Browse 11 providers in this category.
Provider ranking
-
Basic Capital
Plan Administrator • Verified
New York, NY
Pricing: $0 base fee • $5/employee
Company: Est. 2021 • 24 employees
-
Guideline, Inc.
Plan Administrator • Pro Score 4.2
Burlingame, CA
Stats: 60,000 clients • $15.0B under management • 500K participants
Pricing: $39 base fee • $4/employee
Company: Est. 2015 • 350 employees
-
Vestwell
Plan Administrator • Pro Score 4.0
New York City, NY
Stats: 12,086 clients • $34.9B under management • 180K participants
Pricing: $39 base fee • $8/employee
Company: Est. 2016 • 350 employees
-
Betterment at Work
Plan Administrator • Pro Score 3.0
New York, NY
Stats: 2,000 clients • $30M under management
Pricing: $100 base fee • $5/employee
Company: Est. 2009 • 466 employees
-
Fidelity Investments
Plan Administrator • Pro Score 2.4
Boston, MA
Stats: 37,255 clients • $4.4T under management • 44.2M participants
Pricing: $100 base fee • $8.33/employee
Company: Est. 1949 • 50,000 employees
-
ForUsAll
Plan Administrator
San Carlos, CA
Stats: 500 clients • $1 under management • 80K participants
Pricing: $120 base fee • $6/employee
Company: Est. 2012 • 58 employees
-
Human Interest
Plan Administrator • Pro Score 4.3 • Verified
San Francisco, CA
Credentials: RIA - Registered Investment Advisor
Stats: 40,000 clients • $8.1B under management • 793K participants
Pricing: $120 base fee • $5/employee
Company: Est. 2015 • 771 employees
-
Americas Best 401k
Plan Administrator • Pro Score 3.1
Scottsdale, AZ
Credentials: RIA - Registered Investment Advisor
Stats: 2,000 clients • $1M under management • 40.0M participants
Pricing: $133 base fee • $5/employee
Company: Est. 2012 • 49 employees
-
Ubiquity Retirement + Savings
Plan Administrator • Pro Score 4.0
San Francisco, CA
Stats: 16,000 clients • $300M under management • 100K participants
Pricing: $177 base fee • $6/employee
Company: Est. 2000 • 90 employees
-
ADP Retirement Services
Plan Administrator • Pro Score 2.0
Roseland, NJ
Credentials: Other
Stats: 135,642 clients • $158.8B under management • 3.9M participants
Pricing: $325 base fee • $5/employee
Company: Est. 1949
-
Employee Fiduciary
Plan Administrator
Mobile, AL
Stats: 4,865 clients • $6.8B under management • 107K participants
Pricing: $1,500 base fee • $30/employee
Company: 75 employees
Maximize Savings with the lowest cost 401k Providers
Finding an affordable retirement solution is critical for small business owners and startups. The cheapest 401k providers offer more than just low entry prices; they provide transparent fee structures that prevent "fee drag" from eroding employee returns. By choosing a low-cost partner, you can redirect capital back into your business while fulfilling your fiduciary responsibilities.
Top Low-Cost 401k Options for 2026
- Human Interest: Known for its "Essentials" plan, offering a low $80 monthly base fee and automated payroll integration.
- Fidelity Advantage 401k: A top-tier choice for first-time providers, featuring a flat quarterly fee and access to zero-expense ratio funds.
- Employee Fiduciary: Favored for extreme fee transparency and access to nearly any low-cost Vanguard or Fidelity fund.
- Vanguard: The industry leader in low-cost index funds, perfect for employers who prioritize passive investment strategies.
Key Factors in 401k Cost Analysis
When comparing the most affordable plans, it is essential to look beyond the monthly subscription. Consider these three pillars of cost:
| Fee Type | What it Covers | Pro Tip |
|---|---|---|
| Setup Fees | Plan design and implementation. | Check for SECURE Act tax credits to offset these costs. |
| Asset-Based Fees | Fees charged as a percentage of total plan assets. | Seek "flat-fee" models to save as your plan grows. |
| Investment Expenses | The internal costs (expense ratios) of the funds. | Prioritize index funds with expense ratios below 0.10%. |