What's the best industry super fund?

Some of the best-performing industry super funds include Hostplus, AustralianSuper, Australian Retirement Trust, UniSuper and Cbus.

What's the best super fund for age 30?

While you're in your 30s you still have 30+ years for your super to be invested and benefit from compound returns, so it'd best to stay invested in a growth or high growth option.

What's the best super fund for someone starting their first job?

If you're starting work and looking for a super fund, look for a fund with low fees and high long-term returns. Your balance will start off small, so you don't want this already small amount of money eaten away by excessive fees.

What types of super funds can I choose from?

There are 2 main types of super funds: industry super funds and retail super funds. Both funds invest your money in similar ways, but they are different in the way they're owned and managed. Industry super funds are independently run and owned by members, while retail funds are owned by major banks, insurance companies or other financial organisations. Industry super funds typically have lower fees.

Should I change my super to an SMSF?

An SMSF tends to suit people with a larger super balance to invest. ASIC's Moneysmart does not set a minimum SMSF balance, but it does say your starting balance is relevant to how cost-effective the fund will be. This is because SMSFs can be quite expensive to run and maintain, especially compared to a typical super fund. If you've got a large balance to invest, investment expertise and experience and an understanding of the legal framework, it could be something worth looking into. But keep in mind there are a lot of legal requirements you need to keep up with, as well as annual fees and charges.

How do I change super funds?

Once you've found the new fund you want to join, complete the online application form to become a member. Throughout this process you can elect to have your previous super fund transfer your balance over into your new fund. Most of the work is done for you by your new fund. For a more detailed guide on how to do this, take a look at our article on how to change super funds in 4 steps.

Can I have multiple super funds

Yes, you can have multiple super funds, but it's not a good idea to do so. If you had more than one fund, you'd be paying multiple sets of fees which would eat into your retirement balance. If you've got more than one fund open in your name it's a good idea to consolidate them.

Best performing super funds in Australia October 2026 (Experiment)

16 of 480 results

Finder Score	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.)
9.2 Excellent Aware Super High Growth Indexed NewIndustry fundIndexed investmentHigher risk	9.2 Excellent	Last 1 year performance (p.a.) +6.95%	Last 3 year performance (p.a.) +13.99%	Last 5 year performance (p.a.) N/A	Last 10 year performance (p.a.) N/A	Fees on $50k balance (p.a.) $172	Go to site View details Compare product selectionCompare	loading
9.9 Excellent Hostplus - International Shares - Indexed Industry fundHigher risk	9.9 Excellent	Last 1 year performance (p.a.) +9.75%	Last 3 year performance (p.a.) +17.06%	Last 5 year performance (p.a.) +11.89%	Last 10 year performance (p.a.) N/A	Fees on $50k balance (p.a.) $144	Go to site View details Compare product selectionCompare	loading
9.7 Excellent MLC MasterKey Super Fundamentals - MLC Low Cost Growth Higher risk	9.7 Excellent	Last 1 year performance (p.a.) +7.94%	Last 3 year performance (p.a.) +13.34%	Last 5 year performance (p.a.) +8.23%	Last 10 year performance (p.a.) +8.84%	Fees on $50k balance (p.a.) $328	Go to site View details Compare product selectionCompare	loading
9.3 Excellent Spaceship - GrowthX Higher risk	9.3 Excellent	Last 1 year performance (p.a.) +7.97%	Last 3 year performance (p.a.) +17.1%	Last 5 year performance (p.a.) +9.27%	Last 10 year performance (p.a.) N/A	Fees on $50k balance (p.a.) $583	Go to site View details Compare product selectionCompare	loading
9.2 Excellent Vanguard Super SaveSmart - High Growth NewHigher risk	9.2 Excellent	Last 1 year performance (p.a.) +7.51%	Last 3 year performance (p.a.) +13.55%	Last 5 year performance (p.a.) N/A	Last 10 year performance (p.a.) N/A	Fees on $50k balance (p.a.) $270	Go to site View details Compare product selectionCompare	loading
9.7 Excellent Hostplus Indexed Balanced Finder AwardIndustry fundHigher risk	9.7 Excellent	Last 1 year performance (p.a.) +7.59%	Last 3 year performance (p.a.) +12.42%	Last 5 year performance (p.a.) +8.01%	Last 10 year performance (p.a.) +8.56%	Fees on $50k balance (p.a.) $149	Go to site View details Compare product selectionCompare	loading
9.6 Excellent Virgin Money Super - LifeStage Tracker LifestageHigher risk	9.6 Excellent	Last 1 year performance (p.a.) +6.75%	Last 3 year performance (p.a.) +13.06%	Last 5 year performance (p.a.) +8.26%	Last 10 year performance (p.a.) N/A	Fees on $50k balance (p.a.) $358	Go to site View details Compare product selectionCompare	loading
9.6 Excellent Living Super - International Shares Option Higher risk	9.6 Excellent	Last 1 year performance (p.a.) +9.77%	Last 3 year performance (p.a.) +17.06%	Last 5 year performance (p.a.) +11.94%	Last 10 year performance (p.a.) +12.88%	Fees on $50k balance (p.a.) $385	Go to site View details Compare product selectionCompare	loading
9.6 Excellent Virgin Money Super Indexed Overseas Shares Indexed investmentHigher risk	9.6 Excellent	Last 1 year performance (p.a.) +9.4%	Last 3 year performance (p.a.) +17.42%	Last 5 year performance (p.a.) +12.24%	Last 10 year performance (p.a.) N/A	Fees on $50k balance (p.a.) $395	Go to site View details Compare product selectionCompare	loading
9.9 Excellent Aware Super International Shares Finder AwardIndustry fundHigher risk	9.9 Excellent	Last 1 year performance (p.a.) +9.29%	Last 3 year performance (p.a.) +17.66%	Last 5 year performance (p.a.) +11.99%	Last 10 year performance (p.a.) +13.14%	Fees on $50k balance (p.a.) $167	Go to site View details Compare product selectionCompare	loading
9.3 Excellent Spaceship - Global Index Indexed investmentHigher risk	9.3 Excellent	Last 1 year performance (p.a.) +7.26%	Last 3 year performance (p.a.) +15.12%	Last 5 year performance (p.a.) +10.31%	Last 10 year performance (p.a.) N/A	Fees on $50k balance (p.a.) $480	Go to site View details Compare product selectionCompare	loading
8.6 Great Aware Super Balanced Industry fundHigher risk	8.6 Great	Last 1 year performance (p.a.) +5.31%	Last 3 year performance (p.a.) +9.82%	Last 5 year performance (p.a.) +6.31%	Last 10 year performance (p.a.) +7.95%	Fees on $50k balance (p.a.) $382	Go to site View details Compare product selectionCompare	loading
9.7 Excellent Vanguard MySuper - Lifecycle Age 47 and under NewLifestageHigher risk	9.7 Excellent	Last 1 year performance (p.a.) +7.59%	Last 3 year performance (p.a.) +13.6%	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 site View details Compare product selectionCompare	loading
8.5 Great Hostplus Australian Shares Industry fundHigher risk	8.5 Great	Last 1 year performance (p.a.) +1.6%	Last 3 year performance (p.a.) +9.87%	Last 5 year performance (p.a.) +6.98%	Last 10 year performance (p.a.) +8.97%	Fees on $50k balance (p.a.) $399	Go to site View details Compare product selectionCompare	loading
8 Great Living Super - Australian Shares Option Higher risk	8 Great	Last 1 year performance (p.a.) +2.67%	Last 3 year performance (p.a.) +10.69%	Last 5 year performance (p.a.) +7.63%	Last 10 year performance (p.a.) +8.77%	Fees on $50k balance (p.a.) $390	Go to site View details Compare product selectionCompare	loading
9.3 Excellent Aware Super - Balanced Socially Conscious Industry fundEthicalHigher risk	9.3 Excellent	Last 1 year performance (p.a.) +5.58%	Last 3 year performance (p.a.) +11.15%	Last 5 year performance (p.a.) +7.53%	Last 10 year performance (p.a.) +8.48%	Fees on $50k balance (p.a.) $332	Go to site View details Compare product selectionCompare	loading

Showing 16 of 127 results

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 September 2026

Finder Score for super funds

Finder Score makes comparing superannuation products easier by scoring products out of 10 after assessing their performance, fees and features.

We assess products from over 40 providers based on their risk profile.

Read the full methodology

Best super funds: Finder's 5 picks

Best balanced super fund: Hostplus Indexed Balanced
Best high growth super fund: Aware Super International Shares
Best value super fund: UniSuper - Sustainable Balanced
Best ethical super fund: Australian Ethical Super Growth
Best conservative super fund: HESTA Conservative

9.7 Excellent

Hostplus Indexed Balanced

Finder AwardIndustry fundHigher risk

9.7 Excellent

Last 1 year performance (p.a.)

+7.59%

Last 3 year performance (p.a.)

+12.42%

Last 5 year performance (p.a.)

+8.01%

Last 10 year performance (p.a.)

+8.56%

Fees on $50k balance (p.a.)

$149

Go to site View details

Compare product selectionCompare

Why we like it

Hostplus Indexed Balanced was named the best balanced super product in the 2025 Finder Awards. It has incredibly low fees of just $149.28 on a $50,000 balance. It has achieved strong returns of 7.59% p.a. over the past year and 8.01% p.a. over 5 years. It has strong exposure to Australian and international shares and is passively managed to keep costs low.

9.9 Excellent

Aware Super International Shares

Finder AwardIndustry fundHigher risk

9.9 Excellent

Last 1 year performance (p.a.)

+9.29%

Last 3 year performance (p.a.)

+17.66%

Last 5 year performance (p.a.)

+11.99%

Last 10 year performance (p.a.)

+13.14%

Fees on $50k balance (p.a.)

$167

Go to site View details

Compare product selectionCompare

Why we like it

Aware Super International Shares was named the best high growth super product in the 2025 Finder Awards. This product has low fees of just $167 on a $50,000 balance. It has achieved high returns of 9.29% p.a. over the last year and 11.99% p.a. over the last 5 years. This product invests entirely in international shares and is passively managed to keep costs low.

8.7 Great

UniSuper - Sustainable Balanced

Most LovedIndustry fundEthicalHigher risk

8.7 Great

Last 1 year performance (p.a.)

+4.41%

Last 3 year performance (p.a.)

+10.68%

Last 5 year performance (p.a.)

+5.62%

Last 10 year performance (p.a.)

+7.92%

Fees on $50k balance (p.a.)

$306

View details

Compare product selectionCompare

Why we like it

UniSuper was also voted the top value super fund by customers in the Finder Customer Satisfaction Awards 2025. UniSuper has lower than average fees for an ethically screened option. Its Sustainable Balanced option charges just $306 on a $50,000 balance. It has achieved strong returns of 4.41% p.a.over the past year and 5.62% p.a. over 5 years. It invests in a mix of different assets based on a range of ethical criteria that limits investment in fossil fuel companies, gambling, alcohol and tobacco and weapon manufacturing.

6.6 Standard

Australian Ethical Super Growth

Most LovedEthical

6.6 Standard

Last 1 year performance (p.a.)

+3.94%

Last 3 year performance (p.a.)

+9.34%

Last 5 year performance (p.a.)

+5.56%

Last 10 year performance (p.a.)

+7.72%

Fees on $50k balance (p.a.)

$678

View details

Compare product selectionCompare

Why we like it

Australian Ethical is one of just a handful of super funds to be certified by the Responsible Investment Association Australasia. It excludes all fossil fuel investments and most mining companies, while actively investing in renewable energy. Its growth product has returned 3.94% over the past year and 5.56% p.a. for the last 5 years.

8.9 Great

HESTA Conservative

Industry fund

8.9 Great

Last 1 year performance (p.a.)

+4.54%

Last 3 year performance (p.a.)

+6.52%

Last 5 year performance (p.a.)

+4.46%

Last 10 year performance (p.a.)

+5.21%

Fees on $50k balance (p.a.)

$327

View details

Compare product selectionCompare

Why we like it

HESTA Conservative was named the best conservative super product in the 2025 Finder Awards. It has a combination of competitive fees and decent returns among all conservative investment options. It invests in a range of asset classes, with around 30-40% exposure to growth assets as the remainder invested in defensive assets to protect your balance.

How do we pick the best super funds?

Each year we take a deep dive into all the super funds in our database and analyse their fees, performance and other features to determine the best products in the market. These are revealed as winners (or highly commended) in our Finder Product Awards and Customer Satisfaction Awards. Our best super fund picks are a combination of winners from the Finder Awards and our own expert selections from our partners.
For more detailed insights into how each category of super fund awards was judged, take a look at our Finder Superannuation Awards for a full breakdown of each methodology.

Steps to switch funds

1. Compare super funds. The comparison table above can help you choose a new super fund. Figure out what kind of investment you want (balanced, conservative, high-growth), then find a fund with low fees and a strong long-term performance (and avoid the worst funds).
2. Join the new fund. Complete the online application form available on your new fund's website. It won't take long.
3. Move your super into your new fund. Enter the details of your previous fund when you submit the application form and the new fund will arrange for your balance to be transferred over - you don't need to do this yourself.
4. Let your employer know. Let your employer know right away so they can pay your next super guarantee payment to the correct fund.

If you need a bit more help, see our guide on how to change super funds for a detailed process.

"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."

Gary Ross Hunter

Journalist

FAQs about picking the best super funds in Australia

There are 2 main types of super funds: industry super funds and retail super funds. Both funds invest your money in similar ways, but they are different in the way they're owned and managed. Industry super funds are independently run and owned by members, while retail funds are owned by major banks, insurance companies or other financial organisations. Industry super funds typically have lower fees.
An SMSF tends to suit people with a larger super balance to invest. ASIC's Moneysmart does not set a minimum SMSF balance, but it does say your starting balance is relevant to how cost-effective the fund will be. This is because SMSFs can be quite expensive to run and maintain, especially compared to a typical super fund. If you've got a large balance to invest, investment expertise and experience and an understanding of the legal framework, it could be something worth looking into. But keep in mind there are a lot of legal requirements you need to keep up with, as well as annual fees and charges.
Once you've found the new fund you want to join, complete the online application form to become a member. Throughout this process you can elect to have your previous super fund transfer your balance over into your new fund. Most of the work is done for you by your new fund. For a more detailed guide on how to do this, take a look at our article on how to change super funds in 4 steps.

Finder writers are subject matter experts and use primary sources, in-depth research and interviews with other experts to ensure you're getting accurate, up-to-date information. Articles are fact checked in line with our editorial guidelines.

Thank you for your feedback!

To make sure you get accurate and helpful information, this guide has been edited by Richard Whitten as part of our fact-checking process.

Written by

Alison Banney

Editorial Manager, Money

Add to Preferred Sources

Alison is an editor at Finder and a personal finance journalist with over 10 years of experience, having contributed to major financial institutions and publications such as Westpac, Money Magazine, and Yahoo Finance. She is frequently quoted in media outlets like SmartCompany and SBS, offering expert insights on superannuation and money management. Alison holds a Bachelor of Communications in Public Relations and Journalism from the University of Newcastle, and has earned three ASIC RG146 certifications in superannuation, securities and managed investments and general financial advice, ensuring her expertise is fully aligned with ASIC standards. See full bio

Alison's expertise

Alison has written 575 Finder guides across topics including:

Superannuation
Savings accounts, bank accounts and term deposits
Budgeting and money-saving hacks
Managing the cost of living

More resources on Finder

More guides on Finder

How much super should I have?
The average super balance is $154,350. Compare your super balance against the average balance for your age group to see if yours is on track.
Worst performing super funds in Australia
Here’s a current list of the worst-performing super funds in Australia and steps for how to switch to a better fund.
Australian Retirement Trust vs HESTA
We've compared the fees, investment options and performance for both Australian Retirement Trust and HESTA to help you choose between these two popular super funds.
AustralianSuper vs Australian Ethical Super
Trying to decide between AustralianSuper and Australian Ethical Super? We've compared their fees, performance and investments to help you choose.
AustralianSuper vs Rest Super
AustralianSuper and Rest are two popular industry super funds, but how do they compare on fees, performance and investment options?
AustralianSuper vs Hostplus
Can't decide between AustralianSuper or Hostplus? We've compared their fees, performance and investment options side-by-side to help you choose.
Best super funds in Australia 2026
We've analysed Australian super funds to find the best-performing super funds, the best industry super funds and the best super fund for low fees. Find the right super fund for you.
Best Industry Super Funds
Find out what industry super funds are and how they’re different to retail super funds, and compare funds using our comparison tool.
Superannuation beneficiary rules
Steps to choose a beneficiary for your superannuation fund proceeds in the event of your death.
Media Super: Investments, performance and fees
Media Super is an industry fund for employees in Australia’s print, media, creative or digital sectors. See investment options, fees and performance here.

Best performing super funds in Australia October 2026 (Experiment)