Updated 2026-03-20
T. Rowe Price vs Vestwell 401(k) Comparison
Compare T. Rowe Price (#5, 8.5/10) and Vestwell (#21, 6.5/10) side by side across fees, ratings, features, and investment options.
Overall Comparison
| Feature | T. Rowe Price | Vestwell |
|---|---|---|
| Overall Score | 8.5/10 | 6.5/10 |
| Rank | #5 | #21 |
| AUM | $1.3 trillion | $30 billion |
| Participants | 10 million | 300,000 |
| Plan Sponsors | 4,500+ | 25,000+ |
| Founded | 1937 | 2016 |
Ratings Comparison
| Category | T. Rowe Price | Vestwell |
|---|---|---|
| Fees & Costs | 3.8/5 | 3.6/5 |
| Investment Options | 4.6/5 | 3.8/5 |
| Customer Service | 4.4/5 | 3.6/5 |
| Mobile App | 4.2/5 | 3.5/5 |
Fee Comparison
| Fee Type | T. Rowe Price | Vestwell |
|---|---|---|
| Admin Fees | $0 - $50/year | Set by advisor/distributor |
| Expense Ratios | 0.30% - 1.2% | 0.03% - 1.0% |
| Trading Fees | $0 for T. Rowe Price funds | $0 |
| Advisory Fees | 0.30% - 1.25% | Set by financial advisor |
T. Rowe Price Strengths
- Excellent actively managed fund performance
- Best-in-class target date funds
- Strong research capabilities
- No-transaction-fee mutual fund platform
Vestwell Strengths
- Modern API-first technology platform
- White-label options for advisors
- Open architecture investment lineup
- Integrates with 100+ payroll providers
Rollover, Loans & Withdrawals
| Feature | T. Rowe Price | Vestwell |
|---|---|---|
| Rollover Platform | Individual.troweprice.com | Vestwell Portal |
| Loans Available | Yes | Yes |
| Withdrawal Methods | Online portal, Phone (800-225-5132) | Through financial advisor, Plan administrator portal, Phone support |
| Distribution Options | Lump sum, Partial withdrawal, Installment payments, Rollover to IRA | Lump sum, Partial withdrawal, Installment payments, 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 Vestwell if you want:
- Financial advisors
- Payroll companies
- Institutional distributors
- State IRA mandate compliance
Our Verdict: T. Rowe Price vs Vestwell
T. Rowe Price wins this comparison with a score of 8.5/10 vs 6.5/10. 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 Vestwell: Complete 401(k) Comparison for 2026
Choosing between T. Rowe Price and Vestwell for your 401(k) is an important decision that affects your retirement savings. T. Rowe Price offers active management while Vestwell is known for white label. In terms of fees, T. Rowe Price charges 0.30% - 1.2% expense ratios compared to Vestwell's 0.03% - 1.0%. T. Rowe Price manages $1.3 trillion in assets and serves 10 million participants, while Vestwell has $30 billion AUM and 300,000 participants.
Key Differences: T. Rowe Price vs Vestwell
When comparing T. Rowe Price and Vestwell, consider their core strengths: T. Rowe Price excels with excellent actively managed fund performance, while Vestwell stands out for modern api-first technology platform. 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 Vestwell's 3.6/5. For mobile experience, T. Rowe Price scores 4.2/5 while Vestwell scores 3.5/5.
Which Provider is Right for You?
Choose T. Rowe Price if you prioritize active fund believers. Choose Vestwell if you're looking for financial advisors. 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 Vestwell 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 Vestwell is best for financial advisors. 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. Vestwell charges 0.03% - 1.0% expense ratios with admin fees of Set by advisor/distributor. T. Rowe Price's fees rating is 3.8/5 compared to Vestwell's 3.6/5.
Yes, you can roll over between T. Rowe Price and Vestwell. T. Rowe Price uses Individual.troweprice.com for rollovers, while Vestwell uses Vestwell Portal. A direct rollover avoids mandatory tax withholding. Contact your new provider to initiate the transfer.
T. Rowe Price offers 401(k) loans. Vestwell 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 Vestwell scores 3.8/5. 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. Vestwell offers Open Architecture, Mutual Funds, Target Date 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. Vestwell is best for financial advisors, payroll companies, institutional distributors, state ira mandate compliance. Compare admin fees: T. Rowe Price charges $0 - $50/year vs Vestwell's Set by advisor/distributor.
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