15Five Vs. Leapsome: Comparison and Expert Reviews for 2026

By Josh Barker
People Ops Manager scaling teams via data-driven HR systems & recruiting.

We review tools independently, and commissions help fund our testing. See our transparency policy, our methodology, or suggest a tool.

Choosing between 15Five and Leapsome means weighing two distinct approaches to HR management software: 15Five centers on continuous feedback and employee-driven growth, while Leapsome offers a flexible platform for performance, engagement, and learning—all in one place. If you’re feeling torn, you’re not alone. Your team’s success depends on finding a solution that fits your culture, workflows, and goals. 

In this guide, you’ll get a side-by-side look at how each platform handles performance reviews, engagement, and development, plus expert insights to help you make a confident, informed decision.

15Five

15Five helps teams manage goals, feedback, and reviews to improve performance.
15Five helps teams manage goals, feedback, and reviews to improve performance.
Customer rating

4.6/5

Pricing
  • Free demo available
  • From $4/user/month (billed annually)

Leapsome

Leapsome unifies performance, engagement, and learning for HR teams.
Leapsome unifies performance, engagement, and learning for HR teams.
Customer rating

4.8/5

Pricing
  • Free demo available
  • From $7/employee/month

Why Trust Our Software Recommendations

6,700+

Reviews

20

Industry experts

16+

Evaluation factors

14

Years

Our team has been testing and reviewing software since 2012. As HR experts ourselves, we know how difficult—and important—it is to choose the right software.

For this guide, we evaluated tools using hands-on testing and independent research, scoring tools using our selection criteria. We also draw on insights from industry thought leaders and practicing HR experts.

Our reviews reflect our human editorial judgment, not a sales pitch.

Expert reviewers:

15FiveLeapsome
Free TrialFree demo availableFree demo available
PricingFrom $4/user/month (billed annually)From $7/employee/month

15Five Vs. Leapsome Pricing & Hidden Costs

15Five uses a tiered pricing structure based on the features you need, such as engagement surveys, performance management, or a full platform bundle. You’ll find add-ons for manager training, AI coaching, and compensation management, which can increase your total cost. Leapsome also offers a modular pricing model, letting you select only the features you want—like HR, performance management, or AI agents. Both platforms typically require annual contracts, and costs can rise with extra modules, premium support, or advanced analytics.

To choose the right vendor, start by mapping your must-have features and estimating how many users will need access to each module. Ask each provider for a detailed quote that includes all potential add-ons, onboarding, and support fees. Review contract terms for flexibility as your organization grows. This approach helps you avoid surprises and ensures you’re investing in a solution that fits your current and future needs.

Both 15Five and Leapsome give you a full performance management platform, so you can manage goals, run performance reviews, and gather continuous feedback in one place. You’ll also get tools like OKRs, engagement surveys, and 1:1 meeting workflows to keep your team aligned and communicating regularly. In practice, both platforms are built to help you create a feedback-driven culture with real-time insights into employee performance and engagement.

Where they diverge is in how they approach that experience. With 15Five, you get a strong focus on manager effectiveness, including weekly check-ins, coaching tools, and peer recognition features that help you build consistent feedback habits. Leapsome, on the other hand, stands out as a more all-in-one HR platform, with built-in learning paths, competency frameworks, and even compensation and absence management—so you can connect performance directly to employee development and operations.

15FiveLeapsome
360 Degree FeedbackYesYes
APIYesYes
DashboardYesYes
Data ExportYesYes
Data ImportYesYes
Data VisualizationNoYes
Employee DatabaseYesYes
Employee EngagementYesYes
Employee Incentive ManagementNoYes
External IntegrationsYesYes
Feedback ManagementYesYes
ForecastingNoNo
Multi-UserYesYes
NotificationsYesYes

Integration15FiveLeapsome
BambooHR✅✅
Workday✅✅
ADP✅✅
Gusto✅✅
Slack✅✅
Microsoft Teams✅✅
Salesforce✅❌
Jira✅✅
Rippling✅✅
Namely✅✅
Zapier✅✅
API✅✅

Both 15Five and Leapsome stack up pretty evenly, covering the most important HRIS, payroll, and collaboration integrations, including tools like BambooHR, Workday, ADP, Slack, Microsoft Teams, Jira, and Rippling—so you can easily connect them to your existing HR and communication stack. Both platforms also offer API access and Zapier integrations, giving you flexibility to build custom workflows or connect to less common tools.

Factor15FiveLeapsome
Data EncryptionUses industry-standard encryption and data security practices (with documented controls and monitoring).Uses cryptography and safeguards data in transit and at rest as part of ISO-aligned controls.
Regulatory ComplianceComplies with GDPR, CCPA, and PIPEDA, with SOC 2 Type II and SOC 3 certifications.Complies with GDPR and CCPA, with ISO 27001:2022 certification and a formal DPA.
Access ControlsProvides strong access control policies, monitoring, and device/security management.Offers identity management, access controls, and structured security policies across systems.
Uptime & ReliabilityDemonstrates reliability through SOC audits, AWS infrastructure, and monitoring systems (no explicit uptime SLA stated).Emphasizes security controls, incident response, and business continuity policies (no explicit uptime SLA stated).

Both 15Five and Leapsome give you a strong, enterprise-grade security foundation with GDPR compliance, access controls, and regular testing to protect employee data. The key difference comes down to certifications—15Five emphasizes audited operational security with SOC 2 Type II and SOC 3 reports, while Leapsome stands out with ISO 27001:2022 and a more structured, standards-driven approach to security and privacy.

Factor15FiveLeapsome
User InterfaceClean, intuitive dashboard with simple navigation and clear action items.Modern, visually appealing interface with customizable dashboards.
OnboardingGuided onboarding with helpful tutorials and in-app tips for new users.Step-by-step onboarding flows and dedicated customer success support.
Setup ProcessQuick setup with pre-built templates for goals and check-ins.Flexible setup with modular configuration and easy import tools.
Customer SupportResponsive chat and email support, plus a detailed help center.Live chat, email, and a comprehensive knowledge base for self-service.
Mobile AccessMobile app for iOS and Android with core features on the go.Mobile-optimized web experience and app for key workflows.

Both 15Five and Leapsome provide an easy user experience, but Leapsome’s customizable dashboards and modular setup make it especially friendly for teams with unique workflows. 15Five shines with its straightforward interface and fast onboarding, while Leapsome stands out for flexibility and visual appeal.

15Five

Pros
  • Your team benefits from continuous feedback and growth alignment.
  • The platform's user-friendly interface makes it easy to navigate.
  • You get detailed reports that help in tracking team progress.
Cons
  • Onboarding can be a bit challenging for new users.
  • Some users find the customization options limited for unique needs.
  • Advanced features might require a learning curve for effective use.
Read 15Five Review (opens in a new window)

Leapsome

Pros
  • Combines HRIS, performance, learning, and engagement tools in one platform.
  • Built-in learning management supports employee development without additional software.
  • AI-powered workflows help automate feedback, analytics, and administrative tasks efficiently.
Cons
  • Reporting flexibility may not satisfy highly data-driven enterprise analytics teams.
  • Some customization limitations exist for advanced OKR and messaging workflows.
  • Feature breadth can feel overwhelming for smaller or simpler organizations.
Read Leapsome Review (opens in a new window)

15Five

15Five helps teams manage goals, feedback, and reviews to improve performance.
15Five helps teams manage goals, feedback, and reviews to improve performance.
  1. Employee DevelopmentYou can use built-in coaching tools, development plans, and insights to help your team grow with clear direction.
  2. Continuous Feedback CulturesThe platform encourages regular conversations with tools for praise, feedback, and development-focused check-ins.
  3. Mid-Sized Companies15Five scales easily with features like OKRs, reviews, and engagement surveys that support more complex team structures.
  4. People ManagersYou get real-time feedback, goal tracking, and coaching tools that help you guide your team’s growth.
  5. Human Resources15Five gives you structured tools for check-ins, reviews, and engagement tracking so you can support performance consistently.
  6. Remote TeamsThe weekly check-ins and visibility features help you stay connected and aligned even when everyone works from different locations.

Leapsome

Leapsome unifies performance, engagement, and learning for HR teams.
Leapsome unifies performance, engagement, and learning for HR teams.
  1. Tech and SaaS CompaniesLeapsome helps fast-growing tech teams connect performance, goals, engagement, and development in one platform.
  2. Growing Mid-Market OrganizationsIf your company is scaling quickly, Leapsome helps centralize HR processes and employee data efficiently.
  3. HR Teams Consolidating Multiple ToolsLeapsome is a strong fit if you want to reduce HR tech stack sprawl. You can combine HRIS functionality, reviews, surveys, goals, learning, compensation, and workflows inside a single connected platform.
  4. Remote and Distributed TeamsLeapsome keeps remote employees aligned through feedback, goals, engagement surveys, and structured meetings.
  5. Organizations Focused on Employee DevelopmentLeapsome supports continuous learning with competency frameworks, development tracking, and integrated learning paths.
  6. Organizations Building Manager AccountabilityLeapsome gives managers structured tools for coaching, feedback, and recurring performance conversations.

Who Should Use 15Five, and Who Should Use Leapsome?

15Five is a great fit for organizations that want a simple, feedback-driven approach to performance management and value fast onboarding with minimal setup. It’s especially well-suited for small to midsize teams, people-first cultures, and companies focused on regular check-ins and goal alignment. 

Leapsome is ideal for larger or rapidly scaling organizations that need a flexible, all-in-one platform for performance, engagement, HR, and learning—especially those with complex workflows or global compliance needs. If your team values customization, modular features, and a visually engaging experience, Leapsome is likely the better match.

AI Functionality15Five

AI focused on insights, engagement risks, and manager support.

Leapsome

AI agents are embedded across the platform to automate workflows, reviews, and human resources tasks.

HRIS Capabilities15Five

Relies on integrations for employee data and HR processes.

Leapsome

Native HRIS with employee records, payroll prep, absences, and documents.

Learning Management15Five

Coaching-focused, often centered on manager enablement.

Leapsome

Full LMS with onboarding, compliance training, and career development tied to goals.

Platform Scope15Five

Focused performance management software, with tools for development, engagement, and manager effectiveness.

Leapsome

Full HR platform combining HRIS, talent management, and AI in one system.

Workflow Complexity15Five

Simpler workflows focused on feedback cycles and reviews.

Leapsome

Advanced workflows with approvals, automation, and cross-functional HR processes.

Read 15Five Review (opens in a new window)
Read Leapsome Review (opens in a new window)

Analytics & Insights

Each provides dashboards and reporting tools to help you understand metrics around performance, engagement, and trends throughout the employee lifecycle.

Compensation Features

Both offer compensation-related features, like benchmarking and reviews, tied to performance data and pay decisions (though with varying depth).

Continuous Feedback

Both platforms enable continuous performance management through performance reviews, annual reviews, and feedback tools like real-time comments, praise, and check-ins.

Engagement Surveys

Both provide built-in engagement survey tools (including pulse surveys) with analytics to help you monitor and improve employee experience.

Read 15Five Review (opens in a new window)
Read Leapsome Review (opens in a new window)
Goal Tracking

Each tool supports goal setting, KPI tracking, and OKR tracking, helping teams align on priorities and measure progress.

Integrations

Each integrates with popular HRIS, payroll, and collaboration tools, plus offers API and Zapier connections.

Read 15Five Review (opens in a new window)
Read Leapsome Review (opens in a new window)