Top 10 Performance Management Software Comparison
By Sheila Morgan | Published: Q3 2024 | Category: Performance Management Software
About Performance Management Software
Performance management software helps organizations track employee performance, set goals, provide feedback, and conduct reviews to drive engagement and productivity. These tools often integrate goal alignment, continuous feedback loops, and formal appraisal processes.
Scoring Criteria
- → Goal Management (OKR/SMART)
- → Continuous Feedback & Recognition
- → Performance Reviews & Appraisals
- → Reporting & Analytics
- → User Experience (UI/UX)
- → Integrations (HRIS/Comm Tools)
- → Pricing & Value
The Best Performance Management Software
#10
UKG Pro Performance (formerly UltiPro)
By UKG (Ultimate Kronos Group)
Performance management integrated within the UKG Pro HCM suite, focusing on reviews, goals, and development.
Platforms & Use Cases
Platforms: Web, iOS, Android
Best For: Performance Reviews, Goal Management, Competency Assessment, Development Planning, Succession Management
Key Features
- ✓Performance Reviews: Configurable reviews incorporating goals, competencies, and development plans.
- ✓Goal Management: Tools for setting, tracking, and aligning individual and organizational goals.
- ✓Competency Management: Define and assess core and job-specific competencies.
- ✓Career Development: Employees can map career paths and identify development needs.
- ✓Feedback: Mechanisms for gathering manager, self, and peer feedback.
Scorecard (Overall: 7.3 / 10.0)
Pricing
UKG Pro Suite
$-1.00 / Custom Quote (Subscription)
- Performance Management included or bundled
- Core HR, Payroll, Talent Acquisition, etc.
Pros
- + Part of a comprehensive 'people-first' HCM suite
- + Good integration between performance, talent, and core HR data
- + Strong reporting capabilities
- + Focus on employee development and career pathing
Cons
- - Performance features may be less cutting-edge than standalone PM tools
- - Primarily targets mid-market to enterprise clients
- - Complexity and cost can be high
- - Less emphasis on modern continuous feedback loops
Verdict
"UKG Pro Performance is a solid option for organizations using the UKG Pro HCM suite, offering well-integrated performance, goal, and development tools within a unified platform."
#9
SAP SuccessFactors (Performance & Goals)
By SAP
A module within the SAP SuccessFactors HXM Suite, providing robust goal management and performance appraisal capabilities for large organizations.
Platforms & Use Cases
Platforms: Web, iOS, Android
Best For: Goal Setting & Management (incl. SMART, Cascading), Performance Reviews & Forms, Continuous Performance Management (CPM), Calibration, 360 Reviews
Key Features
- ✓Goal Management: Comprehensive library, cascading goals, tracking, and alignment features.
- ✓Performance Reviews: Highly customizable review forms, workflows, and legal scan.
- ✓Continuous Performance Management (CPM): Tools for ongoing feedback, achievements, and coaching.
- ✓Calibration: Facilitates objective talent assessments and comparisons.
- ✓Mobile Access: Manage goals and performance activities via mobile app.
Scorecard (Overall: 7.6 / 10.0)
Pricing
SAP SuccessFactors HXM Suite
$-1.00 / Custom Quote (Subscription)
- Performance & Goals module
- Other optional modules: Core HR, Recruiting, Learning, etc.
Pros
- + Powerful and highly configurable goal management features
- + Robust and customizable performance review workflows
- + Strong integration with other SAP SuccessFactors modules
- + Mature solution used by many large global enterprises
Cons
- - Complex implementation and potentially steep learning curve
- - User interface often cited as less modern/intuitive
- - High cost, primarily targeting large enterprises
- - Continuous feedback features less prominent than dedicated tools
Verdict
"SAP SuccessFactors Performance & Goals is a robust, enterprise-grade solution ideal for large, complex organizations needing deep customization and integration within the broader SAP ecosystem."
#8
Workday HCM (Performance Management)
By Workday
Performance management capabilities integrated within the comprehensive Workday Human Capital Management suite.
Platforms & Use Cases
Platforms: Web, iOS, Android
Best For: Enterprise Performance Reviews, Goal Alignment, Talent Calibration, Succession Planning, Career Development Planning
Key Features
- ✓Performance Reviews: Configurable review processes linked to talent profiles.
- ✓Goal Management: Cascading goals and alignment across the organization.
- ✓Talent Calibration: Tools for evaluating talent consistently across departments.
- ✓Career & Development Planning: Integrated tools for employees to manage career aspirations and development goals.
- ✓Feedback: Anytime feedback capabilities tied to the employee profile.
Scorecard (Overall: 7.7 / 10.0)
Pricing
Workday HCM Suite
$-1.00 / Custom Quote (Subscription)
- Includes Performance, Core HR, Payroll, Talent, Recruiting, etc.
- Varies by modules selected
Pros
- + Fully unified with a comprehensive HCM suite
- + Powerful reporting and analytics capabilities
- + Strong talent management and succession planning integration
- + Highly configurable for large enterprises
Cons
- - Very expensive, suitable mainly for large enterprises
- - Can be complex to implement and manage
- - User experience perceived as less intuitive than newer platforms
- - Performance module less emphasized than core HR
Verdict
"Workday Performance Management is best suited for large enterprises already invested in the Workday ecosystem seeking a unified, data-rich approach to talent and performance."
#7
BambooHR Performance Management
By BambooHR
An add-on module within the popular BambooHR HRIS, offering integrated performance reviews, goals, and feedback.
Platforms & Use Cases
Platforms: Web, iOS, Android
Best For: Performance Reviews, Goal Setting & Tracking, Peer Feedback, Self & Manager Assessments
Key Features
- ✓Performance Reports: Assessments focused on what employees accomplished and how they did it.
- ✓Goal Tracking: Set, track, and align employee goals with company objectives.
- ✓Peer Feedback: Facilitates gathering feedback from colleagues.
- ✓Self & Manager Assessments: Structured assessments integrated into the review process.
- ✓HRIS Integration: Seamlessly integrated with BambooHR employee data.
Scorecard (Overall: 7.6 / 10.0)
Pricing
Essentials Plan
$-1.00 / Custom Quote (Base HRIS)
- Basic HRIS functions
Advantage Plan
$-1.00 / Custom Quote (Includes Performance Management)
- Essentials features
- Performance Reports
- Goals
- Employee Satisfaction (eNPS)
- Advanced Reporting
- Onboarding/Offboarding
Pros
- + Seamless integration for existing BambooHR users
- + Very user-friendly interface
- + Combines HRIS and performance data effectively
- + Good focus on core performance review workflows
Cons
- - Performance features are less comprehensive than standalone tools
- - Limited customisation options for reviews
- - Continuous feedback tools are basic
- - Requires purchase of the higher-tier Advantage plan
Verdict
"BambooHR Performance Management is an excellent choice for SMBs already using or planning to use BambooHR as their core HRIS, offering convenience and ease of use, though less feature-rich than dedicated platforms."
#6
PerformYard
By PerformYard
Flexible performance management software designed to accommodate various review processes and strategies.
Platforms & Use Cases
Platforms: Web
Best For: Custom Performance Reviews, Goal Management, Continuous Feedback, Performance Reporting
Key Features
- ✓Flexible Review Cycles: Supports annual reviews, 360s, project-based reviews, probation reviews, etc.
- ✓Goal Management: Set and track individual and company goals.
- ✓Continuous Feedback: Tools for ongoing feedback exchange between employees and managers.
- ✓Reporting: Track review progress, goal attainment, and feedback trends.
- ✓Customization: High degree of customization for review forms and processes.
Scorecard (Overall: 7.4 / 10.0)
Pricing
Professional
$5.00 / per user/month (approx, quote-based)
- Core Performance Management
- Goal Management
- Feedback
- Reporting
Limitations: Minimum annual contract value often applies
Enterprise
$10.00 / per user/month (approx, quote-based)
- All Professional features
- Advanced Reporting
- API Access
- Dedicated Support
Limitations: Minimum annual contract value often applies
Pros
- + Highly flexible and customizable review processes
- + Competitive pricing, especially for core features
- + Good customer support reported
- + Straightforward core functionality
Cons
- - User interface feels less modern than competitors
- - Advanced features might require higher tiers
- - Primarily web-based, limited mobile access noted by users
- - Reporting could be more visually advanced
Verdict
"PerformYard is a strong contender for organizations needing highly flexible and customizable performance review processes without the high cost or complexity of some larger platforms."
#5
Leapsome
By Leapsome
An integrated platform for performance management, employee engagement, and learning.
Platforms & Use Cases
Platforms: Web
Best For: Performance Reviews, Goal Management (OKRs), Instant Feedback & Praise, Engagement Surveys, 1:1 Meetings, Learning Management
Key Features
- ✓Reviews: Automated, customizable review cycles (360s, performance, leadership).
- ✓Goals & OKRs: Visual goal trees, progress tracking, and alignment features.
- ✓Instant Feedback & Praise: Real-time feedback exchange and public recognition wall.
- ✓Meetings: Structured 1:1s and team meeting agendas with action item tracking.
- ✓Surveys: Engagement, pulse, and onboarding/exit surveys with analytics.
- ✓Learning: Integrated learning paths and content management.
Scorecard (Overall: 8.1 / 10.0)
Pricing
Modular Pricing
$8.00 / per user/month (billed annually, starting price per module)
- Select desired modules (Reviews, Goals, Surveys, Learning, Meetings, Compensation)
- Core Platform Included
Limitations: Price increases per added module
Enterprise
$-1.00 / Custom Quote
- All modules
- Premium integrations
- Dedicated support
- Advanced customization
Pros
- + Highly intuitive and modern user interface
- + Flexible modular pricing allows choosing needed features
- + Strong integration between different HR functions (performance, learning, engagement)
- + Excellent feedback and meeting tools
Cons
- - Pricing can become expensive if multiple modules are needed
- - Platform is web-only (no dedicated mobile apps mentioned)
- - Relatively newer compared to some established players
Verdict
"Leapsome offers a sleek, integrated, and highly usable platform, particularly appealing for companies wanting a modern solution combining performance, engagement, and learning with flexible pricing."
#4
Betterworks
By Betterworks
Enterprise software focused on continuous performance management, emphasizing conversations, feedback, recognition, and OKR alignment.
Platforms & Use Cases
Platforms: Web, iOS, Android
Best For: Continuous Performance Management, OKR Implementation & Alignment, Manager-Employee Conversations, Calibration, Employee Recognition
Key Features
- ✓Conversations: Structured check-ins and anytime feedback to foster ongoing dialogue.
- ✓Goals & OKRs: Robust goal setting with advanced alignment and tracking capabilities, supporting CFRs (Conversations, Feedback, Recognition).
- ✓Feedback: Multi-directional feedback system (peer, manager, upward, self).
- ✓Recognition: Integrated tools for acknowledging employee contributions.
- ✓Calibration: Tools to ensure fairness and consistency in performance assessments.
Scorecard (Overall: 7.9 / 10.0)
Pricing
Team Edition (Performance)
$10.00 / per user/month (billed annually)
- Conversations
- Feedback
- Recognition
- Reviews
- Goals (Basic)
Enterprise Edition (Performance)
$-1.00 / Custom Quote
- All Team features
- Advanced Goals (OKRs)
- Calibration
- Advanced Analytics
- Integrations
Enterprise Edition (Engage)
$-1.00 / Custom Quote
- Engagement Surveys
- Manager Insights
- Action Planning
Pros
- + Strong focus on continuous conversations and feedback (CFR model)
- + Advanced OKR capabilities suitable for complex organizations
- + Good calibration features
- + Scalable for enterprise needs
Cons
- - Full feature set requires Enterprise/Custom pricing
- - User interface can feel less modern than some competitors
- - Can be complex to implement initially
Verdict
"Betterworks is a solid choice for larger organizations looking for a robust, enterprise-grade continuous performance management system with a strong emphasis on OKRs and structured conversations."
#3
Culture Amp
By Culture Amp
An employee experience platform with strong capabilities in performance management, employee engagement surveys, and analytics.
Platforms & Use Cases
Platforms: Web, iOS, Android
Best For: Employee Engagement Measurement, Performance Reviews, Goal Tracking, Skills Development, Pulse Surveys
Key Features
- ✓Performance Reviews & Check-ins: Flexible review cycles, self-reflections, manager summaries, and calibration.
- ✓Goal Setting: Individual and team goal tracking with alignment features.
- ✓Continuous Feedback: Tools for requesting, giving, and organizing feedback.
- ✓Skills Coach: Micro-learning resources integrated into the platform for manager and employee development.
- ✓Engagement Surveys & Analytics: Industry-leading survey methodology and powerful analytics with benchmarks.
Scorecard (Overall: 7.7 / 10.0)
Pricing
Self-starter (Engage)
Contact Vendor
- Basic Engagement Survey
Standard (Engage)
$-1.00 / Custom Quote
- Full Engagement Suite
- Benchmarks
Standard (Perform)
$-1.00 / Custom Quote
- Performance Reviews
- Goals
- Feedback
- 1:1s
Standard (Develop)
$-1.00 / Custom Quote
- Skills Coach
- Development Plans
Enterprise
$-1.00 / Custom Quote
- All modules
- Advanced Analytics
- Premium Support
Pros
- + Best-in-class engagement survey tools and analytics
- + Strong scientific backing for methodologies
- + Good integration of performance and engagement data
- + Helpful skills development resources
Cons
- - Primarily quote-based pricing lacks transparency
- - Performance features might be less comprehensive than dedicated PM tools
- - Can be more expensive, especially for smaller companies
Verdict
"Culture Amp is a powerhouse for organizations prioritizing data-driven insights from employee engagement and linking them to performance, particularly strong for larger companies."
#2
15Five
By 15Five
Software combining performance management, engagement, and manager effectiveness tools, known for its weekly check-in feature.
Platforms & Use Cases
Platforms: Web, iOS, Android
Best For: Weekly Check-ins, Performance Reviews, Goal Setting (OKRs), Employee Recognition, Manager Training
Key Features
- ✓Weekly Check-ins: Signature feature for regular pulse checks and feedback between employees and managers.
- ✓Best-Self Review®: Holistic performance reviews incorporating self-assessment, manager feedback, and peer input.
- ✓Objectives (OKRs): Tools for setting and tracking Objectives and Key Results across the organization.
- ✓High Fives & Recognition: Public recognition feature integrated into workflows.
- ✓Engagement Surveys: Measure employee sentiment and identify areas for improvement.
Scorecard (Overall: 7.9 / 10.0)
Pricing
Engage
$4.00 / per user/month (billed annually)
- Engagement Surveys
- People Insights
Perform
$10.00 / per user/month (billed annually)
- Check-ins
- 1-on-1s
- Reviews
- Feedback
- Competencies
Focus
$10.00 / per user/month (billed annually)
- Goal Setting & Tracking (OKRs)
Total Platform
$16.00 / per user/month (billed annually)
- All features from Engage, Perform, Focus
- Career Hub
- Manager Training
Pros
- + Strong emphasis on continuous feedback and check-ins
- + Good tools for manager development
- + Integrated engagement features
- + Positive psychology approach
Cons
- - Can feel slightly prescriptive for some organizations
- - Pricing model requires bundling for full performance suite
- - Reporting features less robust than some competitors
Verdict
"15Five is ideal for organizations seeking to build a culture of continuous feedback and manager effectiveness, particularly those drawn to its structured check-in process."
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#1
Lattice
By Lattice
A people success platform focusing on performance management, employee engagement, and career development.
Platforms & Use Cases
Platforms: Web, iOS, Android
Best For: Continuous Performance Management, Goal Setting (OKRs), Employee Engagement Surveys, Career Development Tracks
Key Features
- ✓Performance Reviews: Customizable review cycles, 360-degree feedback, calibration tools.
- ✓Goals & OKRs: Track individual, team, and company goals with clear alignment visibility.
- ✓1:1 Meetings: Integrated agenda building, action items, and historical tracking for manager-employee check-ins.
- ✓Feedback & Praise: Tools for real-time public and private feedback and recognition.
- ✓Engagement Surveys: Pulse surveys and deeper engagement diagnostics.
Scorecard (Overall: 8.4 / 10.0)
Pricing
Performance Management + OKRs & Goals
$8.00 / per user/month (billed annually)
- Reviews
- Goals
- 1:1s
- Feedback
- Updates
- Analytics
Engagement
$4.00 / per user/month (billed annually)
- Engagement Surveys
- Pulse
- eNPS
Grow
$4.00 / per user/month (billed annually)
- Career Tracks
- Competency Matrices
Compensation
$6.00 / per user/month (billed annually)
- Compensation Review Cycles
- Benchmarking Integrations
Pros
- + Excellent user interface
- + Strong focus on continuous performance
- + Comprehensive feature set covering engagement and growth
- + Good integration capabilities
Cons
- - Pricing can add up with multiple modules
- - Reporting could be more customizable for some users
Verdict
"Lattice excels with its user-friendly design and holistic approach to performance, engagement, and growth, making it a top choice for mid-market companies prioritizing employee development."
Final Thoughts
The performance management software landscape offers diverse solutions, from dedicated platforms excelling in continuous feedback and goal alignment (like Lattice, 15Five, Leapsome) to modules integrated within comprehensive HCM suites (like Workday, SAP SuccessFactors, UKG Pro). Key differentiators include user experience, focus on continuous vs. traditional processes, integration capabilities, analytical depth, and pricing models. Newer platforms often prioritize UI/UX and continuous feedback, while established HCM players offer robust integration and enterprise-level configurability.