Best super funds revealed: Hostplus, AustralianSuper, UniSuper and more
The top performing Balanced super funds over the past decade are all industry super funds.
With the new financial year the latest super fund performance figures are out, so we can see which funds have achieved the best returns for members.
Among the best-performing Balanced options over the past 12 months was Raiz Super's Moderately Aggressive option which returned 13.8% this financial year, according to SuperRatings.
Other top performers this year include legalsuper's Balanced option at 12.6%, Hostplus's Indexed Balanced option at 12% and Vanguard Super's Growth option at 11.8%.
These are impressive returns for members given the volatile year we've seen with the share market.
However, super is a long-term investment.
So it's best to look at the funds that have not only don't well in any single year, but those that have done well over many years in a row.
Time to switch super funds?
Compare fees and performance and switch to a better super fund.
Top super funds over the long term
Over the past 10 years the best-performing Balanced super options have all been major industry funds.
The top performing fund over the whole decade was Hostplus Balanced with an average return of 8.3% p.a. over the last 10 years.
Australian Retirement Trust's Balanced option was in second place with a return of 8.2% p.a. for the decade, followed by AustralianSuper Balanced and UniSuper Balanced each earning 7.9% p.a.
Top performing Balanced funds over 10 years
| Fund | 10-year return p.a. |
|---|---|
| Hostplus Balanced | 8.30% |
| Australian Retirement Trust Balanced | 8.20% |
| AustralianSuper Balanced | 7.90% |
| UniSuper Balanced | 7.90% |
| Hostplus Indexed Balanced | 7.80% |
| Cbus Growth | 7.70% |
| Vision Super Balanced Growth | 7.70% |
| HESTA Balanced Growth | 7.60% |
| Aware Super Balanced | 7.60% |
| Equip Super Balanced Growth | 7.40% |
"With so many global events over the year there has been an increased level of uncertainty around fund returns this year" said Kirby Rappell, director of SuperRatings.
"However, superannuation is designed to build and maintain wealth for retirement and since most of us will have plenty of time until we retire and begin accessing our superannuation it is important to block out as much of the noise as possible and focus on how we are doing over the long term".
If your super fund isn't performing well it could be time to switch. Compare super funds today and switch to one with lower fees and better long-term returns.
Ask a question
Hello
I will be turning 60 dec 2026 can I access my super then , How much tax will I pay if I can access my super , I’m with CBUS Growth option
Thanks
Hi Craig,
You can only access your super when you turn 60 if you’re also retired. If you’re not retired, you’ll need to wait until you’re 65 to access your super.
You can read more about this here: https://www.finder.com.au/super-funds/when-can-i-access-my-super
Thanks,
Alison
If my Super is 100% invested in Shares do I have to pay anything if I switch Supe Funds ?
Hi Todd,
No, there are no exist fees when leaving your super fund, and no joining fees when joining a new fund.
Thanks,
Alison
Are there any exit fees or entry fees when one changes super funds
Hi Bryan,
No, super funds are not allowed to charge an exit fee to members leavning the fund, and there are no fees to join a new fund.