Side-by-Side Comparison
Category
Financial Planning
Financial Planning
Price
$0–1.15% AUM/yr
$100–$200/mo
Pricing Model
Free + managed
Monthly subscription
Overall Rating
4.3/5
4.6/5
Ease of Use
4.4/5
4.5/5
Value for Money
4.2/5
4.3/5
Support Quality
4.0/5
4.7/5
Free Tier
✅ Yes
❌ No
Mobile App
✅ Yes
❌ No
Platform
Web, iOS, Android
Web, Video
Founded
2009
2016
Users
18M+ users
20K+ members
Best For
Those with $100K+ who want free tracking tools and option for managed service
Mid-career professionals, families with complex finances, pre-retirees
Data as of January 2026. Always verify current pricing on vendor websites.
🏆 Bottom Line Verdict
Facet is the stronger choice for most users, scoring 4.5/5 overall vs Empower's 4.3/5. However, Empower may be the better fit if you prioritize those with $100k+ who want free tracking tools and option for managed service.
Choose Empower if: Those with $100K+ who want free tracking tools and option for managed service
Choose Facet if: Mid-career professionals, families with complex finances, pre-retirees
📊 Key Differentiators
Empower and Facet both serve the financial planning market, but their strengths diverge in three specific areas:
- Pricing: Empower starts at $0–1.15% AUM/yr vs Facet's $100–$200/mo. Empower has a free tier; Facet requires payment from day one.
- Ease of use: Empower rates 4.4/5 on ease of use; Facet rates 4.5/5. Facet is the simpler option — better for teams that want quick onboarding.
- Value for money: Empower scores 4.2/5 on value; Facet scores 4.3/5. Facet delivers more per dollar at its price point.
Founded: Empower (2009) · Facet (2016) · User base: 18M+ users vs 20K+ members
Ratings Breakdown
💪 Empower
Free net worth tracking + wealth management
Overall
4.3★★★★☆
Ease of Use
4.4★★★★☆
Value
4.2★★★★☆
Support
4.0★★★★☆
💼 Facet
CFP-led financial planning via subscription
Overall
4.6★★★★½
Ease of Use
4.5★★★★½
Value
4.3★★★★☆
Support
4.7★★★★½
Empower — Pros & Cons
✅ PROS
- Best free net worth and portfolio tracker
- Fee analyzer shows hidden fund costs
- 401(k) analyzer
- Cash flow and budgeting tools
- Wealth management option for $100K+
❌ CONS
- Free tier is light on planning
- Managed service minimum is $100K
- Aggressive upsell to managed service
- Budgeting tools less detailed than Mint/YNAB
Facet — Pros & Cons
✅ PROS
- Dedicated CFP for every member
- Comprehensive financial plan included
- Unlimited meetings with your planner
- Investment management included
- No AUM fees — flat subscription
❌ CONS
- No in-person meetings (all virtual)
- Not ideal for investment-only relationships
- Minimum income or asset requirements
- Wait list at times
Key Features Compared
Empower
- Net worth dashboard
- Investment checkup
- Fee analyzer
- Retirement planner
- Cash flow tools
Facet
- Comprehensive financial plan
- Investment management
- Tax optimization
- Insurance analysis
- Estate planning guidance
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Empower better than Facet?
Facet scores higher overall (4.5/5) vs Empower (4.3/5). Choose Empower for those with $100k+ who want free tracking tools and option for managed service; choose Facet for mid-career professionals.
How much does Empower cost vs Facet?
Empower costs $0–1.15% AUM/yr (Free + managed). Facet costs $100–$200/mo (Monthly subscription). Always verify current pricing on vendor websites.
How much does Empower cost in 2026?
Empower costs $0–1.15% AUM/yr as of 2026. The pricing model is Free + managed. A free tier is available.
Does Empower have a free tier?
Yes — Empower offers a free tier, making it easy to test before committing to a paid plan. Facet does not have a free tier.
What's the main difference between Empower and Facet?
Empower is best for those with $100k+ who want free tracking tools and option for managed service, while Facet is better suited for mid-career professionals. Both tools have comparable overall ratings.
Related Comparisons & Resources
ℹ️ Data Verified Ratings and features researched as of January 2026. Pricing may change — always verify on vendor websites before purchase.
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