Head-to-head · Stock Plan Administration Software
Fidelity Stock Plan Services vs Schwab StockPlanManager
Fidelity Stock Plan Services leads on 0 checks, Schwab StockPlanManager on 0, and 6 are even. Who comes out ahead on the 6 yes/no, price and count checks where we have data for both products. The editor score weighs everything else too.
Our verdict
- Highest scoreFidelity Stock Plan Services · 9.2/10
Fidelity Stock Plan Services scores higher on our rubric for stock plan administration software: 9.2 against 8.7 out of 10; our editors rank them #2 and #6.
Fidelity Stock Plan Services is the better fit for large employers managing varied equity plans. Schwab StockPlanManager is the better fit for enterprises managing insider filings and global tax.
- Fidelity Stock Plan Services fits best
Large employers managing varied equity plans
- Schwab StockPlanManager fits best
Enterprises managing insider filings and global tax
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Side by side
| Feature | Fidelity Stock Plan Services 9.2/10 Visit ↗ | Schwab StockPlanManager 8.7/10 Visit ↗ |
|---|---|---|
| At a glance | ||
| Editor score | 9.2 | 8.7 |
| Ranking | #2 in Stock Plan Administration Software | #6 in Stock Plan Administration Software |
| Best for | Large employers managing varied equity plans | Enterprises managing insider filings and global tax |
| Pricing model | Paid | Paid |
| Starting price | Pricing on request | Pricing on request |
| Free plan | Not checked yet | Not checked yet |
| Free trial | — | — |
| Deployment | Cloud, Mobile | Cloud |
| Platforms | Web, iOS, Android | Web |
| Support | Phone, Docs | Phone, Live chat, Email |
| Built for | Mid-market, Enterprise | Mid-market, Enterprise |
| Features Fidelity Stock Plan Services 5/6 · Schwab StockPlanManager 5/6 | ||
| Employee grants | ✓ | ✓ |
| ESPP administration | ✓ | ✓ |
| Option exercise | ✓ (best) | Not checked yet |
| Tax withholding | ✓ | ✓ |
| Participant portal | ✓ | ✓ |
| Reporting and exports | Not checked yet | ✓ (best) |
| Specs | ||
| Participant limit | Not checked yet | Not checked yet |
| Our review | ||
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| Cons |
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| Our verdict | Fidelity Stock Plan Services provides recordkeeping and administrative services for employers’ equity compensation plans, with participant-facing tools in Fidelity NetBenefits. It supports stock options, employee stock purchase plans,… Read the review → |
Schwab StockPlanManager is a web-based platform for employers and stock plan administrators managing company equity programs. It combines secure exchange of employee award information with participant communications, reporting, and tools… Read the review → |
Strengths and trade-offs
Fidelity Stock Plan Services — where it wins
- Supports options, ESPPs, restricted stock, performance awards, and SARs
- Participants can enroll, accept grants, exercise options, and make tax elections
- NetBenefits supports account viewing, trading, and moving money on mobile
Where it doesn't
- Pricing requires contacting sales
- Plan administration sits alongside services from the company or other providers
- Participant share management depends on Fidelity accounts
Schwab StockPlanManager — where it wins
- Web-based SEC Forms 3, 4, and 5 filing tools and an insider holdings database
- Blackout controls and restrictions for selected employees
- EquiView tracks global tax withholding for mobile employees
Where it doesn't
- EquiView is available to employers using Schwab's full or co-sourced administration
- Administration arrangements are tailored to each plan
- Grant, vesting, and exercise administration receives limited detail
- Fidelity Stock Plan Services9.2/10 · Pricing on request
A full-service option for employers administering multiple equity plan types and participant activity.
Visit FidelityFull verdict → - Schwab StockPlanManager8.7/10 · Pricing on request
StockPlanManager pairs equity-plan workflows with Section 16 filings and global tax reporting.
Contact SchwabFull verdict →
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All stock plan administration software comparisons → · Full ranking →
Reviewed by iTechGuides Editors · Editorial team · Updated Nov 2026
Last updated · How we research and update