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Media Super vs NGS Super

Compare what each fund offers, then choose investment options to put their published costs and returns side by side.

By SuperGuru Group · Research checked 11 September 2026 · Historical APRA figures to 30 June 2026

Media Super

Industry fund brand

Media Super remains the super brand for print, media, entertainment, arts and other creative industries within Cbus.

Membership

The brand serves its creative-industry community and eligible members under its current products.

NGS Super

Industry fund

NGS Super combines a MySuper default with indexed, diversified and sector options. Its advice service starts with limited help about a member's NGS account.

Membership

Use the current joining criteria and insurance guide for the membership being considered; workplace arrangements can affect cover.

Compare fees and investment returns

Choose the actual investment pathway for each account. For lifecycle products, select the named stage relevant to you. No stage is selected automatically.

APRA product data to 30 June 2026
MeasureChoose an investment optionNGS Diversified (MySuper)
Return basisChoose an optionMySuper net return after administration costs, $50,000 representative member
3-year return, per yearChoose an option9.96%
5-year return, per yearChoose an option6.67%
7-year return, per yearChoose an option7.01%
10-year return, per yearChoose an option7.72%
APRA strategic growth allocationChoose an option78.94%
Reported total fees, net of tax, at $50,000Choose an option$515 a year (1.03%)
Administration and advice costs, net of tax (included in total)Choose an option$140 a year
2026 performance testChoose an optionPass
New-member status at reporting dateCheck the current product eligibility rulesCheck 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.

How the products differ

Media Super and NGS Super: product features and conditions
What to compareMedia SuperNGS Super
Membership and access

The brand serves its creative-industry community and eligible members under its current products.

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Use the current joining criteria and insurance guide for the membership being considered; workplace arrangements can affect cover.

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Accounts and products

Media Super branded super and retirement products issued within Cbus.

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Accumulation, transition-to-retirement and Income accounts.

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Investment choices

Use the current Media Super investment menu. Historic Media Super options are not independent portfolios that remain available alongside Cbus after the merger.

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Diversified is the MySuper option. Other choices include High Growth, Balanced, Defensive, Indexed Growth and sector options such as Australian shares, international shares, infrastructure, property, bonds, cash and term deposits.

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Insurance

Insurance terms are product-specific. Creative workers with contract, freelance or irregular work should read the income and employment definitions in their own guide.

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Insurance is available under the current guide. Compare cover definitions, insured amounts and premiums rather than relying on a general service award.

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Retirement income

Check the current Media Super retirement product documents and default strategy. Compare retirement returns with retirement returns.

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Income and transition-to-retirement accounts have separate disclosure documents. NGS explains that investment earnings are treated differently in these account types.

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Advice and support

The current site provides advice resources and member assistance. A personal plan needs an explicit scope and fee check.

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Single-issue advice limited to an NGS account and its insurance is available without a separate charge. Broader tailored advice is offered on an agreed fee-for-service basis.

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Fee details to check

Use the post-merger Media Super schedule. Its published merger explanation describes investment fee savings but does not mean every historical fee applies today.

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The current page separates fixed administration, a balance-based component, reserve-paid administration costs and option-specific investment costs. Indexed Growth has a different investment cost from Diversified, so quote the actual chosen option.

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Comparing investment performance

Read the pre- and post-merger history note before comparing a long-run Media Super return. Show when an investment strategy changed.

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Compare the same option, dates and account phase. The Indexed Growth and Diversified strategies should be assessed against their own asset mix and objectives.

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THE SUPERGURU VIEW

Our take on Media Super

Editorial assessment

A useful comparison for people in creative industries who value that industry connection and want to check the actual insurance and investment terms.

What deserves a closer look

  • Media Super and Cbus share a legal fund, so do not portray their comparison as two independent trustees.
  • Do not carry a pre-April 2022 option or fee into a current comparison.

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Based on the cited product features. These are general reasons to investigate the fund, not a personal recommendation. Supporting sources.

THE SUPERGURU VIEW

Our take on NGS Super

Editorial assessment

Worth comparing if you want a conventional industry fund but also want an indexed portfolio or help with a specific super question.

What deserves a closer look

  • The MySuper default is not the fund's cheapest investment option.
  • Insurance and personal advice charges sit outside a simple investment-fee comparison.

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Based on the cited product features. These are general reasons to investigate the fund, not a personal recommendation. Supporting sources.

Before choosing between Media Super and NGS Super

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 Media Super profile · Read the full NGS Super profile · Choose another comparison

Sources for Media Super

Checked 2026-09-11. Documents and product terms can change after this date.

  1. Media Super
  2. Investment changes after merger
  3. Cbus merger and brand background
  4. Annual reports

Sources for NGS Super

Checked 2026-09-11. Documents and product terms can change after this date.

  1. NGS investments
  2. Fees and costs
  3. FAQs and advice scope