5 Best Annuity Companies of 2025
We surveyed over 500 retirees and near-retirees to uncover their top priorities—like guaranteed income, low fees, and service quality—and combined this with insights from licensed annuity agents and a data-driven evaluation of company performance to produce a comprehensive, trustworthy ranking. Below, you’ll find profiles for the top 5 companies to help you compare what matters most.
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Gainbridge: FastBreak, D2C Annuity
AM Best Rating: A- (Excellent)
- Withdraw 10% annually without penalty
- Fixed interest rate for the full term
- No fees or commissions
- CD-like flexibility with annuity-level rates
Allianz: Top Growth Protection Balance
AM Best Rating: A+ (Superior)
“Allianz offers some of the most innovative indexed annuities in the industry — strong cap rates, flexible riders, and consistent performance.”
Lincoln Financial Group: Best for Retirement Income
AM Best Rating: A (Excellent)
“They’ve built a legacy of trust and perform well with high-net-worth clients seeking estate planning solutions.”
MassMutual: Top Long-Term Stability
AM Best Rating: A++ (Superior)
“MassMutual’s fixed annuities are among the most stable — ideal for clients who don’t want surprises.”
New York Life: Most Trusted by Consumers
AM Best Rating: A / A+
“Their immediate and deferred income annuities are among the strongest in the market in terms of payout and stability.”
Nationwide: Top Annuity Variety
AM Best Rating: A+ (Superior)
“Nationwide is incredibly consistent — applications are easy, and support is top-notch.”
*Withdrawals above 10% free withdrawal amount are subject to a withdrawal charge and market value adjustment.
Best Annuity Company Ranking Methodology
Each company’s score from the three sources was normalized and weighted as follows:
- Measurable Metrics: 50%
- Consumer Survey: 25%
- Agent Poll: 25%
We then assigned each company a composite score and ranked the top performers. The final list reflects a balance of trustworthiness, product strength, service quality, and real-world experience — not just financial size or advertising dollars. More about our rankings can be found on our annuity rankings methodology page.
How To Compare Annuity Companies
We selected the top annuity companies based on what matters most to real buyers: financial strength, customer satisfaction, product flexibility and advisor insights. However, while these rankings provide a strong starting point, the best company for you will ultimately depend on your unique goals, preferences, and retirement timeline.
Whether you value top-tier credit ratings, responsive support, or income guarantees, it’s important to weigh each provider against the factors that matter most to you.
The comparison chart below highlights key criteria to help you make a confident, personalized decision.
| ANNUITY COMPANY | AM BEST RATING | YEARS IN BUSINESS | PREMIUMS SOLD ($B) | PRODUCT TYPES OFFERED | BEST COMPANY FOR |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| New York Life | A++ | 180 | 21.3 | Fixed, Indexed, Immediate | Lifetime Income Stability |
| Allianz | A+ | 129 | 23.1 | Fixed, Indexed, Immediate | Indexed Annuities & Digital Tools |
| Nationwide | A+ | 99 | 12.8 | Fixed, Indexed, Variable, Immediate | Variable Options & Flexibility |
| Lincoln Financial Group | A | 120 | 27.1 | Fixed, Indexed, Variable, Immediate, Deferred | Income Planning & Product Diversity |
| MassMutual | A++ | 174 | 9.1 | Fixed, Indexed, Variable, Immediate | Financial Strength & Stability |
Why the “Best” Company Isn’t the Same for Everyone
When it comes to choosing an annuity provider, there’s no one-size-fits-all answer. What works best for one person might not be the right fit for another, and that’s okay. Your financial priorities, comfort level with risk, need for flexibility, and desire for support all play a role in the decision.
Some people feel most confident choosing a provider with top-tier financial ratings. Others want hands-on guidance and flexible product features. Choosing the right annuity provider starts with knowing what matters most to you.