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Head-to-head · 401(k) Software

Guideline vs Merrill Small Business 401(k)

  • Updated Oct 2026
  • Both researched from official sources
  • 4 checks side by side
Higher score Guideline #4 in 401(k) Software 8.6/10 Paid ✓ 3 of 3 features Visit Guideline
Merrill Small Business 401(k) #7 in 401(k) Software 8.0/10 Paid ✓ 3 of 3 features Visit Merrill

Guideline leads on 0 checks, Merrill Small Business 401(k) on 0, and 4 are even. Who comes out ahead on the 4 yes/no, price and count checks where we have data for both products. The editor score weighs everything else too.

Our verdict

  • Highest scoreGuideline · 8.6/10

Guideline scores higher on our rubric for 401(k) software: 8.6 against 8.0 out of 10; our editors rank them #4 and #7.

On investment options, Merrill Small Business 401(k) gives you Mixed where Guideline offers Managed.

Guideline is the better fit for small businesses wanting simple managed 401(k)s. Merrill Small Business 401(k) is the better fit for small employers preferring Merrill-managed plans.

  • Guideline fits best

    Small businesses wanting simple managed 401(k)s

  • Merrill Small Business 401(k) fits best

    Small employers preferring Merrill-managed plans

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 Guideline 8.6/10 Visit ↗ Merrill Small Business 401(k) 8.0/10 Visit ↗
At a glance
Editor score 8.6 8.0
Ranking #4 in 401(k) Software #7 in 401(k) Software
Best for Small businesses wanting simple managed 401(k)s Small employers preferring Merrill-managed plans
Pricing model Paid Paid
Starting price — $95/mo
Free plan — —
Free trial — —
Deployment Cloud, Mobile Cloud, Mobile
Platforms Web, iOS, Android Web, iOS
Support Email, Phone, Docs Phone, Docs
Built for Small business, Mid-market Small business
Features Guideline 3/3 · Merrill Small Business 401(k) 3/3
Employee enrollment ✓ ✓
Compliance support ✓ ✓
Participant mobile app ✓ ✓
Specs
Plan types Traditional 401(k), Roth 401(k), Safe Harbor 401(k), Profit Sharing, Solo 401(k) 401(k); Roth 401(k); Safe Harbor 401(k)
Payroll integrations Gusto, ADP, QuickBooks, Rippling, Justworks, Paychex, BambooHR Not checked yet
Investment options Managed Mixed
Our review
Pros
  • Employer plan setup, administration and compliance workflows
  • Payroll connections with Gusto, ADP, QuickBooks and four others
  • Managed portfolios plus web and mobile participant access
  • Ascensus manages recordkeeping and plan administration.
  • Includes compliance testing, Form 5500 support and online enrollment.
  • Merrill provides fiduciary services and a target-date QDIA option.
Cons
  • Investment options are professionally managed rather than self-directed
  • No AI features are included
  • Enterprise plans use custom plan and pricing
  • The Group 401(k) charges $5 per participant each month for recordkeeping.
  • Published pricing also combines asset-based fees with plan fees.
  • Contribution processing is through ACH rather than a named payroll integration.
Our verdict

Guideline provides cloud-based and mobile software for employers establishing and administering retirement plans. It supports Traditional, Roth, Safe Harbor, Profit Sharing and Solo 401(k) designs, with employee enrollment, participant…

Read the review →

Merrill Small Business 401(k) is a cloud-based retirement plan for small businesses, with web and iOS access for employers and employees. It brings plan setup, online enrollment, contribution processing and investment choices into a…

Read the review →
  1. Guideline401(k) Software 8.6Paid
  2. Merrill Small Business 401(k)401(k) Software 8.0Paid

Strengths and trade-offs

  • Guideline — where it wins

    • Employer plan setup, administration and compliance workflows
    • Payroll connections with Gusto, ADP, QuickBooks and four others
    • Managed portfolios plus web and mobile participant access

    Where it doesn't

    • Investment options are professionally managed rather than self-directed
    • No AI features are included
    • Enterprise plans use custom plan and pricing

  • Merrill Small Business 401(k) — where it wins

    • Ascensus manages recordkeeping and plan administration.
    • Includes compliance testing, Form 5500 support and online enrollment.
    • Merrill provides fiduciary services and a target-date QDIA option.

    Where it doesn't

    • The Group 401(k) charges $5 per participant each month for recordkeeping.
    • Published pricing also combines asset-based fees with plan fees.
    • Contribution processing is through ACH rather than a named payroll integration.
  • Guideline8.6/10 · Paid

    Guideline combines 401(k) administration, payroll automation, compliance and managed portfolios.

    Visit GuidelineFull verdict →
  • Merrill Small Business 401(k)8.0/10 · Paid

    A focused small-business 401(k) with managed administration and ACH contributions.

    Visit MerrillFull verdict →

More comparisons

All 401(k) software comparisons → · Full ranking →

Reviewed by iTechGuides Editors · Editorial team · Updated Oct 2026

Last updated · How we research and update