Compare what each fund offers, then choose investment options to put their published costs and returns side by side.
Retail fund
Essential Super is an accumulation product that can be managed through the CommBank app. It offers an age-based default and a smaller investment menu than a full platform.
Members can apply through NetBank or the CommBank app after registration. Check the PDS and target market determination for eligibility and whether the product fits your intended use.
Industry fund
Hostplus has a broad menu spanning active diversified portfolios, indexed options, socially responsible options and Choiceplus direct investments.
Membership is generally available to people who meet Australian residence, tax residence or eligible-employment conditions. Product and insurance eligibility still apply.
Choose the actual investment pathway for each account. For lifecycle products, select the named stage relevant to you. No stage is selected automatically.
| Measure | Choose an investment option | Hostplus MySuper |
|---|---|---|
| Return basis | Choose an option | MySuper net return after administration costs, $50,000 representative member |
| 3-year return, per year | Choose an option | 9.48% |
| 5-year return, per year | Choose an option | 7.46% |
| 7-year return, per year | Choose an option | 7.89% |
| 10-year return, per year | Choose an option | 8.70% |
| APRA strategic growth allocation | Choose an option | 80.35% |
| Reported total fees, net of tax, at $50,000 | Choose an option | $655 a year (1.31%) |
| Administration and advice costs, net of tax (included in total) | Choose an option | $120 a year |
| 2026 performance test | Choose an option | Pass |
| New-member status at reporting date | Check the current product eligibility rules | Check the current product eligibility rules |
Source: APRA Comprehensive Product Performance Package 2026, published 28 August 2026. Fees reflect the reporting year to 30 June 2026, are net of tax, use standard arrangements and exclude member-activity fees. Dollar figures are rounded. They are not a current quote. Check the latest PDS for changes, insurance premiums and any separately charged advice.
Returns are annualised historical results. Different return bases, risk levels and periods cannot be treated as interchangeable. MySuper net returns use a $50,000 representative balance even when you change the fee balance. A lifecycle stage return does not track a person moving between stages. Missing figures mean not reported, not zero. Past returns do not predict future returns. Read our method and APRA's definitions.
| What to compare | Essential Super | Hostplus |
|---|---|---|
| Membership and access | Members can apply through NetBank or the CommBank app after registration. Check the PDS and target market determination for eligibility and whether the product fits your intended use. Sources14 | Membership is generally available to people who meet Australian residence, tax residence or eligible-employment conditions. Product and insurance eligibility still apply. Sources6 |
| Accounts and products | Essential Super distributed by CommBank and provided by CFS; distinct from FirstChoice. Essential Super accumulation Sources12345 | Hostplus super, Pension and Transition to Retirement products. Hostplus super Hostplus Pension Hostplus Transition to Retirement Choiceplus direct investment option CPIplus pension investment option Sources7 |
| Investment choices | Lifestage The Lifestage option adjusts investments according to the member's birth cohort. Members can instead choose pre-mixed or DIY investment options, or combine them with Lifestage. The product does not offer a full direct-share trading menu. Sources3 | Balanced The menu includes diversified active and indexed options, sector investments and socially responsible options. Choiceplus allows eligible members to buy selected ASX 300 shares, ETFs, listed investment companies and term deposits. The low investment cost of an indexed option should not be confused with the price of the default Balanced option. Sources12 |
| Insurance | Cover is provided through AIA Australia and is subject to eligibility and acceptance. The target-market information flags limitations on cover for an existing illness or injury in some circumstances, with different treatment for tailored cover. Confirm the actual policy before relying on it. Sources125 | Eligible members can receive default death and TPD insurance. Hostplus tells members to check their current cover and cost in the account and review whether the amount meets their needs. Premiums reduce the balance left for retirement. Sources4 |
| Retirement income | The current product information says Essential Super is not designed for people who are retired and need a retirement income. Someone approaching drawdown should compare pension products separately rather than assume the banking-app account becomes a pension. Sources1 | Hostplus has Pension and Transition to Retirement accounts. Pension members can use Choiceplus and CPIplus, but those two options are not available in the TTR account. CPIplus aims for a predetermined return above inflation for a stated return period; its terms need separate reading. Sources25 |
| Advice and support | CFS provides product support and disclosure documents. This research has not verified that personal financial advice is included for all Essential Super members; confirm the service available and any cost directly. Sources5 | Hostplus offers access to financial planners and identifies separate advice costs and eligibility conditions for services such as SuperSmart. Ask what is covered in the membership fee and what requires an additional payment. Sources4 |
| Fee details to check | The cost includes administration, investment and net transaction charges. Buy/sell spreads can also apply to contributions, withdrawals and switches, with insurance additional. The current public comparison uses a particular Lifestage cohort and balance, so it should not be generalized to every member. Sources24 | Hostplus publishes a cost-of-product figure for each option. Use that full figure and its assumptions, then account for insurance and direct-investment costs. Its investment costs are estimates based on prior experience; a very low indexed investment fee is not the total account charge. Sources3 |
| Comparing investment performance | Use Essential Super's own Lifestage cohort or chosen investment results. FirstChoice's investment returns are a separate product comparison, even though both are provided by CFS. Match the same age, risk and period. Keep Essential Super separate from FirstChoice and CFS Edge. Include the planned move into a pension when comparing options for someone near retirement. Sources3 | Compare the exact portfolio and asset allocation. Hostplus's pension option pages publish returns net of investment fees and costs, with administration and other fees still applying. A pension return should not be placed next to a taxed accumulation return without explanation. Show Balanced and Indexed Balanced as separate options. Avoid ranking the whole fund using the cheapest investment option's fee. Sources2 |
THE SUPERGURU VIEW
The app integration may help someone pay attention to their super, and a limited menu can reduce unnecessary decisions. It still needs to earn its place on investment cost, risk and insurance. The absence of a retirement-income product is a practical issue for members nearing that stage.
Sources1
Based on the cited product features. These are general reasons to investigate the fund, not a personal recommendation. Supporting sources.
THE SUPERGURU VIEW
Hostplus is particularly useful when the question is how much investment choice you want. Its indexed range gives cost-conscious members something concrete to compare, while Choiceplus serves a more involved investor. Check the default separately; the existence of a low-cost option does not mean you are invested in it.
Based on the cited product features. These are general reasons to investigate the fund, not a personal recommendation. Supporting sources.
Use the membership rules to establish which accounts are available to you. Then compare the total price of the investment option and cover you need. A lower fee or higher historical return alone does not tell you which fund is suitable.
Ask both funds to confirm insurance acceptance, exclusions, waiting periods and whether cover would change when you leave your employer. Obtain advice before giving up a defined benefit or an insurance policy you may not be able to replace. ASIC Moneysmart explains the comparison checks.
Read the full Essential Super profile · Read the full Hostplus profile · Choose another comparison
Checked 2026-09-11. Documents and product terms can change after this date.
Checked 2026-09-11. Documents and product terms can change after this date.