Compare what each fund offers, then choose investment options to put their published costs and returns side by side.
Retail investment platform
Mason Stevens Super provides an account for an adviser-selected investment portfolio, with super and pension administration in one service.
Access and portfolio arrangements are handled through an adviser. Review the super PDS rather than relying on the wider firm's investment-service material.
Retail fund
iQ Super combines an age-based default with a sizeable menu of active, indexed and low-carbon investments.
For Life and employer-based arrangements have their own product terms.
Choose the actual investment pathway for each account. For lifecycle products, select the named stage relevant to you. No stage is selected automatically.
The costs and returns belong to the selected product, option or lifecycle stage.
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 | Mason Stevens Super | Russell Investments iQ Super |
|---|---|---|
| Membership and access | Access and portfolio arrangements are handled through an adviser. Review the super PDS rather than relying on the wider firm's investment-service material. Sources123 | For Life and employer-based arrangements have their own product terms. Sources123 |
| Accounts and products | Mason Stevens Super and pension. Sources123 | iQ Super and iQ Retirement. Sources123 |
| Investment choices | The platform gives access to managed investments and portfolio services. The PDS includes a Foundation ETF Balanced example, but that example is not every member's portfolio. Sources123 | GoalTracker is the age-based MySuper default. The menu also includes diversified, sector, responsible and third-party indexed options. Sources123 |
| Insurance | Ask the adviser to identify the available insurer, eligibility and terms in the current super disclosure before arranging or replacing cover. Sources123 | Insurance applications and terms differ by membership and employer plan. Sources123 |
| Retirement income | Super and pension accounts have different cash requirements and payment needs. Sources123 | iQ Retirement includes pension and transition-to-retirement arrangements. Sources123 |
| Advice and support | An adviser helps select and manage the portfolio. Adviser remuneration is additional to the platform's standard cost example. Sources123 | Member resources include retirement support and advice; confirm the scope and fee for your request. Sources123 |
| Fee details to check | Include account fees, administration, the cash margin, investment costs and adviser charges. The PDS's worked example uses $48,000 in a model and $2,000 in cash, which affects the result. Sources123 | Use the PDS and plan booklet for the precise iQ product. Employer pricing must not be assigned to every iQ member. Sources123 |
| Comparing investment performance | Assess the selected investments and actual cash allocation. A model's published return does not necessarily include all account and advice costs. Sources123 | GoalTracker changes exposure with age. Compare the correct stage and use the same fee basis as the competing option. Sources123 |
THE SUPERGURU VIEW
A candidate for an advised member who needs portfolio services and can explain what they add to a simpler diversified option.
Based on the cited product features. These are general reasons to investigate the fund, not a personal recommendation. Supporting sources.
THE SUPERGURU VIEW
A useful candidate for someone who wants Russell's investment range or an employer plan with negotiated terms.
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 Mason Stevens Super profile · Read the full Russell Investments iQ Super 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.