Top 10 Superannuation Companies in Australia – List of the Best Funds

The Role of Superannuation Companies in Australia’s Economy

Superannuation companies in Australia are entering a bit of a revolution in 2025, with total assets under management now pushing past the $3.7 trillion mark – that’s roughly 140% of the nation’s GDP.

Some big changes are underway : industry consolidation is picking up pace, ethical investment is growing in popularity, and digital transformation is changing the way Australians manage their retirement wealth.

Over 24.7 million Aussies now have super accounts, and average balances have just about reached $190,000. That’s largely down to strong share market returns and steady employer contributions.

Key Trends Shaping the Future of Super in 2025

1. ESG and Ethical Investing on the Rise – We’re seeing about 65% of Australians now looking for super funds that take ESG into account, and funds like Aware Super are delivering returns of 8.1 – 8.6% per year.

2. Consolidation and Mergers Bring Efficiency – The big funds that now manage over $1.5 trillion in assets are starting to cut costs and achieve average returns of around 7.2% per year.

3. Digital Tools Take Centre Stage – Over 70% of members are now managing their super online, and digital tools are helping to boost member engagement and contribution growth.

4. Sustainable Returns and Global Reach – Balanced options in the major funds are doing a pretty impressive job, achieving 8 – 9.5% annual returns by investing in things like renewable energy and tech on a global scale.

5. Reforms with the Member in Mind – The “Your Future, Your Super” reforms have made it easier for people to understand their super, and the good news is that most funds are outperforming their CPI + 3% target, averaging around 8% yearly.

So 2025 marks a bit of a turning point in superannuation, with a shift towards being smarter, more sustainable, and easily accessible.

Below are profiles of the Top 10 Super Funds in Australia – each excelling in different areas – from AustralianSuper’s scale and reliability, to Hostplus’ growth strategy, HESTA’s social impact and AMP’s digital reinvention.

AustralianSuper – Australia’s Biggest and Most Reliable Industry Fund

AustralianSuper is basically the largest and most trusted superannuation fund in the country, managing over $340 billion in assets and serving more than 3.4 million members across the nation.

That sort of scale allows them to achieve some significant cost efficiencies, which they then pass straight on to members through lower fees and better long-term returns.

According to the SuperRatings Fund Crediting Rate Survey, AustralianSuper’s Balanced investment option delivered an average annual return of around 8% over the past 10 years – which is pretty impressive compared to many of its peers.

Why AustralianSuper Stands Out

• Size and Scale : With such a massive member base and assets, AustralianSuper has the bargaining power to negotiate lower investment costs, and get access to high-quality investment opportunities all around the world.
• Diversified Portfolio : They’ve got a pretty spread-out portfolio too, investing in everything from shares and property, to infrastructure, private equity and fixed income.
• Strong Governance : As an industry fund, they operate on a profit-for-members model, which means any profits they make are put back into the scheme for members, rather than lining the pockets of shareholders.

Example of Its Diversification Strategy

This balanced mix has provided consistent performance even during economic downturns.

What You Get as a Member and How You Can Access It

AustralianSuper has something called “Member Direct” where you can go ahead and buy into any ASX-listed company or ETF – it’s a pretty big draw card for people who want a lot more control over their nest egg.

Their member portal and mobile app aren’t bad either, giving you the lowdown on your balance and contributions in real-time plus the ability to switch investments whenever you like.

With all those years of experience, transparency, and the ability to adapt, AustralianSuper has pretty much set the standard for big super funds – they’re the benchmark in the Australian super market.

Australian Retirement Trust – The New Big Player Born from a Big Merging of Two Funds

The Australian Retirement Trust (ART) is one of the biggest super funds out there after Sunsuper and QSuper joined forces in 2022 to become one.

By bringing together the expertise of a public sector super fund and a private sector one, they were able to create a really powerful player that now has over $260 billion worth of assets under its belt – all that for more than 2.3 million members.

Pooling all those resources allowed them to achieve some real economies of scale so they can now pass the savings on to their members in the form of lower fees, even more diversified investments, and better online tools.

Why it’s Getting a Lot of Attention

• A winning formula: With Sunsuper’s corporate strength and QSuper’s government heritage on board, they created a super fund that combines the stability of the two, with innovation to boot.
• Low fees: ART’s average annual admin fee is pretty much as low as you can get in the top-tier funds – which means your money stays put where you need it.
• How Their Investments Are Doing: Their Balanced Investment Option has done a pretty impressive job over the last decade, returning around 8.4% per year – quite a lot better than the industry average, if we’re being honest.

Diversified Investment Portfolio

Stabilising Growth Across the Board

Our investment spread takes in both the traditional and the alternative assets – a big help in keeping things steady and stable in the long run.

Innovation & Member Experience – Where ART Shines

What sets ART apart is its tech-driven service model – giving members top-notch access to performance data, contributions and projections through its advanced digital dashboard and mobile app.

It’s the fund’s focus on ethical investing and climate-resilient portfolios that really speaks to modern Australians looking for a sustainable financial future.

With its strong governance, a real scale and transparent performance reports, ART has put itself right at the front of the pack as a super fund that delivers stability, innovation and long-term value to millions of Australians.

Aware Super – The Responsible Investing Champion

Aware Super has carved out a reputation as one of Australia’s most socially responsible and environmentally focused superannuation funds.

With over $200 billion in funds under management and a membership of over 1.1 million people, Aware Super is right up there with the top three industry super funds in the country.

It all started back in 2020 with the merger of First State Super and VicSuper – which created a super fund built on long-term growth, responsible investing and truly putting social responsibility first.

What Sets Aware Super Apart

• Doing the Right Thing, ESG-Style: Aware Super operates pretty much every investment decision through the lens of ESG (Environmental, Social & Governance) and when it comes to sticking with the right crowd – gives industries that don’t measure up (think tobacco, fossil fuels) a wide berth. Instead, it focuses on sectors like renewable energy and healthcare.
• Results That Speak For Themselves: The fund’s Balanced option has managed to average around an 8% per year return over the past 10 years, which is pretty impressive when you think about how it ties in with the fund’s own values.
• Putting Members First – Good News For Everybody: Aware Super operates with super-low admin fees and profit-for-members, so everyday Aussies can rest assured that they’re getting better value for their super in the long run.

Sustainable Investment Allocation

These initiatives show just how serious Aware Super is about delivering returns that don’t come at the cost of ethics or the planets well-being.

Member Experience and Innovation

Aware Super has got a bunch of cool tools and resources up its sleeve for its members – particularly women and young pros who make up a pretty big chunk of its member base. Think digital tools, retirement calculators, and one on one financial advice.

Aware Super had a pretty big win in 2024 when Chant West picked it up as the standout performer when it comes to responsible investing & customer engagement.

With its straight up governance, ESG focus, and steady performance, Aware Super is proving that you don’t have to choose between doing the right thing and making a profit – it can be both – making it a go-to for Aussies who care about their future & the planet.

UniSuper – Made for Australia’s Uni’s & Research Community

UniSuper is a not for profit super fund that is totally dedicated to the uni & research community.

They’re massive too, with over 650 thousand members and over $130 billion in funds under management – that’s a big deal in terms of securing the retirement futures of uni staff and researchers all over the country.

Their roots in the education sector have given them a real edge when it comes to working out what makes for a stable career and what people need from their super fund in the long term – which is why it’s got such a well thought out investment and benefits structure.

What makes UniSuper stand out

• They’re one of the few funds that still offers a Defined Benefit pension plan – which basically means that when you retire, you get a guaranteed income based on how long you’ve worked and what you’ve earned – so youve got a bit of a safety net even when the market gets wild.
• Low fees & member ownership – because UniSuper is a member owned fund, it puts all the profits back into the fund, which means their admin fees are among the lowest in the industry.
• They really know their stuff when it comes to making returns – the Balanced Fund option has averaged 8.5% per year over the last decade according to SuperRatings

Portfolio Diversification Snapshot

This blend of growth and stability has proven to be a winning combination for people with long-term goals and a steady income – a perfect fit for the types of members UniSuper attracts.

Looking Out For Members

UniSuper also puts a lot of effort into offering education-specific financial advice, webinars and online retirement planning tools that make sense for university professionals.

Their commitment to being upfront about costs and running the fund in a super low-cost way has earned them a bunch of awards from Chant West and SuperRatings for how well they perform and are run.

With its roots in the education sector, strong sense of what’s right and reliable returns, UniSuper keeps setting the bar high for superannuation funds that specialise in helping particular sectors, like university workers build secure and well-managed retirements.

Hostplus – The Top Performer with Strong Roots in the Hospitality Industry

Hostplus started out as the super fund for people in the hospitality, tourism and sports industries, but its now one of Australia’s most dynamic and top-performing super funds.

They’ve got over 2.1 million members and more than $100 Billion in funds under management, and have actually ended up serving Aussies from all sorts of professions who are looking for strong long-term returns.

Its bold investment strategy and focus on long-term growth has consistently put it in the top end of the top-performing funds in the country.

Why Hostplus Stands Out

• Always Aiming for Growth: Hostplus is known for its aggressive investment strategy, which includes a big chunk of cash invested in things like shares, property and infrastructure.
• Consistent Results: Over the last 10 years, the Balanced option has averaged a return of about 9% per year, which is one of the best in the industry according to SuperRatings.
• They Put Members First: As a profit-for-members fund, all the profits get reinvested back into the fund to benefit members rather than lining some shareholder’s pockets.
  

Investment Strategy Overview

This eclectic mix of high and low risk investments helps Hostplus secure big opportunities while riding out the inevitable market ups and downs.

Accessibility and Innovation

Hostplus keeps costs low, and its online services and super options are so user-friendly that they’re a real draw for young professionals, freelancers, and small business owners.

And then there’s the education side of things – Hostplus is ahead of the game when it comes to helping members get up to speed with their super, thanks to calculators, online seminars, and projection tools that make it easy to plan for the future.

By striking the right balance between investing for the long haul and making it easy for people to get involved, Hostplus has earned itself a reputation as Australia’s go-to super fund for anyone looking to secure a better future – all while embracing innovation and keeping an eye out for new opportunities.

HESTA – Empowering Health and Community Professionals

HESTA is Australia’s top super fund for workers in the health and aged care sectors – and that’s no coincidence.

With over a million members and around $80 billion in the bank, HESTA has carved out a reputation for supporting people who’ve dedicated their lives to looking after others.

You’ll find that HESTA really gets behind its values – they’re committed to doing things the right way with their investments by focusing on fairness, equality and other things that really matter.

So why does HESTA stand out from the crowd?

• They really know their business: HESTA was set up specifically for health and community workers, so they’re tuned in to what these industries need from a super fund.
• A real values-driven approach: HESTA doesn’t invest in industries that do real harm, and instead channels its funds into things that are going to make a real difference, like renewable energy and social housing.
• Empowerment of Women: With over 80% of its membership being women, HESTA champions gender equity initiatives, pay transparency, and career advancement programs.
  

Investment and Performance Overview

HESTA’s investment portfolio is a well-rounded mix of assets that supports long-term growth while helping to shield it from market ups and downs.

Social Impact & Member Services

HESTA is highly respected for its approach to impact investing, having allocated billions towards initiatives that make a positive difference in the community – such as upgrading our ageing care infrastructure and backing female-led businesses.

Members get a pretty good deal – low fees, customised insurance options, and one-on-one financial advice that all aim to make sure health professionals have a solid foundation for retirement.

HESTA has a reputation for delivering results, doing the right thing with its investments, and using its voice to push for equality – so it’s not just a super fund, it’s a financial partner that shares your values and helps Aussie health workers achieve financial security in a way that feels authentic and reliable.

Australian Ethical Super – the real trailblazer in 100% ethical investments

Australian Ethical Super is one of a handful of super funds in Australia that puts all of its investments through a strict filter of what’s good for the planet and people.

Managed by Australian Ethical Investment Ltd, a pioneering force in responsible investing since 1986, it now looks after over $10 billion in member funds with the help of more than 100,000 members.

The result is a loyal following of Australians who want their retirement savings to actually make a difference for people and the planet.

What sets Australian Ethical Super apart

• Tough Ethical Rules: Every single investment is checked against its Ethical Charter, which means no fossil fuels, tobacco, gambling, weapons, or companies that exploit workers or animals are allowed anywhere near their portfolio.
• Impact Investments: Money is put to work in the areas that really matter – renewable energy, sustainable farming, healthcare innovation & more – so that progress can be seen as well as dollars added.
• Investment Performance: The Balanced Fund option has come in at around 7.8% average annual returns over 10 years – a pretty solid result that shows its commitment to doing the right thing won’t compromise investment returns.

Ethical Investment Allocation

This structure reflects a holistic investment approach , trying to balance the drive for a good return with the positive impact on the world.

Member Appeal and Recognition

Australian Ethical Super seems to attract members who place as much importance on making a positive difference from their wealth creation as they do on getting a good financial return – and that’s particularly true for younger Aussies and the growing numbers of people who care about the future of our planet.

It’s also been recognised by those in the know, scooping up awards from the likes of Money Magazines’ Best of the Best Awards and SuperRatings Infinity Awards for its leadership in responsible investing.

By showing that you don’t have to choose between being good for the planet and making a good profit , Australian Ethical Super has really set the bar for what truly purpose-led retirement savings should look like in Australia – it’s truly a trailblazer in ethical finance.

Cbus Super – Building Wealth for the Builders of Australia

Cbus Super is a bit of an Aussie legend when it comes to industry super funds – it was started way back to look after the construction workers & tradespeople.

With over 920k members now and more than $90 billion in funds under management, Cbus has come a long way from being a small trade-based fund – it’s now a big player in the world of infrastructure and property investment.

& because of its deep ties to the construction sector, Cbus has got a real edge when it comes to capitalising on the opportunities that come up, plus it’s got a strong sense of social purpose – it’s all about building wealth for its members while helping to build the country.

Why the Cbus Super Fund Really Stands Out

• Industry Investment is Core to Who We Are: Cbus has always put a big focus on investing in building, property and infrastructure projects – creating jobs and generating returns that benefit our members.
• Consistent Long-Term Performance: Our Growth (MySuper) option has averaged a pretty solid 8.5% return a year over the last decade, outdoing many other retail super funds along the way.
• We’re Owned by Our Members and We Keep it Real: Unlike a lot of other super funds, Cbus operates on a profit-for-members model so every single dollar we make goes straight back into improving our members’ outcomes – not off to line the pockets of shareholders.

Core Investment Allocation

This mix allows Cbus to balance growth and risk to deliver strong results, keeping a steady foot on the scales to balance assets and defensive holdings.

Community Impact and Innovation

Cbus stands out from the pack because it actually gets its hands dirty and invests directly in the industries it serves – think Cbus Property, which has built up a massive portfolio of residential and commercial projects, including that iconic Melbourne landmark, Collins Arch.

And it’s also got a strong focus on sustainable construction investments, backing projects that will help reduce our carbon footprint and build greener buildings for the future.

Cbus keeps proving that superannuation can be a force for good – it’s a way for workers to retire in style, feeling proud of the industries they helped build up over the years.

CareSuper – The Trusted Choice for Professionals

CareSuper is a reliable and award-winning industry super fund, and it’s been a trusted partner for professionals, administrators, and office workers for years.

With a huge 220,000 members and over $25 billion in funds under management, it’s built a reputation for delivering steady returns and top-notch service quality.

It was founded back in 1986 and operates as a for-members fund, which means all profits go back into benefitting the members – not lining the pockets of shareholders.

Why CareSuper is a Trusted Performer

• Returns That Add Up: CareSuper’s Balanced Option has averaged a pretty impressive 7.9% annual return over the past decade, and it’s performed well across different market ups and downs.
• Low Fees That Make Sense: CareSuper keeps its admin fees nice and low, so more of each member’s hard-earned cash stays invested – that’s got to be a good thing.
• Awards and Accolades: CareSuper is recognised as one of the best in the business by SuperRatings and Chant West – it’s picked up awards for Value for Money and Best Fund for Women, to name a few.

Investment Portfolio Overview

This diversified approach supports long term growth and reduces volatility — perfect for professionals looking for stability and moderate risk.

Member Services and Access

CareSuper is known for its personal advice, transparent communication and member education programs that make super easy to understand.

It also has easy to use digital tools, webinars and calculators to help members plan for retirement.

With strong returns, member first philosophy and low costs CareSuper remains a trusted partner for Australian professionals to achieve financial confidence and retirement security through long term investment management.

AMP Super – Legacy Retail Fund with Modern Reforms and Digital Edge

AMP Super is one of Australia’s oldest and most well known retail superannuation funds, with over 170 years of financial services experience through AMP Limited.

Although historically a traditional retail fund AMP Super has undergone significant change in recent years to improve transparency, performance and member engagement.

With over $50 billion in funds under management (FUM) AMP Super services both corporate and individual members, with a range of investment and insurance options to suit different retirement goals.

Why AMP Super is Relevant

• Modernisation Program: AMP has overhauled its legacy systems, introducing a new digital member platform and simplified fee structure to match the competitive industry.
• Wide Investment Choice: Members can choose from a range of pre-mixed and sector specific options, including sustainable portfolios and Australian shares.
• Strong Corporate Partnerships: AMP Super is a popular choice for employers offering default corporate super solutions, so consistent membership growth.

Investment Options Snapshot

This flexibility allows members to build a portfolio based on risk, stage of life and values.

Performance and Changes

AMP’s MySuper Balanced Fund has returned around 7% per annum over the last 10 years, significantly better since the changes and cost reductions.

In recent years AMP has focused on digital, offering real-time balance tracking and retirement projections online.

Through its modernisation, customer centric innovation and renewed focus on ethical investment principles, AMP Super is redefining its heritage — from a traditional retail fund to a digitally enabled, future proof super solution for Australians who want flexibility and trust.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. What is a superannuation company and why is it important?

A superannuation company looks after your retirement savings and grows your money over time.

These companies invest contributions from employers and employees into a mix of assets like shares, property, bonds and cash.

They help Australians achieve financial independence in retirement.

Super funds are one of the biggest parts of the Australian financial system, managing trillions of dollars and securing the future of millions of workers.

2. Whats the best Super Fund in Australia?

If you’re on the hunt for a superfund that offers great returns and flexibility, you’ve got a few top choices in Australia

Some of the biggest and most trusted super funds include:

• AustralianSuper – One of the biggest and most reliable out there.
• Australian Retirement Trust (ART) – Consistently good long-term growth.
• UniSuper – The go-to for uni and education staff.
• Hostplus – If you work in hospitality or tourism, it’s a great choice.
• REST Super – Made with retail and service industry employees in mind.

These super funds have stood out for their performance, how reliable they are and the benefits they offer to their members

3. How does a Super Fund really invest your cash?

When it comes to investing your super, most funds do a mix of high and low-risk investments to balance things out

The typical investment categories include:

• Shares – think of it like owning bits of big companies in Oz or around the world.
• Property and infrastructure – long-term investments that are pretty stable.
• Fixed interest and cash – safe, low-risk returns.

Then most funds have a range of options like balanced, growth, and conservative, so you can pick one that fits your goals and how much risk you’re happy with.

The more consistent you are with your investing, the more significant your retirement balance will be over the years

4. What to look for when picking a Super Fund?

Choosing the right super fund can make a huge difference to your retirement savings

Some key things to think about include:

• What has their investment performance been over time.
• Are their fees and admin charges low.
• Do they offer good insurance options with your fund.
• How easy is it to access your money and use their digital account tools.
• What’s the overall customer service like.

A fund that does a great job on returns, keeps fees low and is easy to use will help you get the most out of your savings for the future.

5. Are Super Funds safe?

Yes, super funds in Australia operate under very strict rules to make sure members are protected

They have to meet really high standards for being transparent, running the show well and making smart investment decisions

Super funds have to report regularly and keep on top of their finances

This means your retirement savings are secure and in good hands, so you can have peace of mind about your financial future