Charles Schwab Retirement Plan Services vs Vestwell

CSCharles Schwab Retirement Plan Services9.1Visit Vestwell8.2Visit

Higher score CS Charles Schwab Retirement Plan Services #2 in 401(k) Software 9.1/10 Pricing on request ✓ 3 of 3 features Visit Charles Schwab

vs

Vestwell #6 in 401(k) Software 8.2/10 Paid ✓ 0 of 3 features Visit Vestwell

• Charles Schwab Retirement Plan Services fits best

  Mid-market and enterprise employers

• Vestwell fits best

  Low-cost plans with automated contributions

Advertiser disclosure: iTechGuides is reader-supported. Vendors can pay for top positions in our rankings and for a place on other products' pages, and we may earn a commission when you click some links. Bought places stand at the number bought; this page and our disclosure say so. Paying vendors may get a fuller, more detailed review from our editors, and that review can change their score. How we rank.

Side by side

Feature	CSCharles Schwab Retirement Plan Services 9.1/10 Visit ↗	Vestwell 8.2/10 Visit ↗
At a glance
Editor score	9.1	8.2
Ranking	#2 in 401(k) Software	#6 in 401(k) Software
Best for	Mid-market and enterprise employers	Low-cost plans with automated contributions
Pricing model	Paid	Paid
Starting price	Pricing on request	$45/mo
Free plan	—	—
Free trial	—	—
Deployment	Cloud, Mobile	Cloud, Mobile
Platforms	Web, iOS, Android	Web, iOS, Android
Support	Phone, Docs	Email, Docs
Built for	Mid-market, Enterprise	Solo, Small business, Mid-market, Enterprise
Features Charles Schwab Retirement Plan Services 3/3 · Vestwell 0/3
Employee enrollment	✓ (best)	Not checked yet
Compliance support	✓ (best)	Not checked yet
Participant mobile app	✓ (best)	Not checked yet
Specs
Plan types	401(k); defined contribution; ESOP; profit-sharing; money purchase; defined benefit; nonqualified deferred compensation	401(k), 403(b), profit-sharing, cash-balance plans
Payroll integrations	Not checked yet	Not checked yet
Investment options	Mixed	Not checked yet
Our review
Pros	Combines recordkeeping, plan administration, and plan design consulting Includes payroll feeds, one-click submissions, and more than 40 plan metrics Offers participant education, managed accounts, and Schwab Mobile access	Automates enrollment, contribution escalation, and payroll deductions Supports matching, nonelective, and safe harbor contributions Offers web, mobile, and API access with participant and employer portals
Cons	Workplace 401(k) pricing is customized and requires contacting Schwab No free plan is offered The former Workplace Mobile app has been retired in favor of Schwab Mobile	Employer plans add participant and investment fees to the base price Listed payroll integrations are limited to six providers Not a general benefits administration product
Our verdict	Employers looking for a workplace 401(k) service get recordkeeping, plan administration, investment-option selection, and consulting on plan design. Charles Schwab Retirement Plan Services also supports defined contribution plans, ESOPs,… Read the review →	Vestwell provides workplace retirement and savings programs for employers, advisors, and partners, with plan options for self-employed individuals and businesses starting a plan or transferring from another provider. Its tools cover plan… Read the review →

Strengths and trade-offs

• Charles Schwab Retirement Plan Services — where it wins

  • Combines recordkeeping, plan administration, and plan design consulting
  • Includes payroll feeds, one-click submissions, and more than 40 plan metrics
  • Offers participant education, managed accounts, and Schwab Mobile access

  Where it doesn't

  • Workplace 401(k) pricing is customized and requires contacting Schwab
  • No free plan is offered
  • The former Workplace Mobile app has been retired in favor of Schwab Mobile

• Vestwell — where it wins

  • Automates enrollment, contribution escalation, and payroll deductions
  • Supports matching, nonelective, and safe harbor contributions
  • Offers web, mobile, and API access with participant and employer portals

  Where it doesn't

  • Employer plans add participant and investment fees to the base price
  • Listed payroll integrations are limited to six providers
  • Not a general benefits administration product

• CSCharles Schwab Retirement Plan Services9.1/10 · Pricing on request

  A broad 401(k) service for employers seeking administration, compliance support, and participant tools.

  Visit Charles SchwabFull verdict →
• Vestwell8.2/10 · Paid

  A flexible 401(k) platform with plans starting at $45 per month.

  Visit VestwellFull verdict →