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Compare super funds

When comparing a super fund it's important to consider 10 year performance, low fees and the investment strategy.

Alison Banney

Updated

Jul 27, 2023

Fact checked

How to compare super funds

Look for the following features when you're comparing super funds in the comparison table below.

Low fees. The lower the fees the better. A general rule of thumb is to make sure the fees are less than 1% of the value of your super balance per year.

Good long-term performance. Super is a long-term investment, so you want a fund that has consistent, strong performance over the last 5-10 years rather than a one-off good year.

Pick an investment strategy that suits your age. Generally, you can invest in more high-risk growth assets (like shares) while you're young because you have plenty of time to ride out any short-term market falls.

A strategy that suits your investment preference. Some funds offer life stage investment options, meaning they'll adjust your investments for you as you get older so you're not taking on too much risk. Others will offer pre-mixed options based on certain risk levels regardless of age. If you're passionate about investing ethically and want to exclude certain industries such as fossil fuels or tobacco, choose a fund that offers a sustainable or ethical investment option.

Adequate insurance cover. Most funds will offer a default level of cover for death and TPD insurance automatically when you join. If you need more cover, for example income protection, check the fund offers this before joining.

Super Fund Comparison: Find the Right Fit for Your Retirement

1 - 17 of 26

Name	Last 1 year performance (p.a.)	Last 3 year performance (p.a.)	Last 5 year performance (p.a.)	Last 10 year performance (p.a.)	Fees on $50k balance (p.a.)
Australian Retirement Trust - Lifecycle Balanced Pool Lifestage	Last 1 year performance (p.a.) -2.48%	Last 3 year performance (p.a.) +5.38%	Last 5 year performance (p.a.) +6.58%	Last 10 year performance (p.a.) +8.54%	Fees on $50k balance (p.a.) $547	Go to site More Info Compare
TelstraSuper Balanced Industry fund	Last 1 year performance (p.a.) -3.68%	Last 3 year performance (p.a.) +4.56%	Last 5 year performance (p.a.) +5.57%	Last 10 year performance (p.a.) +7.89%	Fees on $50k balance (p.a.) $587	Go to site More Info Compare
Australian Ethical Super Balanced Green CompanyEthical	Last 1 year performance (p.a.) -8.5%	Last 3 year performance (p.a.) +3.89%	Last 5 year performance (p.a.) +5.82%	Last 10 year performance (p.a.) +7.74%	Fees on $50k balance (p.a.) $573	Go to site More Info Compare
UniSuper Balanced Industry fund	Last 1 year performance (p.a.) -5.39%	Last 3 year performance (p.a.) +4.07%	Last 5 year performance (p.a.) +6.13%	Last 10 year performance (p.a.) +8.45%	Fees on $50k balance (p.a.) $336	Go to site More Info Compare
UniSuper Conservative Balanced Industry fund	Last 1 year performance (p.a.) -1.59%	Last 3 year performance (p.a.) +2.66%	Last 5 year performance (p.a.) +4.32%	Last 10 year performance (p.a.) +6.42%	Fees on $50k balance (p.a.) $371	Go to site More Info Compare
Australian Retirement Trust - Socially Conscious Balanced Ethical	Last 1 year performance (p.a.) -4.72%	Last 3 year performance (p.a.) +4.92%	Last 5 year performance (p.a.) +5.98%	Last 10 year performance (p.a.) +7.4%	Fees on $50k balance (p.a.) $462	Go to site More Info Compare
Australian Ethical Super Growth Green CompanyEthicalHigher risk	Last 1 year performance (p.a.) -8.97%	Last 3 year performance (p.a.) +4.37%	Last 5 year performance (p.a.) +6.3%	Last 10 year performance (p.a.) +8.72%	Fees on $50k balance (p.a.) $708	Go to site More Info Compare
Australian Retirement Trust - Australian Shares Higher risk	Last 1 year performance (p.a.) -1.9%	Last 3 year performance (p.a.) +5.86%	Last 5 year performance (p.a.) +7.08%	Last 10 year performance (p.a.) +8.94%	Fees on $50k balance (p.a.) $352	Go to site More Info Compare
TelstraSuper Growth Industry fundHigher risk	Last 1 year performance (p.a.) -4.74%	Last 3 year performance (p.a.) +5.37%	Last 5 year performance (p.a.) +6.46%	Last 10 year performance (p.a.) +9%	Fees on $50k balance (p.a.) $602	Go to site More Info Compare
Australian Ethical Super International Shares Green CompanyEthicalHigher risk	Last 1 year performance (p.a.) -14.96%	Last 3 year performance (p.a.) +3.95%	Last 5 year performance (p.a.) +6.75%	Last 10 year performance (p.a.) +11.37%	Fees on $50k balance (p.a.) $643	Go to site More Info Compare
UniSuper Conservative Industry fund	Last 1 year performance (p.a.) -0.87%	Last 3 year performance (p.a.) +2.12%	Last 5 year performance (p.a.) +3.3%	Last 10 year performance (p.a.) +4.9%	Fees on $50k balance (p.a.) $356	Go to site More Info Compare
Australian Ethical Super Australian Shares Green CompanyEthicalHigher risk	Last 1 year performance (p.a.) -15.12%	Last 3 year performance (p.a.) +5.24%	Last 5 year performance (p.a.) +7.69%	Last 10 year performance (p.a.) +11.35%	Fees on $50k balance (p.a.) $778	Go to site More Info Compare
UniSuper Sustainable High Growth Industry fundEthicalHigher risk	Last 1 year performance (p.a.) -6.2%	Last 3 year performance (p.a.) +7.42%	Last 5 year performance (p.a.) +9.76%	Last 10 year performance (p.a.) +11.7%	Fees on $50k balance (p.a.) $326	Go to site More Info Compare
UniSuper High Growth Industry fundHigher risk	Last 1 year performance (p.a.) -8.8%	Last 3 year performance (p.a.) +5.56%	Last 5 year performance (p.a.) +7.62%	Last 10 year performance (p.a.) +10.45%	Fees on $50k balance (p.a.) $401	Go to site More Info Compare
Australian Retirement Trust - Balanced	Last 1 year performance (p.a.) -2.56%	Last 3 year performance (p.a.) +5.39%	Last 5 year performance (p.a.) +6.62%	Last 10 year performance (p.a.) +8.56%	Fees on $50k balance (p.a.) $547	Go to site More Info Compare
UniSuper Sustainable Balanced Industry fundEthical	Last 1 year performance (p.a.) -5.58%	Last 3 year performance (p.a.) +5.1%	Last 5 year performance (p.a.) +7.49%	Last 10 year performance (p.a.) +9.15%	Fees on $50k balance (p.a.) $291	Go to site More Info Compare
Australian Retirement Trust - Lifecycle Retirement Pool Lifestage	Last 1 year performance (p.a.) -2.14%	Last 3 year performance (p.a.) +3.9%	Last 5 year performance (p.a.) +5.12%	Last 10 year performance (p.a.) +6.41%	Fees on $50k balance (p.a.) $547	Go to site More Info Compare

Showing 17 of 26 results

The information in the table is based on data provided by Chant West Pty Ltd (AFSL 255320) which is itself supplied by third parties. While such information is believed to be accurate, Chant West does not accept responsibility for any inaccuracy in such information. Chant West’s Financial Services Guide is available at https://www.chantwest.com.au/financial-services-guide . Finder offers no guarantees or warranties about the data and we recommend that users make their own enquiries before relying on this information. Performance, fees and insurance data is based on each fund's default MySuper product. Where the performance, fees and insurance data for the MySuper fund vary according to the member's age, results for individuals between 40-49 years of age have been shown. Past performance is not a reliable indicator of future performance.

The information in the table is based on data provided by Zenith CW Pty Ltd, ABN 20 639 121 403 (Chant West) unless indicated otherwise.
©Zenith CW Pty Ltd ABN 20 639 121 403 (Chant West), Authorised Representative of Zenith Investment Partners Pty Ltd ABN 27 103 132 672, AFSL 226872 under AFS Representative Number 1280401 . Our services may only be used by persons who have entered into a licence agreement with us, and use is subject to the terms of that licence agreement. Products, reports, ratings (Information) are based on data which may be sourced from a third party and may not contain all the information required to evaluate the nominated product providers, you are responsible for obtaining further information as required. To the extent that any Information provided is advice, it is General Advice (s766B Corporations Act). Individuals should seek their own independent financial advice and consider the appropriateness of any financial product in light of their own circumstances and needs before making any investment decision. Chant West has not taken into account the objectives, financial situation or needs of any specific person who may access or use the Information provided, including target markets of financial products, where applicable. It is not a specific recommendation to purchase, sell or hold any product(s) and is subject to change at any time without prior notice. Individuals should consider the appropriateness of any advice in light of their own objectives, financial situations or needs and should obtain a copy of and consider any relevant PDS or offer document before making any decision. Information is provided in good faith and is believed to be accurate, however, no representation, warranty or undertaking is provided in relation to the accuracy or completeness of the Information. Information provided is subject to copyright and may not be reproduced, modified or distributed without the consent of the copyright owner. Except for any liability which cannot be excluded, Chant West does not accept any liability whether direct or indirect, arising from use of the Information. Past performance is not an indication of future performance. Chant West ratings and research are prepared by Chant West and are not connected in any way to research and ratings prepared by any of our related entities. Full details regarding Chant West's research methodology, processes, ratings definitions are available at www.chantwest.com.au and Chant West's Financial Services Guide is available at www.chantwest.com.au/financial-services-guide

*Past performance data is for period ending December 2022 and fee data is updated monthly.

Super fund comparison: We found the best performing super funds

We regularly update our super fund comparison table with the latest fees and performance data of all funds. Here are a few highlights of the best super funds we've pulled out:

Top-performing.

The top-performing growth super fund for FY2021-22 was Hostplus Balanced with a +1.57% return (most growth funds delivered a negative return due to share market falls).

Top-performing this decade.

Over the past decade, the top-performing growth super funds are Hostplus Balanced with +9.74% p.a. and AustralianSuper with 9.34% p.a. (two of the biggest industry funds!).

Top high growth fund.

The top-performing diversified High Growth fund over the last decade is UniSuper Sustainable High Growth with +11.7% p.a.

Top ethical funds.

The top-performing, diversified ethical growth funds over the last decade are UniSuper Sustainable Balanced with +9.15% p.a., AustralianSuper Socially Aware with +8.62% p.a. and Australian Ethical Super Balanced with 8.15% p.a.

Lowest fees.

The growth super funds with the lowest fees are UniSuper Sustainable Balanced and Bendigo SmartStart Super Growth Index.

The above findings are based on performance data to December 2022. Super data in our table is provided by Chant West and covers most funds in the market, however some funds might be missing from our data set.

Why should you compare super funds?

Millions of us aren't actively engaged with our super, despite it likely being our most-valuable asset in retirement.

According to Finder data, 58% of Australians are with the super fund that their employer chose for them and almost half (48%) of us have stuck with the same super fund for our whole life so far.

If this is you, you could be stuck in a poor-performing fund with high fees and an investment strategy that doesn't suit your age or stage of life. This could cost you hundreds of thousands of dollars by the time you retire.

Steps to switch funds

1. Choose a new fund. The comparison table above can help you choose a new super fund.
2. Join the new fund. Complete the online application form available on the fund's website.
3. Move your super into your new fund.Just enter the details of your previous fund when you submit the application form and the new fund will arrange for your balance to be transferred over - you don't need to do this yourself.
4. Let your employer know. Let your employer know right away so they can pay your next super guarantee payment to the correct fund.

If you need a bit more help, see our guide on how to change super funds for a detailed process.

Frequently asked questions for super funds

Your superannuation will be used to help fund your retirement. Throughout your working life, a small amount of the money you earn each year will be sent to your chosen super fund (instead of your bank account). The idea is that by putting aside a small chunk of your earnings on a regular basis from the day you start your first job, you should have enough money to live on when you retire.
The money in your super fund is invested into a range of different assets like shares, commodities, property and cash on your behalf by the super fund investment team. When you join your super fund, you'll automatically be added to their default investment option that's suited to the majority of people. However, you can choose a different superannuation investment option if you'd like to.
You are eligible to receive superannuation guarantee payments from your employer if you meet all of the following:
- You're an Australian resident, and
- You're 18 or older, and
- You earn $450 or more (before tax) per month.
If you're not currently employed or earning $450 a month, you can still open a super account if you're over 18 and an Australian resident and make your own voluntary contributions.
- Make sure you're in a low-fee, high-performing fund
- Consolidate funds so you only have one in your name
- Consider making additional super contributions
- Consider investing in a high growth option
Local and global share markets have been down over the past year, due to rising global inflation among other factors. Because super funds are major investors in global shares, this means that super fund returns have also been low or even negative throughout 2022 and early 2023.
If you're comparing super funds this year, it's really important to look at the long-term returns instead of the past year's returns, to get a more accurate picture of the fund's performance.

Why you can trust Finder's super fund experts

We're free

Our comparison tables are completely free to use. We link you directly to the super fund's secure application page. Plus, you can access all of our research in our media room.

We're experts

We've researched and rated hundreds of super funds as part of our Finder Awards. We've published 50+ guides and our in-house experts regularly appear on Sunrise, 7News and SBS News.

We're independent

Unlike other comparison sites, we're not owned by a super fund company. That means our opinions are our own and you can compare nearly every super fund in Australia on Finder.

Alison Banney

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Alison Banney is the money editorial manager at Finder. She covers all areas of personal finance, and her areas of expertise are superannuation, banking and saving. She has written about finance for 10 years, having previously worked at Westpac and written for several other major banks and super funds.

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24 Responses

FrankNovember 17, 2022

How does Brighter. super (prev. LGIA super) compare.

finder Customer Care

AnneNovember 22, 2022Staff

Hi Frank,

Thank you for getting in touch with Finder.

The information for Brighter Super is unavailable on this page as of this writing. We have a dedicated discussion on Brighter Super that will allow you to assess and review their features, performance, fees and more. You may also contact them for related inquiries at 1800 444 396.

I hope this helps.

Thank you, and have a wonderful day!

Cheers,

Anne

PhilipApril 21, 2022

Hi, I am trying to do a comparison with super fund fees. I notice that the examples shown only give fees based on a $50,000 balance. Do the fees percentage reduce for higher balances, for example $500,000 and above ?
Thanks, Philip.

finder Customer Care

AlisonApril 29, 2022Staff

Hello Philip,

Yes, we only compare the fees for $50k balances at this stage, as this is the balance tier used by all funds in their PDS documents for easy comparison with others. Some funds do reduce their fee percentage for larger balances, and some do not. The $50k fee balance is to be used as a guide.

You can see an itemized breakdown of the fund’s fees by looking at their PDS documents. We plan to introduce this comparison functionality soon, to allow people to compare the fees on different balances.

Thanks,
Alison

PhilSeptember 3, 2019

Where does Equip rank with the other super funds?

finder Customer Care

JeniSeptember 4, 2019Staff

Hi Phil,

Thank you for getting in touch with Finder.

As of this writing, we do not have a review page about Equip Super. In one of their blogs in 2016, they were ranked 2nd in Australia for super transparency. Some of the most well known industry super funds include, AustralianSuper, HESTA, Sunsuper and Hostplus.

I hope this helps.

Thank you and have a wonderful day!

Cheers,
Jeni

GaryMay 20, 2019

My daughter is a member of 2 super funds. Both have insurance for death and TPD. Are both funds obliged to pay out in the case of death? She is looking at consolidation into one super fund as well in the future to save on fees and insurance costs.

finder Customer Care

JeniMay 21, 2019Staff

Hi Gary,

Thank you for getting in touch with Finder.

Yes, she can receive payment from both policies if your daughter satisfy the conditions of both policies.

I hope this helps.

Thank you and have a wonderful day!

Cheers,
Jeni

WAYNENovember 29, 2018

I am 80 yo and not satisfied with the fees and retuins from my current super and am looking to change to an Inddustry fund and am looking at Hostplus , Aust super and Virgin . What do you suggest.

NikkiNovember 29, 2018

Hi Wayne.

Thanks for getting in touch! As each person has unique situations, we are not able to suggest one industry fund for you. Our page above shows a list of superfunds and as you have chosen your top 3, the next step you can take is review what they offer as well as their terms and conditions to make sure it fits your needs. To read about the brand, click their name and it will direct you to our review page about them and if you want to go directly to their page, you may search their brand name on any web browser. Hope this helps!

Best,
Nikki

Compare super funds

When comparing a super fund it's important to consider 10 year performance, low fees and the investment strategy.

How to compare super funds

Super Fund Comparison: Find the Right Fit for Your Retirement

Providers

Super fund comparison: We found the best performing super funds

Top-performing.

Top-performing this decade.

Top high growth fund.

Top ethical funds.

Lowest fees.

Why should you compare super funds?

Steps to switch funds

Frequently asked questions for super funds

Why you can trust Finder's super fund experts

We're free

We're experts

We're independent

We're here to help

Sources

Alison Banney

Read more on this topic

Ask an Expert

24 Responses

Compare super funds

When comparing a super fund it's important to consider 10 year performance, low fees and the investment strategy.

How to compare super funds

Super Fund Comparison: Find the Right Fit for Your Retirement

Important information about our super fund comparison table

Providers

Super fund comparison: We found the best performing super funds

Top-performing.

Top-performing this decade.

Top high growth fund.

Top ethical funds.

Lowest fees.

Why should you compare super funds?

Steps to switch funds

Frequently asked questions for super funds

What is superannuation?

Why superannuation is so important?

What is the superannuation guarantee?

How your super is invested

What are the different types of super funds?

Who is eligible for a superannuation account?

How is superannuation taxed?

How do I check my super balance?

How much super do I need to retire?

How can I grow my super?

What happens to my super if I change jobs?

How does super work if I'm self employed?

What should I consider when comparing funds in 2023?

Why you can trust Finder's super fund experts

We're free

We're experts

We're independent

We're here to help

Sources

Alison Banney

Read more on this topic

Ask an Expert

24 Responses

Important information about this website