VS
15Five vs BambooHR — Which One Wins?
A detailed, side-by-side comparison of 15Five and BambooHR to help you pick the right tool for your workflow.
TLDR
Quick Verdict
BambooHR takes the lead with a 4.5 rating and is best for smbs with 25-500 employees wanting unified hr. 15Five (4.2) is the better pick if you need companies wanting continuous feedback over annual reviews.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Criteria | 15Five | BambooHR |
|---|---|---|
| Rating | ★★★★ 4.2(93) | ★★★★★ 4.5(234) |
| Pricing Model | subscription | subscription |
| Starter Price | $4/person/mo | $6/employee/mo |
| Free Tier | No | No |
| Platforms | Web, iOS, Android | Web, iOS, Android |
| Learning Curve | Easy | Easy |
| API Available | Yes | Yes |
| Best For | Companies wanting continuous feedback over annual reviews | SMBs with 25-500 employees wanting unified HR |
| Verdict | Best Continuous Feedback | Best SMB HR Platform |
Feature Checklist
| Feature | 15Five | BambooHR |
|---|---|---|
| Weekly Check-ins | — | |
| Performance Reviews | ||
| Engagement Surveys | — | |
| OKRs | — | |
| Manager Coaching | — | |
| Applicant Tracking | — | |
| Onboarding | — | |
| Time-Off Management | — | |
| Payroll | — |
15Five
Pros
- ✓Excellent weekly check-in workflow
- ✓Strong coaching tools for managers
- ✓Very affordable starter plan
Cons
- ✕Not a full HRIS
- ✕Less robust than Lattice for complex orgs
- ✕Reporting could be deeper
BambooHR
Pros
- ✓Exceptional user experience
- ✓Strong all-in-one feature set
- ✓Great employee self-service
Cons
- ✕No free plan
- ✕Payroll is an add-on
- ✕Limited for complex org structures
The Bottom Line
Both 15Five and BambooHR are solid tools in the HR & Recruiting space. BambooHR edges ahead with a stronger overall rating (4.5 vs 4.2) and is the better choice for smbs with 25-500 employees wanting unified hr. However, if you prioritize companies wanting continuous feedback over annual reviews, 15Five is worth serious consideration. We recommend trying the free tier or trial of each before committing.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is 15Five better than BambooHR?▼
BambooHR scores higher overall with a 4.5 rating vs 4.2. However, the best choice depends on your specific needs. 15Five is best for Companies wanting continuous feedback over annual reviews, while BambooHR is best for SMBs with 25-500 employees wanting unified HR.
Can I switch from 15Five to BambooHR?▼
Yes, most users can migrate between the two. BambooHR offers trial options to help you evaluate the switch.
Which is more affordable, 15Five or BambooHR?▼
15Five starts at $4/person/mo, while BambooHR starts at $6/employee/mo.