Navi Mutual Fund vs ICICI Prudential Mutual Fund – Which Mutual Fund House is Better for You?

Navi Mutual Fund and ICICI Prudential Mutual Fund are two very different but increasingly discussed AMCs in India’s mutual fund landscape. Navi is a relatively new, fintech-driven AMC that focuses on ultra-low-cost, index-based investing and global exposure via fund-of-funds (FoFs). ICICI Prudential Mutual Fund, on the other hand, is one of the largest and most established AMCs in India, backed by ICICI Bank and Prudential PLC, with a strong track record in active equity, debt, hybrid, and thematic funds.

As of 30 September 2025, Navi Mutual Fund’s AUM stood at approximately ₹ 8,453 crore. Meanwhile, ICICI Prudential Mutual Fund has crossed a major milestone, with an AUM of around ₹ 10,60,747 crore as per data for the same period.

In this article, we break down both AMCs — examining their offerings, strengths, and who they are best suited for.

About the AMCs

Fund Categories Offered

Here are the main mutual fund categories offered by both AMCs:

• Equity Funds (Large Cap, Mid Cap, Thematic, Flexi Cap)
• Index Funds & ETFs
• Debt Funds (Liquid, Short Duration, Corporate, etc.)
• Hybrid Funds (Balanced, Aggressive, Multi-asset)
• Fund-of-Funds (FoFs), including Overseas / International FoFs
• Tax-Saving Funds (ELSS)

Top Funds

Here are ten of the top funds for each AMC

Unique Strengths of Each AMC

Navi Mutual Fund Strengths

1. Very Low Expense Ratios
   Thanks to its lean, digital-first structure, Navi can offer index funds at very low cost, helping investors maximize their net returns.
2. Global Exposure via FoFs
   Navi provides easy access to international equity markets through FoFs such as its Navi US Total Stock Market FoF, giving Indian investors exposure to global technology giants.
3. Low Entry Point
   Navi often allows very small minimum investments — making it accessible for beginner investors or small-ticket savers.
4. Seamless Digital Experience
   The investment journey is app-based — from onboarding to SIP setup and redemptions. This tech-first design is ideal for younger, mobile-first investors.

ICICI Prudential Mutual Fund Strengths

1. Massive Scale & Trust
   With over ₹ 10 trillion in AUM, ICICI Prudential is one of India’s largest AMCs, which gives it big advantages in stability, distribution, and resource strength.
2. Deep Active Expertise
   ICICI Pru’s equity funds are backed by experienced fund managers and strong research, helping investors who want alpha via active management.
3. Wide Product Range
   ICICI Pru offers a full suite — from thematic equity and small-cap to debt, hybrid, and global FoFs. This makes it a one-stop shop for many investor goals.
4. Strong Hybrid & Multi-Asset Solutions
   With funds like its Multi-Asset Fund, ICICI Pru can serve those seeking a balanced portfolio across equity, debt, and other asset classes.

Who Should Invest?

Choose Navi Mutual Fund if you:

• Are cost-conscious and want to minimize your mutual fund expense ratio.
• Believe in passive investing and are okay with tracking broad indices (Nifty, Next-50, Midcap).
• Want global exposure but do not want to pick individual international stocks — Navi’s FoFs simplify this.
• Are a small-ticket or beginner investor who wants to start with modest amounts.

Choose ICICI Prudential Mutual Fund if you:

• Prefer active management and want fund managers to pick stocks for potential outperformance.
• Want a diversified portfolio in one AMC — including equity, debt, hybrid, and thematic exposure.
• Value the stability and trust of a large, established AMC.
• Are comfortable paying a little more for research-backed returns and potential alpha.

Conclusion

In the matchup of Navi Mutual Fund vs ICICI Prudential Mutual Fund, both AMCs bring unique strengths to the table. Navi MF is ideal for cost-sensitive, tech-native investors who believe in passive investing and want global exposure without complexity. ICICI Prudential MF, with its massive AUM, expert fund management, and broad, well-diversified offerings, is a go-to for investors seeking long-term growth, active management, and thematic sophistication.

There’s no one-size-fits-all answer — the right choice depends on your investment style, risk appetite, time horizon, and financial goals. And for many investors, using both AMCs can make sense: Navi for efficient index exposure, and ICICI Prudential for active, value-driven growth.