Annuity guide
Best Annuities
We analyzed over 100 annuity products from the top insurance companies in America to identify the best annuities for income, growth, and safety. Our rankings are based on financial strength ratings, income payout rates, fees, flexibility, and customer satisfaction.
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Top annuity companies compared
Ranked by overall score across income options, financial strength, fees, flexibility, and customer service.
Monthly Income*
—
Monthly Income*
$4,542/mo
at 75
Monthly Income*
—
Monthly Income*
$3,094/mo
at 70
Accumulators seeking long-term growth with principal protection and broad index options
Monthly Income*
$2,480/mo
at 67
Monthly Income*
—
Income-focused retirees seeking aggressive rollup growth and lifetime guarantees
Monthly Income*
—
Monthly Income*
$2,034/mo
at 65
Monthly Income*
$4,071/mo
at 75
Conservative savers prioritizing principal protection and carrier strength
Monthly Income*
—
Monthly Income*
$4,836/mo
at 75
Monthly Income*
$1,542/mo
at 62
Monthly Income*
$2,397/mo
at 67
Monthly Income*
$3,070/mo
at 70
Savers prioritizing principal protection with indexed crediting flexibility
Monthly Income*
—
Monthly Income*
—
Older or younger buyers (ages 0-89) who cannot qualify with carriers having tighter age limits
Monthly Income*
—
Investors comfortable with RILA buffered crediting and multiple segment-type selection
Monthly Income*
—
Investors comfortable with market-linked or structured products seeking income
Monthly Income*
—
Investors comfortable with RILA structure seeking income with market-linked growth opportunity
Monthly Income*
—
*Monthly income based on a $250,000 investment with guaranteed lifetime payments, starting at each carrier's own real quoted age (shown per company above). Companies without a live benchmark show “—”.
Income projections by investment amount
Estimated guaranteed lifetime income from top-rated annuities. Each carrier's real income-start age is noted next to its name below.
| Company | $100,000 | $250,000 | $500,000 | $1,000,000 |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Allianz Life | — | — | — | — |
| Athene Annuity income starts at 75 | $1,817/mo | $4,542/mo | $9,084/mo | $18,169/mo |
| Mutual of Omaha | — | — | — | — |
| Nationwide income starts at 70 | $1,238/mo | $3,094/mo | $6,189/mo | $12,377/mo |
| North American income starts at 67 | $992/mo | $2,480/mo | $4,959/mo | $9,918/mo |
| Pacific Life | — | — | — | — |
| Protective Life | — | — | — | — |
| Prudential income starts at 65 | $814/mo | $2,034/mo | $4,069/mo | $8,138/mo |
| American Equity income starts at 75 | $1,629/mo | $4,071/mo | $8,143/mo | $16,285/mo |
| American National | — | — | — | — |
| Jackson National income starts at 75 | $1,934/mo | $4,836/mo | $9,671/mo | $19,342/mo |
| Symetra income starts at 62 | $617/mo | $1,542/mo | $3,083/mo | $6,167/mo |
| Aspida income starts at 67 | $959/mo | $2,397/mo | $4,794/mo | $9,588/mo |
| Delaware Life income starts at 70 | $1,228/mo | $3,070/mo | $6,139/mo | $12,279/mo |
| Security Benefit | — | — | — | — |
| American Century | — | — | — | — |
| American Gulf | — | — | — | — |
| Equitable | — | — | — | — |
| Principal | — | — | — | — |
| Transamerica | — | — | — | — |
Income figures are estimates based on current rates, each starting at the carrier's own real quoted age (shown per row above) with lifetime guarantee. Actual payouts may vary. “—” means we don't yet have a live benchmark for that carrier.
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How we rank the best annuities
We do not score annuities out of 100. Each contract is ranked against comparable contracts on one number the carrier filed — guaranteed yield to surrender for fixed-rate contracts, the comparable annual S&P 500 cap for fixed indexed, guaranteed income per $100,000 for income products. The peer group is the product's class and its surrender-length band, the rate data refreshes nightly, and every figure carries the date it was measured. Financial strength is stated as the carrier's A.M. Best rating rather than folded into a score.
What is an Annuity?
An annuity is a financial contract with an insurance company that converts a lump-sum investment into guaranteed periodic payments — often for life. Annuities are the only financial product that can guarantee you will never outlive your income, making them a cornerstone of modern retirement planning.
Types of annuities compared
The two annuity types we review serve different retirement goals. Fixed annuities offer guaranteed rates similar to CDs but with tax-deferred growth. Fixed indexed annuities (FIAs) link returns to a market index while protecting your principal from losses.
| Type | Risk Level | Typical Returns | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|
| Fixed (MYGA) | Low | up to 6.30% | Conservative investors |
| Fixed Indexed | Low-Medium | 0% floor · S&P caps 3–14% | Growth with protection |
MYGA rate as of 2026-09-12.
Key takeaway
For most retirees, a fixed indexed annuity with an income rider offers the best balance of guaranteed income, growth potential, and principal protection. The top-rated companies in our analysis — Athene, Allianz, and American Equity — consistently deliver the highest payout rates.
When should you buy an annuity?
The ideal time to purchase a deferred annuity is 5–10 years before you need income. This deferral period allows the income base to grow via the rollup rate, significantly increasing your future payouts. For immediate income needs, an immediate annuity or activating an existing income rider can begin payments within 30 days.
Frequently asked questions
Common questions about the best annuities.
What is an annuity?
An annuity is a financial contract between you and an insurance company. You make a lump-sum payment or series of payments, and in return, the insurer provides regular disbursements beginning either immediately or at some point in the future. Annuities are primarily used as a retirement income tool to provide guaranteed income that you cannot outlive.
What are the different types of annuities?
There are three main types of annuities: Fixed annuities provide a guaranteed interest rate for a set period. Fixed indexed annuities (FIAs) earn interest based on the performance of a market index like the S&P 500, with downside protection. Variable annuities allow you to invest in sub-accounts similar to mutual funds, with potential for higher returns but also market risk. Additionally, there are immediate annuities (begin payments right away) and deferred annuities (payments begin at a future date).
What is a fixed indexed annuity (FIA)?
A fixed indexed annuity is a type of annuity that earns interest based on the performance of a market index, such as the S&P 500, without directly investing in the market. Your principal is protected from market losses — you can never lose money due to market downturns. When the index performs well, you earn interest up to a cap or participation rate. When the index declines, your account value stays the same. FIAs are popular for their combination of growth potential and downside protection.
What is a MYGA (Multi-Year Guaranteed Annuity)?
A Multi-Year Guaranteed Annuity (MYGA) is similar to a bank CD but issued by an insurance company. It pays a fixed, guaranteed interest rate for a specified period (typically 3, 5, 7, or 10 years). MYGAs often offer higher rates than bank CDs and grow tax-deferred. They are one of the simplest and most straightforward annuity products available, making them ideal for conservative investors seeking guaranteed returns.
What is the best age to buy an annuity?
The ideal age to purchase an annuity depends on your goals. For deferred income annuities, buying between ages 50-60 allows time for the income base to grow before you need income. For immediate income, ages 65-75 typically offer the best payout rates. MYGAs can be purchased at any age for guaranteed returns. Generally, annuities make the most sense for people within 10-15 years of retirement or already retired who want guaranteed income.
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