Best performing super funds in Australia

Looking for a better performing super fund? We’ve sorted these super funds by showing our Online Partners with the highest five-year returns first so you can find the best super fund for you. You can also sort by Canstar’s expert Star Rating.

GM, Research
Deputy Finance Editor
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  • Star Rating - lowest first
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  • 5 year return - lowest first
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$452
7.2%
7.3%
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Super that auto-adjusts investment mix as you get older
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Socially Conscious, Indexed, & other options available
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Choose from 15 investment options
Online rollover
Online application
$460
9%
7.3%
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Join an award-winning super fund with low fees
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Enjoy strong returns above industry average
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Access AMP Super Lifetime - at no extra cost
Online rollover
Online application
$280
10.2%
N/A
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One of the lowest yearly fees in market at 0.56%
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Simpler, smarter super with strong performance
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Auto-adjusting investments as you age. T&Cs apply
Online rollover
Online application
$633
4.4%
4.9%
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40 years of award-winning ethical investing
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100% Ethical Super with proven long-term returns
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Join in five mins and make your money matter
Online rollover
Online application
$358
9.9%
7.9%
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Leading investment returns3
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Low fees1
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Virgin Money rewards you with Velocity Points on your contributions9
Online rollover
Online application
$442
7.5%
6.9%
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Strong long-term performance
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More than $102 billion in Total Assets
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With more than 1.05 million members
Online rollover
Online application
$442
7.5%
6.9%
Online rollover
Online application
$448
6.5%
5.8%
Online rollover
Online application

Showing 11 of 49 results

check Included
cross Not included
na Not applicable
dash Data not captured
canstar-rating-icon Canstar Star Rating
indicative-canstar-rating-icon Indicative Canstar Star Rating

Unsure of a term in the above table? View glossary

The initial results in the table above are sorted by 5 year return (High-Low) , then Star Rating (High-Low) , then Provider Name (Alphabetical) . Additional filters may have been applied, which impact the results displayed in the table - filters can be applied or removed at any time.

promoted
Australian Financial Services Licence 293340.
Discover the MySuper Lifecycle investment approach
A simple investment option that auto-adjusts your investment mix as you get closer to retirement.
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Canstar Outstanding Value award 2022–2026
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An investment approach that helps you increase your super over time
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Access a range of advice options to suit your needs
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Flexible insurance options to suit your lifestyle
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Local support whenever you need a hand
Australian Financial Services Licence 293340. See Terms & Conditions. Star Rating Methodology.
Australian Financial Services Licence 293340. See Terms & Conditions.

What are the best super funds in Australia?

Finding the best super fund for your needs and budget can take time. Fortunately, Canstar Research has made it easier by researching and comparing products from 40 different super funds. The result is our Superannuation Star Ratings and Awards—designed to help you in your search for the best super fund for you. The awards consider investment returns after fees, as well as a fund’s features and services to help Aussies grow their savings and achieve a secure retirement. Six super funds topped the list in the most recent awards:

AMP Super

Retail super fund AMP is a new Outstanding Value award winner this year. AMP Super’s MySuper product (a default investment option for members who don’t choose their own investment strategy) is a lifecycle product that manages members’ funds differently based on the decade they were born in. This allows the super fund to invest a member’s funds in higher growth assets for a large portion of their life, increasing the allocation to more defensive assets as they near retirement.

AMP Super achieved strong annual net returns over the observed seven-year period, with its MySuper 1980s investment option posting a strong 10.98% return last year. On features, the fund offers a market-leading level of advice offerings (including digital advice) and a comprehensive array of tools.

Australian Retirement Trust (ART)

Australian Retirement Trust (ART), formed through the 2022 merger of Sunsuper and QSuper, maintains its Outstanding Value award for the second consecutive year. Its lifecycle default MySuper product continued to achieve strong investment performance in 2025, alongside offering low admin fees relative to other providers in the industry. MySuper lifecycle automatically switches members’ fund allocations between its High Growth, Balanced, and Cash investment options, progressively shifting from High Growth into a more defensive asset allocation when members turn 51.

AustralianSuper

Australia’s largest super fund by funds under management and number of members, AustralianSuper retains its award for another consecutive year. AustraliaSuper continues to perform strongly against the market with its default MySuper Balanced option. This product maintains a consistent risk allocation for investments over the life of the member, achieving strong returns for members right up until retirement. In addition to performance, it maintains a comprehensive level of support services and insurance, including competitively priced default Total and Permanent Disability (TPD) and Death cover.

Aware Super

Aware Super retains its Outstanding Value award in 2026, attributed to its historically strong level of investment performance over the observed seven-year period by their MySuper lifecycle product. Alongside a high degree of features, including online functionality, Aware Super offers some of the most comprehensive tailored life insurance options across TPD, Income Protection, and Death cover.

Hostplus Super

Hostplus Super retains its Outstanding Value award in 2026 with its Balanced MySuper investment option continuing to uphold high annual net returns, historically achieving some of the best performance for members’ of all ages, even up until retirement. This super fund also offers a wide range of investment options, including pre-mixed options and listed securities for those seeking investment flexibility and more control over their superannuation balance, accompanied by a high level of advice services.

Mercer Superannuation

New award winner this year, Mercer Superannuation, offers a default superannuation product that follows a lifecycle structure, grouping members into separate funds based on the year they were born. Mercer adjusts the asset allocation of each group of members to more defensive assets as they get older to lower risk as they near retirement. The exclusion of 2018 returns and outperformance in 2025, alongside some of the lowest admin fees in the market, underscores Mercer’s improvement in achieving above-average net returns for its members. This super fund also offers an extensive range of investment options, including listed securities and term deposits, as well as a deep array of advice features through both internal and external advisors and resources.

If you’re looking for a super fund with the highest level of customer satisfaction in our assessment, UniSuper received the most recent Most Satisfied Customers Award: Super Fund, based on a survey of 5,766 members across 61 super funds.

While the funds mentioned above aren’t strictly the best performing super funds in Australia, they represent overall value across a range of factors worth considering.

Why is performance important for super funds?

Superannuation is all about setting yourself up for retirement. It’s important that while you’re still working, your super is working for you. The investment return that your super makes (its performance) is a key factor in this–that’s why people are often interested in the best performing super funds.

Please note 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.

A small difference in average performance can really add up over time:

Effect of Annual Returns on Superannuation Balance at Retirement

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Scenario
1
Scenario
2
Scenario
3
Starting Age 25 25 25
Retirement Age 67 67 67
Starting Gross
Annual Income
$83,200 $83,200 $83,200
Starting Balance $26,154 $26,154 $26,154
Annual Investment
Returns
7.6% 8.3% 8.7%
Average TPD and
Life Insurance Premiums
$174 $174 $174
Account Balance
at Retirement
$633,100 $694,400 $780,900
Difference to Base Scenario
Retirement Balance
$61,300 $147,800

Source: www.canstar.com.au. Prepared on 10/02/2026. Scenario begins at the start of the 2025-26 financial year and is based on a 30 year old with a starting balance of $26,154 (per APRA Quarterly Superannuation Industry Publication), starting gross annual income of $83,200 (per ABS Characteristics of Employment – median full-time employee earnings), and retiring at age 67. SG Contribution amounts per Government announced rates, and along with the salary sacrifice and monthly after-tax amounts, are assumed to be paid into superannuation fund quarterly. Employer contributions are assumed to be taxed at 15%. Investment returns based on quartiles of annual investment returns net of fees for funds available for a 25 year old with growth asset allocations between 60%-80% on Canstar’s database, with the first, second and third quartile represented in scenario 1, 2 and 3 respectively. Gross investment returns net of fees. Average life and TPD insurance premium of $174, is assumed charged at the end of each year based on default cover available for a 25 year old on Canstar’s database. Annual income, insurance premiums, salary sacrifice and extra after-tax contributions are assumed to increase with inflation each year. Inflation is assumed to be 2.5%p.a. due to the rising cost of living (CPI Inflation) plus a further 1.5%p.a. due to the rising community living standards. Please note all information on income and superannuation performance returns are used for illustration purposes only. Actual returns and the value of your investment may fall as well as rise from year to year; this example does not take such variation into account. Past performance is not a reliable indicator of future performance.


In this example, a difference of 1.1% in performance each year can mean a person who retires at 67 could have an extra $147,800 in their super fund. You can compare super funds from our Online Partners, and their performance, using the table above.

How often should I check my super performance?

It’s recommended you check your super fund’s performance every year, perhaps when you receive your annual statement around the end of the financial year (end of June). You can access your statement through your fund’s online portal. Look at your fund’s long-term performance–its three-, five-, and 10-year returns–and ensure your current investment options still match your risk tolerance and life stage.

How to choose the best super fund for you

Past performance can give an indication of what a fund has been able to deliver historically, but doesn’t necessarily mean a fund will be able to repeat that performance in the future. Here are some factors to consider when choosing a super fund:

  • Fees charged (including admin, investment, performance, insurance, and advice fees and transaction costs when buying or selling assets)
  • Investment options available
  • Insurances, such as life, TPD, and income protection
  • Education and financial advice on offer

How to compare super funds

Use the table above to compare super funds from our Online Partners to find the one that best fits your requirements. It features Canstar’s expert Star Rating for each product rated and details like the expected annual fees on a $50,000 balance and one- and five-year returns, calculated as a percentage.

Use the filters to adjust the table to match your needs. These include options for different types of funds (like retail or industry funds), insurance options (such as life insurance, TPD, and income protection), and accessibility for members.

You can also specify other requirements, such as the Star Rating, provider, and whether or not they’re a Canstar Online Partner. There’s also buttons to take you directly to the provider’s website (Canstar may earn a referral fee).

FAQs about the Best Performing Super Funds in Australia

Thinking of changing super funds? Doing so can be straightforward. Once you’ve found your new super fund, it will generally require you to complete an online application to become a member. During this process, you can request to have your current super fund transfer your balance over into your new fund. Most of the organisational work should be done by your new fund, which will communicate with your old fund on your behalf.

After you’ve successfully joined your new fund, it’s important you inform your employer of the change, as you may need to fill out a new superannuation choice form. This is so your employer knows which super fund to pay your Superannuation Guarantee into.

Time for you or one of your loved ones to enter the workforce? You may be unsure of where to start when considering a super fund. Many employers will offer to create you an account with their super fund of choice, but that may not be the best option for your needs. Rather than just ticking a box, it can be worth researching and comparing super funds in order to find one that suits you and your values.

Considering funds with lower fees and higher long-term returns can be a good place to start looking. You may not stay with the same super fund until retirement, so starting with one that won’t eat into your balance with excessive fees and can deliver over the long term could set you up well. You may also be interested in ethical super funds, which aim to invest your money in ways that align with select ethical standards.

Having multiple super funds may seem like a good idea, but due to fees, may not prove overly useful. Paying two sets of fees could ultimately eat into your retirement balance. If you’re concerned with the performance of your current super fund, you may consider switching to one of the best performing super funds from our Online Partners listed in the table above. If you have more than one super fund, you might consider consolidating them to avoid paying extra fees.

Latest in superannuation

Canstar Superannuation Star Ratings and Awards

Looking for an award-winning product or to switch providers or brands? Canstar rates products based on price and features in our Star Ratings and Awards. Our expert Research team shares insights about which products offer 5-Star value and which providers offer outstanding value overall. We also reveal which providers have the most satisfied customers in our dedicated Customer Satisfaction Awards.

Canstar's Superannuation Star Ratings & Awards

About our finance experts

Alasdair Duncan, Deputy Finance Editor

Alasdair Duncan
Alasdair Duncan is Canstar's Deputy Finance Editor, specialising in home loans, property and lifestyle topics. He has written more than 500 articles for Canstar and his work is widely referenced by other publishers and media outlets, including Yahoo FinanceThe New DailyThe Motley Fool and Sky News. He has featured as a guest author for property website homely.com.au. In his more than 15 years working in the media, Alasdair has written for a broad range of publications. Before joining Canstar, he was a News Editor at Pedestrian.TV, part of Australia’s leading youth media group. His work has also appeared on ABC News, Junkee, Rolling Stone, Kotaku, the Sydney Star Observer and The Brag. He has a Bachelor of Laws (Honours) and a Bachelor of Arts with a major in Journalism from the University of Queensland, and has completed a RG146 compliance training course. When he is not writing about finance for Canstar, Alasdair can probably be found at the beach with his two dogs or listening to podcasts about pop music. You can follow Alasdair on LinkedIn.

Joshua Sale, GM, Research

Joshua Sale

As Canstar’s Group Manager, Research, Ratings & Product Data, 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 X and Facebook.

Additional reporting by Nick Whiting


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. Payment of fees for ads does not influence our Star Ratings or Awards.

The Superannuation Star Ratings were awarded in March 2025. 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?

TMDs are compulsory for most financial products. 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. Canstar takes this responsibility seriously. As a distributor, we periodically review the TMDs of products we list on our website to help ensure our distribution channels are likely to result in the products reaching consumers within the relevant target market. This is one of the reasonable steps we take to comply with our obligations.

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.

Canstar is not providing a recommendation for your individual circumstances. We cannot and do not recommend that any particular product is suitable for you. 

We provide links to our Online Partners. These are brands that may pay Canstar a fee for referring you. Our tables default to display only our Online Partners’ products initially, you can adjust the Online Partner Filter to see all of the products available for comparison on Canstar’s website. We provide these links so that you can click through to the product provider’s website to get more information. The provision of these links does not constitute a recommendation by Canstar.

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 listed in the table above the performance and fee information and used by Canstar in rating the Superannuation product (where the product has a Star Rating). Performance information shown is for the historical periods displayed when hovering on the ‘1 year return’ and 5 year return' headings in the comparison table 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.