Guideline 401(k) alternatives
7 products compared · Updated November 1, 2026
The short answer
For most small businesses, Human Interest is the strongest alternative due to its 600+ payroll integrations and price match guarantee. Betterment for Business suits companies wanting automated tax-saving tools, while Employee Fiduciary is ideal for non-profits needing 403(b) plans and hands-on support.
Your shortlist, at a glance
Read the comparisons ↓
Betterment for BusinessNot publishedSmall to mid-sized businesses that want automated 401(k) administration with integrated tax-saving investment tools.
Human Interest0.05% assets + feesSmall and medium-sized businesses that want a 401(k) provider with broad payroll integrations and optional fiduciary support.Vanguard 401(k)Not publishedCompanies that prioritize low-cost index fund investing and want a plan administered by a large, established investment firm.
Fidelity 401(k)Not publishedCompanies that want a full-service financial provider with retirement plans plus brokerage and advisory services.
- EEmployee FiduciaryNot publishedSmall businesses and non-profits that want a low-cost, full-service 401(k) with hands-on human support.
- UUbiquity Retirement + SavingsSee websiteOther
ForUsAll0.20%–0.40% AUMStartups and small businesses that want a modern 401(k) with crypto options and employee financial advice
About Guideline 401(k) and its alternatives
Guideline 401(k), now part of Gusto, is a low-fee retirement plan provider that syncs payroll and 401(k) administration in one platform. It is known for transparent pricing, self-serve plans, and a fund menu of 40 low-cost Vanguard funds.
When comparing alternatives, weigh pricing structure (flat fees vs. asset-based), payroll integrations, availability of additional plan types like 403(b) or solo 401(k), support options, and contract terms like setup fees or price match guarantees. Some providers publish pricing, others require a quote.
Explore the alternatives
- Not published
1.Betterment for Business
Best for: Small to mid-sized businesses that want automated 401(k) administration with integrated tax-saving investment tools.
- Pricing
- Not published
- Category
- Finance & Accounting
Betterment for Business offers automated 401(k) plans with a focus on low-cost investing and tax-saving features. You'd choose it over Guideline if you want a provider that also offers a broader range of retirement accounts, like IRAs and solo 401(k)s, and you value automated portfolio management with tax-loss harvesting.
Where it is strong
- Automated portfolio management with tax-loss harvesting
- Offers IRAs, solo 401(k)s, and SEP IRAs alongside 401(k)s
- Fiduciary duty to act in your best interest
Where it falls short
- 401(k) pricing not publicly disclosed, unlike Guideline's transparent fees
- No payroll integration mentioned, so you may need a separate payroll provider
- Pricing:
- Pricing is not published on the site.
- 0.05% assets + fees
2.Human Interest
Best for: Small and medium-sized businesses that want a 401(k) provider with broad payroll integrations and optional fiduciary support.
- Pricing
- 0.05% assets + fees
- Category
- Finance & Accounting
Human Interest is a 401(k) provider for small and medium-sized businesses that handles administration, compliance, and payroll integrations. Choose it over Guideline 401(k) if you want a provider with 600+ payroll integrations, a price match guarantee, and a Concierge plan that covers audits and fiduciary services.
Where it is strong
- Integrates with 600+ payroll providers
- Price match guarantee against competing offers
- Concierge plan covers DOL audit defense and Form 5500 filing
Where it falls short
- Asset-based fees add up over time
- Setup fee of $499 may apply
- Pricing:
- Pricing includes a flat monthly fee (not specified here) plus asset-based fees: 0.05% of plan assets for recordkeeping and custody, and 0.01% or 0.018% for investment advisory depending on fiduciary role. A one-time setup fee of $499 may apply.
- Switching from Guideline 401(k):
- Switching from Guideline 401(k) to Human Interest involves a white-glove migration that can be completed in as few as 8 business days, according to their site.
- Not published
3.Vanguard 401(k)
Best for: Companies that prioritize low-cost index fund investing and want a plan administered by a large, established investment firm.
- Pricing
- Not published
- Category
- Finance & Accounting
Vanguard 401(k) is a retirement plan provider for companies that want low-cost investing and access to Vanguard's broad fund lineup. You would choose it over Guideline 401(k) if you prefer Vanguard's investment management and don't need the tight payroll integration that Guideline offers through Gusto.
Where it is strong
- Low-cost funds and ETFs from Vanguard.
- Large, established investment company with long track record.
- Access to Vanguard's retirement tools and advice.
Where it falls short
- Pricing is not transparent on the website.
- May not offer the same payroll integration as Guideline's Gusto partnership.
- Pricing:
- Pricing is not published on the site.
- Not published
4.Fidelity 401(k)
Best for: Companies that want a full-service financial provider with retirement plans plus brokerage and advisory services.
- Pricing
- Not published
- Category
- Finance & Accounting
Fidelity 401(k) is a large, established provider offering retirement plans alongside brokerage, IRA, and HSA products. Choose it if you want a single provider for a wider range of financial services and access to dedicated advisors, rather than a payroll-synced 401(k) platform.
Where it is strong
- Broad range of financial products beyond 401(k), including IRAs, HSAs, and brokerage accounts.
- Access to dedicated Fidelity advisors for wealth management.
- Established, well-known provider with a long track record.
Where it falls short
- No transparent pricing listed on the site, unlike Guideline's clear fee schedule.
- May not offer the same payroll integration as Guideline, which is built for small businesses.
- Pricing:
- Pricing is not published on the site.
- ENot published
5.Employee Fiduciary
Best for: Small businesses and non-profits that want a low-cost, full-service 401(k) with hands-on human support.
- Pricing
- Not published
- Category
- Other
Employee Fiduciary is a low-cost, transparent 401(k) provider for small businesses, offering Safe Harbor, Traditional, Solo, and 403(b) plans with human support. Choose it over Guideline 401(k) if you want a dedicated relationship manager and US-based support, or if you need a 403(b) plan for non-profits.
Where it is strong
- Transparent pricing with no revenue sharing or wrap fees
- Dedicated relationship manager and US-based support
- Offers 403(b) plans in addition to 401(k) options
Where it falls short
- Pricing not disclosed upfront, requires a quote
- No payroll integration mentioned, unlike Guideline's Gusto sync
- Pricing:
- Pricing is not published on the site.
- USee website
6.Ubiquity Retirement + Savings
Other
Simple, low-cost 401(k) plans with flexible payroll integration for small companies.
- 0.20%–0.40% AUM
7.ForUsAll
Best for: Startups and small businesses that want a modern 401(k) with crypto options and employee financial advice
- Pricing
- 0.20%–0.40% AUM
- Category
- Finance & Accounting
ForUsAll is a full-service 401(k) platform that adds crypto investment options and financial advisors for employees. Choose it if you want more investment flexibility and built-in employee guidance than Guideline's standard fund menu, or if you're replacing an existing plan and want to keep your current provider.
Where it is strong
- No setup fees
- Crypto investment options
- Financial advisors for employees
Where it falls short
- Advisory fee adds to overall cost
- May be overkill if you just need a basic plan
- Pricing:
- No setup fees, plus a ForUsAll Advisory Fee of 0.20%–0.40% of plan assets per year.
See more comparisons in Finance & Accounting alternatives.
FAQ
Questions about Guideline 401(k) alternatives
Which alternative has the most payroll integrations?
Human Interest integrates with over 600 payroll providers, making it the most flexible for companies using various payroll systems. Guideline, by contrast, is tightly integrated with Gusto payroll.
Are there alternatives with transparent pricing like Guideline?
Human Interest and ForUsAll publish their fee structures. Human Interest charges a flat monthly fee plus asset-based fees, while ForUsAll charges an advisory fee of 0.20%–0.40% of plan assets. Others like Betterment and Vanguard do not list pricing publicly.
Which provider is best for non-profits?
Employee Fiduciary offers 403(b) plans in addition to 401(k) options, making it a strong choice for non-profits. It also provides a dedicated relationship manager and US-based support.
Do any alternatives offer crypto investment options?
ForUsAll is the only alternative listed that includes crypto investment options. It also provides financial advisors for employees, but its advisory fee adds to overall cost.
Which alternative has the lowest fees?
Employee Fiduciary emphasizes transparent pricing with no revenue sharing or wrap fees, but requires a quote. Human Interest offers a price match guarantee, which can help match competing offers. Guideline's fees are transparent but not directly compared here.
Last updated November 1, 2026.