# Guideline: how AI models rank it, October 2026

HR AI Recommendation Index, October 2026 Edition. Named in 33 judge labels across 2 categories by 11 of 14 models. Page: https://hr-ai-index.com/vendors/guideline/

## Standing by category

| Category | Share | Rank | Negative rate | Labels |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 401(k) providers | 20% | 2 | 9% | 32 |
| Financial wellness platforms | 0% | 54 | 0% | 1 |

## What the models said for it

- "Guideline is typically the best choice for companies with a limited budget due to its low monthly base fee ($39), no setup costs" (Kimi K2, 401(k) providers)
- "Start with Guideline if you prioritize ease, integrations, and scalability—it's frequently top-rated for budget-conscious SMBs." (Grok 4.1 Fast, 401(k) providers)
- "Guideline is often the strongest pick because it is explicitly positioned as an affordable, fully automated 401(k)" (Perplexity Sonar, 401(k) providers)
- "Service & Compliance | Lighthouse or Guideline | They take the fiduciary burden off your shoulders" (Qwen 3.7 Flash, 401(k) providers)

## And against it

- "BBB customer reviews include stark warnings, e.g.: "Avoid at all costs." "You will never be able to get your money out."" (Muse Glimmer 30B, 401(k) providers)
- "Users call it "crooks" and warn against it." (Grok 4.1 Fast, 401(k) providers)
- "reporting high costs, poor service, or rollover/admin problems" (Perplexity Sonar, 401(k) providers)

## In its own words

What Guideline's own pages state, read 2026-10-05. Stated by the vendor, not checked by the index.

- Positioning: Affordable 401(k) & IRA Plans for Companies & Solopreneurs (https://guideline.com/)
- For: small businesses; companies; solopreneurs; small and medium-sized businesses; anyone hiring their first employee or managing hundreds (https://guideline.com/)
- Price stated: transparent pricing; 50% off employer fees for your first year (https://guideline.com/)
- Certifications: SEC-registered investment adviser, SEC registered broker-dealer, FINRA, SIPC, SOC 2 Type II attestation

## What it publishes

Every page guideline.com exposes, read 2026-10-05: 499 addresses. By kind, pages and the last 90 days:

- blog: 90 pages, 1 in the last 90 days, latest 2026-08-28
- case study: 1 pages, 0 in the last 90 days, latest 2025-08-06
- comparison: 7 pages, 0 in the last 90 days, latest 2026-05-01
- template or tool: 2 pages, 0 in the last 90 days, latest 2025-12-10
- glossary or explainer: 2 pages, 1 in the last 90 days, latest 2026-08-26
- Recent: 2026-08-28 blog: Guideline gusto acquisition agreement https://www.guideline.com/education/articles/guideline-gusto-acquisition-agreement
- Recent: 2026-08-26 glossary or explainer: 10127196 new 401 k participant welcome guide https://help.guideline.com/en/articles/10127196-new-401-k-participant-welcome-guide
- Recent: 2026-05-01 comparison: 8593852 what is a qualified default investment alternative qdia https://help.guideline.com/en/articles/8593852-what-is-a-qualified-default-investment-alternative-qdia
- Recent: 2026-03-06 blog: A top retirement expert weighs in about how to strengthen the u s retirement system https://www.guideline.com/education/articles/a-top-retirement-expert-weighs-in-about-how-to-strengthen-the-u-s-retirement-system
- Recent: 2026-03-06 blog: How much can you contribute to a 401 k in 2024 https://www.guideline.com/education/articles/how-much-can-you-contribute-to-a-401-k-in-2024
- Recent: 2026-03-06 glossary or explainer: What is esg investing https://www.guideline.com/education/articles/what-is-esg-investing

## Record

- Method: https://hr-ai-index.com/methodology/
- Raw judge labels and full responses: https://hr-ai-index.com/data/
- License: CC BY 4.0. Cite as HR AI Recommendation Index, October 2026 Edition, hr-ai-index.com.