Managing employee performance without tools was a complete train wreck. Spreadsheets everywhere, chasing down feedback, and hoping I didn’t screw something up. It was a headache and a half, especially since I’ve often relied on gut feelings.
I knew I needed something better—something to make work easier, keep things on track, and actually help my team grow without adding more chaos.
After digging through a ton of options and testing things out, I’ve rounded up 15 solid tools. I’ll break down the good, the bad, and everything in between so you can find the one that works for you.
Using performance management software to empower your greatest asset
As an HR with years of experience under my belt, I’ve seen how the right tools can totally flip the script on performance management. Here’s how they squash the usual issues HRs and managers go through:
1. Too much admin work
Manually managing spreadsheets for reviews and feedback wastes time and invites errors.
✅ How performance management tool helps:
- Automated reviews: Set schedules, collect feedback, and store everything in one place—no missed deadlines or inconsistencies.
- Centralized dashboards: Track performance metrics without juggling files.
2. No clear direction for employees
Lack of guidance leaves employees disengaged and unmotivated.
✅ How performance management tool helps:
- Goal alignment: Link personal, team, and company goals for clarity and purpose.
- Growth maps: Outline clear steps for career progression to keep employees engaged.
3. Burnout is a huge problem
Stress and unrealistic workloads hurt morale and productivity.
✅ How performance management tool helps:
- Real-time feedback: Managers can address challenges early and keep motivation high.
- Adjustable goals: Make goals realistic and achievable to reduce stress.
4. Generic development plans don’t work
Cookie-cutter training ignores individual needs, leading to disengagement.
✅ How performance management tool helps:
- Custom plans: Tailor development plans to specific skills and growth goals.
- Skill gap analysis: Identify areas for improvement with actionable insights.
5. Tracking performance feels impossible
Inconsistent feedback and manual processes make evaluations unclear.
✅ How performance management tool helps:
- Unified tracking: Monitor team performance on one platform for fair evaluations.
- Data-driven insights: Use metrics to spot trends and make better decisions.
Top 15 best performance management tools
Using the right performance management software can seriously improve an organization, getting everyone on the same page and pushing towards the same goals. After hours of digging and my own experience, here are the top 15 tools for performance management I swear by:
1. Kadar
Kadar is a solid platform for boosting performance management and team development, especially in tech companies. It’s got a 360° feedback system that lets you get the full scoop on how your team is doing—no blind spots. Managers and HRs can see strengths, weaknesses, and track top performers with zero hassle, all thanks to automated reports.
Employees can also take control with action plans that break down their goals into bite-sized tasks, so they’re always on track and ready to improve.
Kadar even keeps tabs on team well-being, so you can catch burnout before it hits hard. The main idea? Making sure you’re all in sync and growing together in the healthiest way possible.
Performance Management Features
- Get a full picture of each team member's skills and performance, with feedback from all angles.
- Tailor action plans to individual needs, making sure everyone’s got a clear roadmap to improve and grow.
- Keep meetings focused on performance, feedback, and growth with structured templates.
- Give and receive instant feedback to keep things moving.
- Track and visualize how your team’s skills are developing over time, so you know who’s improving and who needs extra support.
- Set up tailored learning paths and development goals for each person based on their unique needs.
- Keep everyone aligned and motivated with clear, trackable goals that everyone can stay on top of.
- Track your team’s engagement and mental health, so you can spot issues early and keep everyone balanced (and happy 🙂).
Limitations
- Integrations are available upon request but come with extra costs.
- Missing advanced AI functionalities.
Pricing
- Free plan: Offers access to 1 admin, two managers, and ten surveys. Well-suited for startups and small teams.
- Pro plan: Provides unlimited features for $4 a month. Ideal for growing business. Free trial available.
- Business Plan: Custom pricing for larger teams, featuring integrations and priority support, tailored to the needs of enterprises.
Overall feeling? In a nutshell, Kadar is a perfect tool for flat-structure, client-oriented companies seeking structured performance management and career development for growth-focused teams.
🚀 Take action. Perform focused skill assessments, build career frameworks, and upskill employees while keeping them engaged. Start for free, no card required.
2. Lattice
Lattice is a people management platform that helps with performance, employee engagement, and growth. It helps with setting goals, running performance reviews, and getting feedback, so employees can actually improve. Companies use Lattice to stay on top of performance, align team goals with the bigger picture, and keep things transparent.
From 360-degree feedback and employee surveys to custom growth plans—Lattice has everything HR and managers need to keep their teams motivated and on point.
Performance Management Features
- Easily customize review templates and workflows to evaluate employee performance.
- Gather insights from peers, managers, and direct reports for a full picture of how someone’s doing.
- Set goals and track progress to keep everyone aligned and on the same page.
- Get real-time feedback to keep things moving and improve throughout the year.
- Schedule and track one-on-ones to stay connected with your team and provide support.
- Use performance trends, goal achievements, and engagement data to make smarter decisions.
- Set up review schedules that work for your team—whether it’s yearly, quarterly, or as needed.
- Ensure consistency across teams by calibrating performance ratings to keep things fair.
Limitations
- Reporting is limited, with the manager's rating heavily influencing the final 360 score rather than using an average.
- Less suitable for flat teams or smaller companies requiring detailed skill assessments.
- The app doesn't support including clients, restricting external feedback opportunities.
Pricing
- Talent Management: $11 per seat/month. Includes performance reviews, feedback, updates, 1:1s, goals, and OKRs.
- HRIS Core: $5 per seat/month. Includes introductory pricing for employee records, workflows, and reports.
Overall feeling? The Lattice is an efficient AI-powered performance management tool ideal for mid-sized companies seeking a robust platform.
3. 15Five
15Five is a performance management tool that helps companies keep their teams on track and progress regularly. It makes feedback easy with weekly check-ins, one-on-one meetings, and setting goals like OKRs.
It also lets managers track how happy and motivated their team is, plus helps with coaching and growth. Basically, it keeps communication flowing, making sure everyone’s aligned, and that people feel heard and supported.
Performance Management Features
- Share wins, challenges, and feedback through weekly check-ins.
- Schedule personalized meetings to talk about goals, performance, or any roadblocks.
- Set goals to align with company priorities and track progress.
- Give and receive real-time feedback to keep growth and communication flowing.
- Automate performance reviews to make the process smooth and transparent.
- Track how employees are feeling with regular pulse surveys.
- View dashboards that show insights into team performance, engagement, and progress.
- Track personal and professional growth alongside company goals.
Limitations
- New users need extra time to learn the advanced features.
- HR outcomes dashboard is only available in higher-priced plans.
Pricing
- Engage Plan: $4/user/month. Includes core surveys, topic assessments, and analytics for employee engagement.
- Perform Plan: $8/user/month. Offers performance reviews, 360º feedback, talent management, and career development.
- Focus Plan: $8/user/month. Focuses on OKR management with goal setting, progress tracking, and integration (e.g., Jira).
- Total Platform: $14/user/month. Combines all plans with premium features like an HR outcomes dashboard and enhanced security.
Overall feeling? Pretty solid solution. With its guided reviews and anonymous feedback features, it's a good choice for performance management and leadership development.
4. Nestor
Nestor is an AI-powered platform that helps managers improve employee performance with skills mapping, targeted development, and custom training.
It links performance management right to skills growth, making it easier for businesses to fill talent gaps. By mapping out what skills are already in-house, Nestor gives you a smart, scalable way to make the most of your team’s performance.
Performance Management Features
- Align goals with OKRs and track progress easily, ensuring alignment across all levels.
- Conduct regular check-ins to clarify expectations and review progress continuously.
- Gather 360º feedback from managers, peers, and self-assessments to identify strengths and areas for improvement.
- Map skills to align individual capabilities with organizational needs and career growth opportunities.
- Use advanced reporting to gain insights on goal progress, team performance, and activity data.
- Evaluate skills during performance reviews to recognize exceptional contributions and encourage continuous improvement.
- Connect talent with new opportunities through a smart-matching marketplace, ensuring the right people are in the right roles.
Limitations
- Some features, like custom learning paths and reporting, need extra setup for each organization.
- Users have noted occasional delays in receiving accurate notifications.
Pricing
- Nestor's pricing is tailored to your organization's needs — available on request.
Overall feeling? Nestor is a great choice for organizations needing an AI + data-driven approach to align their workforce capabilities.
5. Zoho People
Zoho’s performance management software makes tracking and evaluating employee performance super easy and consistent. You’ll get feedback when you need it, keeping everything on point.
It breaks down performance into four key areas: Goals, KRAs, Competencies, and Skillsets. These modules help you focus the evaluation and make sure it’s clear. Employees can also share how they feel about the whole appraisal process.
Performance Management Features
- Set specific performance areas for each role by using KRAs, ensuring clarity and measurable outcomes.
- Assess employees' competencies to identify their strengths and areas where they can develop further.
- Track the essential skills for each role, providing a clear path for improvement and growth.
- Allow employees to reflect on their performance through self-appraisals, helping them recognize areas for development.
- Encourage employees to share their thoughts on the appraisal process, promoting transparency and communication.
- Track employee progress and development over time, especially during leadership changes, with the summary module.
Limitations
- Offers no email notifications for the performance reviews.
- Multiple intermittent issues are reported with integrations.
Pricing
- Zoho Free Plan: Basic features like an employee database and limited time management tools, free of charge.
- Essential HR: Ideal for basic HR management, includes an employee database and time management tools for $1.5/user/month.
- Professional: Advanced HR tools for growing teams at $2.5/user/month.
- Premium: Adds performance management features for $3.5/user/month.
Overall feeling? This tech-driven performance management system is perfect for mid-sized businesses, especially when it comes to self-appraisals and employee development.
6. Deel
Deel is another solid performance management software for remote teams. It lets you set clear goals and track progress with customizable review templates. You can easily keep tabs on how everyone’s doing and make sure their goals line up with what the company needs.
On top of that, Deel helps keep feedback flowing all year long. Instead of waiting for a yearly review, managers can give quick, real-time feedback.
Performance management features
- Establish clear performance goals and monitor progress to ensure alignment with company objectives.
- Conduct evaluations linked to competencies and career paths, providing structured feedback for employee development.
- Facilitate ongoing feedback exchanges to support real-time performance improvement and growth.
- Create personalized development plans to address skill gaps and foster professional growth.
- Rely on data-driven insights to assess performance metrics, identify areas for improvement, and inform decision-making.
- Integrate with existing HR systems, communication tools, and payroll software to streamline performance management processes.
Limitations
- Excellent for managing compensation and benefits, but less effective for evaluations and growth support.
- Analytics lack depth, offering minimal actionable insights.
- Missing the ability to schedule 1:1 meetings, which limits personalized development opportunities.
Pricing
- Deel HR: Free, with basic features like time off and people directories.
- Deel Payroll: From $29/employee/month, includes payroll, taxes, and reporting.
- Deel Contractor: From $49/month, for managing global contractors with compliant contracts.
- Deel EOR: From $599/month, handles payroll, benefits, taxes, and compliance for remote employees.
Overall feeling? Deel helps manage global teams effortlessly (performance, engagement, you name it) and assists in dealing with tangled payroll and compliance.
7. Leapsome
Leapsome makes performance management smoother by helping teams set clear goals and track progress. It aligns individual objectives with company-wide targets, so everyone’s on the same page.
This performance management software also supports 360-degree feedback, giving employees insights from peers and managers to help them grow. Managers can track performance over time, spot top talent, and identify areas that need attention.
Performance Management Features
- Create, track, and align individual and team goals with company objectives.
- Manage and track OKRs to ensure alignment across the organization.
- Conduct structured, customizable performance reviews on a regular basis.
- Collect feedback from peers, managers, and direct reports for a comprehensive view of performance.
- Provide ongoing feedback through comments and ratings to promote continuous improvement.
- Schedule and track regular one-on-one meetings between managers and employees for development discussions.
- Set personal development goals and track progress on key skills or competencies.
- Analyze performance trends, track progress, and spot top performers or areas needing improvement.
- Recognize achievements and milestones to boost motivation and engagement.
Limitations
- Employee pulse and 360 features generate separate reports, lacking an integrated overview.
- Including clients as peers complicates obtaining isolated feedback.
- The multi-step review process works well for large companies but may be overly complex for smaller businesses.
Pricing
- Pricing available on request via demo.
Overall feeling? It’s a great fit for companies looking to grow their team and track performance, though customization options are a bit limited.
8. Trakstar
In Trakstar, you can customize performance reviews and keep check-ins regular, making sure no one falls behind.
Trakstar performance management software also makes feedback flow nonstop. Managers and teammates can drop feedback anytime, keeping the updates consistent. The 360-degree feedback feature takes it up a notch, pulling in views from different people to give a full picture of how someone’s doing.
Performance Management Features
- Set your personal and team goals with company objectives, and track progress over time.
- Give real-time feedback to your colleagues and managers, encouraging regular performance conversations.
- Conduct formal performance reviews using customizable templates and rate employee performance.
- Collect feedback from peers, subordinates, and managers for a comprehensive view of performance.
- Plan to identify and develop high-potential employees for future leadership roles.
- Track development plans, career paths, and link performance outcomes to growth opportunities.
- Generate detailed performance reports to make informed, data-driven decisions.
- Integrate performance data with other HR systems for a smooth workflow.
- Customize review cycles, feedback processes, and approval workflows to suit your organization’s needs.
Limitations
- Customization, training, and system integration can be tough for beginners.
- Pricing is high, making it less suitable for small businesses.
Pricing
- Trakstar prices are based on your organization’s needs. Just visit their website and fill out the form for a quote.
Overall feeling? Trakstar is a good performance management tool built to help companies boost employee performance. However, based on user feedback, it might fit larger companies better (reason = higher pricing).
9. Sage
Sage’s performance management software helps businesses set goals, track progress, and keep feedback flowing. Managers can set clear objectives for employees, align them with company goals, and check in on how things are going. It lets you give feedback regularly (not only annually), so employees know where they stand at each moment.
Thanks to detailed reports, feedback is more objective, and employees get a clearer picture of their performance.
Performance Management Features
- Set clear, measurable goals for employees that tie directly to the company’s big-picture goals.
- Run structured performance reviews to regularly check in on progress, strengths, and areas for improvement.
- Keep the feedback flowing and schedule regular check-ins to make sure everyone stays on track throughout the year.
- Pull together detailed performance reports that give deep insights into how an employee is performing over time.
- Customize performance reviews and criteria to match your company’s needs and individual roles.
- Track employees' skills and competencies to spot areas where they can grow and develop.
- Gather feedback from a range of sources—peers, managers, and direct reports—for a more complete view of employee performance.
Limitations
- The user interface lacks a modern feel.
- Lacks customization for specific workflows.
- Dashboard is not intuitive for beginners.
Pricing
- The initial user charges are $6 per month. some text
- Users pay an additional $3 per employee per month to add the performance management module.
- Add $1.5 to $2 per month for adding other features such as shift scheduling and recruitment.
Overall feeling? Sage HR is a good performance tool for small to medium businesses. It tracks employee performance well but lacks customization in some areas.
10. PerformYard
PerformYard is packed with tools for reviews, goal tracking, ongoing feedback, and detailed reports. From employee appraisals to 360-degree feedback, quarterly check-ins, and one-on-ones, PerformYard covers it all.
Plus, it’s super customizable, so you can build a system that works exactly how you want it to. This performance management software also supports remote teams, self-assessments, and even international reviews, making it perfect for fast-moving work environments.
Performance Management Features
- Conduct performance reviews to evaluate employee progress and set new goals.
- Gather feedback from multiple sources, including peers, managers, and direct reports.
- Regular check-ins to monitor progress, address concerns and adjust goals as needed.
- Facilitate personal meetings between managers and employees for deeper, individualized feedback.
- Set, track, and align employee goals with company objectives.
- Provide ongoing feedback to employees to support continuous improvement.
- Tailor review cycles and methods to meet specific business needs.
- Generate detailed reports to analyze performance trends and make data-driven decisions.
- Allow employees to assess their own performance for better self-reflection.
Limitations
- Occasional glitches.
- Limited reporting features.
- Steep learning curve.
Pricing
- Performance Management: $5/person/month. Comprehensive performance management solution for SMBs.
Overall feeling? PerformYard’s got all the performance management tools you need and tons of customization, but it can be tricky to get used to it.
11. HiBob
HiBob simplifies performance management with tools for structured reviews, continuous feedback, and goal tracking. You can schedule regular check-ins, use templates for consistent reviews, and align individual goals with company objectives.
Dashboards provide a clear overview of progress, so it’s easy to identify trends, spot high performers, and address skill gaps.
Performance Management Features
- Customize performance review templates to fit your team’s needs.
- Structure review cycles with automated reminders for consistency.
- Collect 360-degree feedback to gain a well-rounded view of performance.
- Exchange real-time feedback between peers and managers to foster collaboration.
- Schedule one-on-one check-ins to track progress and address concerns.
- Review feedback history to monitor development over time.
- Align individual and team goals with company objectives.
- Track progress through visual dashboards for better goal management.
- Adjust goals dynamically to reflect changing priorities.
- Analyze performance trends and patterns for actionable insights.
- Identify high performers and address skill gaps effectively.
- Motivate employees using tools like badges and milestones.
Limitations
- Great for HR admin tools, but less effective for growth, skill development, or 360 evaluations.
- Limited reporting.
- Notification delays from time to time.
Pricing
- Custom pricing — depends on your business and needs.
Overall feeling? HiBob is a solid choice for tracking performance and efficiency. It streamlines tasks, making work easier with many smart tools.
12. Peoplebox
Peoplebox helps companies align individual performance with business goals through features like OKRs, 360-degree reviews, and continuous feedback. This data-driven approach allows managers to provide real-time feedback and keep employees on track.
Integrating with tools like Slack and Teams, Peoplebox makes performance management part of the daily workflow, ensuring real-time feedback and goal tracking. Its intuitive features, like personalized notifications, boost productivity and drive engagement across all levels of the organization.
Performance Management Features:
- Streamline evaluations and provide constructive feedback for development.
- Collect insights from managers, peers, and direct reports to assess performance.
- Foster open communication and personalized development through regular check-ins.
- Stay aligned with organizational goals by tracking individual performance.
- Use the KPI board to monitor key performance indicators and make informed decisions.
- Conduct reviews to evaluate performance outcomes and identify areas for improvement.
- Gauge employee engagement and gather insights to improve the workplace culture.
- Encourage transparency by allowing employees to share feedback confidentially.
- Use analytics to boost morale and productivity by addressing employee engagement.
Limitations
- Some users feel the goal management features could be improved.
- There are reports of slower performance with larger data sets or during peak times.
Pricing
- Talent Management Plan: $7/month/person. Includes OKRs, performance reviews, 1:1s, and surveys.
- OKR Platform Plan: $8/month/person. Includes business reviews, project management, and KPIs.
- Full Suite - Professional Plan: $12/month/person. Includes Talent Management and OKR Platform features.
- Full Suite - Premium Plan: $15/month/person. Includes Professional features plus onboarding and training.
- Enterprise Plan: Contact for pricing. Includes Premium features plus custom integrations and support.
13. Personio
Personio helps create a high-performance culture by allowing you to manage reviews in the way that best fits your organization’s values.
Whether you’re running simple check-ins or comprehensive 360-degree assessments, Personio gives you full control over how you customize feedback and reviews. This way, you can give fair, candid feedback, set clear goals, and recognize hard work—fueling continuous employee growth and success.
Moreover, you can access easy-to-understand insights to guide your talent decisions and have strategic, data-driven conversations.
Performance Management Features
- Customize performance reviews, from quick check-ins to detailed 360-degree assessments.
- Give real-time feedback to drive growth and keep performance on track.
- Set clear goals and track progress to stay aligned and keep growing.
- Access analytics quickly for faster, data-driven talent decisions.
- Tailor review cycles to fit your company’s needs, with real-time updates.
- Set up flexible access rights and sharing settings for smooth team collaboration.
- Bring performance, goals, and compensation data together in one platform for easier workflows.
- Automate updates to cut down on manual work and stay efficient.
- Use data to have smarter, more strategic conversations about talent and performance.
- Streamline everything by cutting out spreadsheets and connecting performance tools in one place.
Limitations
- Not enough customization options.
- Restrictions on user access and permissions.
- The mobile app lacks full functionality compared to the desktop version.
Pricing
- Custom pricing – depends on your needs.
Overall feeling? Personio is efficient, intuitive and simplifies HR processes but could definitely benefit from more flexibility.
14. ClearCompany
ClearCompany’s AI-powered system pulls all your performance data together, making it easy to spot growth opportunities, line up goals, and give personalized feedback that keeps your team engaged and on track.
With tools for performance reviews, goal-setting, and continuous feedback, ClearCompany supports ongoing employee development. Its advanced analytics give HRs and managers the insights they need to make smarter, data-driven decisions, creating a culture of growth.
Performance Management Features:
- Create personalized review workflows, questions, formats, and participant communications to fit the unique needs of your company.
- Shift from evaluation and ranking to employee growth with tools for feedback, goal setting, and progress tracking.
- Align employee goals with company objectives, creating continuous feedback loops for coaching and performance improvement.
- Gain comprehensive insights from peers, managers, and self-reviews to evaluate employee performance.
- Track performance trends and analyze data across departments, roles, and managers with pre-built reports and drill-down capabilities.
- Employees can complete reviews on their mobile devices.
Limitations
- Some users find candidate management challenging.
- Occasional slow loading times.
- Editing templates is not very user-friendly.
Pricing
- You need to request a personalized quote.
Overall feeling? ClearCompany delivers a solid, user-friendly platform for performance management. While it shines in ease of use, there’s still room to grow in areas like customization and speed.
15. Workleap
Workleap is a flexible performance management software that streamlines workflow. You can customize review cycles, automate notifications, and gather 360-degree feedback.
Beyond just customization, Workleap ensures fairness and consistency throughout the process. Managers have the tools they need to lead reviews while staying in sync with company objectives. With real-time insights and engagement tools like Officevibe, Workleap drives continuous improvement and helps everyone perform at their best.
Performance Management Features
- Customize review cycles and forms to match your company’s goals.
- Get feedback from employees, peers, and managers for a full picture of performance.
- Automate reminders and notifications to keep the review process smooth.
- Track progress across all review cycles in real time to spot trends and opportunities for growth.
- Centralize feedback with easy-to-use, customizable review forms.
- Tailor the review cycle audience so you’re asking the right people the right questions.
- Get alerts when reviews are wrapped up so nothing falls through the cracks.
- Boost your performance program with ongoing feedback and engagement using the Officevibe integration.
Limitations
- Reporting tools could be more robust and flexible.
- The mobile app could be improved for a better user experience (less glitches preferably).
Pricing
- $12/user/month with an annual commitment: Includes engagement surveys and feedback.
- Additional modules available, each priced per user per month.
- Enterprise pricing is custom.
Overall feeling? A flexible, user-friendly platform for performance management, offering customizable review cycles and ensuring fairness.
Summary
You need a mix of solid numbers and honest feedback to help your team grow. That’s where tools really saved me as an HR, and I’m sure all managers feel the same.
A good performance management software helps by separating subjective opinions from actual performance data. And of course, it takes us from manual to almost fully automated work.
I picked Kadar as my go-to because it gives me detailed performance metrics and, on top of all that, tracks employee well-being and "health," which I consider equally important when making any decisions.
And if you’re not sure which tool to choose, here’s my advice: Try out a few and see which one fits best in your workflow. ✅
