Ubiquity vs Carry Solo 401k (2026)
A comprehensive comparison to help you choose between Ubiquity Solo 401k and Carry Solo 401k
Ubiquity
Ubiquity offers a compliance-focused Solo 401k with professional oversight and the lowest entry cost, ideal for those who may eventually hire employees.
Visit UbiquityCarry
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 Ubiquity vs Carry for your Solo 401k, you're weighing two fundamentally different approaches to retirement plan administration. Ubiquity operates as a traditional TPA and recordkeeper, bringing institutional-grade compliance oversight to self-employed retirement plans. Their 3(38) fiduciary oversight and professional management structure appeals to business owners who want experts handling their plan's regulatory requirements. However, this compliance-first approach comes with higher costs and a more traditional user experience.
Carry represents the modern evolution of Solo 401k administration, built from the ground up for today's self-employed professionals. Their mobile-first platform automates tedious requirements like the Mandatory Benefit Rights notice while delivering a polished user experience that makes account management intuitive rather than burdensome. At $299-$399 per year with no setup fee, Carry also delivers meaningful cost savings compared to Ubiquity's $657 first-year total.
The rating differential tells an important story: Carry earns 4.5 stars compared to Ubiquity's 3.5 stars. This gap reflects real differences in value delivery, user experience, and feature accessibility. While Ubiquity serves a specific niche well, Carry has built a more compelling overall package for the majority of Solo 401k participants. Understanding where each provider excels helps you make the right choice for your specific situation and priorities.
Our Rating
Carry has a higher rating based on our comprehensive review.
Pricing Comparison
| Fee Type | Ubiquity | Carry |
|---|---|---|
| Setup Fee | $285-350 | $0 |
| Annual Fee | $228-450 | $299-499 |
| Monthly Fee | $19-37.50 | $29-49 |
| First Year Total | $513-800 | $299-499 |
Long-Term Cost Analysis
See how costs add up over time
| Time Period | Ubiquity | Carry | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 Year | $657 | $399 | +$258 |
| 3 Years | $1,335 | $1,197 | +$138 |
| 5 Years | $2,013 | $1,995 | +$18 |
| 10 Years | $3,708 | $3,990 | -$282 |
Green highlighting indicates the lower-cost option for each period.
Feature Comparison
| Feature | Ubiquity | 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
- Lowest setup fee among non-prototype providers
- Functions as both TPA and recordkeeper
- Professional 3(38) investment oversight
- No AUM fees
- Transparent, flat-fee pricing
- Good for growth into traditional 401k with employees
Cons
- Checkbook control only in Plus tier
- Limited to CensiblyYours fund list (base tier)
- Loan fees apply ($100 setup + $100/year)
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
Ubiquity
Rates highly (4/5) for "Peace of Mind." The fact that a third-party administrator is keeping the books provides a compliance safety net that self-administered plans lack. However, the nickel-and-diming on loan fees and monthly billing model are detractors.
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 self-employed professionals, Carry is the clear winner in this comparison. The combination of lower costs, higher ratings, and superior user experience creates a compelling value proposition that's difficult for Ubiquity to match. Carry's automated compliance features, modern mobile app, and streamlined interface deliver what most Solo 401k participants actually need without the complexity or expense of traditional TPA services.
Ubiquity's value proposition centers on compliance peace of mind and scalability. If you're running a business that may eventually hire employees, Ubiquity's infrastructure can grow with you into a full employee 401k plan. Their 3(38) fiduciary oversight also provides an extra layer of protection for those who prioritize professional compliance management above all else.
However, the $258-$358 first-year savings with Carry, combined with its meaningfully higher rating, suggests most users find better value in the modern approach. Unless you specifically need Ubiquity's growth path to employee plans or place exceptional value on third-party compliance oversight, Carry delivers more for less.
Which Provider is Right for You?
Choose Ubiquity if:
Choose Ubiquity if you anticipate hiring employees and want a seamless transition to a full 401k plan. It's also the right choice if you prioritize having professional TPA oversight handling your plan's compliance requirements, or if your accountant or advisor specifically recommends working with a traditional recordkeeper structure.
Choose Carry if:
Choose Carry if you want the best combination of cost, features, and user experience for a true Solo 401k. It's ideal for self-employed professionals who value modern technology, automated compliance tools, and intuitive mobile access. If you're comfortable with self-directed investing and want to maximize value, Carry is the stronger choice.