Compare what each fund offers, then choose investment options to put their published costs and returns side by side.
Retail fund brand
Pearler Super is a digital accumulation account for members who want to choose ETFs and other approved ASX securities.
The PDS allows a zero initial investment, but an operating cash balance is required once the account is funded.
Retail fund brand
smartMonday PRIME has an age-based default and a choice menu, plus a pension product. Its MySuper design changed in August 2026.
Employer and personal membership depend on the relevant product and plan.
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 | Pearler Super | smartMonday |
|---|---|---|
| Membership and access | The PDS allows a zero initial investment, but an operating cash balance is required once the account is funded. Sources123 | Employer and personal membership depend on the relevant product and plan. Sources123 |
| Accounts and products | Pearler Personal Super accumulation. Sources123 | PRIME super and PENSION. Sources123 |
| Investment choices | Members can choose from a menu of ETFs and other ASX-listed securities through the Pearler apps. Sources123 | LifeStage MySuper now uses four age bands. Members can also select pre-mixed and sector options. Sources123 |
| Insurance | There is no integrated insurance. Moving an entire balance from another fund can end the cover held there. Sources123 | Insurance is available; advice about a member's smartMonday insurance is included without a separate advice charge. Sources123 |
| Retirement income | The current PDS does not offer a pension account. Sources123 | A pension account is available under separate disclosure. Sources123 |
| Advice and support | The app offers investment tools. Any advice arrangement should be assessed separately from access to those tools. Sources123 | smartCoach provides account-related advice. Check the scope before seeking broader planning. Sources123 |
| Fee details to check | Administration fees apply to the first $500,000, with eligible family-group caps. Add underlying investment costs, transactions and the effect of the cash account. Sources123 | From 14 August 2026, the standard annual administration charge fell to $67.60 plus 0.16% of balance, with a $1,000 cap on that percentage component. Investment costs rose for most options; employer terms may differ. Sources123 |
| Comparing investment performance | Performance depends on the actual securities and cash held. There is no single Pearler portfolio return that applies to everyone. Sources123 | Do not compare the new LifeStage strategy as though its allocation has remained unchanged throughout the historical LifeCycle record. Sources123 |
THE SUPERGURU VIEW
May suit a member who can construct and maintain a diversified listed portfolio and has separately considered insurance.
Based on the cited product features. These are general reasons to investigate the fund, not a personal recommendation. Supporting sources.
THE SUPERGURU VIEW
Worth comparing for members who prefer an age-based investment strategy or have a negotiated employer plan.
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 Pearler Super profile · Read the full smartMonday 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.