With new research revealing the best and worst pensions providers in the UK, we examine the most attractive options for savers.
Planning for your retirement can feel overwhelming.
However, choosing the right pension provider is one of the smartest decisions you can ever make for your financial future.
As such, the Telegraph worked with research firm Statista to survey more than 3,000 UK savers and reveal the top-rated pension providers of 2025.
The experts rated companies across six areas: trustworthiness, customer service, fees, investment performance, digital tools and flexibility.
More challenges for pensioners
If you’re lucky enough to be in the prime of your life, retirement planning may not feel like a top priority.
Unfortunately, however, things are becoming trickier for those who want to save up a nest egg.
For example, the Government plans to make pensions liable for Inheritance Tax (IHT) from 2027 – meaning your retirement savings will form part of your tax-free £325,000 allowance when you die.
As a result, far more Brits will be dragged into IHT in just two years.
Different types of pension
Before diving into rankings in more detail, however, it helps to understand the two main savings options: personal pensions and SIPPs.
What is a personal pension?
Personal pensions allow you to choose a provider to manage your investments on your behalf.
These are often a good choice for beginner investors or those who prefer convenience.
As a downside, however, these funds tend to offer less control over savings.
But which companies came out on top?
Top 10 personal pensions
|
Rank |
Provider |
Service quality |
Digital services |
Satisfaction |
|---|---|---|---|---|
|
1 |
Quilter |
89.6 |
87.5 |
91.7 |
|
2 |
PensionBee |
89.8 |
89.5 |
94.4 |
|
3 |
Moneybox |
91.9 |
92.3 |
85.7 |
|
4 |
Penfold |
88.9 |
80 |
91.7 |
|
5 |
Standard Life |
85.9 |
86.2 |
88.3 |
|
6 |
Royal London |
88.1 |
86.8 |
87.4 |
|
7 |
Virgin Money |
89.6 |
86.3 |
87.5 |
|
8 |
Legal & General |
86.2 |
84.1 |
87.9 |
|
9 |
Prudential |
85.5 |
84.6 |
87.1 |
|
10 |
Scottish Widows |
83.9 |
81.8 |
86.3 |
Source: The Telegraph
What is a SIPP?
A Self-Invested Personal Pension (SIPP) typically offers greater control over your retirement options.
Savers can pick from funds, shares, commercial property and control how much they invest.
These funds tend to appeal to confident investors or the self-employed who want flexibility and potentially lower fees.
Top 10 SIPPs
But, which providers occupy the top spots?
|
Rank |
Provider |
Service quality |
Digital services |
Satisfaction |
|
1 |
Morgan Lloyd |
99 |
91.3 |
100 |
|
2 |
Embark Pensions |
97.9 |
96.3 |
87.5 |
|
3 |
Interactive Investor |
93.5 |
91.9 |
93.1 |
|
4 |
Fidelity International |
93.3 |
93.0 |
91.4 |
|
5 |
Standard Life |
90.2 |
92.1 |
91.3 |
|
6 |
Prudential |
92.7 |
85.3 |
94.4 |
|
7 |
Hargreaves Lansdown |
92.0 |
91.8 |
91.5 |
|
8 |
LV= (Liverpool Victoria) |
88.9 |
98.3 |
83.3 |
|
9 |
Aviva |
90.3 |
88.8 |
86.8 |
|
10 |
AJ Bell |
87.8 |
85.7 |
91.3 |
Source: The Telegraph
Practical tips for pension savers
Pensions are clearly a minefield.
Luckily, however, there are ways to get the most out of your retirement fund.
Use tax relief
Even if you’re a Basic Rate taxpayer, you can still bag significant bonuses from your retirement fund.
For every £80 you contribute into your pot, HMRC will add £20, with Higher and Additional Rate taxpayers able to claim even more.
Be aware, however, those in higher brackets may need to reclaim additional funds by filling in a Self-Assessment tax return.
Regularly review your fund
When it comes to pensions, due diligence is essential.
Try to keep an eye on your pension performance at least once a year. Otherwise, you could lose thousands.
If you have multiple old pensions, consolidating these into one pot could save on fees and make management easier.
Be wary of scams
Like all financial products, pensions can sadly be subject to fraud.
As such, you should never transfer your fund without making sure your new provider is legitimate.
Seek advice
Pensions are undeniably one of the most complicated areas of finance.
That said, a qualified financial adviser can help you make informed choices tailored to your circumstances.
Have your say
Have you ever worked with any of the companies on our list?
If so, what was your experience?
We’d love to hear your thoughts in the comments below.