Best Annuities — 2026 Rankings
Fixed, indexed, and variable annuities ranked by Internal Rate of Return. Find the best annuity for your retirement income needs.
New York Life
Guaranteed Lifetime Income Annuity
10-Yr IRR
4.2%
20-Yr IRR
4.8%
Guaranteed
4.5%
Min Premium
$10,000
✅ Pros
- • Highest guaranteed rate
- • Lifetime income guarantee
- • Top financial strength
❌ Cons
- • High minimum premium
- • Limited liquidity
MassMutual
RetireEase Select
10-Yr IRR
4.0%
20-Yr IRR
4.5%
Guaranteed
4.2%
Min Premium
$5,000
✅ Pros
- • Strong guaranteed returns
- • Flexible payout options
- • Lower entry point
❌ Cons
- • Slightly lower IRR than #1
- • Complex fee structure
Nationwide
Peak Index Annuity
10-Yr IRR
3.8%
20-Yr IRR
5.1%
Guaranteed
2.0%
Min Premium
$5,000
✅ Pros
- • Market upside with floor protection
- • Strong long-term IRR
- • Multiple index options
❌ Cons
- • Lower guaranteed rate
- • Cap limits upside
Lincoln Financial
SmartFixed Annuity
10-Yr IRR
3.6%
20-Yr IRR
4.0%
Guaranteed
3.8%
Min Premium
$2,500
✅ Pros
- • Lowest minimum premium
- • Simple product design
- • Good for conservative investors
❌ Cons
- • Lower IRR in top 5
- • Fewer payout options
Brighthouse Financial
Shield Annuity
10-Yr IRR
4.5%
20-Yr IRR
5.5%
Guaranteed
1.0%
Min Premium
$25,000
✅ Pros
- • Highest potential returns
- • Market participation
- • Tax-deferred growth
❌ Cons
- • Highest minimum premium
- • Market risk exposure
- • Complex fee structure
⚠️ Disclaimer
Annuity returns vary by product type and market conditions. Fixed annuities offer guaranteed rates; indexed and variable annuities carry market risk. Rankings are for educational purposes only.