million |
| Plan Sponsors | 25,000+ | 30,000+ |
| Founded | 1875 | 1926 |
Ratings Comparison
| Category | Prudential | Nationwide |
|---|---|---|
| Fees & Costs | 3.5/5 | 3.4/5 |
| Investment Options | 3.7/5 | 3.5/5 |
| Customer Service | 3.9/5 | 4.0/5 |
| Mobile App | 3.6/5 | 3.4/5 |
Fee Comparison
| Fee Type | Prudential | Nationwide |
|---|---|---|
| Admin Fees | $1,000 - $4,000/year | $800 - $3,500/year |
| Expense Ratios | 0.20% - 1.1% | 0.30% - 1.3% |
| Trading Fees | Plan dependent | Plan dependent |
| Advisory Fees | 0.40% - 0.90% | 0.45% - 0.95% |
Prudential Strengths
- Strong guaranteed income options
- Comprehensive financial wellness programs
- Insurance product integration
- Long track record and stability
Nationwide Strengths
- Strong in 403(b) and 457 plans
- Guaranteed lifetime income options
- Good public sector solutions
- Stable value fund options
Which Should You Choose?
Choose Prudential if you want:
- Guaranteed income seekers
- Large employers
- Insurance-focused planning
Choose Nationwide if you want:
- Public sector employees
- Teachers and nonprofits
- Guaranteed income seekers
Our Verdict: Prudential vs Nationwide
Prudential Financial wins this comparison with a score of 7.4/10 vs 7.3/10. 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 Nationwide: Complete 401(k) Comparison for 2026
Choosing between Prudential Financial and Nationwide for your 401(k) is an important decision that affects your retirement savings. Prudential offers guaranteed income while Nationwide is known for public sector. In terms of fees, Prudential charges 0.20% - 1.1% expense ratios compared to Nationwide's 0.30% - 1.3%. Prudential manages $1.4 trillion in assets and serves 5 million participants, while Nationwide has $250 billion AUM and 3.5 million participants.
Key Differences: Prudential vs Nationwide
When comparing Prudential and Nationwide, consider their core strengths: Prudential excels with strong guaranteed income options, while Nationwide stands out for strong in 403(b) and 457 plans. Both providers offer comprehensive investment options including target-date funds, index funds, and managed accounts. Prudential's customer service rating is 3.9/5 compared to Nationwide's 4.0/5. For mobile experience, Prudential scores 3.6/5 while Nationwide scores 3.4/5.
Which Provider is Right for You?
Choose Prudential if you prioritize guaranteed income seekers. Choose Nationwide if you're looking for public sector employees. 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 Nationwide provider pages.