In 2026, AI is automating more of performance management, from drafting reviews and summarising feedback to identifying engagement risks. But automation alone cannot improve how managers lead. Gartner’s research highlights this distinction: performance management processes can be automated, but managing performance remains a human responsibility (Gartner).
That makes manager capability a key priority for HR teams. In a Paylocity survey of HR leaders for 2026, two-thirds ranked manager capability among their top five priorities. At the same time, HR teams must decide whether to consolidate their people processes on one platform or retain separate systems for greater flexibility.
This is where 15Five and Leapsome differ. 15Five is better suited to teams focused on improving manager effectiveness, while Leapsome is a stronger fit for HR teams looking to bring performance, engagement and HR data together. 15Five offers three published plans, while Leapsome sells individual modules alongside a required human resources information system (HRIS).
This guide compares both platforms across 87 capabilities, pricing and G2 reviews. It also explores where ThriveSparrow fits as an alternative.
What Is 15Five?
15Five is a continuous performance management platform that helps managers lead through weekly check-ins, one-on-ones, performance reviews and coaching. It is not an HRIS, so it connects to the HR system you already use.
15Five key features
- Performance reviews: 15Five’s Best-Self Review® supports self, peer, manager and upward reviews. It includes calibration sessions and a 9-box Talent Matrix, which plots employees by performance and potential.
- AI-assisted reviews: Spark AI can help managers draft review content.
- Engagement surveys: Surveys include benchmarks, heatmaps and action plans. Invitations go out by email, SMS or Slack, and kiosk mode supports shared devices.
- Check-ins and one-on-ones: Weekly check-ins and a dedicated one-on-one module keep managers and employees in regular contact.
- Manager development: AI coaching, human coaching and manager training are sold as add-ons.
15Five pricing
15Five publishes three plans, billed annually. These prices are from 15Five’s pricing page, checked 14 October 2026.
AI coaching, human coaching, manager training and compensation tools cost extra. Confirm add-on prices directly with 15Five.
15Five pros and cons
15Five G2 reviews
15Five holds a 4.6 out of 5 rating from 1,857 reviews on G2, and 56.6% of those reviews come from mid-market companies (G2 comparison page, checked 14 October 2026). G2’s review summary says users value 15Five’s straightforward approach, quick implementation, and continuous feedback and recognition features.
Who 15Five is built for
15Five is built for mid-market companies whose biggest people challenge is inconsistent management. It suits HR teams that want managers to run regular check-ins, one-on-ones and calibrated reviews while keeping their existing HRIS.
What Is Leapsome?
Leapsome is a modular people platform that connects HR data with performance reviews, engagement surveys, goals and learning. Every module runs on Leapsome’s required HRIS foundation, so all processes use the same employee record. For a deeper look, read our Leapsome review.
Leapsome key features
- HRIS foundation: It covers employee profiles, absences, documents and payroll preparation. Advanced workflows, analytics, e-signatures, AI and integrations require the Pro tier (Leapsome pricing).
- Performance reviews: Reviews include automation, calibration and external reviewers.
- Goals and objectives and key results (OKRs): A goal tree links company, team and individual objectives.
- Engagement surveys: Surveys include a question library, post-survey action plans and support for 38 languages.
- Feedback, meetings and learning: Instant feedback and one-on-one meetings come with the foundation. Learning is a separate module.
Leapsome pricing
Leapsome publishes list prices per employee per month in euros, and its page also shows US dollars and British pounds. These prices were checked on 14 October 2026.
Leapsome says there is no setup fee. Multi-module discounts appear only in a custom quote.
Leapsome pros and cons
Leapsome G2 reviews
Leapsome holds a 4.8 out of 5 rating from 2,289 reviews on G2, and 65.6% of those reviews come from mid-market companies (G2 comparison page, checked 14 October 2026). G2’s review summary says users value Leapsome’s intuitive interface, responsive support, and strength in goal tracking and performance reviews.
Who Leapsome is built for
Leapsome is built for mid-market HR teams that want to consolidate their HRIS and talent processes in one platform. It suits companies that run formal OKRs, survey multilingual workforces, or plan to replace an existing HR system.
15Five vs Leapsome: Head-to-Head Comparison
Leapsome leads on more capabilities, but most capabilities are tied. Leapsome’s advantages are in survey depth, goal alignment and feedback, while 15Five’s are in recognition, review calibration and frontline survey delivery.
How we compared 15Five and Leapsome
We checked each vendor’s official pricing pages and help documentation on 14 October 2026. Ratings come from G2’s comparison page, and the remaining classifications come from ThriveSparrow’s internal competitive research. We scored both platforms on 87 capabilities across seven modules.
Rating labels:
- Included: Available out of the box in the relevant plan or module.
- Limited: Available with a restriction or partial scope.
- Not available: Our research found the capability isn’t offered.
- Not verified: We couldn’t confirm it either way, which doesn’t mean the feature is missing.
- Not assessed: The capability appeared in only one of our research sheets.
Scoring rule: A platform leads on a capability when its rating is higher on this scale: Included, then Limited, then Not available or Not verified. Equal ratings count as tied. Not assessed rows, and rows where both platforms are Not verified, aren’t scored. Linked ratings in the tables are verified against official documentation.
Scorecard
The count measures documented capabilities, not overall product quality. Choose based on the modules that matter most to your team.
Engagement surveys
Leapsome leads on engagement surveys, with 8 leads to 15Five’s 1 and 12 capabilities tied. 15Five’s one lead is SMS delivery, which helps reach frontline employees.
Performance reviews and 360-degree feedback
15Five and Leapsome are close on performance reviews. Leapsome leads on 3 capabilities, 15Five leads on 2, and 12 are tied. Leapsome adds external reviewers, while 15Five adds score weighting and a built-in 9-box grid.
In 15Five, calibration sessions must be configured before a review cycle launches. For a step-by-step process, see our guide to performance review calibration.
Goals and OKRs
Leapsome leads on goals and OKRs, with 4 leads, no 15Five leads and 6 capabilities tied. Leapsome’s goal tree supports cascading goals from company to team to individual.
One-on-ones
Leapsome leads on one-on-ones, with 2 leads and 5 capabilities tied. Leapsome adds full calendar integration and separate shared and private notes.
Feedback
Leapsome leads on feedback, with 3 leads and 3 capabilities tied. The main difference is anonymous feedback: Leapsome includes it, while 15Five offers anonymous follow-up comments on engagement areas only. Teams that need a broader anonymous channel can compare dedicated anonymous feedback tools.
Recognition
15Five leads on recognition, with 3 leads and 9 capabilities tied. 15Five adds leaderboards and recognition inside Slack and Microsoft Teams. Neither platform includes reward points, a rewards catalog or budget controls.
Platform, security and AI
15Five leads on platform capabilities, with 3 leads to Leapsome’s 2 and 9 tied. 15Five adds a native mobile app, an executive dashboard and wider customer success manager (CSM) coverage. Leapsome adds an open application programming interface (API) and a conversational AI assistant.
15Five vs Leapsome Pricing Compared
For 200 employees, 15Five’s Total Platform costs $38,400 a year, while a comparable Leapsome setup costs €36,000 to €52,800 a year, depending on when you buy. The example below covers performance reviews, goals and engagement surveys at list prices with annual billing.
These packages aren’t directly comparable, for four reasons:
- 15Five prices are in US dollars, and Leapsome’s are in euros.
- Leapsome’s total includes an HRIS foundation, while 15Five’s doesn’t.
- The figures exclude 15Five’s add-ons, Leapsome’s quote discounts and taxes.
- Leapsome doesn’t state whether the free foundation offer continues at renewal.
Request quotes from both vendors for the same requirements, and compare year-one and year-two costs.
Another Option to Evaluate: ThriveSparrow
ThriveSparrow is an AI-Native Employee Experience Platform that combines engagement, recognition, performance reviews, goals, one-on-ones and feedback, without an HRIS. It is most relevant for teams that want recognition with redeemable rewards or deskless survey access.
ThriveSparrow lists its Full Platform pricing at just $9 per employee per month, billed annually, against a displayed regular price of $13. Individual modules start at $2 per employee per month for Kudos, and the One-on-Ones and Feedback modules are free. A 14-day free trial is available.
15Five vs Leapsome vs ThriveSparrow: Where Each Platform Leads
This table covers only the areas where ThriveSparrow differs from both platforms. The head-to-head comparison above covers the rest.
ThriveSparrow’s competitive advantage is recognition that employees can redeem, combined with engagement, performance and goals in one platform. Its published Full Platform price is also lower than 15Five’s Total Platform list price, and it works alongside your existing HRIS.
What ThriveSparrow customers say
John Elijah Roa, HR Strategic Lead, Alpha Aviation Group (read the Alpha Aviation Group story)
Try ThriveSparrow alongside your shortlist: set up one recognition program and one pulse survey with a real team during the 14-day free trial.
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Which Should You Choose: 15Five, Leapsome or ThriveSparrow?
Choose 15Five if your 2026 priority is manager capability and you plan to keep your current HRIS. Choose Leapsome if you’re consolidating HR systems and running formal OKRs. Consider ThriveSparrow if recognition with redeemable rewards and connected talent modules matter more than an HRIS.
Whichever platform you shortlist, compare quotes for the same modules and check year-two pricing before you sign. For a wider view of the market, see our guide to the best performance management software.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. Which is better if we already have an HRIS?
15Five is usually the simpler fit, because it integrates with your existing HRIS rather than replacing it. Leapsome requires its HRIS foundation on every plan, so you would run two systems of record unless you consolidate.
2. Can you buy a single Leapsome module without the HRIS?
No. Leapsome says every module reads from the employee record, so the HRIS foundation is always part of the plan. It’s included free if you purchase by 31 December, so ask how it’s priced at renewal.
3. Does 15Five have anonymous feedback?
Partly. 15Five keeps engagement survey responses confidential and can ask employee groups for anonymous follow-up comments on specific engagement areas. ThriveSparrow couldn’t verify an always-on anonymous feedback channel outside surveys.
4. What are the best alternatives to 15Five and Leapsome?
Common alternatives include Lattice, Culture Amp and ThriveSparrow. For detailed shortlists, see our guides to 15Five alternatives and Leapsome alternatives, or compare Lattice vs 15Five.
5. Do 15Five and Leapsome both have SOC 2?
Both list SOC 2, and Leapsome also lists ISO 27001 on its pricing page. Ask each vendor for its current report and confirm the scope covers the modules you plan to buy.
6. Do 15Five or Leapsome offer employee rewards?
Our research found neither offers reward points or a rewards catalog. Both support peer recognition tied to company values. If redeemable rewards matter, confirm with each vendor or evaluate a platform with a built-in rewards marketplace.
