Fidelity
Strengths
- Offers a wide range of mutual funds and ETFs
- Extensive research tools and educational resources
- Competitive pricing on commission-free trading
- High customer service satisfaction
Weaknesses
- Higher fees for some investment accounts
- Complexity in navigating various platforms
- Less focus on passive investing options compared to Vanguard
Average Expense Ratio on Mutual Funds (2026)0.5%
Number of Commission-Free ETFs & Mutual Funds4,000+ as of Q3 2026
Customer Satisfaction Rating (on a scale of 1-10)8.5
Annual Management Fee for Certain Accounts$25 per account
Vanguard
Strengths
- Index fund pioneer with low-cost offerings
- Strong emphasis on passive investing and index funds
- Robust portfolio of ETFs with very competitive expense ratios
- User-friendly platform for both beginner and advanced users
Weaknesses
- Limited commission-free trading offerings
- Fewer high-yield savings accounts compared to Fidelity
- Less extensive research tools relative to Fidelity's
Average Expense Ratio on Index Funds (2026)0.04%
Number of Commission-Free ETFs & Mutual Funds3,500+ as of Q3 2026
Customer Satisfaction Rating (on a scale of 1-10)8.7
Annual Management Fee for Certain Accounts$20 per account
