Best performing super funds in Australia
The table below lists our Online Partners whose investment options on Canstar’s database have delivered the highest investment returns for the age range and balance shown.

Showing 8 of 52 results
To see more results adjust the filters above
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.
Best super funds in Australia
Finding the best super fund for your needs and budget can take time and research. Fortunately, Canstar Research has made it easier by researching and comparing products from 40 different superannuation providers. The result is our 2025 Superannuation Star Ratings and Awards, which are designed to help you in your search for the best super fund for your needs.
You can use the table at the top of this page to compare super funds from our Online Partners, as well as other super funds on Canstar’s database, to find the one that best fits your requirements. The table features Canstar’s expert Star Rating for each product rated, as well as details such as the expected annual fees on $50,000 balances and the one-year and five-year returns calculated as a percentage. Use the filters to adjust the table to show superannuation products that match your requirements. The filters include options for different types of funds (e.g. retail or industry), insurance options (such as funds that provide life insurance, Total and Permanent Disability (TPD) insurance and income protection) and accessibility for members.
You can also specify other requirements, such as the Star Rating, provider, and whether or not they are a Canstar online partner, which means there is a button to click that takes you to the provider’s website so you can obtain a quote (we may earn a referral fee in this instance.)
Best super funds: Outstanding Value Award winners
If you’re looking for the best value super fund, Canstar’s Star Ratings and Awards could help. Six superannuation providers topped the list in Canstar’s 2025 Superannuation Star Ratings and Awards:
Australian Retirement Trust
Formed through the merger of Sunsuper and QSuper in 2022, Australian Retirement Trust is a new recipient of Canstar’s Outstanding Value Award for Superannuation in 2025. The combination of its strong investment performance and competitive fees are key factors distinguishing itself as a provider of outstanding value.
Australian Retirement Trust’s MySuper lifecycle product, which automatically adjusts members’ investment mix as they age, underwent some changes in 2024 so that members will keep more of their money in growth assets, such as shares, for longer. The new investment strategy’s performance over the past seven years has contributed to the product’s strong performance across the underlying star ratings.
AustralianSuper
AustralianSuper has retained its Outstanding Value Award for Superannuation again in 2025, with the achievement attributed to consistently providing strong historical returns and competitive fees. Its ‘Balanced’ investment option achieved a five-star rating across all age and balance profiles, with the exception of the 60s age profile at a $30,000 balance, where it secured a commendable 4-star rating.
As Australia’s largest super fund, AustralianSuper provides its members with a range of features, including a diverse selection of investment options, ranging from pre-mixed portfolios managed by the fund, to opportunities for members to exert full control over their investments.
Aware Super
Aware Super has once again been recognised with Canstar’s Outstanding Value Award for Superannuation in 2025. The fund’s MySuper product is a lifecycle strategy, adjusting members’ investment mix from ‘High Growth’ up to age 55, and then gradually taking on more lower risk assets as they approach retirement age.
This fund’s historical investment returns are among the strongest in the market for members aged in their 20s through to their 50s. As members transition into ‘Balanced’ and ‘Conservative Balanced’ investment options in their 50s and 60s, returns moderate, however, these options remain a strong, more defensive choice for members.
HESTA
HESTA has retained its Outstanding Value Award for Superannuation for a second consecutive year in 2025, driven by its high returns and competitive fees. Its ‘Balanced Growth’ investment option has consistently performed well across all 25 underlying star ratings profiles.
Where other superannuation options may take a more risk-averse approach leading up to retirement age, HESTA’s continued focus on balanced investment growth allows members to continue growing their super balance even beyond retirement age.
Hostplus
Hostplus Super has once again received the Outstanding Value Award for Superannuation in 2025. The fund continues to achieve strong investment returns over the historical period alongside competitive fees and a high level of features, demonstrating Hostplus’ ability to deliver outstanding value to members.
The fund has shown resilience in its ability to deliver robust returns during both favourable and challenging market conditions, allowing its ‘MySuper Balanced’ investment option to secure a five-star rating in all 25 underlying consumer profiles.
UniSuper
UniSuper has retained its Outstanding Value Award for another consecutive year in 2025, recognised for its strong historical performance and competitive fees.
Unlike many lifecycle funds that become more risk-averse as members near retirement, UniSuper’s MySuper product maintains a consistent return target across all ages. This approach has contributed to some of the strongest investment returns in the market for members in their 60s.
Super fund IOOF received the most recent Most Satisfied Customers Award: Super Fund based on a survey of 4,606 members across 66 super funds around the country.
While the funds mentioned above aren’t strictly the best performing super funds in Australia currently, they represent overall value across a range of factors that are worth considering when choosing a super fund.
Why is performance important for super funds?
Superannuation is all about setting you up for the future and providing you with a large enough nest egg so that you can retire in comfort.
So 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, which is why people are often interested in what the best-performing super funds are. 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.
A small difference in average super performance, even as little as 1% a year, can really add up over time. Here is a hypothetical example:
Effect of Annual Returns On Superannuation Balance at Retirement
← Mobile/tablet users, scroll sideways to view full table →
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 | $24,449 | $24,449 | $24,449 |
Annual Investment Returns |
6.00% | 7.00% | 8.00% |
Average TPD and Life Insurance Premiums |
$171 | $171 | $171 |
Account Balance at Retirement |
$597,800 | $763,800 | $986,400 |
Difference to Base Scenario Retirement Balance |
– | $166,000 | $388,600 |
Source: www.canstar.com.au. Prepared on 14/04/2025. Scenario begins at the start of the 2024-25 financial year and is based on a 25 year old with a starting balance of $24,449 (per APRA Quarterly Superannuation Industry Publication, Dec-24), starting gross annual income of $83,200 (per ABS Characteristics of Employment – median full-time employee earnings, Aug-24), 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%. Average life and TPD insurance premium of $171, 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 and insurance premiums 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. End balances at retirement and total salary sacrifice amounts are shown in “today’s dollars”, i.e. they have been adjusted for inflation. End balances at retirement are also rounded to the nearest $100. 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.
A difference of just 1% in performance can mean a person who retires at 67 could have an extra $166,000 in their super fund, compared to someone in a lesser performing fund, according to Canstar Research. As you can see, a small difference in performance could cost you hundreds of thousands of dollars by the time you retire, all other factors being equal.
Canstar can help you compare available super funds, and their performance, so you can see which one might best suit your needs.
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 it’s important to bear in mind that it doesn’t mean a fund will necessarily be able to repeat that performance in the future.
There are also other factors to consider when deciding on a super fund, such as fees, investment options offered, if insurance cover such as life insurance, Total and Permanent Disability (TPD) insurance and income protection is provided by the super fund and if the education and advice on offer from the fund meets your requirements.
Frequently Asked Questions about the Best Super Funds in Australia
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.
Explore more super:
Low fee super funds
Life insurance through superannuation
ANZ Superannuation
Compare super with income protection
Aware Super Superannuation
Compare superannuation with easy online application
Top Super Funds For Australians Aged 50-59
Best performing retail super funds
Compare super funds for young adults (18-29)
Best performing industry super funds
About our finance experts
Alasdair Duncan, Content Editor

Joshua Sale, GM, Research

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.