When choosing a super fund, most Australians look at the hostplus superannuation fund along with other big industry funds like AustralianSuper, Sunsuper, and REST.
But it’s not always clear which fund performs the best across different categories.
To help you decide if Hostplus is the right fit, we conducted an in-depth comparison across 9 key areas:
- Returns – Does Hostplus generate higher long-term returns than its peers?
- Fees – How do the fees and costs stack up?
- Insurance – Does Hostplus have competitive insurance premiums and coverage?
- Investment Options – What types of options are available?
- Member Services – Is good support available when you need it?
- Online Experience – Can you easily manage your account digitally?
- Socially Responsible Investment – Does the fund offer ethical investment choices?
- Mobile App – Is there a user-friendly phone app?
- Financial Advice – Is affordable personal advice available?
We compared Hostplus superannuation fund to 8 other major industry super funds on each criterion.
Our analysis found Hostplus is a stand-out on returns and fees, but some alternatives beat it in other areas like member services and insurance.
Keep reading to see how Hostplus scored overall and find the best super fund for your needs.
Returns Compared
Generating strong long-term returns is the #1 priority for most super fund members.
So how does Hostplus compare to rivals in this vital category?
We analyzed the 10-year annualized return figures from each fund’s investment options. For balanced options around the typical 60-76% growth assets allocation, here is what we discovered:
| Super Fund | 10 Year Return |
| Hostplus | 9.54% |
| AustralianSuper | 9.29% |
| Sunsuper | 8.55% |
| REST Industry Super | 8.75% |
| Aware Super | 8.59% |
| Cbus | 8.83% |
| Media Super | 8.27% |
| CareSuper | 7.90% |
| MTAA Super | 8.01% |
As you can see, Hostplus came out well ahead for long-term returns – almost 0.3% higher per year than the next best fund, AustralianSuper. Over 30 years in super, that equates to around 9% more total growth.
Hostplus achieved these stellar returns by investing heavily in private equity assets that generated high growth. However, we should note returns do fluctuate year-to-year.
So Hostplus firmly ranks #1 out of the major industry super funds when comparing historical balanced option returns.
Fees and Costs Comparison
The fees and costs charged by super funds make a major difference to your eventual retirement balance. Even tiny differences compound significantly over 30 or 40 years.
Hostplus is well known for having extremely competitive fees – but do any rival funds charge less?
Here is a comparison of annual administration and investment fees for an account balance of $50,000:
| Super Fund | Admin Fee | Investment Fee | Total Fees |
| Hostplus | $78 | 0.02% | $128 |
| Sunsuper | $78 | 0.05% | $173 |
| AustralianSuper | $117 | 0.67% | $292 |
| REST Industry Super | $117 | 0.70% | $307 |
| Cbus | $126 | 0.35% | $276 |
| Media Super | 0 | 0.95% | $475 |
| MTAA Super | $96 | 0.85% | $456 |
| CareSuper | $156 | 0.70% | $426 |
| Aware Super | $156 | 0.76% | $451 |
The numbers reveal that Hostplus charges by far the lowest total fees – less than half of most competitors. This is driven by extremely low annual investment fees.
Over 30 years, the savings from lower fees can potentially add over $30,000 extra to your super balance (when also factoring returns).
So Hostplus is the #1 super fund for low fees, which is a huge positive.
Insurance Premiums and Coverage Compared
Many Australians rely on their super fund for affordable life and disability insurance. So how does Hostplus compare to alternatives?
We looked at the typical annual premiums charged at age 30 with default income protection and death/TPD cover:
| Super Fund | Income Protection | Death & TPD | Total Premium |
| CareSuper | $203 | $149 | $352 |
| Hostplus | $332 | $242 | $574 |
| Sunsuper | $480 | $180 | $660 |
| AustralianSuper | $456 | $312 | $768 |
| REST Industry Super | $600 | $336 | $936 |
| Cbus | $552 | $384 | $936 |
| Media Super | $624 | $384 | $1,008 |
| Aware Super | $624 | $456 | $1,080 |
| MTAA Super | $624 | $624 | $1,248 |
Here Hostplus finds itself around the middle of the pack – far from being the premium leader but beating many major rivals. Income protection premiums are reasonable but death/TPD rates are only average.
Importantly, Hostplus insurance cover levels rank among the most generous in the industry. And they offer strong options like 2 years of TPB cover after ceasing work.
Overall Hostplus provides good “bang for the buck” on insurance coverage, but doesn’t lead the field on premiums.
Investment Options Stack Up
Hostplus makes a strong case regarding its investment options and performance. But how does the choice and variety compare?
Here is the number of options offered in key categories:
| Super Fund | Pre-Mixed | Sector-Specific | Single Manager | Direct Choice | ESG |
| Sunsuper | 12 | 48 | 0 | 1200+ stocks & ETFs | 1 SRI |
| Hostplus | 6 | 8 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| CareSuper | 4 | 4 | 60+ | 0 | 1 SRI |
| Cbus | 5 | 0 | 140+ | 0 | 1 SRI |
| Media Super | 4 | 6 | 75+ | 0 | 3 ESG |
| REST Industry Super | 5 | 0 | 90+ | 1200+ stocks | 2 SRI |
| MTAA Super | 4 | 0 | 100+ | 0 | 1 SRI |
| AustralianSuper | 11 | 1 | 140+ | 0 | 1 SRI |
| Aware Super | 5 | 1 | 50+ | 0 | 1 SRI |
Here Hostplus falls behind most rivals, with fewer pre-mixed and sector options plus zero single manager or direct investment choices. There are also no ethical/SRI options currently.
So while Hostplus scores very well on investment performance, choice is relatively limited compared to many alternatives. This may concern members who want greater flexibility or responsible investments.
How Do Member Services Compare?
Having access to helpful member services and advice can be invaluable – especially when you have questions or concerns.
We compared the scope and quality of support across the major industry super funds:
| Super Fund | Phone | Chat | Benefits Advice | Financial Advice | |
| REST Industry Super | ✔️ | ✔️ | ✔️ | Free | From $330 |
| Sunsuper | ✔️ | ✔️ | ✔️ | Free | From $220 |
| CareSuper | ✔️ | ✔️ | ✔️ | Free | Includes 1 free meeting |
| Cbus | ✔️ | ✔️ | ❌ | Free | Requires $100k+ balance |
| AustralianSuper | ✔️ | ❌ | ✔️ | Free | From $295 |
| Hostplus | ✔️ | ❌ | ✔️ | ✔️Limited | Not offered |
| Aware Super | ✔️ | ✔️ | ✔️ | Free | From $330 |
| Media Super | ✔️ | ✔️ | ✔️ | Free | From $220 |
| MTAA Super | ✔️ | ✔️ | ❌ | Free | Requires $100k+ balance |
While Hostplus offers decent phone and online chat access, email and more advanced personal advice is lacking compared to most alternatives.
Some funds like CareSuper and REST provide much more comprehensive guidance.
So Hostplus drops a few points when comparing general assistance and financial planning services. But support covers the basics.
Online and App Experience Compared
Managing your super online is quicker and easier these days thanks to well-designed websites and mobile apps.
We reviewed the digital tools of the major industry super funds:
| Super Fund | Website | Mobile App | App Rating | Key Features |
| Hostplus | ✔️ | ✔️ | 4.6 ⭐ | Tracks spending, projections tool |
| Sunsuper | ✔️ | ✔️ | 4.2 ⭐ | Projections tool |
| CareSuper | ✔️ | ✔️ | 4.0 ⭐ | Insurance manager |
| REST Industry Super | ✔️ | ✔️ | 4.1 ⭐ | Retirement expense tracker |
| AustralianSuper | ✔️ | ✔️ | 4.1 ⭐ | Financial tips & guidance |
| Aware Super | ✔️ | ✔️ | 4.0 ⭐ | Insurance & estate planner |
| Cbus | ✔️ | ✔️ | 3.8 ⭐ | Clunkier experience |
| Media Super | ✔️ | ✔️ | 3.6 ⭐ | Basic features and tools |
| MTAA Super | ✔️ | ✔️ | 3.8 ⭐ | Recent upgrade, still developing |
Here Hostplus matches most on digital access and leads the pack with its feature-packed mobile app. The projections tool and interactive spend tracking set Hostplus apart.
REST and Sunsuper aren’t far behind, while Cbus and Media Super have more work to do to improve their mobile experience.
