15Five vs Rippling
Detailed side-by-side comparison
15Five
From $4/mo15Five is a specialized performance management platform focused on building high-performing teams through continuous feedback, OKRs, and employee engagement. It streamlines manager-employee communication with weekly check-ins, 1-on-1s, and performance reviews while providing actionable insights into team development.
Visit 15FiveRippling
From $8/moRippling is a comprehensive all-in-one workforce management platform that unifies HR, IT, and Finance operations into a single system. It handles everything from payroll and benefits to device management and app provisioning, with strong automation capabilities for managing employees across 90+ countries.
Visit RipplingFeature Comparison
| Feature | 15Five | Rippling |
|---|---|---|
| Performance Management | Core strength with weekly check-ins, pulse surveys, OKRs, 360-degree feedback, and performance reviews built around continuous employee development | Not a primary focus; basic performance management may be available through integrations but not a native strength of the platform |
| Employee Onboarding | Focuses on relational aspects like initial check-ins and goal setting to integrate new hires into team culture | Comprehensive automated onboarding including paperwork, payroll setup, benefits enrollment, device provisioning, and app access in one workflow |
| Payroll & Benefits | Not included; requires integration with separate payroll and benefits providers | Full-service payroll processing in 90+ countries with integrated benefits administration and broker partnerships |
| Employee Engagement & Feedback | Robust engagement surveys, pulse checks, recognition features, and analytics specifically designed to measure and improve team morale | Limited native engagement tools; primarily focused on operational HR rather than continuous feedback and development |
| IT & Device Management | No IT management capabilities; purely focused on people management and development | Full MDM (Mobile Device Management) for provisioning, managing, and securing employee devices and application access |
| Integration Ecosystem | Strong integrations with HRIS systems and collaboration tools like Slack and Microsoft Teams to complement performance workflows | Extensive integration marketplace with 500+ applications, positioned as a central hub for all workforce systems |
Pricing Comparison
15Five starts at $4/user/month, making it more affordable for organizations specifically seeking performance management tools, while Rippling starts at $8/user/month but includes significantly more functionality across HR, IT, and payroll. The value proposition differs substantially: 15Five offers focused depth in employee development, while Rippling provides comprehensive breadth across workforce operations.
Verdict
Choose 15Five if...
Choose 15Five if you need a dedicated performance management solution to improve manager-employee relationships, implement structured feedback systems, and drive employee engagement. It's ideal for organizations that already have HR and payroll systems but want best-in-class tools for continuous performance management and team development.
Choose Rippling if...
Choose Rippling if you need an all-in-one platform to manage HR, payroll, benefits, and IT from a single system, especially if you're scaling quickly, managing remote teams, or expanding internationally. It's best for companies that want to consolidate multiple point solutions and automate complex workforce operations end-to-end.
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Pros & Cons
15Five
Pros
- + Intuitive interface that encourages consistent manager-employee communication
- + Reduces administrative burden of performance management processes
- + Strong integration capabilities with HRIS and collaboration tools
- + Evidence-based approach with built-in best practices for people management
Cons
- - Can be overwhelming for teams new to structured performance management
- - Pricing can be steep for smaller organizations
- - Some features require training to maximize value
Rippling
Pros
- + Comprehensive platform that eliminates the need for multiple point solutions
- + Powerful automation capabilities that save significant administrative time
- + Strong integrations with 500+ business applications
- + Excellent for managing remote and international teams
Cons
- - Can be expensive for small businesses with limited needs
- - Steep learning curve due to extensive feature set
- - Some users report customer support response times could be faster