Nabers Group vs Carry Solo 401k (2026)
A comprehensive comparison to help you choose between Nabers Group Solo 401k and Carry Solo 401k
Nabers Group
Nabers Group brings 18+ years of experience and SEC-registered advisory services to their Solo 401k offering, with strong educational resources.
Visit Nabers GroupCarry
Carry delivers a polished, modern Solo 401k experience with automated Mega Backdoor Roth and the lowest entry cost, backed by strong venture funding.
Visit CarryWhen comparing Nabers Group vs Carry solo 401k providers, you're essentially choosing between two fundamentally different philosophies of retirement plan administration. Nabers Group represents the established veteran in the Solo 401k space, bringing over 18 years of specialized experience and a unique advantage: SEC-registered investment advisory services that allow them to actually guide your investment decisions. Carry, by contrast, embodies the modern fintech approach, leveraging technology to streamline administration while keeping costs remarkably low.
This generational contrast matters because your choice will shape not just what you pay, but how you interact with your retirement account for years to come. Nabers Group built its reputation serving investors who want to venture into complex alternative assets like cold-storage cryptocurrency, precious metals, and real estate syndications. Their non-prototype plan document provides the flexibility these investments demand, backed by staff who understand the nuances of self-directed retirement investing.
Carry takes a different path, recognizing that most Solo 401k holders want simplicity without sacrificing capability. Their mobile-first platform and automated mega backdoor Roth conversions represent what modern retirement administration can look like. The pricing difference is substantial: Nabers Group requires $847 in your first year compared to Carry's $299-$399, making this a decision that carries real financial weight alongside the philosophical considerations.
Our Rating
Carry has a higher rating based on our comprehensive review.
Pricing Comparison
| Fee Type | Nabers Group | Carry |
|---|---|---|
| Setup Fee | $499 | $0 |
| Annual Fee | $348 | $299-499 |
| Monthly Fee | $29 | $29-49 |
| First Year Total | $847 | $299-499 |
Long-Term Cost Analysis
See how costs add up over time
| Time Period | Nabers Group | Carry | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 Year | $847 | $399 | +$448 |
| 3 Years | $1,543 | $1,197 | +$346 |
| 5 Years | $2,239 | $1,995 | +$244 |
| 10 Years | $3,979 | $3,990 | -$11 |
Green highlighting indicates the lower-cost option for each period.
Feature Comparison
| Feature | Nabers Group | Carry |
|---|---|---|
Roth Contributions After-tax contributions with tax-free growth | ||
Participant Loans Borrow up to $50,000 from your plan | ||
After-Tax (Mega Backdoor) Contribute beyond standard limits | ||
Alternative Investments Real estate, crypto, private equity | ||
Checkbook Control Direct investment management |
Pros and Cons
Pros
- In business since 2006 with proven track record
- SEC registered investment advisory firm
- Instant document preparation for loans and Form 5500-EZ
- Educational resources and community
- Investment in virtually any asset class
- Expert guidance on alternative investments
Cons
- Higher annual cost than MySolo401k
- Monthly fee structure
Pros
- Lowest first-year cost ($299 Core tier)
- No setup fee
- Modern, tech-forward platform with mobile app
- Automated Mega Backdoor Roth conversions
- Integrated banking through Grasshopper Bank
- Participant loans up to $50,000
- Y Combinator backed with strong funding
Cons
- Newer company (founded 2022)
- Alternative investments require Pro tier
- Crypto only available in IRAs, not Solo 401k
User Sentiment
Nabers Group
Rated 3/5. The long tenure commands respect, and educational content is deep. However, the user experience is described as less "slick" than Rocket Dollar or Carry, and the community aspect is less vibrant than MySolo401k.
Carry
Receives a strong rating (4/5). It is the most "modern" experience available. User experience is consistently rated as superior. The only hesitation stems from relative youth compared to established players like MySolo401k, leading to some caution regarding long-term stability.
Our Verdict
For most Solo 401k participants, Carry emerges as the stronger choice. The combination of superior user experience, automated compliance features, and significantly lower costs creates compelling value that's hard to ignore. Carry's 4.5-star rating reflects genuine satisfaction from users who appreciate modern design applied to retirement planning.
However, this verdict comes with an important caveat: Nabers Group serves a specific audience exceptionally well. If you're planning to hold physical gold in a depository, invest in cryptocurrency through cold storage, or participate in complex real estate syndications, Nabers Group's advisory capabilities become genuinely valuable. They can provide guidance that Carry simply cannot offer due to regulatory constraints.
The $448-$548 annual savings with Carry compounds meaningfully over a decade or more, potentially adding thousands to your retirement balance. Yet for investors navigating sophisticated alternative investments, Nabers Group's ability to advise rather than merely administer could prevent costly mistakes that dwarf any fee savings. Consider your actual investment intentions, not aspirational ones, when making this decision.
Which Provider is Right for You?
Choose Nabers Group if:
Choose Nabers Group if you're seriously pursuing alternative investments like cryptocurrency, precious metals, or private placements and want professional guidance navigating these complex assets. Their SEC advisory registration means they can answer questions other providers legally cannot. Ideal for experienced investors who value depth of expertise over technological polish.
Choose Carry if:
Choose Carry if you want a streamlined, cost-effective Solo 401k with excellent mobile access and automated features like mega backdoor Roth conversions. Perfect for entrepreneurs who appreciate modern software design and prefer managing their own investment decisions without paying premium fees for advisory services they won't use.