Benefits of self directed ira vs personal 401k

[pkiran]

Which one has better tax benefits? What about for someone closer to retirement and someone who's far from it? 

[RobertB4444]

If we're talking about a traditional IRA (vs a Roth) then the tax benefits between a self-directed IRA and a self-employed 401K are about the same.  Administration costs are something to take into account.  And if you're going the self-directed IRA route you need to make sure that you know what you're doing with the investments that you select.

Far from retirement they are also pretty similar.  Closer to retirement the 401K has higher contribution limits so that is the better choice.  

@pkiran