Updated 2026-03-30
T. Rowe Price vs John Hancock 401(k) Comparison
Compare T. Rowe Price (#5, 8.5/10) and John Hancock (#10, 7.7/10) side by side across fees, ratings, features, and investment options.
Overall Comparison
| Feature | T. Rowe Price | John Hancock |
|---|---|---|
| Overall Score | 8.5/10 | 7.7/10 |
| Rank | #5 | #10 |
| AUM | $1.3 trillion | $600 billion |
| Participants | 10 million | 3 million |
| Plan Sponsors | 4,500+ | 48,000+ |
| Founded | 1937 | 1862 |
Ratings Comparison
| Category | T. Rowe Price | John Hancock |
|---|---|---|
| Fees & Costs | 3.8/5 | 3.5/5 |
| Investment Options | 4.6/5 | 3.7/5 |
| Customer Service | 4.4/5 | 4.0/5 |
| Mobile App | 4.2/5 | 3.6/5 |
Fee Comparison
| Fee Type | T. Rowe Price | John Hancock |
|---|---|---|
| Admin Fees | $0 - $50/year | $1,000 - $4,000/year |
| Expense Ratios | 0.30% - 1.2% | 0.30% - 1.3% |
| Trading Fees | $0 for T. Rowe Price funds | Plan dependent |
| Advisory Fees | 0.30% - 1.25% | 0.40% - 0.90% |
T. Rowe Price Strengths
- Excellent actively managed fund performance
- Best-in-class target date funds
- Strong research capabilities
- No-transaction-fee mutual fund platform
John Hancock Strengths
- Unique wellness program integration
- Vitality rewards for healthy behavior
- Strong financial wellness education
- complete planning tools
Rollover, Loans & Withdrawals
| Feature | T. Rowe Price | John Hancock |
|---|---|---|
| Rollover Platform | Individual.troweprice.com | myplan.johnhancock.com |
| Loans Available | Yes | Yes |
| Withdrawal Methods | Online portal, Phone (800-225-5132) | Online via myplan.johnhancock.com, Phone (800-395-1113) |
| 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 John Hancock if you want:
- Wellness-focused employers
- Mid-sized companies
- Insurance bundle seekers
Our Verdict: T. Rowe Price vs John Hancock
T. Rowe Price wins this comparison with a score of 8.5/10 vs 7.7/10. 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 John Hancock: Complete 401(k) Comparison for 2026
Choosing between T. Rowe Price and John Hancock for your 401(k) is an important decision that affects your retirement savings. T. Rowe Price offers active management while John Hancock is known for wellness focus. In terms of fees, T. Rowe Price charges 0.30% - 1.2% expense ratios compared to John Hancock's 0.30% - 1.3%. T. Rowe Price manages $1.3 trillion in assets and serves 10 million participants, while John Hancock has $600 billion AUM and 3 million participants.
Key Differences: T. Rowe Price vs John Hancock
When comparing T. Rowe Price and John Hancock, consider their core strengths: T. Rowe Price excels with excellent actively managed fund performance, while John Hancock stands out for unique wellness program 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 John Hancock's 4.0/5. For mobile experience, T. Rowe Price scores 4.2/5 while John Hancock scores 3.6/5.
Which Provider is Right for You?
Choose T. Rowe Price if you prioritize active fund believers. Choose John Hancock if you're looking for wellness-focused employers. 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 John Hancock 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 John Hancock is best for wellness-focused employers. 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. John Hancock charges 0.30% - 1.3% expense ratios with admin fees of $1,000 - $4,000/year. T. Rowe Price's fees rating is 3.8/5 compared to John Hancock's 3.5/5.
Yes, you can roll over between T. Rowe Price and John Hancock. T. Rowe Price uses Individual.troweprice.com for rollovers, while John Hancock uses myplan.johnhancock.com. A direct rollover avoids mandatory tax withholding. Contact your new provider to initiate the transfer.
T. Rowe Price offers 401(k) loans. John Hancock 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 John Hancock scores 3.7/5. 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. John Hancock offers Mutual Funds, 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. John Hancock is best for wellness-focused employers, mid-sized companies, insurance bundle seekers. Compare admin fees: T. Rowe Price charges $0 - $50/year vs John Hancock's $1,000 - $4,000/year.
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