Small Improvements vs 15Five: Which is Better in 2026?
Choosing between Small Improvements 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.
Bottom line: 15Five is our overall pick for performance management workflows. Pick Small Improvements if you need HR & recruiting.
Short on time? Here's the quick answer
We've tested both tools. Here's who should pick what:
Small Improvements
Human-friendly feedback tools backed by advanced AI insights for performance management.
Best for you if:
- • You need HR & recruiting features specifically
- • All-in-one performance management platform for mid-sized companies.
- • Offers configurable tools for reviews, goals, 1:1s, and pulse surveys.
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 |  Small Improvements |  15Five |
|---|---|---|
Starts at | $3 per user/month, billed annually/moLaunch | $4/user/monthEngage |
Best For | HR & Recruiting | Performance Management |
Rating | - | - |
Choose Small Improvements or 15Five?
Choose Small Improvements if
Human-friendly feedback tools backed by advanced AI insights for performance management.
- Highly configurable to match specific company processes and branding
- Easy to use and quick to launch
- AI-powered analytics provide deeper insights into performance and engagement
- Your work is HR & recruiting-shaped, not performance management-shaped
Choose 15Five if
Continuous performance management with weekly check-ins
- Good for check-ins
- Performance reviews
- Engagement features
- Your work is performance management-shaped, not HR & recruiting-shaped
| Feature | Small Improvements | 15Five |
|---|---|---|
| Pricing Model | Paid | Paid |
| User Rating | ★4.3/5 110 reviews | ★4.6/5 2,748 reviews |
| Categories | HR & RecruitingPerformance Management | Performance ManagementEmployee Engagement |
In-Depth Analysis
Small Improvements
Human-friendly feedback tools backed by advanced AI insights for performance management.
Strengths
- +Highly configurable to match specific company processes and branding
- +Easy to use and quick to launch
- +AI-powered analytics provide deeper insights into performance and engagement
- +Dedicated support team for setup and rollout
- +Encourages employee ownership of development conversations
Weaknesses
- -Optimized for 50-750 staff, potentially less suitable for very small or very large enterprises
- -Pricing information not readily available on the website (requires demo booking)
Key features
15Five
Continuous performance management with weekly check-ins
Strengths
- +Good for check-ins
- +Performance reviews
- +Engagement features
- +Fair pricing
- +Easy to use
Weaknesses
- -Less comprehensive
- -Some features basic
- -Reporting limited
- -Integrations limited
- -Not for large enterprises
Key features
Pricing: Small Improvements vs 15Five
| Plan | Small Improvements | 15Five |
|---|---|---|
| Tier 1 | $3 per user/month, billed annually Launch | $4 /user/month Engage |
| Tier 2 | $6 per user/month, billed annually Grow | $11 /user/month Perform |
| Tier 3 | $9 per user/month, billed annually Elevate | $16 /user/month Total Platform |
Pricing verified from each vendor's public pricing page. Compare in detail on Small Improvements pricing and 15Five pricing.
Who Should Use What?
On a budget?
Both are paid. Compare plans on their websites.
Go with: 15Five
Want the highest-rated option?
Neither has user reviews yet.
Go with: Small Improvements
Value user reviews?
Neither has user reviews yet.
Go with: 15Five
3 Questions to Help You Decide
What's your budget?
Both are paid. Pricing won't help you decide here.
What's your use case?
Small Improvements is a HR & recruiting tool. 15Five is in performance management. Pick the category that matches your needs.
How important are ratings?
Neither has user reviews yet.
Key Takeaways
15Five
- Higher user rating: 4.6/5 vs 4.3/5
- Larger review base (2,748 reviews)
- Our pick for this comparison
Small Improvements
- Better fit for HR & recruiting
The Bottom Line
15Five is our pick.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Small Improvements or 15Five better?
15Five is rated in our evaluation. Both are paid.
What are Small Improvements and 15Five used for?
Small Improvements: Human-friendly feedback tools backed by advanced AI insights for performance management.. 15Five: Continuous performance management with weekly check-ins.
What does Small Improvements cost vs 15Five?
Small Improvements is a paid tool. 15Five is a paid tool. Visit their websites for detailed pricing.