Updated 2026-03-30
Vanguard vs John Hancock 401(k) Comparison
Compare Vanguard (#2, 9.3/10) and John Hancock (#10, 7.7/10) side by side across fees, ratings, features, and investment options.
Overall Comparison
| Feature | Vanguard | John Hancock |
|---|---|---|
| Overall Score | 9.3/10 | 7.7/10 |
| Rank | #2 | #10 |
| AUM | $8.6 trillion | $600 billion |
| Participants | 32 million | 3 million |
| Plan Sponsors | 5,600+ | 48,000+ |
| Founded | 1975 | 1862 |
Ratings Comparison
| Category | Vanguard | John Hancock |
|---|---|---|
| Fees & Costs | 5.0/5 | 3.5/5 |
| Investment Options | 4.5/5 | 3.7/5 |
| Customer Service | 4.2/5 | 4.0/5 |
| Mobile App | 4.0/5 | 3.6/5 |
Fee Comparison
| Fee Type | Vanguard | John Hancock |
|---|---|---|
| Admin Fees | $0 - $60/year | $1,000 - $4,000/year |
| Expense Ratios | 0.03% - 0.50% | 0.30% - 1.3% |
| Trading Fees | $0 for Vanguard funds | Plan dependent |
| Advisory Fees | 0.30% | 0.40% - 0.90% |
Vanguard Strengths
- Lowest expense ratios in the industry
- Investor-owned structure aligns interests
- Excellent target-date fund lineup (VTIVX series)
- Admiral Shares offer even lower costs at $3,000 minimum
John Hancock Strengths
- Unique wellness program integration
- Vitality rewards for healthy behavior
- Strong financial wellness education
- complete planning tools
Rollover, Loans & Withdrawals
| Feature | Vanguard | John Hancock |
|---|---|---|
| Rollover Platform | Vanguard.com | myplan.johnhancock.com |
| Loans Available | Yes | Yes |
| Withdrawal Methods | Online via Vanguard.com, Phone (800-523-1188) | Online via myplan.johnhancock.com, Phone (800-395-1113) |
| Distribution Options | Lump sum, Partial withdrawal, Systematic withdrawals, Rollover to IRA | Lump sum, Partial withdrawal, Installment payments, Rollover to IRA |
Which Should You Choose?
Choose Vanguard if you want:
- Buy-and-hold investors
- Cost-minimizers
- Index fund believers
- Long-term planners
Choose John Hancock if you want:
- Wellness-focused employers
- Mid-sized companies
- Insurance bundle seekers
Our Verdict: Vanguard vs John Hancock
Vanguard wins this comparison with a score of 9.3/10 vs 7.7/10. 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.
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Vanguard vs John Hancock: Complete 401(k) Comparison for 2026
Choosing between Vanguard and John Hancock for your 401(k) is an important decision that affects your retirement savings. Vanguard offers lowest costs while John Hancock is known for wellness focus. In terms of fees, Vanguard charges 0.03% - 0.50% expense ratios compared to John Hancock's 0.30% - 1.3%. Vanguard manages $8.6 trillion in assets and serves 32 million participants, while John Hancock has $600 billion AUM and 3 million participants.
Key Differences: Vanguard vs John Hancock
When comparing Vanguard and John Hancock, consider their core strengths: Vanguard excels with lowest expense ratios in the industry, 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. Vanguard's customer service rating is 4.2/5 compared to John Hancock's 4.0/5. For mobile experience, Vanguard scores 4.0/5 while John Hancock scores 3.6/5.
Which Provider is Right for You?
Choose Vanguard if you prioritize buy-and-hold investors. 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 Vanguard and John Hancock 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 John Hancock is best for wellness-focused employers. 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. John Hancock charges 0.30% - 1.3% expense ratios with admin fees of $1,000 - $4,000/year. Vanguard's fees rating is 5.0/5 compared to John Hancock's 3.5/5.
Yes, you can roll over between Vanguard and John Hancock. Vanguard uses Vanguard.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.
Vanguard 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.
Vanguard scores 4.5/5 for investment options, while John Hancock scores 3.7/5. Both offer target-date funds, index funds, and managed accounts. Vanguard's investment options include Index Funds, Target Date Funds, Mutual Funds. John Hancock offers Mutual Funds, Target Date Funds, Stable Value.
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. John Hancock is best for wellness-focused employers, mid-sized companies, insurance bundle seekers. Compare admin fees: Vanguard charges $0 - $60/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