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Variable Annuities differ from other types of annuities. Variable annuities typically do not guarantee your initial deposit against loss and often do not guarantee a minimum return. They do offer many of the features of traditional annuities such as tax deferral, probate avoidance and are also issued by insurance companies.

Typically the performance of a variable annuity is tied to the performance of an underlying portfolio of stocks and/or bonds. They do offer fixed rate accounts, but unlike traditional annuities, there are annual fees involved with ownership of a variable annuity. These fees have been scorned by many advisers and have detracted from the overall viability of annuities in the public eye. That is unfortunate, as variable annuities are well suited for some people.

Variable annuities can offer a lifetime income and it will usually vary with the rise and fall of your underlying investment to some degree. There is an argument to be made for a variable annuity from that respect; if you are currently living off of the return of mutual funds and run the risk of depleting your nest egg, some lifetime income is better than none. Most people utilize variable annuities during the accumulation phase of retirement, but as more and more baby boomers enter retirement, lifetime income and guarantees play a larger part in the equation.  

Variable annuities are regulated and require that anyone selling them maintain a securities license and maintain good standing with all regulatory bodies. There are many to choose from and like mutual funds, their historical performance should be readily available.