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Top 10 Best 401K Software of 2026

Explore top 10 best 401K software solutions for efficient retirement planning. Compare features & pick the right tool now.

Rajesh Patel

Rajesh Patel

Feb 11, 2026

10 tools comparedExpert reviewed
Independent evaluation · Unbiased commentary · Updated regularly
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401(k) software is a cornerstone of modern retirement planning, streamlining administration, enhancing investment management, and ensuring compliance for employers and participants. With a diverse array of tools—from full-service platforms to small-business focused solutions—choosing the right software directly impacts plan success, making informed selection critical.

Quick Overview

  1. 1#1: Fidelity NetBenefits - Full-service 401(k) administration platform with robust participant portal, investment management, and compliance tools.
  2. 2#2: Vanguard Retirement Services - Low-cost 401(k) recordkeeping and investment platform emphasizing index funds and participant education.
  3. 3#3: Empower Retirement - Scalable 401(k) recordkeeping and advisory services for large plans with personalized financial wellness features.
  4. 4#4: Guideline - Automated 401(k) platform for small businesses with seamless payroll integration and compliance automation.
  5. 5#5: Human Interest - Robo-advisor-driven 401(k) plans offering affordable setup, fiduciary services, and digital participant experience for SMBs.
  6. 6#6: Ubiquity Retirement + Savings - Flexible 401(k) administration software supporting multiple plan types with strong compliance and reporting features.
  7. 7#7: ForUsAll - Tech-forward 401(k) provider for small businesses featuring innovative investments like crypto and automated enrollment.
  8. 8#8: Vestwell - Open-architecture 401(k) platform enabling advisors to white-label customized retirement plans.
  9. 9#9: Ascensus - Comprehensive retirement plan administration with advanced compliance testing and participant services.
  10. 10#10: Principal - Integrated 401(k) management suite combining recordkeeping, investments, and employee financial wellness tools.

These tools were selected for their robust feature sets, user-centric design, reliable performance, and overall value, evaluated across categories like administration, investment options, compliance, and financial wellness support.

Comparison Table

Choosing the right 401K software is critical for effective retirement plan management, and this comparison table surveys top tools like Fidelity NetBenefits, Vanguard Retirement Services, Empower Retirement, Guideline, Human Interest, and more, equipping readers to evaluate features and fit for their needs.

Full-service 401(k) administration platform with robust participant portal, investment management, and compliance tools.

Features
9.7/10
Ease
8.9/10
Value
9.8/10

Low-cost 401(k) recordkeeping and investment platform emphasizing index funds and participant education.

Features
9.0/10
Ease
8.8/10
Value
9.6/10

Scalable 401(k) recordkeeping and advisory services for large plans with personalized financial wellness features.

Features
8.5/10
Ease
8.0/10
Value
7.8/10
4Guideline logo8.6/10

Automated 401(k) platform for small businesses with seamless payroll integration and compliance automation.

Features
8.4/10
Ease
9.2/10
Value
9.0/10

Robo-advisor-driven 401(k) plans offering affordable setup, fiduciary services, and digital participant experience for SMBs.

Features
8.0/10
Ease
9.2/10
Value
8.7/10

Flexible 401(k) administration software supporting multiple plan types with strong compliance and reporting features.

Features
7.5/10
Ease
8.2/10
Value
8.5/10
7ForUsAll logo8.2/10

Tech-forward 401(k) provider for small businesses featuring innovative investments like crypto and automated enrollment.

Features
8.0/10
Ease
9.0/10
Value
8.5/10
8Vestwell logo8.4/10

Open-architecture 401(k) platform enabling advisors to white-label customized retirement plans.

Features
8.6/10
Ease
8.8/10
Value
9.1/10
9Ascensus logo7.4/10

Comprehensive retirement plan administration with advanced compliance testing and participant services.

Features
8.1/10
Ease
6.7/10
Value
7.0/10
10Principal logo7.2/10

Integrated 401(k) management suite combining recordkeeping, investments, and employee financial wellness tools.

Features
7.5/10
Ease
7.0/10
Value
6.8/10
1
Fidelity NetBenefits logo

Fidelity NetBenefits

enterprise

Full-service 401(k) administration platform with robust participant portal, investment management, and compliance tools.

Overall Rating9.5/10
Features
9.7/10
Ease of Use
8.9/10
Value
9.8/10
Standout Feature

Full brokerage window allowing self-directed trading in stocks, ETFs, and options beyond plan-specific funds

Fidelity NetBenefits is a leading online platform for managing 401(k) and other employer-sponsored retirement plans, providing employees with tools to view account balances, track performance, make contributions, and rebalance portfolios. Employers leverage it for seamless plan administration, including enrollment, compliance reporting, and participant education resources. With integration into Fidelity's extensive investment ecosystem, it supports a wide range of funds, ETFs, and brokerage options for diversified retirement saving.

Pros

  • Extensive investment choices including thousands of no-transaction-fee mutual funds and brokerage access
  • Comprehensive retirement planning tools like calculators, goal trackers, and personalized advice
  • Robust mobile app with biometric login, real-time alerts, and full account management

Cons

  • User interface feels somewhat dated compared to modern fintech apps
  • Some advanced features require phone support or advisor access
  • Investment options can be limited by employer plan design to Fidelity products

Best For

Employees and employers seeking a reliable, feature-rich platform for comprehensive 401(k) management with strong investment variety and planning tools.

Pricing

Free for plan participants; employers pay tiered service fees based on plan assets, participant count, and selected features (typically $40-$100 per participant annually).

Visit Fidelity NetBenefitsnetbenefits.fidelity.com
2
Vanguard Retirement Services logo

Vanguard Retirement Services

enterprise

Low-cost 401(k) recordkeeping and investment platform emphasizing index funds and participant education.

Overall Rating9.2/10
Features
9.0/10
Ease of Use
8.8/10
Value
9.6/10
Standout Feature

Ultra-low-cost institutional share classes and target-date funds designed for optimal long-term growth with minimal fees.

Vanguard Retirement Services provides comprehensive 401(k) plan administration, recordkeeping, and investment management for employers and participants. It offers access to a wide array of low-cost index funds, target-date funds, and retirement planning tools through an intuitive online platform and mobile app. The service emphasizes long-term, passive investing with robust educational resources to help users optimize their retirement savings.

Pros

  • Exceptionally low expense ratios (as low as 0.03%)
  • Broad selection of passively managed index and target-date funds
  • Comprehensive retirement planning tools and educational content

Cons

  • Limited options for actively managed or non-Vanguard funds
  • Plan sponsor customization tools are basic compared to competitors
  • Mobile app lacks some advanced trading features

Best For

Employers and participants seeking cost-effective, low-maintenance 401(k) plans focused on passive index investing.

Pricing

Expense ratios from 0.03%; recordkeeping fees typically 0.20-0.50% of assets (varies by plan size); no transaction fees for Vanguard funds.

3
Empower Retirement logo

Empower Retirement

enterprise

Scalable 401(k) recordkeeping and advisory services for large plans with personalized financial wellness features.

Overall Rating8.2/10
Features
8.5/10
Ease of Use
8.0/10
Value
7.8/10
Standout Feature

Personalized CFP advice and holistic financial planning integrated from Personal Capital acquisition

Empower Retirement is a leading 401(k) plan administrator offering end-to-end recordkeeping, investment management, and participant services for employer-sponsored retirement plans. The platform provides tools for plan sponsors to manage contributions, compliance, and reporting, while participants access personalized investment advice, retirement calculators, and educational resources via web and mobile apps. It supports a wide range of plan sizes with scalable features and integrates wealth management through its Personal Capital acquisition.

Pros

  • Extensive investment options including low-cost index funds and target-date strategies
  • Comprehensive participant tools like goal trackers and advisor access
  • Strong scalability for mid-to-large employers with robust compliance reporting

Cons

  • Customer service response times can be inconsistent during peak periods
  • Asset-based fees may be higher than some fintech competitors
  • Occasional integration challenges post-acquisitions affecting user experience

Best For

Mid-to-large employers needing reliable 401(k) administration with participant education and advisory services.

Pricing

Custom employer pricing typically includes 0.3-0.75% asset-based fees plus $20-50 per participant annually; participant-facing advisory services extra.

4
Guideline logo

Guideline

specialized

Automated 401(k) platform for small businesses with seamless payroll integration and compliance automation.

Overall Rating8.6/10
Features
8.4/10
Ease of Use
9.2/10
Value
9.0/10
Standout Feature

Fully automated, tech-powered compliance engine that handles IRS/DOL filings and nondiscrimination testing without manual intervention

Guideline is a tech-driven 401(k) platform tailored for small and mid-sized businesses, offering end-to-end plan administration, compliance, and investment management. It automates employee onboarding, payroll-integrated contributions, and regulatory filings, reducing administrative burdens for employers. The service provides access to low-cost index funds and Roth options, with built-in financial wellness tools to boost participation.

Pros

  • Seamless integration with major payroll providers like Gusto and ADP
  • Low, transparent fees with no setup costs
  • Automated compliance and fiduciary services

Cons

  • Limited investment options focused primarily on ETFs
  • Less suitable for very large plans or complex needs
  • Occasional reports of slower customer support response times

Best For

Small to mid-sized businesses (under 200 employees) looking for a simple, affordable 401(k) without dedicated HR staff.

Pricing

Admin fees of 0.25%-0.75% AUM (tiered by assets), $0 setup/transaction fees, plus low-cost fund expenses (around 0.06%).

Visit Guidelineguideline.com
5
Human Interest logo

Human Interest

specialized

Robo-advisor-driven 401(k) plans offering affordable setup, fiduciary services, and digital participant experience for SMBs.

Overall Rating8.5/10
Features
8.0/10
Ease of Use
9.2/10
Value
8.7/10
Standout Feature

Built-in 3(16) fiduciary services that fully automate plan administration and compliance

Human Interest is a modern 401(k) platform tailored for small and medium-sized businesses, simplifying the setup, administration, and compliance of retirement plans. It offers automated payroll integration, participant self-service portals, and features like auto-enrollment, Roth options, and financial wellness tools. The service handles fiduciary responsibilities, making it accessible for companies without in-house HR expertise.

Pros

  • Affordable pricing model ideal for SMBs
  • Seamless integrations with popular payroll providers like Gusto and QuickBooks
  • Automated compliance and fiduciary services reduce administrative burden

Cons

  • Limited advanced customization for complex enterprise needs
  • Customer support response times can vary
  • Per-participant fees add up for very small plans

Best For

Small to mid-sized businesses and startups seeking a simple, hands-off 401(k) solution without dedicated benefits teams.

Pricing

Base fee $120-$500/month per plan + $4-$8 per active participant, with solopreneur plans starting at $3/participant/month.

Visit Human Interesthumaninterest.com
6
Ubiquity Retirement + Savings logo

Ubiquity Retirement + Savings

specialized

Flexible 401(k) administration software supporting multiple plan types with strong compliance and reporting features.

Overall Rating7.8/10
Features
7.5/10
Ease of Use
8.2/10
Value
8.5/10
Standout Feature

Seamless, real-time payroll sync with major providers like ADP, Gusto, and QuickBooks for error-free contribution processing.

Ubiquity Retirement + Savings is a full-service 401(k) recordkeeping and administration platform tailored for small to mid-sized businesses. It provides daily plan valuations, compliance monitoring, employee self-service portals, and seamless integrations with payroll providers like QuickBooks, Gusto, and ADP. The platform focuses on affordability and simplicity, helping employers offer retirement plans without heavy administrative overhead.

Pros

  • Competitive, transparent pricing with low per-participant fees
  • Strong payroll integrations for automated contributions
  • Responsive customer support and dedicated plan consultants

Cons

  • Limited investment menu compared to larger providers
  • Fewer advanced customization options for complex plans
  • Primarily suited for smaller employers, less scalable for enterprises

Best For

Small to mid-sized businesses (under 200 employees) seeking affordable, straightforward 401(k) administration.

Pricing

Custom quotes based on plan size; typically $4-8 per participant/month plus 0.20-0.50% asset-based fees; no setup fees for qualifying plans.

7
ForUsAll logo

ForUsAll

specialized

Tech-forward 401(k) provider for small businesses featuring innovative investments like crypto and automated enrollment.

Overall Rating8.2/10
Features
8.0/10
Ease of Use
9.0/10
Value
8.5/10
Standout Feature

Exclusive access to Collective Investment Trusts (CITs) for small plans, delivering institutional-level low fees typically unavailable to non-enterprise employers

ForUsAll is a fintech platform specializing in 401(k) plans for small businesses, startups, and self-employed individuals, offering solo 401(k)s and employer-sponsored plans with automated setup. It integrates seamlessly with payroll providers like Gusto and TriNet, provides access to low-cost Vanguard index funds and Collective Investment Trusts (CITs), and includes compliance tools, employee self-onboarding, and a mobile app for plan management. The service emphasizes simplicity, transparency, and affordability for companies without dedicated HR teams.

Pros

  • Seamless payroll integrations with Gusto, ADP, and others for automated contributions
  • Ultra-low-cost investments via CITs and Vanguard funds with fees as low as 0.04%
  • Quick setup and employee self-service onboarding reducing administrative burden

Cons

  • Best suited for small plans (under 100 employees); less scalable for larger firms
  • Limited advanced customization options compared to enterprise providers
  • Occasional reports of slower customer support response times

Best For

Startups and small businesses with fewer than 50 employees seeking simple, low-cost 401(k) administration without complex HR needs.

Pricing

Solo 401(k): $150 one-time setup, $125/year; Small business plans: $1,500 setup, $2,400/year flat admin fee up to $10M AUM or asset-based (0.04%-0.25%), no participant fees.

Visit ForUsAllforusall.com
8
Vestwell logo

Vestwell

specialized

Open-architecture 401(k) platform enabling advisors to white-label customized retirement plans.

Overall Rating8.4/10
Features
8.6/10
Ease of Use
8.8/10
Value
9.1/10
Standout Feature

Solvent AI-powered compliance engine for real-time monitoring and automated corrections

Vestwell is a modern 401(k) recordkeeping and administration platform tailored for financial advisors, third-party administrators, and small to mid-sized businesses. It provides end-to-end automation for plan setup, compliance, payroll integrations, and participant services with a focus on low costs and scalability. The software emphasizes transparent pricing, mobile accessibility, and tools to streamline retirement plan management while reducing administrative burdens.

Pros

  • Automated compliance and Form 5500 filing
  • Seamless integrations with major payroll providers like ADP and Paychex
  • Low, asset-based fees with no hidden costs

Cons

  • Limited support for very large enterprise plans
  • Customization options are somewhat basic compared to legacy providers
  • Occasional delays in customer support response times

Best For

Financial advisors and small to mid-sized employers seeking a cost-effective, tech-forward 401(k) solution with strong automation.

Pricing

Asset-based fees typically 3-10 bps on assets under management, with flat-dollar options for small plans and no setup or AUM minimums for many users.

Visit Vestwellvestwell.com
9
Ascensus logo

Ascensus

enterprise

Comprehensive retirement plan administration with advanced compliance testing and participant services.

Overall Rating7.4/10
Features
8.1/10
Ease of Use
6.7/10
Value
7.0/10
Standout Feature

Advanced automated compliance testing engine that minimizes errors and penalties

Ascensus provides comprehensive 401(k) administration and recordkeeping software, handling everything from plan setup and employee enrollments to compliance testing and participant reporting. The platform supports small to large employers with tools for managing contributions, investments, loans, and distributions while ensuring ERISA compliance. It emphasizes scalability and integration with payroll systems and third-party custodians.

Pros

  • Robust compliance automation and regulatory reporting
  • Scalable for plans with 100+ participants
  • Strong integration with payroll and investment providers

Cons

  • Dated user interface with a learning curve
  • Pricing lacks transparency and can be high for small plans
  • Limited customization options compared to competitors

Best For

Mid-sized businesses seeking reliable, full-service 401(k) administration with expert compliance support.

Pricing

Custom quotes based on plan assets and participant count; typically $5-15 per participant per month plus asset-based fees (0.1-0.5%) and setup costs.

Visit Ascensusascensus.com
10
Principal logo

Principal

enterprise

Integrated 401(k) management suite combining recordkeeping, investments, and employee financial wellness tools.

Overall Rating7.2/10
Features
7.5/10
Ease of Use
7.0/10
Value
6.8/10
Standout Feature

Integrated financial wellness platform with personalized coaching and behavioral finance tools to improve savings rates.

Principal (principal.com) offers robust 401(k) plan administration services, including recordkeeping, compliance management, investment options, and participant support through an online portal. The platform enables plan sponsors to handle payroll integrations, automated enrollments, and performance reporting seamlessly. It integrates financial wellness tools and educational resources to enhance employee engagement and retirement readiness.

Pros

  • Strong investment lineup with low-cost index funds and target-date options
  • Comprehensive compliance and reporting tools reduce administrative burden
  • Dedicated support teams and financial wellness programs boost participant engagement

Cons

  • Higher-than-average fees compared to fintech alternatives
  • User interface feels dated and less intuitive for tech-savvy admins
  • Limited customization options for smaller plans

Best For

Mid-sized businesses seeking reliable, full-service 401(k) administration with integrated insurance and wellness features.

Pricing

Custom asset-based fees (typically 0.4%-1.0% of AUM) plus $5-$10 per participant annually, with setup fees varying by plan size.

Visit Principalprincipal.com

Conclusion

The reviewed 401(k) software options offer varied strengths, from full-service administration to tech-forward innovation and affordable small business solutions. At the top, Fidelity NetBenefits leads with its robust platform, combining participant tools, investment management, and compliance. Vanguard Retirement Services and Empower Retirement closely follow, serving as strong alternatives—Vanguard with low costs and education, Empower with scalability and personalized wellness. Ultimately, the best choice depends on matching plan needs with platform capabilities.

Fidelity NetBenefits logo
Our Top Pick
Fidelity NetBenefits

Start with Fidelity NetBenefits, the top-ranked tool, for a comprehensive, user-focused experience that sets a strong foundation for retirement plan management.