401(k) & Retirement Plans · Reviewed

ADP Retirement Services

Integrated 401(k) and payroll for businesses of every size

★ 4.1 / 5|From From $100/mo (Starter-k, 0-4 employees)|401(k) & Retirement Plans

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Overview

ADP Retirement Services is the retirement arm of payroll giant ADP, serving HVAC businesses across every size band. For HVAC owners already on RUN Powered by ADP or ADP Workforce Now payroll, enabling a 401(k) unlocks SMARTSync-ADP's 360-degree integration.

ADP Starter-k Complete includes embedded 3(16) administrative fiduciary and 3(38) investment management services. The plan supports Roth and pre-tax contributions, loans, and hardship distributions.

For shops over 50 employees, ADP 401(k) Enhanced adds open-architecture investments, more robust fiduciary support, and flexible plan design.

Key Features

SMARTSync

Connects ADP payroll and retirement; supports third-party recordkeepers.

Starter-k Complete

Targets HVAC owner-operators and startup shops.

401(k) Enhanced

For shops of 50-99 employees with flexible investment lineup.

Embedded fiduciary services

Remove most compliance liability from HVAC owners.

Mobile apps

Enrollment, plan management, and participant tools.

National advisor network

For shops preferring a local financial advisor relationship.

Deep HR bundling

Benefits and time-tracking bundling.

Pros & Cons

Pros

+Seamless experience for existing ADP payroll customers
+Starter-k provides an unusually affordable entry point for micro HVAC shops
+Fiduciary services included in several plans
+Scales from 1 employee to 10,000+ without re-platforming
+Trusted brand with extensive advisor network

Cons

−Pricing opacity; standalone plans often more expensive than flat-fee startups
−Historically higher fee ratios in older plan contracts
−Participant UX rated below Guideline and Human Interest
−Upsell pressure across ADP product suite
−Contract and cancellation terms can be rigid

Best For These Industries

HVAC & Plumbing
small-business
mid-market
enterprise
adp-payroll-customers

Alternatives to ADP Retirement Services

Guideline

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Flat-fee 401(k) built for small businesses

Guideline is an affordable, full-service 401(k) provider built for small businesses, with low flat-fee pricing and deep payroll integrations that automate administration for HVAC owners.

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Human Interest

★ 4.5

Full-service 401(k) for small and mid-sized businesses

Human Interest is a full-service 401(k) provider focused on small and mid-sized businesses, pairing automated administration and 3(16) fiduciary services with 500+ payroll integrations.

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Paychex Retirement Services

★ 4.2

Bundled 401(k), payroll, and HR for small and mid-sized businesses

Paychex Retirement Services is one of the largest 401(k) recordkeepers in the US, offering traditional, Safe Harbor, SIMPLE, and Pooled Employer Plan options tightly integrated with Paychex payroll.

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Fidelity Small Business