Vanguard vs Nationwide 401(k) Comparison
Compare Vanguard (#2, 9.3/10) and Nationwide (#13, 7.3/10) side by side across fees, ratings, features, and investment options.
Overall Comparison
| Feature | Vanguard | Nationwide |
|---|---|---|
| Overall Score | 9.3/10 | 7.3/10 |
| Rank | #2 | #13 |
| AUM | $8.6 trillion | $250 billion |
| Participants | 32 million | 3.5 million |
| Plan Sponsors | 5,600+ | 30,000+ |
| Founded | 1975 | 1926 |
Ratings Comparison
| Category | Vanguard | Nationwide |
|---|---|---|
| Fees & Costs | 5.0/5 | 3.4/5 |
| Investment Options | 4.5/5 | 3.5/5 |
| Customer Service | 4.2/5 | 4.0/5 |
| Mobile App | 4.0/5 | 3.4/5 |
Fee Comparison
| Fee Type | Vanguard | Nationwide |
|---|---|---|
| Admin Fees | $0 - $60/year | $800 - $3,500/year |
| Expense Ratios | 0.03% - 0.50% | 0.30% - 1.3% |
| Trading Fees | $0 for Vanguard funds | Plan dependent |
| Advisory Fees | 0.30% | 0.45% - 0.95% |
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
Nationwide Strengths
- Strong in 403(b) and 457 plans
- Guaranteed lifetime income options
- Good public sector solutions
- Stable value fund options
Which Should You Choose?
Choose Vanguard if you want:
- Buy-and-hold investors
- Cost-minimizers
- Index fund believers
- Long-term planners
Choose Nationwide if you want:
- Public sector employees
- Teachers and nonprofits
- Guaranteed income seekers
Our Verdict: Vanguard vs Nationwide
Vanguard wins this comparison with a score of 9.3/10 vs 7.3/10. 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 Nationwide: Complete 401(k) Comparison for 2026
Choosing between Vanguard and Nationwide for your 401(k) is an important decision that affects your retirement savings. Vanguard offers lowest costs while Nationwide is known for public sector. In terms of fees, Vanguard charges 0.03% - 0.50% expense ratios compared to Nationwide's 0.30% - 1.3%. Vanguard manages $8.6 trillion in assets and serves 32 million participants, while Nationwide has $250 billion AUM and 3.5 million participants.
Key Differences: Vanguard vs Nationwide
When comparing Vanguard and Nationwide, consider their core strengths: Vanguard excels with lowest expense ratios in the industry, while Nationwide stands out for strong in 403(b) and 457 plans. Both providers offer comprehensive investment options including target-date funds, index funds, and managed accounts. Vanguard's customer service rating is 4.2/5 compared to Nationwide's 4.0/5. For mobile experience, Vanguard scores 4.0/5 while Nationwide scores 3.4/5.
Which Provider is Right for You?
Choose Vanguard if you prioritize buy-and-hold investors. Choose Nationwide if you're looking for public sector employees. 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 Nationwide provider pages.