Updated 2026-03-20
T. Rowe Price vs Betterment 401(k) Comparison
Compare T. Rowe Price (#5, 8.5/10) and Betterment at Work (#20, 6.7/10) side by side across fees, ratings, features, and investment options.
Overall Comparison
| Feature | T. Rowe Price | Betterment |
|---|---|---|
| Overall Score | 8.5/10 | 6.7/10 |
| Rank | #5 | #20 |
| AUM | $1.3 trillion | $45 billion |
| Participants | 10 million | 400,000 |
| Plan Sponsors | 4,500+ | 1,500+ |
| Founded | 1937 | 2010 |
Ratings Comparison
| Category | T. Rowe Price | Betterment |
|---|---|---|
| Fees & Costs | 3.8/5 | 4.0/5 |
| Investment Options | 4.6/5 | 3.2/5 |
| Customer Service | 4.4/5 | 4.0/5 |
| Mobile App | 4.2/5 | 4.4/5 |
Fee Comparison
| Fee Type | T. Rowe Price | Betterment |
|---|---|---|
| Admin Fees | $0 - $50/year | $150/month + $6/employee |
| Expense Ratios | 0.30% - 1.2% | 0.03% - 0.15% |
| Trading Fees | $0 for T. Rowe Price funds | $0 |
| Advisory Fees | 0.30% - 1.25% | Included in platform fee |
T. Rowe Price Strengths
- Excellent actively managed fund performance
- Best-in-class target date funds
- Strong research capabilities
- No-transaction-fee mutual fund platform
Betterment Strengths
- Fully automated portfolio management
- Tax-loss harvesting and tax-smart strategies
- Clean, modern user interface
- Low-cost ETF portfolios
Rollover, Loans & Withdrawals
| Feature | T. Rowe Price | Betterment |
|---|---|---|
| Rollover Platform | Individual.troweprice.com | Betterment App |
| Loans Available | Yes | No |
| Withdrawal Methods | Online portal, Phone (800-225-5132) | Online via Betterment app, Email support |
| Distribution Options | Lump sum, Partial withdrawal, Installment payments, Rollover to IRA | Lump sum, Partial withdrawal, Rollover to IRA, Required Minimum Distributions |
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 Betterment if you want:
- Tech companies
- Startups
- Hands-off investors
- ESG-conscious employers
Our Verdict: T. Rowe Price vs Betterment
T. Rowe Price wins this comparison with a score of 8.5/10 vs 6.7/10. 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 Betterment: Complete 401(k) Comparison for 2026
Choosing between T. Rowe Price and Betterment at Work for your 401(k) is an important decision that affects your retirement savings. T. Rowe Price offers active management while Betterment is known for robo-advisor. In terms of fees, T. Rowe Price charges 0.30% - 1.2% expense ratios compared to Betterment's 0.03% - 0.15%. T. Rowe Price manages $1.3 trillion in assets and serves 10 million participants, while Betterment has $45 billion AUM and 400,000 participants.
Key Differences: T. Rowe Price vs Betterment
When comparing T. Rowe Price and Betterment, consider their core strengths: T. Rowe Price excels with excellent actively managed fund performance, while Betterment stands out for fully automated portfolio management. 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 Betterment's 4.0/5. For mobile experience, T. Rowe Price scores 4.2/5 while Betterment scores 4.4/5.
Which Provider is Right for You?
Choose T. Rowe Price if you prioritize active fund believers. Choose Betterment if you're looking for tech companies. 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 Betterment 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 Betterment is best for tech companies. 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. Betterment charges 0.03% - 0.15% expense ratios with admin fees of $150/month + $6/employee. T. Rowe Price's fees rating is 3.8/5 compared to Betterment's 4.0/5.
Yes, you can roll over between T. Rowe Price and Betterment. T. Rowe Price uses Individual.troweprice.com for rollovers, while Betterment uses Betterment App. A direct rollover avoids mandatory tax withholding. Contact your new provider to initiate the transfer.
T. Rowe Price offers 401(k) loans. Betterment does not offer 401(k) loans.
T. Rowe Price scores 4.6/5 for investment options, while Betterment scores 3.2/5. 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. Betterment offers ETF Portfolios, Target Date Portfolios, Socially Responsible Portfolios.
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. Betterment is best for tech companies, startups, hands-off investors, esg-conscious employers. Compare admin fees: T. Rowe Price charges $0 - $50/year vs Betterment's $150/month + $6/employee.
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