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Head-to-head · 401(k) Software

Human Interest vs Merrill Small Business 401(k)

  • Updated Oct 2026
  • Both researched from official sources
  • 5 checks side by side
Higher score Human Interest #3 in 401(k) Software 8.8/10 Paid ✓ 0 of 3 features Visit Human Interest
Merrill Small Business 401(k) #7 in 401(k) Software 8.0/10 Paid ✓ 3 of 3 features Visit Merrill

Human Interest leads on 1 check, Merrill Small Business 401(k) on 0, and 4 are even. Who comes out ahead on the 5 yes/no, price and count checks where we have data for both products. The editor score weighs everything else too.

Our verdict

  • Highest scoreHuman Interest · 8.8/10
  • Lowest starting priceHuman Interest · $80/mo
  • Most featuresMerrill Small Business 401(k) · 3 of 3

Human Interest scores higher on our rubric for 401(k) software: 8.8 against 8.0 out of 10; our editors rank them #3 and #7.

Human Interest is cheaper to start at $80/mo against $95/mo.

Human Interest is the better fit for small businesses needing payroll connectivity. Merrill Small Business 401(k) is the better fit for small employers preferring Merrill-managed plans.

  • Human Interest fits best

    Small businesses needing payroll connectivity

  • 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 Human Interest 8.8/10 Visit ↗ Merrill Small Business 401(k) 8.0/10 Visit ↗
At a glance
Editor score 8.8 8.0
Ranking #3 in 401(k) Software #7 in 401(k) Software
Best for Small businesses needing payroll connectivity Small employers preferring Merrill-managed plans
Pricing model Paid Paid
Starting price $80/mo (best) $95/mo
Free plan — —
Free trial — —
Deployment Cloud, Mobile Cloud, Mobile
Platforms Web, iOS, Android Web, iOS
Support Phone, Docs Phone, Docs
Built for Small business, Mid-market Small business
Features Human Interest 0/3 · Merrill Small Business 401(k) 3/3
Employee enrollment Not checked yet ✓ (best)
Compliance support Not checked yet ✓ (best)
Participant mobile app Not checked yet ✓ (best)
Specs
Plan types 401(k), 403(b) retirement plans 401(k); Roth 401(k); Safe Harbor 401(k)
Payroll integrations Not checked yet Not checked yet
Investment options Not checked yet Mixed
Our review
Pros
  • 600+ payroll integrations for employee data and contributions
  • Automatic enrollment with customizable setup options
  • Complete and Concierge add filing, fiduciary, loan and distribution support
  • 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
  • Monthly base fee plus a per-eligible-employee charge
  • Advanced compliance services require Complete or Concierge
  • Focused on retirement plans rather than broader benefits administration
  • 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

Human Interest provides employer 401(k) and 403(b) retirement plans, combining recordkeeping, plan administration and payroll contribution processing. It is aimed at small and mid-market businesses that want workplace retirement benefits…

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. Human Interest401(k) Software 8.8Paid
  2. Merrill Small Business 401(k)401(k) Software 8.0Paid

Strengths and trade-offs

  • Human Interest — where it wins

    • 600+ payroll integrations for employee data and contributions
    • Automatic enrollment with customizable setup options
    • Complete and Concierge add filing, fiduciary, loan and distribution support

    Where it doesn't

    • Monthly base fee plus a per-eligible-employee charge
    • Advanced compliance services require Complete or Concierge
    • Focused on retirement plans rather than broader benefits administration

  • 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.

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