Future you will thank you for finding the best super fund

We looked at fees, performance, returns and investment options, so you don't have to.

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1 - 16 of 434
Name Last 1 year performance (p.a.) Last 3 year performance (p.a.) Last 5 year performance (p.a.) Last 10 year performance (p.a.) Fees on $50k balance (p.a.) More info
Hostplus Australian Shares
Hostplus logo
Industry fundHigher risk
Last 1 year performance (p.a.)
+23.07%
Last 3 year performance (p.a.)
+7.66%
Last 5 year performance (p.a.)
+8.9%
Last 10 year performance (p.a.)
+9.32%
Fees on $50k balance (p.a.)
$350
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Industry fundHigher risk
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Fund CategoryIndustry
Insurance
  • Death
  • TPD
  • Income Protection
DiversificationDiversified
Investment TypeHigh growth
Aware Super Future Saver - MySuper Lifecycle High Growth
Aware Super logo
Industry fundLifestageHigher risk
Last 1 year performance (p.a.)
+17.97%
Last 3 year performance (p.a.)
+5.6%
Last 5 year performance (p.a.)
+8.39%
Last 10 year performance (p.a.)
+8.9%
Fees on $50k balance (p.a.)
$457
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Fund CategoryIndustry
Insurance
  • Death
  • TPD
  • Income Protection
DiversificationDiversified
Investment TypeHigh growth
Vanguard Super SaveSmart - High Growth
Vanguard logo
Higher risk
Last 1 year performance (p.a.)
+22.68%
Last 3 year performance (p.a.)
N/A
Last 5 year performance (p.a.)
N/A
Last 10 year performance (p.a.)
N/A
Fees on $50k balance (p.a.)
$270
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Fund CategoryRetail
Insurance
DiversificationDiversified
Investment TypeHigh growth
Australian Retirement Trust - High Growth
Australian Retirement Trust logo
Industry fundHigher risk
Last 1 year performance (p.a.)
+17.49%
Last 3 year performance (p.a.)
+7.8%
Last 5 year performance (p.a.)
+9.15%
Last 10 year performance (p.a.)
+9.44%
Fees on $50k balance (p.a.)
$517
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Fund CategoryIndustry
Insurance
  • Death
  • TPD
DiversificationDiversified
Investment TypeHigh growth
Virgin Money Super - LifeStage Tracker
Virgin Money Super logo
Lifestage
Last 1 year performance (p.a.)
+22.42%
Last 3 year performance (p.a.)
+6.92%
Last 5 year performance (p.a.)
+8.01%
Last 10 year performance (p.a.)
N/A
Fees on $50k balance (p.a.)
$363
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Fund CategoryRetail
Insurance
  • Death
  • TPD
DiversificationDiversified
Investment TypeBalanced
HESTA High Growth
HESTA logo
Industry fundHigher risk
Last 1 year performance (p.a.)
+18.53%
Last 3 year performance (p.a.)
+7.22%
Last 5 year performance (p.a.)
+9.28%
Last 10 year performance (p.a.)
+9.21%
Fees on $50k balance (p.a.)
$537
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Industry fundHigher risk
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Fund CategoryIndustry
Insurance
  • Death
  • TPD
  • Income Protection
DiversificationDiversified
Investment TypeHigh growth
Hostplus Indexed Balanced
Hostplus logo
Industry fund
Last 1 year performance (p.a.)
+20.61%
Last 3 year performance (p.a.)
+6.56%
Last 5 year performance (p.a.)
+7.57%
Last 10 year performance (p.a.)
+7.82%
Fees on $50k balance (p.a.)
$135
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Fund CategoryIndustry
Insurance
  • Death
  • TPD
  • Income Protection
DiversificationDiversified
Investment TypeBalanced
Spaceship - GrowthX
Spaceship logo
Higher risk
Last 1 year performance (p.a.)
+29.35%
Last 3 year performance (p.a.)
+7.11%
Last 5 year performance (p.a.)
+11.39%
Last 10 year performance (p.a.)
N/A
Fees on $50k balance (p.a.)
$482
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Fund CategoryRetail
Insurance
  • No automatic cover
DiversificationDiversified
Investment TypeHigh growth
Australian Ethical Super International Shares
Australian Ethical Super logo
Green Company
EthicalHigher risk
Last 1 year performance (p.a.)
+26.03%
Last 3 year performance (p.a.)
+8.32%
Last 5 year performance (p.a.)
+10.61%
Last 10 year performance (p.a.)
+10.53%
Fees on $50k balance (p.a.)
$648
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Green Company
EthicalHigher risk
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Fund CategoryRetail
Insurance
  • Death
  • TPD
  • Income Protection
DiversificationSingle asset class
Investment TypeHigh growth
Superhero Super - High Growth
Superhero Super logo
Higher risk
Last 1 year performance (p.a.)
+25%
Last 3 year performance (p.a.)
+7.53%
Last 5 year performance (p.a.)
+8.63%
Last 10 year performance (p.a.)
N/A
Fees on $50k balance (p.a.)
$397
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Fund CategoryRetail
Insurance
  • Death
  • TPD
DiversificationDiversified
Investment TypeHigh growth
CFS FC MySuper - Lifestage 1985-89
Colonial First State logo
LifestageHigher risk
Last 1 year performance (p.a.)
+22.63%
Last 3 year performance (p.a.)
+7.1%
Last 5 year performance (p.a.)
+7.57%
Last 10 year performance (p.a.)
+7.89%
Fees on $50k balance (p.a.)
$375
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Fund CategoryRetail
Insurance
DiversificationDiversified
Investment TypeHigh growth
UniSuper - Sustainable High Growth
UniSuper logo
Finder Award
Best Rated Brand
Industry fundEthicalHigher risk
Last 1 year performance (p.a.)
+26.59%
Last 3 year performance (p.a.)
+4.81%
Last 5 year performance (p.a.)
+9%
Last 10 year performance (p.a.)
+9.89%
Fees on $50k balance (p.a.)
$326
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Finder Award
Industry fundEthicalHigher risk
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Fund CategoryIndustry
Insurance
  • Death
  • TPD
  • Income Protection
DiversificationDiversified
Investment TypeHigh growth
Vanguard Super SaveSmart - International Shares
Vanguard logo
Higher risk
Last 1 year performance (p.a.)
+26.52%
Last 3 year performance (p.a.)
N/A
Last 5 year performance (p.a.)
N/A
Last 10 year performance (p.a.)
N/A
Fees on $50k balance (p.a.)
$280
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Fund CategoryRetail
Insurance
DiversificationSingle asset class
Investment TypeHigh growth
CFS FC MySuper - Lifestage 1975-79
Colonial First State logo
Lifestage
Last 1 year performance (p.a.)
+21.82%
Last 3 year performance (p.a.)
+6.77%
Last 5 year performance (p.a.)
+7.31%
Last 10 year performance (p.a.)
+7.76%
Fees on $50k balance (p.a.)
$380
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Fund CategoryRetail
Insurance
DiversificationDiversified
Investment TypeBalanced
Australian Retirement Trust - International Shares Index (unhedged)
Australian Retirement Trust logo
Finder Award
Industry fundIndexed investmentHigher risk
Last 1 year performance (p.a.)
+25.87%
Last 3 year performance (p.a.)
+9.76%
Last 5 year performance (p.a.)
+11.7%
Last 10 year performance (p.a.)
+12.09%
Fees on $50k balance (p.a.)
$192
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Finder Award
Industry fundIndexed investmentHigher risk
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Fund CategoryIndustry
Insurance
  • Death
  • TPD
DiversificationSingle asset class
Investment TypeHigh growth
Vanguard MySuper - Lifecycle Age 47 and under
Vanguard logo
Lifestage
Last 1 year performance (p.a.)
+22.73%
Last 3 year performance (p.a.)
N/A
Last 5 year performance (p.a.)
N/A
Last 10 year performance (p.a.)
N/A
Fees on $50k balance (p.a.)
$280
Go to siteMore Info
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Fund CategoryRetail
Insurance
DiversificationDiversified
Investment TypeBalanced
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The information in this table is based on data provided by SuperRatings Pty Limited ABN 95 100 192 283, a Corporate Authorised Representative (CAR No.1309956) of Lonsec Research Pty Ltd ABN 11 151 658 561, Australian Financial Services Licence No. 421445. In limited instances, where data is not available from SuperRatings for a product, the data is provided directly by the superannuation fund.

*Past performance data and fee data is for the period ending October 2024

Figuring out the best super fund performance for 2024

It's impossible to measure future performance of any super fund. That's why we look at past performance. Which can only be an indication rather than a prediction of future returns.

Using data from the 2023 Finder Awards, we have the following winners based on different super fund categories:

For more detailed insights into these categories and winners, take a look at our Finder Superannuation Awards 2023 page.

How do we pick the best super fund?

At Finder, we understand that there is no one-size-fits-all "best" super fund. The ideal fund for you depends on your life stage, risk tolerance and growth objectives. To guide you effectively, we've selected super funds catering to different life stages and financial goals.

Our methodology involves a comprehensive analysis of various factors including performance, fees and investment options. We scrutinise funds to ensure they meet diverse investor needs, from those just starting their careers to those nearing retirement.

What's the highest-performing super fund in 2023?

The super funds with the highest returns for 2023 are all single sector investment options that invest entirely in shares. These investment options have returned over 20% for members over the 12 months to June 2023.

Mine Super's International Shares option was the top performer over the financial year with a return of 22.77%. Some other high-performing funds include Virgin Money Super Indexed Overseas Shares with a return of 21.49%, Aware Super International Shares with 20.72% and Australian Retirement Trust International Shares Index (unhedged) with 20.37%.

Although these funds have achieved outstanding high returns over the past year, they're all very high-risk investment options as they invest exclusively in international shares. The recent financial year was a good one for the share market, but it's important to remember that when there's a market fall, these options would be likely to instead make a negative return.

Kirby Rappell, executive director of SuperRatings, highlights this aspect in a July 2023 press release.

"Super funds have delivered competitive outcomes amid economic uncertainties, but high-return options are notably riskier, especially in volatile markets"​​

He also notes the importance of a long-term perspective, stating that "despite market fluctuations, superannuation's long-term performance remains strong, which is crucial for members not nearing retirement."

Over the long term (10 years), these funds have all achieved annual average returns of between 10% and 12% p.a.

Why it's important to make sure you're with a great super fund

Each year the regulator APRA analyses the market and identifies the worst super funds, which are underperforming for members. According to APRA data, in 2022 there were 350,000 fewer people in default super products with worse investment performance compared to 2021, which is great news.

However, APRA data also shows that 800,000 people still have their super invested with an underperforming fund. If you haven't checked your fund in a few years, you could be one of them.

You can use Finder's superannuation calculator to see an estimate of your retirement balance based on your current fund, versus if you switched to a different fund with better returns or lower fees.

How to pick the best super fund

Choosing the right super fund is crucial for your financial future. While the top-performing funds are a great start, they may not always align with your specific needs. If you're looking elsewhere, consider these key factors from our comparison table below:

High long-term returns. Look for funds with a consistent track record of strong returns over the long term (funds with 10-year returns above 7% p.a. are among the top performers).

Low fees. Higher fees can significantly eat into your retirement savings. Opt for funds with lower fees without compromising on performance (aim for annual fees less than 1.5% of your super balance).

Investment strategy aligns with your age. Your age and retirement goals should dictate your investment strategy. Younger investors might prefer high-growth options, whereas those nearing retirement may prioritise stability.

Gary Ross Hunter's headshot

"I only moved to Australia 6 years ago so I'm playing catch up with my super. For me, low fees are important and to know my money isn't being invested in something that's destroying the planet. I also cancelled the life insurance inside my super because the premiums increase every year."

Editor, Insurance

Methodology: How we choose our top super fund picks

We regularly look at the super funds in our database to determine which are the best offers for a range of different purposes.
Specifically, here's how we determine each of our top pick recommendations:

Frequently asked questions about picking a super fund

Ryan is the founder and CEO at Tribeca Financial, a financial advice firm that listens, learns and then gets you on track. He's an accomplished financial advisor and financial wellbeing coach with over 15 years of experience.

Richard Whitten's headshot
Ryan Watson's headshot
To make sure you get accurate and helpful information, this guide has been edited by Richard Whitten and reviewed by Ryan Watson, a member of Finder's Editorial Review Board.
Alison Banney's headshot
Written by

Editor

Alison Banney is the money editorial manager at Finder. She covers all areas of personal finance, and her areas of expertise are superannuation, banking and saving. She has written about finance for 10 years, having previously worked at Westpac and written for several other major banks and super funds. See full bio

Alison's expertise
Alison has written 625 Finder guides across topics including:
  • Superannuation
  • Savings accounts, bank accounts and term deposits
  • Budgeting and money-saving hacks
  • Managing the cost of living

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