Guideline review
Guideline combines 401(k) administration, payroll automation, compliance and managed portfolios.
Reviewed by iTechGuides Editors · Editorial team · Updated Oct 2026
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 account access, automated payroll contributions and compliance administration. Its small and mid-market orientation suits businesses seeking a managed 401(k) service without assembling separate administration, payroll and participant-account tools.
The paid lineup has three tiers. Starter includes 401(k) plan administration and participant investment accounts. Core adds expanded plan features alongside 401(k) administration and support. Enterprise provides a custom plan and pricing arrangement. The pricing structure uses a recurring employer fee plus a per-participant charge, while plan availability can vary by plan design and participant count. Employers can choose professionally managed investment portfolios, and participants can manage accounts through web, iOS and Android experiences.
Guideline connects with Gusto, ADP, QuickBooks, Rippling, Justworks, Paychex and BambooHR for payroll workflows. Support channels include email, phone and documentation. Compliance-related capabilities include GDPR, SSO/SAML and two-factor authentication, alongside 401(k) reporting and administration. Choose Guideline if your organization wants integrated setup, enrollment, payroll processing and managed investing in one service. Organizations seeking self-directed investment selection, AI features or a highly specialized large-enterprise environment may prefer another option.
Guideline pros and cons
- 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
Guideline fact sheet, pricing and score →
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