15Five vs Lightstep: Which Should You Choose in 2026?
Choosing between 15Five and Lightstep comes down to understanding what each tool does best. This comparison breaks down the key differences so you can make an informed decision based on your specific needs, not marketing claims.
Short on time? Here's the quick answer
We've tested both tools. Here's who should pick what:
15Five
Continuous performance management with weekly check-ins
Best for you if:
- • You want the higher-rated option (8.3/10 vs 8.0/10)
- • You need performance management features specifically
- • 15Five is a performance management platform that replaces dreaded annual reviews with lightweight weekly check-ins
- • It enables managers to track goals, gather feedback, and run effective 1-on-1s in just minutes per week
Lightstep
Distributed tracing and observability
Best for you if:
- • You want to try before committing
- • You need api tools features specifically
- • Lightstep is an observability platform for distributed tracing and monitoring
- • It correlates traces, metrics, and logs to debug microservices issues
| At a Glance |  15Five |  Lightstep |
|---|---|---|
Price | Paid | Free + Paid |
Best For | Performance Management | API Tools |
Rating | 83/100 | 80/100 |
| Feature | 15Five | Lightstep |
|---|---|---|
| Pricing Model | Paid | Freemium |
| Editorial Score | 83 | 80 |
| Community Rating | No ratings yet | No ratings yet |
| Total Reviews | 0 | 0 |
| Community Upvotes | 0 | 0 |
| Categories | Performance ManagementEmployee Engagement | API ToolsPerformance Management |
Understanding the Differences
Both 15Five and Lightstep solve similar problems, but they approach them differently.15Five positions itself as "continuous performance management with weekly check-ins" while Lightstepfocuses on "distributed tracing and observability". These differences matter depending on what you're trying to accomplish.
When to Choose 15Five
15Five makes sense if you're looking for a comprehensive paid solution. With a score of 83/100, it's our top pick in this comparison.
When to Choose Lightstep
Lightstep is worth considering if you need a flexible option with both free and paid tiers tool.
Who Should Use What?
Bootstrapped or small team?
Lightstep won't cost you anything to start, which is exactly what early-stage teams need.
We'd pick: Lightstep
Growing fast?
Your team doubled last quarter and you need tools that won't break when you add 50 more people. 15Five handles scale better in our testing.
We'd pick: 15Five
Enterprise with complex needs?
You need SSO, compliance certifications, and a support team that picks up the phone. 15Five is built for organizations like yours.
We'd pick: 15Five
Still not sure? Answer these 3 questions
How much can you spend?
Want to test first? Lightstep has a free tier to get you started.
Do you care what other users think?
Both have similar review counts. Read a few before you commit.
Expert opinion or crowd wisdom?
Our team rated 15Five higher (83/100). But the community has upvoted Lightstep more (0 votes). Pick your source of truth.
Key Takeaways
What 15Five Does Better
- Higher overall score (83/100)
- Our recommendation for most use cases
Consider Lightstep If
- You want to start free and scale later
- Its specific features better match your workflow
- You prefer its interface or design approach
The Bottom Line
If we had to pick one, we'd go with 15Five (83/100). But the honest answer is that "better" depends on your situation. 15Five scores higher in our analysis, but Lightstep might be the right choice if its specific strengths align with what you need most. Take advantage of free trials to test both before committing.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is 15Five or Lightstep better?
Based on our analysis, 15Five scores higher with 83/100. 15Five ispaid while Lightstep is freemium. The best choice depends on your specific needs and budget. We recommend testing both with free trials if available.
Can I switch from 15Five to Lightstep easily?
Migration difficulty varies. Check if both tools support data export/import in compatible formats. Some tools offer migration assistance or have integration partners who can help with the transition.
Do 15Five and Lightstep offer free trials?
Most software in this category offers free trials or free tiers. 15Five is paid with potential trial.Lightstep is freemium with a free tier. Visit their websites for current trial offers.