Superannuation Background

Compare Super Funds

The fund you choose could make a huge difference to your retirement. Compare super funds with Canstar based on investment performance, fees and more.

Group Manager, Research & Ratings
Editor-in-Chief
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Instantly compare 60+ Canstar expert rated funds based on the inputs below


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  • Star Rating - lowest first
  • Star Rating - highest first
  • Annual fees at $50k balance - lowest first
  • Annual fees at $50k balance - highest first
  • 1 year return - lowest first
  • 1 year return - highest first
  • 5 year return - lowest first
  • 5 year return - highest first
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$497 Glossary
12% Glossary
High Growth (Lifecycle investment) Glossary
9% Glossary
High Growth (Lifecycle investment) Glossary
Hostplus Super | Personal - Balanced
Hostplus Super logo
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$606 Glossary
8.2% Glossary
Balanced Glossary
8% Glossary
Balanced Glossary
star-rating-icon star-rating-icon star-rating-icon star-rating-icon star-rating-icon
$382 Glossary
8.9% Glossary
Balanced (Accumulation) Glossary
7.9% Glossary
Balanced (Accumulation) Glossary
star-rating-icon star-rating-icon star-rating-icon star-rating-icon star-rating-icon
$477 Glossary
10.2% Glossary
Balanced Growth Glossary
7.4% Glossary
Balanced Growth Glossary
Active Super | Lifestage - Accelerator
Active Super logo
star-rating-icon star-rating-icon star-rating-icon star-rating-icon star-rating-icon
$601 Glossary
10.3% Glossary
Lifestage - Accelerator Glossary
8.5% Glossary
Lifestage - Accelerator Glossary
star-rating-icon star-rating-icon star-rating-icon star-rating-icon star-rating-icon
$507 Glossary
9.8% Glossary
Lifecycle Investment Strategy - Balanced Glossary
8% Glossary
Lifecycle Investment Strategy - Balanced Glossary
star-rating-icon star-rating-icon star-rating-icon star-rating-icon star-rating-icon
$351 Glossary
10.1% Glossary
Balanced (MySuper) Glossary
7.9% Glossary
Balanced (MySuper) Glossary
Vision Super | Personal - Balanced Growth
Vision Super logo
star-rating-icon star-rating-icon star-rating-icon star-rating-icon star-rating-icon
$393 Glossary
11.4% Glossary
Balanced Growth Glossary
7.8% Glossary
Balanced Growth Glossary
NGS Super | Diversified (MySuper)
NGS Super logo
star-rating-icon star-rating-icon star-rating-icon star-rating-icon star-rating-icon
$540 Glossary
8.8% Glossary
Diversified (MySuper) Glossary
6.4% Glossary
Diversified (MySuper) Glossary
Mine Super | High Growth
Mine Super logo
star-rating-icon star-rating-icon star-rating-icon star-rating-icon star-rating-icon
$392 Glossary
13.5% Glossary
High Growth Glossary
9.1% Glossary
High Growth Glossary

Showing 10 of 50 results

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na Not applicable
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canstar-rating-icon Canstar rating
indicative-canstar-rating-icon Indicative Canstar rating

Unsure of a term in the above table? View glossary

The initial results in the table above are sorted by Star Rating (High-Low) , then 5 year return (High-Low) , then Provider Name (Alphabetical) . Additional filters may have been applied, see top of table for details.

Canstar is Australia’s biggest financial comparison site*,
comparing more brands than any other.

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Using our comparison tool to find a better deal is free. We may receive a commission from our online partners if you apply for a superannuation product you find on our site.

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Expert research

Our team of superannuation research experts crunch the numbers to rate superannuation products based on value (price as well as features) to help you compare. Read the superannuation methodology.

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A wide range of funds

We rate and review superannuation products from more than 60 brands which means you can compare and choose products from both large and challenger brands, established and new.

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Our superannuation comparison tool allows you to filter your search results so it’s easy to find the right product for you. What’s more, you can click straight through to many of our online partners, making it easy to apply instantly.

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How does Canstar compare superannuation?

compare super fundsCanstar compares superannuation using a unique Star Ratings methodology that compares both cost and features across superannuation products on our database. Canstar’s Star Ratings represent a shortlist of products, enabling consumers to easily compare super funds and narrow their search to products that have been assessed and ranked.

Use the selector tool at the top of this page to compare super funds using our Star Ratings. We have also compiled a list of non-rated Super funds for you to compare.

Learn more: How to choose a super fund

What is superannuation?

Superannuation is the portion of your earnings and savings that is placed in a fund and typically held there for you to use after you retire. The objective of superannuation is to provide income in retirement that substitutes or supplements the Australian Age Pension.

The money that is held for you within a superannuation fund is invested in a range of assets, including shares and property. Most superannuation funds let their customers choose how their superannuation balance is invested. The income earned by your superannuation investments is taxed concessionally, according to the Australian Taxation Office.

Given that superannuation will typically represent the bulk of retirement savings for many Australians, choosing a superannuation fund should ideally be a well-researched strategic decision.


About our finance experts

Josh Sale, Superannuation Ratings Manager

Joshua Sale, Ratings Manager

As Canstar’s Ratings Manager, Josh Sale is responsible for the methodology and delivery of Canstar’s Superannuation Star Ratings and Awards. With tertiary qualifications in economics and finance, Josh has worked behind the scenes for the last five years to develop Star Ratings and Awards that help connect consumers with the right super fund for them.

He believes that for many Australians, superannuation is arguably the most important financial product they will ever have, as the fees you’re paying and your fund’s performance could be the difference between a comfortable retirement and struggling to pay the bills.

When it comes to his own super, the phrase ‘set and forget’ is not in Josh’s vocabulary. Not only does he check his super balance monthly, he maintains spreadsheets with projections to ensure he’s on track for retirement. He is passionate about helping others to actively monitor their super and make sure they are on track for the best retirement possible.

As one of Canstar’s spokespeople, Josh has been interviewed on a wide range of personal finance topics by media outlets such as the Australian Financial Review, news.com.au and Money Magazine.

You can follow Josh on LinkedIn, and Canstar on Twitter and Facebook.

Nina Rinella, Editor-in-Chief 

As Canstar’s Editor-in-Chief, Nina heads up a team of talented journalists committed to helping empower consumers to take greater control of their finances. Previously Nina founded her own agency where she provided content and communications support to clients around Australia for eight years. She also spent four years as the PR Manager for American Express Australia, and has worked at a Brisbane communications agency where she supported dozens of clients, including Sunsuper and Suncorp.

Nina has ghostwritten dozens of opinion pieces for publications including The Australian and has been interviewed on finance topics by the Herald Sun and the Sydney Morning Herald. When she’s not dreaming up ways to put a fresh spin on finance, she’s taking her own advice by trying to pay her house off as quickly as possible and raising two money-savvy kids.

Nina has a Bachelor of Journalism and a Bachelor of Arts with a double major in English Literature from the University of Queensland. She’s also an experienced presenter, and has hosted numerous events and YouTube series.

You can follow her on Instagram or Twitter, or Canstar on Facebook.

You can also read more about Canstar’s editorial team and our robust fact-checking process.


1. How does superannuation work?

Your employer must pay a set percentage of your ordinary time earnings into a super fund on top of your annual salary if you work in Australia and meet the minimum requirements to receive the Superannuation Guarantee. If you do meet these requirements, you must be paid super whether you work casually, part-time, full-time or as a contractor, and even if you are a temporary resident.

Money held in a superannuation fund is invested in a range of assets by your fund. Most funds give members the option of choosing how their savings are invested, so it could be helpful to learn more about your super investment options.

If you are comparing super funds, Canstar Research has released its latest Superannuation Star Ratings and Awards and its Most Satisfied Customers – Super Fund Award. You can also view the top-performing super funds on Canstar’s database.

2. What do I need to know about superannuation in 2023?

On 1 July the super guarantee rate is legislated to increase from 10.5% to 11%.

3. Why open a super account?

You may get your first super account when you get your first job. Some employers have a super fund or corporate plan in a broader fund only available to employees. You may also choose to open a new super account if you’re starting a new job, or if you want to switch providers and take advantage of lower fees, or choose a fund with a better track record for investment performance. If you open a new super account, you generally have the option of rolling money from your other accounts into the new one. You can compare super funds and see top-performing super funds on Canstar, with our Superannuation Star Ratings and Award research also available as a resource to help you compare options.

4. How do you start a super account?

Most super funds have an easy online joining process to open a super account. Consider factors such as the fees charged, whether the insurance offering is suitable for you and education and the financial advice available. After you choose a super fund, it’s often as easy as searching for an online join tool on a fund’s website and following the prompts. If you can, have your tax file number (TFN) handy. Letting your super fund know your TFN means it can accept your super contributions and charge the appropriate tax rates that generally apply to super contributions. You could also open a new account by choosing your employer’s default super fund when you start a new job, if that fund is right for your needs and retirement goals. You may have been prompted by your bank – in person or online – to open a super account with them, though again you don’t have to choose this option. When you open a super account, you have the option of consolidating existing superannuation accounts. Consider seeking financial advice before making decisions about your retirement savings.

5. Can I pay into my super if I’m not working?

Depending on your age, you can generally pay into your super if you are not working, with voluntary non-concessional superannuation contributions. For example, this could be using money you have in savings. There is a cap on how much you can contribute per person, per financial year without having to pay extra tax. One strategy to build your super balance is contribution splitting, with your spouse making contributions to your account if you earn a low income or are not working. Bear in mind that if you stop making contributions to your super, you may eventually lose any insurance cover your account offers and you will typically still be charged fees.

6. Can I withdraw money from my super?

Some of the most common conditions of release for super, according to the ATO, are:

  1. Reaching your preservation age and retiring
  2. Reaching your preservation and beginning a transition-to-retirement income stream
  3. Ceasing an employment arrangement on or after the age of 60
  4. Reaching 65 years of age, regardless of employment status
  5. Your death.

There are also ‘special’ conditions for release of super, including if you are either temporarily or permanently unable to work, or are experiencing severe financial or medical hardship. Another special condition of release is designed for those looking to buy their first home.

If you are interested in accessing your super early, there are a few ways you may be able to do so, depending on your circumstances. But, be aware of the costs and risks involved.

7. How can I plan for my retirement?

Whether you are thinking about when you should finish working, how much super you may need to retire comfortably in Australia or what super fund is best is best suited to help you get there, your personal circumstances, finances and life goals will influence your plans for retirement.

Canstar’s Superannuation and Retirement Planner Calculator can help you estimate how much super you’ll have when you retire, as well as the anticipated gap between your estimated super balance and how much you may need.

Your super fund may be able to advise you on what options are available to you as part of its requirements under the Retirement Income Covenant to help you better prepare for funding your retirement years.

Please consider whether you need financial advice from a qualified adviser when planning for your retirement.

8. Should I choose life insurance through my super fund?

Choosing insurance through your superannuation fund is a personal decision. You can hold life insurance through your super fund or an external policy – or both. Most super funds offer life insurance, total and permanent disability (TPD) and income protection insurance, with life cover and TPD insurance often automatic. Following a law change in 2020, people aged under 25 no longer receive default life insurance through their super when joining a new fund, unless they work in a dangerous job or write to their fund and request it.

Possible advantages of life insurance through super include that it may be more convenient, as well as cheaper. Paying for insurance through super can be ‘tax-effective’, according to Moneysmart, if insurance is paid using concessional contributions. Disadvantages of life insurance through super include that it may reduce your retirement balance and can provide insufficient coverage in some cases. Trauma insurance is usually not available, your beneficiary may not be guaranteed, and your cover may end if you change funds or stop making contributions. Similarly, there are pros and cons of direct life insurance.

Our Super Fund Star Ratings and Guides

Superannuation Customer Satisfaction Award Results

Superannuation Star Ratings and Award Results

Account Based Pensions Star Ratings and Award Results

Canstar’s Super Contribution Maximiser Calculator

Canstar’s Retirement Planner Calculator

Articles and Guides

Superannuation Providers

There are more than 350 super funds in the market that are classified as personal super, corporate super, SMSF products, public sector super, wrap/platform accounts, industry funds, retail funds, master trusts, etc. Many of these funds are not available directly to the average person. The customer may be required to be employed by a particular government department or large corporation, or it may be necessary to see a financial planner first.

We have therefore limited our superannuation Star Ratings to funds that are available to the average person, where anyone can apply directly to the fund.

  • We have analysed super funds that are available for personal super investment – available to everyone.
  • Funds must be directly available for individuals to purchase without an intermediary (e.g. a financial planner).
  • We have excluded any SMSF/corporate super accounts.
  • Funds must have minimum funds under management of at least $100 million in superannuation and pensions.

We have focused on the accumulation stage, when funds are being contributed to superannuation, not the drawdown stage following retirement. We have not credit rated the super fund managers.

Below is a list of some of the many superannuation providers in Australia, or view more here:

 

View More Providers

Superannuation guides and resources

Canstar’s expert superannuation guides and resources are designed to help you better understand your super, how it’s invested and whether you’re on track for retirement.

This content was reviewed by our Senior Finance Journalist Michael Lund and Digital Editor Amanda Horswill as part of our fact-checking process.

Important information

For those that love the detail

This advice is general and has not taken into account your objectives, financial situation or needs. Consider whether this advice is right for you.

Canstar may earn a fee from its Online Partners for referrals from its website tables, and from sponsorship or promotion of certain products. Fees payable by product providers for referrals and sponsorship or promotion may vary between providers, website position, and revenue model. Sponsorship/promotion fees may be higher than referral fees. If a product is sponsored or promoted, it’s an ad and it is clearly marked as such. An ad might appear in different places on our website, such as in comparison tables and articles. Ads may be displayed in a fixed position in a table, regardless of the product's rating, price or other attributes. The location of an ad doesn’t indicate any ranking or rating by Canstar. Payment of fees for ads does not influence our Star Ratings. See How We Get Paid to find out more.

The Superannuation Star Ratings were awarded in March 2024. The results don’t include every provider in the market and we may not compare all features relevant to you. Current fees and performance information are displayed and may be different to what was rated. You can find a description of the initial sort order below the table. You can use the sort buttons at the top of each column to re-order the display. Learn more about our Superannuation Star Rating Methodology. The rating shown is only one factor to take into account when considering products. Check current product details and investment options with the product issuer. If you are unsure about any terms used in the comparison table please refer to the glossary.

What is a Target Market Determination?

A Target Market Determination (‘TMD’) is a document that explains which people particular financial products may be suitable for (the target market) and sets out any conditions around how financial products can be distributed to consumers.

Why do product issuers provide Target Market Determinations?

From 5 October 2021, TMDs are compulsory for most financial products.

Issuers and distributors of financial products must take reasonable steps that are likely to result in financial products reaching consumers in the target market defined by the product issuer.

We recommend that you consider the TMD before making a purchase decision. Contact the product issuer directly for a copy of the TMD.

Any advice on this page is general and has not taken into account your objectives, financial situation or needs. Consider whether this general financial advice is right for your personal circumstances. You may need financial advice from a qualified adviser. Canstar is not providing a recommendation for your individual circumstances. It’s important you check product information directly with the provider. Consider the Product Disclosure Statement and Target Market Determination (TMD), before making a purchase decision. Contact the product issuer directly for a copy of the TMD. For more information, read our Detailed Disclosure.

The age group you selected is used to provide the results in the table, including fee, performance and asset allocation based on the investment profile in the Canstar Superannuation Star Ratings methodology. Consider your own level of risk comfort when you review the asset allocation as your preference may not match the profile shown. Some providers use different age groups for their investment profiles which may result in you being offered or eligible for a different product to what is displayed in the table. See here for more details.

Australian Retirement Trust Super Savings’ allocation of funds for investors aged 55-99 differs from Canstar’s methodology – see details here. The Australian Retirement Trust Super Savings (formerly Sunsuper for Life) product may appear in the table multiple times. While you will not be offered any single investment option, this is to take into account the different combinations of investment options Australian Retirement Trust may apply to your account based on your age. For more detail in relation to the Australian Retirement Trust Super Savings (formerly Sunsuper for Life) product please refer to the PDS issued by Australian Retirement Trust for this product.

Investment profiles applied initially may change over time in line with an investor’s age. See the provider’s Product Disclosure Statement and in particular applicable age groups for more information about how providers determine their investment profiles.

The performance and fee information shown in the table is for the investment option used by Canstar in rating of the superannuation product. Performance information shown is for the historical periods up to 31/01/2024 and investment options noted in the table information. Performance figures shown reflect net investment performance, i.e. net of investment tax, investment management fees and the applicable administration fees based on an account balance of $50,000. To learn more about performance information, click here. Performance data may not be available for some products. This is indicated in the tables by a note referring the user to the product provider, or by no performance information being shown.

Please note that all information about performance returns is historical. Past performance should not be relied upon as an indicator of future performance; unit prices and the value of your investment may fall as well as rise.