Moving beyond outdated annual appraisals is crucial for modern workforce management. Today's employee performance review software transforms feedback from a yearly chore into a continuous, data-driven conversation that fuels growth, engagement, and retention. The goal is no longer just to evaluate past performance but to actively develop talent for the future. Adopting these tools is a key step in the broader digital transformation in HR, as companies shift toward more agile and people-centric processes.
However, with hundreds of options available, choosing the right solution can feel overwhelming. Do you need a dedicated platform like Lattice or 15Five, or is an all-in-one HRIS add-on from BambooHR or SAP SuccessFactors a better fit? The answer depends entirely on your company's size, culture, and strategic goals. For instance, a fast-growing startup has different needs than a large, established enterprise.
This guide simplifies that decision-making process. We've analyzed the top 12 platforms and resources to help you find the best employee performance review software for your specific needs. You won't find generic marketing copy here. Instead, we provide a clear, practical breakdown of each option, focusing on:
- Standout Features: What makes each tool unique?
- Ideal Use Cases: Who is this software built for (e.g., remote teams, SMBs, sales)?
- Practical Limitations: What are the potential downsides or tradeoffs?
Each review includes screenshots and direct links, giving you everything needed to compare solutions and select the right platform to build a more effective and engaging performance management cycle.
1. Lattice
Lattice is a comprehensive performance management platform that excels at connecting performance reviews, goals, and continuous employee development into a single, cohesive system. It’s designed for companies that want to move beyond the traditional annual review and build a culture of ongoing feedback and growth. The platform empowers managers with robust tools and templates, making it easier to run effective 1:1s, track progress on OKRs, and conduct fair and insightful review cycles.
What makes Lattice a leading choice in employee performance review software is its focus on manager enablement and data-driven insights. It provides clear workflows for calibrations, succession planning, and talent reviews, ensuring the process is both transparent and equitable. The recent addition of AI-assisted review summaries helps managers synthesize feedback more efficiently, saving significant time.
Key Details & Features
| Feature | Description |
|---|---|
| Best For | SMBs and mid-enterprise companies looking for a mature, all-in-one performance suite. |
| Standout Features | Performance reviews with calibrations, continuous feedback tools, integrated Goals/OKRs, AI-assisted insights, manager-specific dashboards and templates. |
| Integrations | Connects with major HRIS (like Workday, BambooHR), communication tools (Slack, Microsoft Teams), and project management software (Jira, Asana). |
| Pricing | Begins at 11 per person per month for the Performance Management + OKRs & Goals bundle. Modules can be purchased separately, but annual billing and a minimum spend of 4,000 per year are required. |
Pros:
- A mature, user-friendly product with deep manager tools and extensive templates.
- Excellent implementation support and a wealth of help resources.
- Flexibility to purchase standalone modules for Performance or OKRs.
Cons:
- Requires annual billing only, which can be a barrier for smaller companies.
- Pricing can become complex when bundling multiple product modules.
Website: https://lattice.com/performance
2. 15Five
15Five is a people and performance platform built around the principles of positive psychology, designed to improve manager effectiveness and employee engagement. It combines weekly check-ins, performance reviews, 360° feedback, and OKR tracking into a holistic solution that encourages continuous development. The platform is known for its focus on manager-employee relationships and providing tools that facilitate meaningful conversations.
What makes 15Five a strong contender in employee performance review software is its emphasis on actionable insights and manager enablement. The platform provides robust analytics that connect engagement data with performance metrics, giving HR leaders a clear view of organizational health. Its focus on structured feedback is particularly beneficial for organizations aiming to manage remote teams effectively by ensuring consistent communication and alignment, regardless of location.
Key Details & Features
| Feature | Description |
|---|---|
| Best For | SMBs and mid-market companies focused on building a culture of continuous feedback and manager effectiveness. |
| Standout Features | Weekly check-ins, integrated 360° feedback and performance reviews, OKR tracking, engagement surveys with HR outcomes dashboard, add-on manager coaching and training. |
| Integrations | Integrates with key HRIS (like BambooHR, Workday), communication tools (Slack, Microsoft Teams), and calendar systems (Google Calendar, Outlook). |
| Pricing | Plans start at 4 per person per month for the Engage module. The Perform module, which includes reviews and OKRs, starts at 10 per person per month. Annual billing is required. |
Pros:
- Transparent, public pricing with modular plans that allow you to buy only what you need.
- Robust analytics connecting engagement, performance, and turnover metrics.
- Unique add-on options for manager coaching and training to develop leadership skills.
Cons:
- Requires annual billing, which may be a hurdle for smaller businesses with fluctuating cash flow.
- Some advanced features, like the AI coaching assistant (Kona), are priced as separate add-ons.
Website: https://www.15five.com/pricing
3. Culture Amp (Perform)
Culture Amp is a powerful employee experience platform known for its deep analytics, and its "Perform" module is a standout solution for companies that want to connect performance management directly to employee engagement. It excels at helping organizations build a high-performance culture by combining science-backed templates with robust tools for reviews, goals, 1:1s, and feedback, all while ensuring the process is fair and developmental.
What makes Culture Amp a top-tier employee performance review software is its emphasis on fairness and data-informed decision-making. The platform's templates are designed by organizational psychologists to reduce unconscious bias, and its powerful people analytics allow HR leaders to slice performance data by demographics to identify and address inequities. This unique integration of performance and engagement makes it a strategic tool for building an equitable workplace.
Key Details & Features
| Feature | Description |
|---|---|
| Best For | Mid-market and enterprise companies focused on data-driven HR and linking performance to engagement. |
| Standout Features | Performance reviews with calibration reporting, 360-degree feedback, goals/OKRs, guided 1:1s, and people analytics that can filter by performance ratings. |
| Integrations | Connects with leading HRIS (like Workday, BambooHR, Namely), communication tools (Slack, Microsoft Teams), and SSO providers. |
| Pricing | Pricing is quote-based and tailored to company size and module selection. A demo is required to get specific details, and it is typically positioned for enterprise-level budgets. |
Pros:
- Science-backed templates and review questions are designed to reduce bias.
- Integrates performance data with engagement analytics for fairer, more insightful decisions.
- The recently refreshed unified review experience is modern and user-friendly.
Cons:
- Pricing is quote-based and generally enterprise-oriented, making it less accessible for SMBs.
- Requires contacting the sales team to get any pricing or plan information.
4. Leapsome
Leapsome is a highly flexible and modular people enablement platform that allows companies to build their ideal performance management process from the ground up. It’s designed for fast-growing global companies that need a configurable system for reviews, goals, meetings, and learning that can adapt as they scale. The platform excels at creating a connected ecosystem where data from 1:1 meetings and instant feedback can directly inform performance review cycles, providing a more holistic view of employee contributions.
What makes Leapsome a strong contender for employee performance review software is its emphasis on automation and AI-powered assistance. The platform can help managers by summarizing review inputs and even suggest development areas, which streamlines the most time-consuming parts of the review process. Its strong focus on data security, including ISO-27001 certification and GDPR compliance, also makes it a trusted choice for global teams handling sensitive employee data.
Key Details & Features
| Feature | Description |
|---|---|
| Best For | Global SMBs and mid-enterprise companies seeking a configurable, all-in-one people platform. |
| Standout Features | Highly configurable review cycles (360, project-based), integrated Goals/OKRs, AI-powered review summarization and quality checks, instant feedback, 1:1 meeting management. |
| Integrations | Connects with HRIS systems (BambooHR, Personio, Workday), communication tools (Slack, Microsoft Teams), and calendar apps (Google, Outlook). |
| Pricing | Custom pricing based on the specific modules selected and total employee headcount. Typically requires a minimum one-year contract. A 14-day free trial is available. |
Pros:
- Extremely fast implementation and rollout, with strong customer support.
- Modular design lets you pay only for the features you need.
- Strong data protection standards, including ISO-27001 and GDPR compliance.
Cons:
- Pricing is not transparent and requires a custom quote.
- Contracts generally require a minimum 1-year commitment.
5. BambooHR (Performance Management add-on)
BambooHR is a well-known HR Information System (HRIS) that offers performance management as an optional add-on module. This makes it an attractive choice for small to mid-sized businesses that want to consolidate their core HR functions like payroll and benefits with their performance review processes. The platform simplifies running review cycles, tracking goals, and collecting 360-degree feedback, all within a single, integrated system.
What makes BambooHR a strong contender in the employee performance review software space is its all-in-one value proposition. Instead of purchasing and integrating separate tools, companies get a unified platform where employee data seamlessly connects to performance outcomes. Its user-friendly interface is designed for HR admins who may not have a dedicated IT team, making setup and daily management straightforward and efficient.
Key Details & Features
| Feature | Description |
|---|---|
| Best For | SMBs wanting to combine core HR (payroll, benefits, time off) with performance management in one platform. |
| Standout Features | Integrated performance and core HR data, customizable review cycles with automated reminders, 360-degree feedback, and company/individual goal tracking. |
| Integrations | Features a large marketplace with hundreds of integrations, including major applicant tracking systems, payroll providers, and productivity tools. |
| Pricing | Quote-based. The performance management module is an add-on to the core HR plans, and the final price depends on employee count and selected features. |
Pros:
- Combines core HR and performance management in a single, unified system.
- An approachable and intuitive user experience for both admins and employees.
- No annual contract requirement, offering more flexibility than some competitors.
Cons:
- Performance add-on pricing is not publicly listed and requires a custom quote.
- The performance module may lack the depth of features found in specialized, standalone tools.
Website: https://www.bamboohr.com/pricing/
6. Betterworks
Betterworks is a performance enablement platform designed for mid-market and enterprise organizations that require a structured approach to aligning employee performance with business strategy. It focuses on connecting ongoing conversations, transparent goals (OKRs), and structured check-ins to create a holistic performance management cycle. The platform is particularly strong for companies seeking formal change management support to ensure successful adoption and drive meaningful results.
What sets Betterworks apart as an employee performance review software is its enterprise-grade services and robust goal-setting framework. It provides dedicated program design assistance and in-app guides to help teams understand the key differences between objectives and goals, ensuring frameworks like OKRs are implemented effectively. This high-touch support model, combined with powerful calibration tools and manager insights, makes it an ideal choice for large, complex organizations aiming to build a high-performance culture at scale.
Key Details & Features
| Feature | Description |
|---|---|
| Best For | Mid-market and enterprise companies needing a scalable platform with strong goal alignment and dedicated implementation support. |
| Standout Features | Advanced Goals/OKRs, continuous conversations and check-ins, calibration modules with manager insights, robust APIs, and formal change management services. |
| Integrations | Integrates with key HRIS systems (Workday, SAP SuccessFactors), communication tools (Slack, Microsoft Teams), and other business software via a robust API. |
| Pricing | Pricing is available upon request through a custom quote. The model is designed to cater to the specific needs of mid-market and enterprise clients. For more information, you need to contact their sales team. |
Pros:
- Excellent enterprise-level support, including security certifications and change management.
- Strong focus on program design and in-app guidance to improve user adoption.
- Highly scalable to support large organizations with complex hierarchies and requirements.
Cons:
- Pricing is entirely quote-based, which lacks transparency for initial research.
- Primarily oriented toward larger organizations, potentially making it less accessible for SMBs.
Website: https://www.betterworks.com/plans/
7. PerformYard
PerformYard offers a streamlined and highly flexible approach to performance management, making it an excellent choice for organizations that need to build custom review cycles without unnecessary complexity. The platform focuses on core performance functions like reviews, goals, and continuous feedback, providing a powerful yet intuitive experience for both administrators and employees. Its main strength lies in its adaptability, allowing HR teams to design workflows that perfectly match their company's unique processes.
What makes PerformYard a compelling employee performance review software is its combination of straightforward pricing and dedicated customer support. Every customer gets a dedicated success manager for onboarding and ongoing training, ensuring a smooth implementation and high adoption rates. This focus on service, combined with a clean user interface, removes many of the common barriers to launching an effective performance strategy.
Key Details & Features
| Feature | Description |
|---|---|
| Best For | SMBs and mid-sized companies seeking a flexible, user-friendly tool with strong support. |
| Standout Features | Highly customizable review cycle builder, integrated goal tracking, continuous feedback logs, dedicated customer success manager for all accounts. |
| Integrations | Connects with most major HRIS/payroll systems (like ADP, BambooHR, Gusto), SSO providers (Okta, Azure), and communication tools (Slack, Microsoft Teams). |
| Pricing | Transparent pricing between 5-10 per employee per month. Pricing is all-inclusive, with no hidden fees for features or support. Requires annual billing. |
Pros:
- Transparent, all-inclusive pricing with dedicated onboarding support included.
- Highly flexible and easy for administrators to configure custom review workflows.
