Annuity guide
Best Annuities of 2025
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.
Score
94/100
Monthly Income*
$1,520
Score
90/100
Monthly Income*
$1,450
Score
89/100
Monthly Income*
$1,490
Score
88/100
Monthly Income*
$1,400
Score
87/100
Monthly Income*
$1,460
Score
86/100
Monthly Income*
$1,480
Investors comfortable with RILA buffered crediting and multiple segment-type selection
Score
84/100
Monthly Income*
$1,410
Income-focused retirees seeking aggressive rollup growth and lifetime guarantees
Score
84/100
Monthly Income*
$1,520
Score
83/100
Monthly Income*
$1,320
Conservative savers prioritizing principal protection and carrier strength
Score
82/100
Monthly Income*
$1,430
Score
82/100
Monthly Income*
$1,530
Accumulators seeking long-term growth with principal protection and broad index options
Score
82/100
Monthly Income*
$1,425
Score
82/100
Monthly Income*
$1,320
Score
82/100
Monthly Income*
$1,400
Savers prioritizing principal protection with indexed crediting flexibility
Score
82/100
Monthly Income*
$1,400
Score
82/100
Monthly Income*
$1,485
Investors comfortable with RILA structure seeking income with market-linked growth opportunity
Score
81/100
Monthly Income*
$1,450
Investors seeking competitive guaranteed rates from a modern, tech-forward carrier
Score
80/100
Monthly Income*
$1,430
Score
72/100
Monthly Income*
$1,125
Older or younger buyers (ages 0-89) who cannot qualify with carriers having tighter age limits
Score
68/100
Monthly Income*
$700
*Monthly income based on $250,000 investment at age 65 with guaranteed lifetime payments.
Income projections by investment amount
Estimated guaranteed lifetime income from top-rated annuities at age 65.
| Company | $100,000 | $250,000 | $500,000 | $1,000,000 |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Athene Annuity | $545/mo | $1,520/mo | $3,040/mo | $6,830/mo |
| American Equity | $520/mo | $1,450/mo | $2,900/mo | $6,500/mo |
| Allianz Life | $535/mo | $1,490/mo | $2,980/mo | $6,750/mo |
| Mutual of Omaha | $510/mo | $1,400/mo | $2,800/mo | $6,350/mo |
| Nationwide | $525/mo | $1,460/mo | $2,920/mo | $6,600/mo |
| Jackson National | $530/mo | $1,480/mo | $2,960/mo | $6,700/mo |
| Equitable | $505/mo | $1,410/mo | $2,820/mo | $6,380/mo |
| Protective Life | $535/mo | $1,520/mo | $3,040/mo | $6,900/mo |
| Prudential | $480/mo | $1,320/mo | $2,640/mo | $6,100/mo |
| American National | $515/mo | $1,430/mo | $2,860/mo | $6,380/mo |
| Delaware Life | $530/mo | $1,530/mo | $3,060/mo | $7,100/mo |
| North American | $515/mo | $1,425/mo | $2,850/mo | $6,450/mo |
| Pacific Life | $480/mo | $1,320/mo | $2,640/mo | $6,300/mo |
| Principal | $500/mo | $1,400/mo | $2,800/mo | $6,200/mo |
| Security Benefit | $510/mo | $1,400/mo | $2,800/mo | $6,200/mo |
| Symetra | $536/mo | $1,485/mo | $2,970/mo | $6,720/mo |
| Transamerica | $525/mo | $1,450/mo | $2,900/mo | $6,500/mo |
| Aspida | $510/mo | $1,430/mo | $2,860/mo | $6,540/mo |
| American Century | $450/mo | $1,125/mo | $2,250/mo | $4,750/mo |
| American Gulf | $280/mo | $700/mo | $1,400/mo | $2,800/mo |
Income figures are estimates based on current rates at age 65 with lifetime guarantee. Actual payouts may vary.
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How we rank the best annuities
Our ranking methodology evaluates annuity products across five weighted categories: income payout rates (30%), financial strength ratings (25%), fees and charges (20%), product flexibility (15%), and customer service (10%). Each company is scored out of 100 based on data from AM Best, S&P Global, and our proprietary analysis of over 100 annuity products.
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 three primary annuity types 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. Variable annuities provide direct market exposure with optional downside protection riders.
| Type | Risk Level | Typical Returns | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|
| Fixed (MYGA) | Low | 4.5% – 5.75% | Conservative investors |
| Fixed Indexed | Low-Medium | 3% – 8%+ | Growth with protection |
| Variable | Medium-High | Varies with market | Growth-oriented investors |
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 of 2025.
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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