Updated 2026-03-20
T. Rowe Price vs Employee Fiduciary 401(k) Comparison
Compare T. Rowe Price (#5, 8.5/10) and Employee Fiduciary (#24, 6.2/10) side by side across fees, ratings, features, and investment options.
Overall Comparison
| Feature | T. Rowe Price | Employee Fiduciary |
|---|---|---|
| Overall Score | 8.5/10 | 6.2/10 |
| Rank | #5 | #24 |
| AUM | $1.3 trillion | $6 billion |
| Participants | 10 million | 80,000 |
| Plan Sponsors | 4,500+ | 3,000+ |
| Founded | 1937 | 2004 |
Ratings Comparison
| Category | T. Rowe Price | Employee Fiduciary |
|---|---|---|
| Fees & Costs | 3.8/5 | 4.8/5 |
| Investment Options | 4.6/5 | 3.2/5 |
| Customer Service | 4.4/5 | 4.2/5 |
| Mobile App | 4.2/5 | 2.5/5 |
Fee Comparison
| Fee Type | T. Rowe Price | Employee Fiduciary |
|---|---|---|
| Admin Fees | $0 - $50/year | $1,500/year + $30/participant |
| 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 as 3(38) fiduciary |
T. Rowe Price Strengths
- Excellent actively managed fund performance
- Best-in-class target date funds
- Strong research capabilities
- No-transaction-fee mutual fund platform
Employee Fiduciary Strengths
- Full 3(38) investment fiduciary services included
- Among the lowest all-in costs
- Consistently rated best by independent reviewers
- Low-cost Vanguard fund lineup
Rollover, Loans & Withdrawals
| Feature | T. Rowe Price | Employee Fiduciary |
|---|---|---|
| Rollover Platform | Individual.troweprice.com | Employee Fiduciary Portal |
| Loans Available | Yes | Yes |
| Withdrawal Methods | Online portal, Phone (800-225-5132) | Phone (877-401-5100), Online portal |
| 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 Employee Fiduciary if you want:
- Cost-conscious small businesses
- Employers wanting fiduciary protection
- Index fund believers
- Plan sponsors seeking simplicity
Our Verdict: T. Rowe Price vs Employee Fiduciary
T. Rowe Price wins this comparison with a score of 8.5/10 vs 6.2/10. 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 Employee Fiduciary: Complete 401(k) Comparison for 2026
Choosing between T. Rowe Price and Employee Fiduciary for your 401(k) is an important decision that affects your retirement savings. T. Rowe Price offers active management while Employee Fiduciary is known for 3(38) fiduciary. In terms of fees, T. Rowe Price charges 0.30% - 1.2% expense ratios compared to Employee Fiduciary's 0.03% - 0.15%. T. Rowe Price manages $1.3 trillion in assets and serves 10 million participants, while Employee Fiduciary has $6 billion AUM and 80,000 participants.
Key Differences: T. Rowe Price vs Employee Fiduciary
When comparing T. Rowe Price and Employee Fiduciary, consider their core strengths: T. Rowe Price excels with excellent actively managed fund performance, while Employee Fiduciary stands out for full 3(38) investment fiduciary services included. 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 Employee Fiduciary's 4.2/5. For mobile experience, T. Rowe Price scores 4.2/5 while Employee Fiduciary scores 2.5/5.
Which Provider is Right for You?
Choose T. Rowe Price if you prioritize active fund believers. Choose Employee Fiduciary if you're looking for cost-conscious small businesses. 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 Employee Fiduciary 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 Employee Fiduciary is best for cost-conscious small businesses. 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. Employee Fiduciary charges 0.03% - 0.15% expense ratios with admin fees of $1,500/year + $30/participant. T. Rowe Price's fees rating is 3.8/5 compared to Employee Fiduciary's 4.8/5.
Yes, you can roll over between T. Rowe Price and Employee Fiduciary. T. Rowe Price uses Individual.troweprice.com for rollovers, while Employee Fiduciary uses Employee Fiduciary Portal. A direct rollover avoids mandatory tax withholding. Contact your new provider to initiate the transfer.
T. Rowe Price offers 401(k) loans. Employee Fiduciary 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 Employee Fiduciary 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. Employee Fiduciary offers Vanguard Index Funds, Target Date Funds, Bond Funds.
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. Employee Fiduciary is best for cost-conscious small businesses, employers wanting fiduciary protection, index fund believers, plan sponsors seeking simplicity. Compare admin fees: T. Rowe Price charges $0 - $50/year vs Employee Fiduciary's $1,500/year + $30/participant.
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