When it comes to managing team performance, 15Five has established itself as a leading solution for tracking goals, gathering feedback, and conducting performance reviews. Its intuitive platform helps teams stay aligned, set objectives, and foster continuous growth. But while 15Five is popular, it’s not the only option out there. Many teams are looking for alternatives that might be more affordable, simpler to implement, or better suited to their unique needs.

Why consider an alternative? For some teams, 15Five’s costs can add up quickly, especially with its subscription-only model. Others find that 15Five’s extensive features, while powerful, require dedicated HR support to manage effectively. And for smaller teams or those without a full HR department, a more streamlined, team-focused tool might be a better fit.

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In this guide, we’ll explore some of the best alternatives to 15Five. We’ll explore the strengths and limitations of each option, focusing on what makes them unique and the types of teams they serve best. By the end, you’ll have a clear view of options that could support your team’s performance and development needs.

What is 15Five?

15Five is a performance management solution that helps teams stay on track with goals, promote regular feedback, and conduct performance reviews in an organized way. It’s widely used by companies that value employee engagement and structured performance development. Designed to make communication easier and goal alignment more transparent, 15Five’s tools are geared toward fostering a culture of growth and accountability.

Key Features of 15Five

15Five’s main features are focused on making performance tracking and feedback easy to integrate into a team’s routine. Here’s a quick overview:

• Weekly Check-Ins: Employees complete short weekly reports to share updates, reflect on their work, and highlight any roadblocks. This keeps managers in the loop without the need for constant meetings.
• Objective and Key Results (OKR) Tracking: Teams can set and track goals in alignment with company objectives, ensuring that everyone is moving in the same direction.
• One-on-One Meeting Tools: 15Five provides structured tools for managers to conduct meaningful one-on-one meetings with employees, helping to address concerns and discuss career growth.
• Performance Reviews and Reporting: Managers and HR professionals can conduct reviews and generate reports, making it easier to spot trends, understand team needs, and celebrate progress.

Pros of 15Five

• User-Friendly Experience: Its simple, accessible platform makes performance management and feedback straightforward.
• All-in-One Performance Management: 15Five offers a complete suite of tools, covering everything from feedback to goal setting and reviews.
• Employee Engagement Focus: Regular check-ins and feedback loops foster a culture of growth and accountability.

Cons of 15Five

• High Cost: 15Five’s pricing can add up quickly, particularly for larger teams that require more seats.
• Subscription Requirement: The ongoing subscription model makes it a continuous expense, with no option for a one-time purchase.
• Complex Setup: Due to its wide range of features, 15Five can be complex to set up and manage without dedicated HR support, which can be challenging for smaller teams.

15Five offers valuable tools for performance management, but not every team will find it the perfect fit. Now, let’s take a look at some of the top alternatives to 15Five that cater to a range of team needs and preferences.

Top 15Five Alternatives

Let’s explore some of the best alternatives to 15Five, highlighting each option’s unique strengths and any potential drawbacks.

Alternative #1: Lattice

Lattice is a performance management platform with a wide range of customizable features, making it one of the more versatile alternatives to 15Five. Known for its user-friendly interface and adaptability, Lattice is ideal for organizations that want a comprehensive solution for performance tracking, goal setting, and employee engagement. Its flexibility allows teams to tailor the platform to match their unique workflows, making it a popular choice for mid-to-large-sized companies.

Key Features of Lattice

• Customizable Feedback and Goal Setting: Lattice provides flexibility in setting up performance reviews, feedback cycles, and OKRs (Objectives and Key Results) that can align with a team’s or organization’s specific goals.
• Performance Reviews and Reporting: Lattice allows managers and HR professionals to conduct in-depth performance reviews and generate insightful reports, helping leadership track trends and make informed decisions.
• Engagement and Pulse Surveys: Lattice includes tools for tracking employee engagement, such as pulse surveys and engagement surveys, which help managers gauge team morale and identify potential issues before they escalate.
• Integration with Communication Tools: Lattice integrates seamlessly with platforms like Slack and Microsoft Teams, making it easy for team members to stay updated on goals, feedback, and check-ins.

Lattice is best for…

Lattice is best suited for mid-to-large-sized organizations with dedicated HR teams that need a flexible, all-in-one platform for performance management. It works well for:

• Companies that want a fully customizable performance and goal-tracking system.
• Teams that value employee engagement insights alongside performance reviews.
• Organizations that have the resources to manage and support a comprehensive HR platform.

Pros of Lattice

• Highly Customizable: Lattice can adapt to various performance management needs, whether a company has a structured or flexible approach.
• Data-Driven Insights: Its robust reporting tools provide valuable data for decision-making, helping organizations address performance trends and engagement patterns.
• Engagement Tools: Lattice’s pulse surveys and engagement tracking make it easy to gauge employee satisfaction and preemptively address morale issues.

Cons of Lattice

• Higher Cost: As a premium tool, Lattice’s pricing can be high, especially for large teams or organizations with many users.
• Complex Setup and Management: Lattice’s flexibility can also mean complexity. It may require significant setup time and ongoing management, making it most effective when handled by HR professionals.

The bottom line: Lattice is a strong alternative to 15Five for organizations that need a comprehensive, customizable platform for performance management. It’s particularly valuable for teams with dedicated HR resources who want data-driven insights into performance and engagement. While Lattice’s cost and complexity may be challenging for smaller teams, its range of features can be invaluable for larger organizations seeking a robust solution.

Alternative #2: 7Geese (Paycor Talent Development)

7Geese (now Paycor Talent Development) is a performance management platform that emphasizes goal setting, feedback, and continuous performance tracking, with a focus on Objectives and Key Results (OKRs). Unlike traditional review-based systems, 7Geese integrates real-time feedback and progress tracking, helping employees stay aligned with company goals and take ownership of their personal and team objectives. Its OKR-focused approach makes it an excellent choice for teams that want clear goal alignment alongside continuous feedback.

Key Features of 7Geese

• OKR-Based Goal Setting: 7Geese centers on OKRs, allowing teams to set, track, and align their goals with larger company objectives, providing clarity on priorities.
• Continuous Feedback: The platform facilitates real-time feedback exchanges, helping employees receive timely guidance and recognition from peers and managers.
• One-on-One Meeting Tools: Like 15Five, 7Geese includes tools for structured one-on-one meetings, making it easy for managers to stay connected with their team members’ progress and challenges.
• Integration with Slack: 7Geese integrates with Slack, making it accessible within the flow of daily communication and helping employees stay up-to-date on their goals and feedback.

7Geese is Best For…

7Geese is ideal for teams that prioritize structured goal alignment and real-time feedback. It’s particularly well-suited for:

• Organizations that implement OKRs and want a streamlined tool for setting and tracking these goals.
• Teams that value continuous feedback and recognition as part of their performance management.
• Companies with collaborative, fast-paced environments where real-time updates are essential.

Pros of 7Geese

• Focus on Goal Alignment: With its OKR-based framework, 7Geese helps employees and teams stay aligned with high-level company goals.
• Enhanced Feedback Culture: The continuous feedback feature promotes a culture of openness and immediate recognition.
• Accessible in Real-Time: Integration with Slack keeps performance tracking visible within daily team communication, fostering a sense of accountability.

Cons of 7Geese

• Limited Team-Focused Features: 7Geese is more focused on individual and team goals rather than directly addressing team dynamics or collaboration patterns.
• Learning Curve: While powerful, 7Geese can take time to learn and adapt to, especially for teams new to the OKR methodology.
• Subscription-Based Cost: Like many performance tools, 7Geese operates on a subscription model, which may not be ideal for smaller teams on a tight budget.

The bottom line: 7Geese is an excellent option for organizations that value OKRs and want to integrate goal-setting with real-time feedback. It’s best for teams that need structure around goals and enjoy a feedback-rich environment. However, its subscription cost and learning curve may make it challenging for smaller teams or those without a dedicated HR presence.

Alternative #3: TeamDynamics

TeamDynamics is a personality-based assessment tool specifically designed to improve team collaboration. Unlike traditional performance management tools, which focus on individual progress, TeamDynamics prioritizes understanding team dynamics and identifying how individual preferences align with overall team behaviors. This team-focused approach allows leaders to address potential friction points and optimize collaboration without needing extensive HR involvement.

Key Features of TeamDynamics

• Behavioral Assessment: Provides insight into team behaviors across dimensions like communication, decision-making, and information processing, helping team members understand how their personal work styles fit into the broader team dynamic.
• Alignment Insights: Highlights how well individual preferences align with team norms, allowing leaders to proactively address misalignments and foster smoother interactions.
• Actionable Guidance: Offers leaders practical recommendations for coaching team members based on their fit with team behaviors, which can be used immediately to improve productivity and collaboration.

TeamDynamics is Best For…

TeamDynamics is an ideal fit for teams that want to focus on collaboration and cohesion rather than traditional performance metrics. It’s particularly beneficial for:

• Teams without dedicated HR resources, as it’s designed to be managed by team leaders rather than HR professionals or external coaches.
• Organizations seeking immediate, practical insights to enhance teamwork.
• Leaders who prioritize team alignment over individual performance reviews.

Pros of TeamDynamics

• Cost-Effective: TeamDynamics offers a budget-friendly solution with no ongoing subscription, making it accessible to a wide range of teams.
• Focus on Teamwork: Unlike individual-focused performance tools, TeamDynamics helps teams understand and improve their collective ways of working.
• Simple Implementation: Can be easily implemented by team leaders, with no need for complex setup or external coaching.

Cons of TeamDynamics

• Limited to Team Dynamics: TeamDynamics does not offer traditional performance management features like OKRs, performance reviews, or individual goal-setting.

The bottom line: TeamDynamics stands out as a powerful option for teams that want to deepen their understanding of team behaviors and improve collaboration without heavy HR involvement or high costs. Its focus on actionable insights helps teams work better together right from the start.

Alternative #4: Culture Amp

Culture Amp is an employee engagement and performance management platform that combines insights on performance with a strong focus on workplace culture. By integrating engagement surveys, feedback tools, and performance reviews, Culture Amp helps companies gain a deeper understanding of how employees feel about their work environment and how this impacts performance. With its data-driven approach, Culture Amp is ideal for companies that want to improve both individual performance and overall company culture.

Key Features of Culture Amp

• Engagement Surveys: Culture Amp provides a suite of engagement tools, including customizable pulse and engagement surveys, to measure employee sentiment on a wide range of workplace factors.
• Performance Reviews: The platform offers structured performance review tools, enabling managers to evaluate employee performance and track progress over time.
• 360-Degree Feedback: Employees can receive comprehensive feedback from managers, peers, and direct reports, providing a holistic view of strengths and areas for improvement.
• Culture-Driven Insights: Culture Amp’s analytics help HR teams and leaders identify trends in employee engagement and pinpoint cultural issues that may impact performance.

Culture Amp is Best For…

• Culture Amp is best suited for companies that prioritize workplace culture and employee engagement as part of their performance management strategy. It’s ideal for:
• Organizations aiming to create a positive, supportive work environment and gather actionable insights into employee sentiment.
• Companies that value data-rich insights to support strategic decision-making around engagement and culture.
• HR-led teams with the capacity to manage and act on engagement data.

Pros of Culture Amp

• In-Depth Cultural Analysis: Culture Amp goes beyond performance tracking by analyzing employee engagement and sentiment, providing valuable cultural insights.
• Data-Driven: Offers powerful data analytics that can help organizations identify trends and make informed decisions about engagement and retention strategies.
• 360 Feedback Capability: Allows for comprehensive evaluations, helping employees see how others perceive their work and identify improvement areas.

Cons of Culture Amp

• High Cost: Culture Amp’s pricing can be steep, making it less accessible to smaller organizations or those with limited budgets.
• Focus on Engagement Over Direct Teamwork: While it provides cultural insights, Culture Amp is not specifically designed for improving direct team dynamics or collaboration patterns.
• Complexity in Setup and Management: The platform may require dedicated HR support to manage, interpret data, and implement changes based on insights.

The bottom line: Culture Amp is an excellent option for organizations that place a high value on workplace culture and want to use engagement insights to drive performance improvements. Its rich analytics and focus on culture make it a powerful tool for larger organizations with dedicated HR teams. However, smaller teams may find the cost and complexity prohibitive, especially if they’re primarily seeking a straightforward, team-focused solution.

Alternative #5: BetterUp

BetterUp is a unique platform that focuses on personal development through one-on-one coaching. It emphasizes personal growth, resilience, and skill-building, offering personalized coaching sessions to help employees develop both professionally and personally. While not a traditional performance management tool, BetterUp is an excellent choice for organizations that prioritize individual well-being and growth, aiming to create a more engaged and fulfilled workforce.

Key Features of BetterUp

• One-on-One Coaching: BetterUp’s core offering is personalized coaching, where employees are paired with certified coaches who provide ongoing support and guidance tailored to individual goals and challenges.
• Assessments and Progress Tracking: The platform includes assessments that help employees understand their strengths, development areas, and growth over time.
• Skill Development: BetterUp offers specialized coaching for various skills, such as leadership, emotional intelligence, and stress management, which contribute to overall performance.
• Mental Health and Well-Being Support: BetterUp also provides resources for mental health and resilience, helping employees manage stress and improve well-being.

BetterUp is Best For…

BetterUp is ideal for companies that want to invest in personal and professional development at the individual level. It’s particularly well-suited for:

• Organizations focused on enhancing employee well-being and resilience.
• Companies that prioritize individualized growth, especially in roles requiring high levels of emotional intelligence and leadership.
• Teams with the budget to provide personalized coaching and support.

Pros of BetterUp

• Personalized Development: BetterUp offers a custom coaching experience, helping employees work on targeted personal and professional growth areas.
• Employee Engagement and Retention: By investing in employees’ well-being and development, BetterUp can improve engagement and retention rates.
• Skill-Specific Coaching: Employees can focus on specific areas, from leadership skills to mental health, which can have a positive impact on overall team morale and productivity.

Cons of BetterUp

• High Cost: As a premium platform with one-on-one coaching, BetterUp’s costs can be substantial, especially for larger teams.
• Dependency on External Coaches: Because the platform relies on certified coaches, it may require more hands-on involvement from HR to coordinate and ensure alignment with company goals.
• Not a Traditional Performance Management Tool: BetterUp is more focused on personal growth than on goal-setting, team alignment, or performance reviews, making it a less direct fit for traditional performance tracking needs.

The bottom line: BetterUp is a compelling option for organizations that want to support employees with personal growth and well-being. Its one-on-one coaching model offers a level of personalized development that is hard to find in traditional performance management tools. However, its high costs and specialized focus make it best suited for companies with the budget to prioritize individual development and well-being over team-focused performance metrics.

Comparing the Top 5 15Five Alternatives

To help you quickly assess the strengths of each tool, here’s a side-by-side comparison of 15Five and the five alternatives discussed.

Conclusion

Choosing the right performance management tool for your team can have a significant impact on productivity, engagement, and alignment. While 15Five provides a powerful all-in-one platform, the alternatives above each offer unique strengths tailored to different team needs and budgets.

• For teams focused on enhancing collaboration and cohesion without an extensive HR setup, TeamDynamics offers an affordable, immediately impactful solution.
• For companies with dedicated HR support and a need for highly customizable tools, Lattice and Culture Amp provide in-depth options for tracking performance and culture.
• For organizations invested in individual growth and resilience, BetterUp’s coaching model offers a personalized approach to employee development.
• And for teams prioritizing goal alignment and real-time feedback, 7Geese is an excellent choice for OKR-driven performance tracking.

Each of these tools can help you build a stronger, more engaged team. Evaluate the specific needs of your organization, and choose the option that best aligns with your goals. Whether you prioritize affordability, ease of implementation, or deep customization, there’s a solution here that can support your team’s journey toward greater performance and cohesion.