Guru vs 15Five: Which Should You Choose in 2026?
Choosing between Guru and 15Five 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:
Guru
AI-powered knowledge management for teams
Best for you if:
- • You want to try before committing
- • You need knowledge base features specifically
- • Guru is a knowledge management platform that brings company information to where you work
- • It creates a verified knowledge base with browser extension and Slack integration
15Five
Continuous performance management with weekly check-ins
Best for you if:
- • 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
| At a Glance |  Guru |  15Five |
|---|---|---|
Price | Free + Paid | Paid |
Best For | Knowledge Base | Performance Management |
Rating | 83/100 | 83/100 |
| Feature | Guru | 15Five |
|---|---|---|
| Pricing Model | Freemium | Paid |
| Editorial Score | 83 | 83 |
| Community Rating | No ratings yet | No ratings yet |
| Total Reviews | 0 | 0 |
| Community Upvotes | 0 | 0 |
| Categories | Knowledge BaseAI Assistants | Performance ManagementEmployee Engagement |
Understanding the Differences
Both Guru and 15Five solve similar problems, but they approach them differently.Guru positions itself as "ai-powered knowledge management for teams" while 15Fivefocuses on "continuous performance management with weekly check-ins". These differences matter depending on what you're trying to accomplish.
When to Choose Guru
Guru makes sense if you're looking for a budget-friendly option with a free tier solution.
When to Choose 15Five
15Five is worth considering if you need a professional-grade tool.
Who Should Use What?
Bootstrapped or small team?
When every dollar counts, Guru lets you get started without pulling out your credit card.
We'd pick: Guru
Growing fast?
Your team doubled last quarter and you need tools that won't break when you add 50 more people. 15Five is built for teams that are leveling up.
We'd pick: 15Five
Enterprise with complex needs?
You need SSO, compliance certifications, and a support team that picks up the phone. 15Five takes enterprise seriously.
We'd pick: 15Five
Still not sure? Answer these 3 questions
How much can you spend?
Tight budget? Start free with Guru, upgrade when you're ready.
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 Guru higher (83/100). But the community has upvoted 15Five more (0 votes). Pick your source of truth.
Key Takeaways
What Guru Does Better
- Our recommendation for most use cases
Consider 15Five If
- 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 Guru (83/100). But the honest answer is that "better" depends on your situation. Guru scores higher in our analysis, but 15Five 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 Guru or 15Five better?
Based on our analysis, Guru scores higher with 83/100. Guru isfreemium while 15Five is paid. The best choice depends on your specific needs and budget. We recommend testing both with free trials if available.
Can I switch from Guru to 15Five 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 Guru and 15Five offer free trials?
Most software in this category offers free trials or free tiers. Guru is freemium with a free tier.15Five is paid with potential trial. Visit their websites for current trial offers.