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Head-to-head · 401(k) Software

Vestwell vs Merrill Small Business 401(k)

  • Updated Oct 2026
  • Both researched from official sources
  • 5 checks side by side
Higher score Vestwell #6 in 401(k) Software 8.2/10 Paid ✓ 0 of 3 features Visit Vestwell
Merrill Small Business 401(k) #7 in 401(k) Software 8.0/10 Paid ✓ 3 of 3 features Visit Merrill

Vestwell 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 scoreVestwell · 8.2/10
  • Lowest starting priceVestwell · $45/mo
  • Most featuresMerrill Small Business 401(k) · 3 of 3

Vestwell scores higher on our rubric for 401(k) software: 8.2 against 8.0 out of 10; our editors rank them #6 and #7.

Vestwell is cheaper to start at $45/mo against $95/mo.

Vestwell is the better fit for low-cost plans with automated contributions. Merrill Small Business 401(k) is the better fit for small employers preferring Merrill-managed plans.

  • Vestwell fits best

    Low-cost plans with automated contributions

  • 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 Vestwell 8.2/10 Visit ↗ Merrill Small Business 401(k) 8.0/10 Visit ↗
At a glance
Editor score 8.2 8.0
Ranking #6 in 401(k) Software #7 in 401(k) Software
Best for Low-cost plans with automated contributions Small employers preferring Merrill-managed plans
Pricing model Paid Paid
Starting price $45/mo (best) $95/mo
Free plan — —
Free trial — —
Deployment Cloud, Mobile Cloud, Mobile
Platforms Web, iOS, Android Web, iOS
Support Email, Docs Phone, Docs
Built for Solo, Small business, Mid-market, Enterprise Small business
Features Vestwell 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), profit-sharing, cash-balance 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
  • 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
  • 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
  • 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
  • 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

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 →

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. Vestwell401(k) Software 8.2Paid
  2. Merrill Small Business 401(k)401(k) Software 8.0Paid

Strengths and trade-offs

  • 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

  • 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