What Are the Top 8 Performance Review Software in 2025?

75% of employees feel that getting honest feedback is incredibly important to their work.

For years, I thought performance reviews were just an HR formality. Something you did once a year, then forgot about. I thought it was just another checkbox on the to-do list until I saw how the right performance review software can completely transform the process.

But here’s the thing: it’s not the reviews themselves that are the problem. It’s the way we manage them. The right performance review software makes the process seamless, actionable, and (dare I say) even enjoyable. If you’re still relying on spreadsheets and scattered notes, you’re not just wasting time; you’re missing out on an opportunity to engage and develop your team.

If your current process feels like a chore, it’s time to upgrade. I’ve tested dozens of tools, and in this guide, I’ll walk you through the top 8 performance review software in 2025 so you can streamline feedback, boost productivity, and make performance management a competitive advantage.

Here’s a sneak peek into top performance review software, which can help you make performance reviews smarter, faster, and more effective.

Top Features to Look for in Performance Review Software

The right performance review software can turn your entire review process into a strategic advantage. It can take your feedback process from frustrating to seamless. So, what should you look for?

Here are the must-have features that separate the best from the rest:

1. Customizable Review Templates

Every company has its own way of doing things, so your software should let you tweak review templates to match your needs. Whether you focus on OKRs, skills-based assessments, or simple rating scales, flexibility is key.

2. 360-Degree feedback

A good review system incorporates feedback from multiple sources, such as managers, peers, direct reports, and even self-reviews. This way, employees get a well-rounded perspective rather than just hearing from their boss.

3. Goal Setting & Tracking

Performance reviews shouldn’t just be about looking back; they should also help employees move forward. Look for software that makes it easy to set goals, track progress, and adjust as needed throughout the year.

4. Ongoing Check-Ins & Feedback

Nobody likes waiting a whole year to hear how they’re doing. The best performance review software​ allows for continuous feedback and regular check-ins so employees can improve in real time, rather than waiting until their annual review.

5. Smart Insights & Analytics

Good performance management tools don’t just collect data; they help you understand it. AI-powered insights can highlight trends, pinpoint strengths, and flag areas where employees might need support.

6. Automated Workflows & Reminders

Let’s be honest: No one wants to chase down people to complete their reviews. Automated workflows, reminders, and notifications ensure the process runs smoothly without endless follow-ups.

7. Integrations with HR & Work Tools

Your performance review software should integrate well with other systems, such as HR software, payroll, and productivity tools. The more seamless the integration, the less manual work everyone will have to do.

8. Employee Development Tools

The best review platforms don’t just measure performance; they help employees grow. Look for features that recommend learning resources, training programs, or career development paths based on review feedback.

9. Easy-to-Use Interface & Mobile Access

Nobody wants to struggle with clunky, outdated software. A simple, intuitive interface makes all the difference. Bonus points if it has a mobile app so employees and managers can check in on the go.

10. Performance Reports & Benchmarking

Detailed reports help managers make informed decisions and track progress over time. Some tools even offer benchmarking to see how your team stacks up against industry standards.

8 Best Employee Performance Review Software in 2025

Features alone don’t tell the whole story, right? That’s why I’ve compiled a detailed breakdown of the best performance review software, covering their pros, cons, and pricing so you can make an informed choice.

1. PeopleGoal

Best for Boosting Employee Performance & Improving Engagement

I’ve been using PeopleGoal for quite some time now, and I’ve recommended it to more people than I can count. I’ve put this tool at the top of my list because it has completely transformed how I manage performance reviews and employee engagement. The level of customization it offers is just incredible.

I started with the free trial to see if it was the right fit, and I was impressed by how easy it was to set up goal-tracking and feedback workflows. As my team grew, I upgraded to the paid plan, which was an excellent investment.

Now, regarding features, PeopleGoal allows my team to set clear goals, track progress, and get real-time feedback, all in one place. The best part? It integrates seamlessly with Slack and Microsoft Teams, so feedback and performance tracking happen naturally during day-to-day work.

While the platform can feel overwhelming at first due to its extensive customization options, it’s a game-changer once you get the hang of it.

What You’ll Like:

• Highly customizable workflows for performance reviews, feedback, and goal-setting
• 360-degree feedback ensures well-rounded evaluations
• Supports OKRs and SMART goals for better alignment and tracking
• Integrates with Slack, Microsoft Teams, and other collaboration tools
• Automated reports make tracking performance trends effortless
• Real-time goal tracking and automated feedback loops
• App engine that allows you to customize your app or use the pre-existing templates

What You Might Not Like:

• No on-premise or offline version is available
• No dark mode option

Pricing:

Free 7-day trial available. Paid plans start at $4 per user per month.

2. ClickUp

Best for Performance Management with Onboarding Solutions

I remember using ClickUp when we needed a performance management tool that could also help with onboarding. While ClickUp is widely known for project management, I was surprised at how well it handled employee performance tracking and goal-setting. It made onboarding smoother and kept performance reviews structured, which was exactly what we needed at the time.

We were using ClickUp primarily for managing team tasks, but eventually, our team started using its built-in tools for setting objectives, tracking progress, and gathering feedback. What stood out to us was its customizable dashboards, which gave the team a clear, real-time view of each of their performances. Plus, its automation features saved us from manually tracking every minor update.

It makes the review process much more efficient. However, since ClickUp wasn’t originally built as an HR tool, it lacks some specialized performance management features you’d find in dedicated HR software.

What You’ll Like:

• Customizable review templates and goal-tracking dashboards
• Seamless collaboration with tasks, reminders, and comments
• Automated workflows for feedback collection and progress tracking

What You Might Not Like:

• Performance review features are not as robust as dedicated HR software
• The mobile app experience isn’t as smooth as the desktop version

Pricing

Starts at $7 per person per month.

3. Effy AI

Best for AI-Powered 360-Degree Feedback

Effy AI came up in a team discussion when we were looking for a better way to manage 360-degree feedback. One of my colleagues had tried it before and swore by its AI-driven insights, so I decided to give it a shot. I have to admit, I was skeptical at first—could AI really make feedback smarter? But once I set it up, I saw how much time and effort it saved.

What really stood out to me was how effortlessly Effy AI handled feedback collection and analysis. The platform provided clear, data-backed insights into employee strengths and areas for growth. Plus, the anonymity feature made employees feel comfortable sharing honest opinions.

That said, I did notice that while Effy AI does an excellent job at analyzing feedback, it doesn’t offer deep goal-tracking or performance management tools. It’s a fantastic choice if you need an easy way to collect and interpret feedback, but you might need another tool to handle long-term employees.

What You’ll Like:

• AI-powered insights for faster feedback analysis
• Anonymous feedback to encourage honest responses
• Affordable pricing for small teams

What You Might Not Like:

• No built-in goal-tracking or development planning
• AI summaries may need manual review for full accuracy

Pricing

Starts at $2.50 per person per month, billed annually.

4. Lattice

Best for HRIS in Large Enterprises

If you’re leading a large organization and want performance review software that goes beyond basic evaluations, Lattice is a solid choice. It connects performance management, goal tracking, engagement surveys, and compensation planning into one platform, making aligning employee growth with business strategy easy.

It’s designed for larger companies that need structured HR processes and data-driven insights. The platform makes it easy to set goals, request feedback, and measure employee sentiment with surveys. HR teams love the detailed analytics that help improve performance and workplace culture.

That said, Lattice isn’t the cheapest option, so it might not be ideal for smaller teams. Plus, with so many features, it can take a little time to learn everything and use it to its full potential.

What You’ll Like:

• Structured goal tracking and performance reviews
• 360-degree feedback to foster transparency
• Engagement surveys to measure employee satisfaction

What You Might Not Like:

• Higher cost compared to similar tools
• Takes time to learn all the features

Pricing

Starts at $11 per seat per month.

5. PerformYard

Best for Flexible Review Cycles

PerformYard is built for companies that want more control over their performance review processes. Instead of rigid annual evaluations, this tool lets you create a system that works for your team, whether that’s quarterly check-ins, ongoing feedback, or something in between.

One of my colleagues had used PerformYard before and highly recommended it. I gave it a shot, and it was exactly what we needed: a clean, easy-to-use tool that streamlined our entire review process. The built-in analytics also made it easy to spot trends and track employee growth.

However, while PerformYard is great for customization, it lacks integrations with some popular HR tools. Plus, since there’s no free plan, you have to commit to a paid subscription from the start.

What You’ll Like:

• Fully customizable review cycles
• Intuitive and easy-to-use interface
• Detailed reporting and analytics

What You Might Not Like:

• Limited third-party integrations
• No free plan available

Pricing

Starts at $5 per person per month.

6. Connecteam

Best for Training & Onboarding

Connecteam is a really efficient performance review software tool for managing remote teams. It’s not just about performance evaluations; it also helps with training, onboarding, and daily communication, making it an all-in-one solution for managing frontline employees.

What stood out for me was the mobile-first approach. Employees can access training materials, complete checklists, and receive feedback directly from their phones, making it ideal for industries like retail, hospitality, and logistics. The platform also includes real-time task tracking, scheduling, and communication tools, ensuring teams stay engaged and aligned.

However, while the platform was great, setting up the workflows to match our specific onboarding process took some time. Also, some of the more advanced automation and reporting features were only available in the higher-tier plans, which isn’t ideal for a small team with a limited budget.

What You’ll Like

• Mobile-first design for easy access to training and performance tools
• Built-in communication & task management to streamline daily operations
• Supports goal setting and one-on-one feedback

What You May Not Like

• Limited customization options for complex performance review cycles
• Limited third-party integrations
• Advanced features require paid upgrades

Pricing

Starts at $29 per month for up to the first 30 users only.

7. BambooHR

Best for Comprehensive HRIS With Payroll Solutions

If you’re looking for performance review software that integrates seamlessly with HR, payroll, and employee data management, BambooHR is a fantastic choice. A colleague in HR recommended BambooHR when we needed an all-in-one HR solution.

One thing I really liked was the automated reminders for performance reviews. They helped keep everything on track without constant follow-ups. It also integrates well with other HR tools, like applicant tracking and benefits platforms, making it even more convenient. Employees could update their own records and request time off without needing HR’s help.

That said, the performance review templates don’t offer much customization, and the reporting features aren’t as detailed as I’d hoped. It also lacks a built-in 360-degree feedback system, which some teams might need for a more complete evaluation.

What You’ll Like:

• All-in-one HR platform with performance reviews, payroll, and time tracking
• Simple and user-friendly interface
• Automated reminders to keep reviews on schedule

What You Might Not Like:

• Limited customization for performance review templates
• No built-in 360-degree feedback system

Pricing

Starts at $6 per employee per month.

8. Workhuman

Best for Employee Recognition & Engagement

Workhuman is an excellent choice for companies that prioritize employee recognition and engagement. Instead of just focusing on performance reviews, it helps build a culture of appreciation through peer-to-peer recognition and real-time feedback. If you want to keep employees motivated and boost workplace morale, this platform can make a real difference.

It works especially well for remote teams, ensuring that employees feel valued no matter where they are. The AI-driven insights also give managers a deeper understanding of engagement trends and how recognition impacts performance.

That said, Workhuman isn’t a traditional performance review tool, so it may not work as a complete replacement. It’s also pricier, which might not be ideal for smaller businesses. Plus, some HR integrations are limited, making it a bit tricky to set up in certain systems.

What You’ll Like:

• Powerful employee recognition system to enhance company culture
• Peer-to-peer and manager-driven feedback for continuous engagement
• Supports multiple languages and currencies for global teams

What You Might Not Like:

• Focuses more on engagement than structured performance evaluations
• Limited integration with some HR and performance management tools

Pricing:
Starts at $8 per user per month.

Why Use Employee Performance Review Software?

What if I told you that performance review software could save your HR team hours of work, improve employee engagement, and help your company retain top talent? Because that’s precisely what it does.

Businesses that use HR performance review software see higher productivity, better employee satisfaction, and stronger team alignment. Why? Because when feedback is clear, structured, and ongoing, employees actually know how to improve, and managers have the tools to help them.

Here’s how it makes a difference:

• Faster, smarter reviews: Automated reminders, templates, and structured feedback make performance reviews seamless.
• Clearer goals, better results: Employees stay on track with real-time goal tracking.
• No more bias: AI-driven analytics help managers make fair, data-backed decisions.
• Happier teams: Employees feel valued with regular feedback, leading to better engagement and retention.

The future of performance management is proactive, not reactive. If you’re still managing reviews manually, you’re leaving money (and talent) on the table. When performance reviews are done right, they don’t just evaluate past work; they help shape future success. The right software can make that happen.

Benefits of Performance Review & Appraisal Software

Switching to performance review software isn’t just about making HR’s job easier; it’s about creating a better, fairer, and more productive workplace. A good performance review software takes the stress out of evaluations and helps both managers and employees stay on track.

Here are some of the benefits:

1. Makes Performance Reviews Quick & Easy

Performance review software automates the whole process, sending reminders and keeping everything in one place. This means less admin work and more focus on meaningful feedback.

2. Encourages Ongoing Feedback

Employee performance review software makes it easy to give real-time feedback, so employees always know where they stand. It helps fix issues before they become big problems and keeps motivation high.

3. Helps Everyone Stay Aligned on Goals

With built-in goal-setting features, employees and managers can track progress throughout the year. This keeps everyone focused on what matters most and ensures no one is left wondering how they’re doing.

4. Boosts Employee Engagement & Retention

When employees get regular feedback and recognition, they feel valued. That leads to better engagement, higher job satisfaction, and fewer people looking for an exit. A solid performance review system helps build a workplace where people actually want to stay.

5. Provides Data-Driven Insights

Gut feelings don’t cut it when making promotion or salary decisions. Performance review tools offer real data on employee progress, strengths, and areas for improvement, making performance management more objective and fair.

6. Reduces Bias in Evaluations

Traditional reviews can sometimes be unfair. With AI-driven insights and 360-degree feedback, these tools help remove bias, giving employees a more accurate work assessment.

7. Works Seamlessly With Other HR Tools

Most performance management software integrate with payroll, HR systems, and learning platforms. That means everything flows smoothly without extra manual work, from feedback to raises.

Future Trends in Performance Reviews

Software for performance review is transforming the way businesses assess and manage employee performance. Instead of outdated annual evaluations, companies are now using employee performance review software to provide continuous feedback, set clear goals, and improve engagement.

Here are the key trends shaping the future of performance reviews:

1. Holistic Employee Performance Reviews

Organizations are shifting to software for performance reviews that include 360-degree feedback, peer reviews, and self-assessments, giving a more complete picture of employee performance.

2. From Annual Reviews to Continuous Feedback

Some managers may hesitate to provide honest feedback, fearing it could offend employees. However, 83% of employees actually value all types of feedback, whether positive or constructive.

3. Higher Alignment of Individual and Organizational Goals

Businesses use the best performance review software to ensure employee objectives align with company goals, driving productivity and business success.

4. Decision-Making Using Real-Time Performance Data

More than 75% of people believe that regular feedback helps them do better. With online performance review software, organizations can use real-time data for smarter talent management and succession planning.

5. Agile Performance Management with OKRs

Modern HR performance review software incorporates OKRs (Objectives and Key Results) to help businesses track progress and adapt quickly to changes.

6. Increased Emphasis on Learning & Development

Investing in upskilling and reskilling is now a priority, and performance review software is integrating learning modules to support employee growth.

7. Focus on Soft Skills Development

Employers are recognizing that soft skills like communication, teamwork, and adaptability are just as critical as technical expertise in long-term success.

8. Employee Wellbeing is a Key Performance Factor

Employee wellbeing directly impacts performance. Happy employees are 13% more productive. Yet, mental health issues are often overlooked, despite being more common than heart disease or diabetes. Prioritizing wellbeing boosts morale, reduces absenteeism, and drives business success.

9. Increased Use of Technology & Automation

Companies are leveraging software for performance reviews to automate tasks like goal tracking, feedback collection, and performance reporting.

10. Automating Employee Feedback

AI-driven online performance review software now automates feedback collection and analysis, ensuring fairness and reducing manual effort.

11. Leveraging AI in Performance Management

AI-powered employee performance review software helps remove biases in evaluations, track performance trends, and offer personalized development plans.

Achieve More with Smarter Performance Management

Performance reviews have shifted from a once-a-year obligation to an essential tool for business success. But without the right system, they can be inefficient and frustrating.

PeopleGoal provides an easier way to manage performance with automation, real-time feedback, and AI-powered insights. It helps employees gain clear direction, and managers get valuable data to support decision-making.

With customizable review cycles, goal tracking, and instant recognition, PeopleGoal ensures performance management is efficient, meaningful, and aligned with business goals. If your current system isn’t working, it’s time for an upgrade.

Learn More About Performance Review Software

What is performance review software?

Software for performance review is a digital tool that helps businesses streamline employee evaluations. Unlike outdated annual reviews, modern employee performance review software enables continuous feedback, goal setting, and real-time performance tracking. Companies use HR performance review software to enhance transparency, boost engagement, and align individual goals with business objectives.

How to choose performance review software?

Choosing the right performance review software starts with understanding your needs. Look for features like goal tracking, real-time feedback, AI-driven insights, and seamless HR integration. It should be easy to use, customizable, and flexible enough to support different review cycles. A good system makes feedback meaningful and performance management effortless.

How does the employee performance review tool work?

Online performance review software eliminates the inefficiencies of outdated, paper-based evaluations. It automates goal tracking, feedback collection, and reporting, making performance management faster and more transparent. With real-time performance data, businesses using software for performance reviews can make smarter decisions, align goals effectively, and drive employee engagement, all while reducing administrative effort.

How to choose an annual performance review software?

When selecting annual performance review software, prioritize features that enhance efficiency and provide meaningful insights. Look for customizable templates to tailor evaluations, goal tracking to align employee objectives, and automated reminders to keep reviews on schedule. 360-degree feedback ensures a well-rounded assessment, while AI-driven analytics help identify performance trends.