Side-by-Side Comparison
Category
Financial Planning
Financial Planning
Price
$100–$200/mo
$0–1.15% AUM/yr
Pricing Model
Monthly subscription
Free + managed
Overall Rating
4.6/5
4.3/5
Ease of Use
4.5/5
4.4/5
Value for Money
4.3/5
4.2/5
Support Quality
4.7/5
4.0/5
Free Tier
❌ No
✅ Yes
Mobile App
❌ No
✅ Yes
Platform
Web, Video
Web, iOS, Android
Founded
2016
2009
Users
20K+ members
18M+ users
Best For
Mid-career professionals, families with complex finances, pre-retirees
Those with $100K+ who want free tracking tools and option for managed service
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 Facet if: Mid-career professionals, families with complex finances, pre-retirees
Choose Empower if: Those with $100K+ who want free tracking tools and option for managed service
📊 Key Differentiators
Facet and Empower both serve the financial planning market, but their strengths diverge in three specific areas:
- Pricing: Facet starts at $100–$200/mo vs Empower's $0–1.15% AUM/yr. Empower has a free tier; Facet requires payment from day one.
- Ease of use: Facet rates 4.5/5 on ease of use; Empower rates 4.4/5. Facet is the simpler option — better for teams that want quick onboarding.
- Value for money: Facet scores 4.3/5 on value; Empower scores 4.2/5. Facet delivers more per dollar at its price point.
Founded: Facet (2016) · Empower (2009) · User base: 20K+ members vs 18M+ users
Ratings Breakdown
💼 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
Free net worth tracking + wealth management
Overall
4.3★★★★☆
Ease of Use
4.4★★★★☆
Value
4.2★★★★☆
Support
4.0★★★★☆
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
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
Key Features Compared
Facet
- Comprehensive financial plan
- Investment management
- Tax optimization
- Insurance analysis
- Estate planning guidance
Empower
- Net worth dashboard
- Investment checkup
- Fee analyzer
- Retirement planner
- Cash flow tools
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Facet better than Empower?
Facet scores higher overall (4.5/5) vs Empower (4.3/5). Choose Facet for mid-career professionals; choose Empower for those with $100k+ who want free tracking tools and option for managed service.
How much does Facet cost vs Empower?
Facet costs $100–$200/mo (Monthly subscription). Empower costs $0–1.15% AUM/yr (Free + managed). Always verify current pricing on vendor websites.
How much does Facet cost in 2026?
Facet costs $100–$200/mo as of 2026. The pricing model is Monthly subscription. No free tier — a paid subscription is required.
Does Facet have a free tier?
No — Facet does not currently offer a free tier; a paid subscription is required. Empower does offer a free tier if you want to test before paying.
What's the main difference between Facet and Empower?
Facet is best for mid-career professionals, while Empower is better suited for those with $100k+ who want free tracking tools and option for managed service. 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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