Updated 2026-03-20
T. Rowe Price vs Morgan Stanley 401(k) Comparison
Compare T. Rowe Price (#5, 8.5/10) and Morgan Stanley at Work (#19, 6.8/10) side by side across fees, ratings, features, and investment options.
Overall Comparison
| Feature | T. Rowe Price | Morgan Stanley |
|---|---|---|
| Overall Score | 8.5/10 | 6.8/10 |
| Rank | #5 | #19 |
| AUM | $1.3 trillion | $6.2 trillion |
| Participants | 10 million | 6 million |
| Plan Sponsors | 4,500+ | 15,000+ |
| Founded | 1937 | 1935 |
Ratings Comparison
| Category | T. Rowe Price | Morgan Stanley |
|---|---|---|
| Fees & Costs | 3.8/5 | 3.0/5 |
| Investment Options | 4.6/5 | 4.5/5 |
| Customer Service | 4.4/5 | 4.1/5 |
| Mobile App | 4.2/5 | 4.0/5 |
Fee Comparison
| Fee Type | T. Rowe Price | Morgan Stanley |
|---|---|---|
| Admin Fees | $0 - $50/year | Varies by plan size and services |
| Expense Ratios | 0.30% - 1.2% | 0.03% - 1.5% |
| Trading Fees | $0 for T. Rowe Price funds | $0 for stocks/ETFs via E*Trade |
| Advisory Fees | 0.30% - 1.25% | 0.50% - 1.5% |
T. Rowe Price Strengths
- Excellent actively managed fund performance
- Best-in-class target date funds
- Strong research capabilities
- No-transaction-fee mutual fund platform
Morgan Stanley Strengths
- Access to Morgan Stanley financial advisors
- E*Trade self-directed brokerage window
- Full wealth management integration
- Stock plan and equity compensation expertise
Rollover, Loans & Withdrawals
| Feature | T. Rowe Price | Morgan Stanley |
|---|---|---|
| Rollover Platform | Individual.troweprice.com | Morgan Stanley at Work Portal |
| Loans Available | Yes | Yes |
| Withdrawal Methods | Online portal, Phone (800-225-5132) | Online via Morgan Stanley portal, Phone (800-869-3326), Through Morgan Stanley financial advisor, Branch office visit |
| Distribution Options | Lump sum, Partial withdrawal, Installment payments, Rollover to IRA | Lump sum, Partial withdrawal, Systematic withdrawals, 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 Morgan Stanley if you want:
- Companies with stock plans
- Employees wanting full brokerage access
- High-net-worth participants
- Self-directed traders
Our Verdict: T. Rowe Price vs Morgan Stanley
T. Rowe Price wins this comparison with a score of 8.5/10 vs 6.8/10. 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 Morgan Stanley: Complete 401(k) Comparison for 2026
Choosing between T. Rowe Price and Morgan Stanley at Work for your 401(k) is an important decision that affects your retirement savings. T. Rowe Price offers active management while Morgan Stanley is known for wealth management. In terms of fees, T. Rowe Price charges 0.30% - 1.2% expense ratios compared to Morgan Stanley's 0.03% - 1.5%. T. Rowe Price manages $1.3 trillion in assets and serves 10 million participants, while Morgan Stanley has $6.2 trillion AUM and 6 million participants.
Key Differences: T. Rowe Price vs Morgan Stanley
When comparing T. Rowe Price and Morgan Stanley, consider their core strengths: T. Rowe Price excels with excellent actively managed fund performance, while Morgan Stanley stands out for access to morgan stanley financial advisors. 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 Morgan Stanley's 4.1/5. For mobile experience, T. Rowe Price scores 4.2/5 while Morgan Stanley scores 4.0/5.
Which Provider is Right for You?
Choose T. Rowe Price if you prioritize active fund believers. Choose Morgan Stanley if you're looking for companies with stock plans. 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 Morgan Stanley 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 Morgan Stanley is best for companies with stock plans. 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. Morgan Stanley charges 0.03% - 1.5% expense ratios with admin fees of Varies by plan size and services. T. Rowe Price's fees rating is 3.8/5 compared to Morgan Stanley's 3.0/5.
Yes, you can roll over between T. Rowe Price and Morgan Stanley. T. Rowe Price uses Individual.troweprice.com for rollovers, while Morgan Stanley uses Morgan Stanley at Work Portal. A direct rollover avoids mandatory tax withholding. Contact your new provider to initiate the transfer.
T. Rowe Price offers 401(k) loans. Morgan Stanley 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 Morgan Stanley scores 4.5/5. 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. Morgan Stanley offers Mutual Funds, Target Date Funds, Index 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. Morgan Stanley is best for companies with stock plans, employees wanting full brokerage access, high-net-worth participants, self-directed traders. Compare admin fees: T. Rowe Price charges $0 - $50/year vs Morgan Stanley's Varies by plan size and services.
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