At what balance does an SMSF become cheaper than Hostplus?

Hostplus's default Balanced option charges roughly 0.92% per year all-in. easySMSF's fixed admin fee means the crossover sits at roughly $138,587 combined member balance. Above that, an SMSF is cheaper every year and the gap widens as the balance grows.

Can I hold the same investments in an SMSF as in Hostplus?

Yes, and significantly more. An SMSF can hold direct ASX shares, ETFs, international equities, residential and commercial property (including via LRBA), term deposits, bullion and crypto. Hostplus limits you to pre-built investment options with concentration and asset-class caps.

What happens to my insurance if I move from Hostplus to an SMSF?

Your SMSF can hold life, TPD and income-protection cover, but it must be arranged separately — usually through a retail insurer. Always apply for SMSF-held cover and have it accepted before rolling over funds out of Hostplus, so you're never uninsured during the switch.

Is moving from Hostplus to an SMSF worth the extra responsibility?

It depends. If you want direct ownership, transparency, and the flexibility to hold property or international shares, yes. If you don't want to read ATO guidance or document an investment strategy, Hostplus's default option may be the better fit. easySMSF removes most of the day-to-day admin burden by handling accounts, tax and audit on a fixed fee.

SMSF comparison

SMSF vs Hostplus: fees, control and breakeven

By Tim Roff, Founder & SMSF Specialist · Updated 29 June 2026

Hostplus is well known for its low-cost Indexed Balanced option and Choiceplus platform. Choiceplus offers some direct share trading but with strict caps and no access to property, crypto, or international markets the way an SMSF does.

EOFY Special — 50% off SMSF setup

Offer ends midnight AEST, 1 July 2026. Applies to Individual and Corporate Trustee setup fees.

00Days

00Hrs

00Min

00Sec

How the costs compare

Hostplus charges around 0.92% per year on the default Balanced option (balanced option, all-in (admin + investment).). That percentage applies to your entire balance — so the dollar cost rises every year as your fund grows.

easySMSF charges a fixed monthly fee for full SMSF administration and the annual audit. The percentage you pay shrinks every year as the fund grows. The crossover — where an SMSF starts costing less than Hostplus in absolute dollars — sits at roughly $138,587 combined member balance.

Beyond cost, the bigger story is what you can actually hold. Hostplus restricts you to pre-built investment options (and at best a 'member direct' platform with asset-class caps). An SMSF lets you hold direct ASX and global shares, residential and commercial property, ETFs, term deposits, bullion and crypto — all in the fund's own name.

Hostplus default fee: ~0.92% per year on your full balance
easySMSF fee: fixed monthly — shrinks as a percentage as your balance grows
Crossover balance: about $138,587 combined
Hostplus pro: Indexed Balanced option has very low fees
Hostplus pro: Choiceplus enables some ASX 300 / ETF / term deposit choice
Hostplus pro: Pooled insurance often cheap for younger members
Hostplus limit: Choiceplus restricted to ASX 300 + ETFs + term deposits
Hostplus limit: 20% cap on any single share — no concentration possible
Hostplus limit: No direct property, no LRBA, no global market access

Compare other funds: SMSF vs AustralianSuper · SMSF vs Rest · SMSF vs UniSuper · SMSF vs Aware Super · SMSF vs industry funds · SMSF vs retail funds

Frequently asked questions

Ready to set up your SMSF?

Fixed monthly fee, audit included, fully paperless.