01 / Cost
50–70% lower.
Flat-rate by org, not per-seat. HR included instead of priced as a separate product like 15Five does.
Comparison
LVL Up vs 15Five
Looking beyond 15Five? Discover why teams choose LVL Up for more comprehensive features, HR included, and better value.
About 15Five
15Five is a continuous performance management platform known for its weekly check-in approach. Founded in 2011, they focus on regular pulse surveys, employee feedback, and lightweight performance tools designed to take just 15 minutes per week.
- Founded
- 2011
- Headquarters
- San Francisco, CA
- Primary focus
- Weekly Check-ins & Continuous Performance
- Ideal for
- Small to mid-market companies focused on engagement
- Pricing model
- Per user/month, tiered by feature set
- Starting price
- $4
Why LVL Up
Six places we're deliberately different.
02 / Setup
Ten minutes.
Sign up, invite team, set goals, run a feedback cycle. No implementation specialist, no procurement gauntlet.
03 / Scope
HR + performance, one tool.
Goals, feedback, recognition, reviews, and HR essentials live together. One bill, one login, one search.
04 / Career
LVL Proof portfolios.
Employees own a career portfolio that follows them — feedback, recognition, completed goals as evidence.
05 / Engagement
Gamification, opt-in.
XP, streaks, badges, and rewards that managers can enable per team. Off if your culture prefers quiet.
06 / Pricing
Transparent.
Every tier and price published. No sales call to find out what you'd pay.
Feature comparison
Side by side.
Feature
LVL Up
15Five
Weekly Check-ins
Goal Setting & OKRs
Goal Cascade Visualization
Limited
Performance Reviews
360-Degree Feedback
Add-on
Continuous Feedback
1:1 Meeting Tools
Employee Engagement Surveys
Recognition (High Fives)
HR Essentials (Employee Records)
Included Free
PTO Tracking
Included Free
Org Chart
Limited
Where 15Five is strong
- Simple weekly check-in format
- Good for engagement-focused teams
- Lower starting price point
- Easy to get started
- Strong coaching and 1:1 features
Where it falls short
- Limited HR functionality - no employee records
- Basic plan very limited in features
- No PTO or time tracking
- Less robust for formal review cycles
- 360 feedback requires upgrade
- Limited customization options
Migrating from 15Five
CSV import for employees, departments, and goals. The founder personally helps map fields the first time, so nothing gets dropped.
- Typical migration time
- 1 day
- Complexity
- Low
Common questions
Things teams ask before switching.
- How is LVL Up different from 15Five?
- While 15Five focuses primarily on weekly check-ins and lightweight performance tools, LVL Up provides a complete HR + Performance platform. You get employee records, PTO tracking, comprehensive review cycles, and unique features like LVL Proof career portfolios - all included in every plan.
- Does LVL Up have weekly check-ins like 15Five?
- Yes! LVL Up includes continuous feedback and check-in tools similar to 15Five, plus more comprehensive performance review cycles, goal management, and HR functionality. You get the best of both worlds.
- Is LVL Up more expensive than 15Five?
- It depends on what you need. 15Five's basic plan starts lower, but their full HR Outcomes suite costs $14+/user/month. LVL Up's Storming plan at $79/month (up to 100 employees) includes everything - HR, performance, and all advanced features. For most teams, LVL Up provides better value.
- Can I import my 15Five data?
- Yes! We can help you export and migrate your check-in history, goals, and employee data from 15Five. Our migration team ensures nothing is lost in the transition.
- Does LVL Up have High Fives like 15Five?
- LVL Up has a comprehensive recognition system with kudos, badges, and gamification features that go beyond 15Five's High Fives. Our recognition tools are designed to boost engagement and make appreciation visible across your organization.
- What about 15Five's engagement surveys?
- LVL Up includes employee engagement surveys and pulse checks. We also provide deeper analytics and trend tracking to help you understand and improve employee engagement over time.
Switch in an afternoon.
Start free, no credit card. Cancel any time. The founder will personally help you migrate from 15Five if you want a hand.