Updated 2026-03-30
T. Rowe Price vs ADP 401(k) Comparison
Compare T. Rowe Price (#5, 8.5/10) and ADP Retirement Services (#7, 8.1/10) side by side across fees, ratings, features, and investment options.
Overall Comparison
| Feature | T. Rowe Price | ADP |
|---|---|---|
| Overall Score | 8.5/10 | 8.1/10 |
| Rank | #5 | #7 |
| AUM | $1.3 trillion | $130 billion |
| Participants | 10 million | 3 million |
| Plan Sponsors | 4,500+ | 90,000+ |
| Founded | 1937 | 1949 |
Ratings Comparison
| Category | T. Rowe Price | ADP |
|---|---|---|
| Fees & Costs | 3.8/5 | 3.4/5 |
| Investment Options | 4.6/5 | 3.5/5 |
| Customer Service | 4.4/5 | 4.0/5 |
| Mobile App | 4.2/5 | 3.7/5 |
Fee Comparison
| Fee Type | T. Rowe Price | ADP |
|---|---|---|
| Admin Fees | $0 - $50/year | $2,000 - $5,000/year base |
| Expense Ratios | 0.30% - 1.2% | Varies by investment partner |
| Trading Fees | $0 for T. Rowe Price funds | Plan dependent |
| Advisory Fees | 0.30% - 1.25% | 0.35% - 0.75% |
T. Rowe Price Strengths
- Excellent actively managed fund performance
- Best-in-class target date funds
- Strong research capabilities
- No-transaction-fee mutual fund platform
ADP Strengths
- Direct payroll integration
- Automatic contribution processing
- Strong compliance support
- Easy setup for ADP payroll clients
Rollover, Loans & Withdrawals
| Feature | T. Rowe Price | ADP |
|---|---|---|
| Rollover Platform | Individual.troweprice.com | ADP Retirement Portal |
| Loans Available | Yes | Yes |
| Withdrawal Methods | Online portal, Phone (800-225-5132) | Online via ADP portal, Phone (800-695-7526) |
| Distribution Options | Lump sum, Partial withdrawal, Installment payments, Rollover to IRA | Lump sum, Partial withdrawal, Installment payments, Rollover to IRA |
Which Should You Choose?
Choose T. Rowe Price if you want:
- Active fund believers
- Target-date fund users
- Research-oriented investors
- Long-term holders
Choose ADP if you want:
- ADP payroll users
- Multi-state employers
- HR bundle seekers
- Compliance-focused companies
Our Verdict: T. Rowe Price vs ADP
T. Rowe Price wins this comparison with a score of 8.5/10 vs 8.1/10. T. Rowe Price excels with excellent actively managed fund performance, 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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T. Rowe Price vs ADP: Complete 401(k) Comparison for 2026
Choosing between T. Rowe Price and ADP Retirement Services for your 401(k) is an important decision that affects your retirement savings. T. Rowe Price offers active management while ADP is known for payroll integration. In terms of fees, T. Rowe Price charges 0.30% - 1.2% expense ratios compared to ADP's Varies by investment partner. T. Rowe Price manages $1.3 trillion in assets and serves 10 million participants, while ADP has $130 billion AUM and 3 million participants.
Key Differences: T. Rowe Price vs ADP
When comparing T. Rowe Price and ADP, consider their core strengths: T. Rowe Price excels with excellent actively managed fund performance, while ADP stands out for direct payroll integration. Both providers offer a wide range of investment options including target-date funds, index funds, and managed accounts. T. Rowe Price's customer service rating is 4.4/5 compared to ADP's 4.0/5. For mobile experience, T. Rowe Price scores 4.2/5 while ADP scores 3.7/5.
Which Provider is Right for You?
Choose T. Rowe Price if you prioritize active fund believers. Choose ADP if you're looking for adp payroll users. 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 T. Rowe Price and ADP provider pages.
Frequently Asked Questions
T. Rowe Price scores higher in our 2026 rankings with 8.5/10. T. Rowe Price is best for active fund believers, while ADP is best for adp payroll users. The right choice depends on your employer's plan and your priorities.
T. Rowe Price charges expense ratios of 0.30% - 1.2% with admin fees of $0 - $50/year. ADP charges Varies by investment partner expense ratios with admin fees of $2,000 - $5,000/year base. T. Rowe Price's fees rating is 3.8/5 compared to ADP's 3.4/5.
Yes, you can roll over between T. Rowe Price and ADP. T. Rowe Price uses Individual.troweprice.com for rollovers, while ADP uses ADP Retirement Portal. A direct rollover avoids mandatory tax withholding. Contact your new provider to initiate the transfer.
T. Rowe Price offers 401(k) loans. ADP offers 401(k) loans. Both providers typically allow loans up to 50% of your vested balance or $50,000, whichever is less.
T. Rowe Price scores 4.6/5 for investment options, while ADP scores 3.5/5. Both offer target-date funds, index funds, and managed accounts. T. Rowe Price's investment options include Active Mutual Funds, Target Date Funds, Index Funds. ADP offers Partner Fund Lineups, Target Date Funds, Stable Value.
For small businesses, consider plan minimums and per-participant costs. T. Rowe Price is best for active fund believers, target-date fund users, research-oriented investors, long-term holders. ADP is best for adp payroll users, multi-state employers, hr bundle seekers, compliance-focused companies. Compare admin fees: T. Rowe Price charges $0 - $50/year vs ADP's $2,000 - $5,000/year base.
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: 2026-03-30