Updated 2026-03-20

Vanguard vs Employee Fiduciary 401(k) Comparison

Compare Vanguard (#2, 9.3/10) and Employee Fiduciary (#24, 6.2/10) side by side across fees, ratings, features, and investment options.

Overall Comparison

FeatureVanguardEmployee Fiduciary
Overall Score9.3/106.2/10
Rank#2#24
AUM$8.6 trillion$6 billion
Participants32 million80,000
Plan Sponsors5,600+3,000+
Founded19752004

Ratings Comparison

CategoryVanguardEmployee Fiduciary
Fees & Costs5.0/54.8/5
Investment Options4.5/53.2/5
Customer Service4.2/54.2/5
Mobile App4.0/52.5/5

Fee Comparison

Fee TypeVanguardEmployee Fiduciary
Admin Fees$0 - $60/year$1,500/year + $30/participant
Expense Ratios0.03% - 0.50%0.03% - 0.15%
Trading Fees$0 for Vanguard funds$0
Advisory Fees0.30%Included as 3(38) fiduciary

Vanguard Strengths

Employee Fiduciary Strengths

Rollover, Loans & Withdrawals

FeatureVanguardEmployee Fiduciary
Rollover PlatformVanguard.comEmployee Fiduciary Portal
Loans AvailableYesYes
Withdrawal MethodsOnline via Vanguard.com, Phone (800-523-1188)Phone (877-401-5100), Online portal
Distribution OptionsLump sum, Partial withdrawal, Systematic withdrawals, Rollover to IRALump sum, Partial withdrawal, Rollover to IRA, Required Minimum Distributions

Which Should You Choose?

Choose Vanguard if you want:

  • Buy-and-hold investors
  • Cost-minimizers
  • Index fund believers
  • Long-term planners

Choose Employee Fiduciary if you want:

  • Cost-conscious small businesses
  • Employers wanting fiduciary protection
  • Index fund believers
  • Plan sponsors seeking simplicity

Our Verdict: Vanguard vs Employee Fiduciary

Vanguard wins this comparison with a score of 9.3/10 vs 6.2/10. Vanguard excels with lowest expense ratios in the industry, 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.

Full Vanguard Review Full Employee Fiduciary Review

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Vanguard vs Employee Fiduciary: Complete 401(k) Comparison for 2026

Choosing between Vanguard and Employee Fiduciary for your 401(k) is an important decision that affects your retirement savings. Vanguard offers lowest costs while Employee Fiduciary is known for 3(38) fiduciary. In terms of fees, Vanguard charges 0.03% - 0.50% expense ratios compared to Employee Fiduciary's 0.03% - 0.15%. Vanguard manages $8.6 trillion in assets and serves 32 million participants, while Employee Fiduciary has $6 billion AUM and 80,000 participants.

Key Differences: Vanguard vs Employee Fiduciary

When comparing Vanguard and Employee Fiduciary, consider their core strengths: Vanguard excels with lowest expense ratios in the industry, 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. Vanguard's customer service rating is 4.2/5 compared to Employee Fiduciary's 4.2/5. For mobile experience, Vanguard scores 4.0/5 while Employee Fiduciary scores 2.5/5.

Which Provider is Right for You?

Choose Vanguard if you prioritize buy-and-hold investors. 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 Vanguard and Employee Fiduciary provider pages.

Frequently Asked Questions

Vanguard scores higher in our 2026 rankings with 9.3/10. Vanguard is best for buy-and-hold investors, while Employee Fiduciary is best for cost-conscious small businesses. The right choice depends on your employer's plan and your priorities.

Vanguard charges expense ratios of 0.03% - 0.50% with admin fees of $0 - $60/year. Employee Fiduciary charges 0.03% - 0.15% expense ratios with admin fees of $1,500/year + $30/participant. Vanguard's fees rating is 5.0/5 compared to Employee Fiduciary's 4.8/5.

Yes, you can roll over between Vanguard and Employee Fiduciary. Vanguard uses Vanguard.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.

Vanguard 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.

Vanguard scores 4.5/5 for investment options, while Employee Fiduciary scores 3.2/5. Both offer target-date funds, index funds, and managed accounts. Vanguard's investment options include Index Funds, Target Date Funds, Mutual Funds. Employee Fiduciary offers Vanguard Index Funds, Target Date Funds, Bond Funds.

For small businesses, consider plan minimums and per-participant costs. Vanguard is best for buy-and-hold investors, cost-minimizers, index fund believers, long-term planners. Employee Fiduciary is best for cost-conscious small businesses, employers wanting fiduciary protection, index fund believers, plan sponsors seeking simplicity. Compare admin fees: Vanguard charges $0 - $60/year vs Employee Fiduciary's $1,500/year + $30/participant.

Pavlo Pyskunov

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