logo
Search for anything...
About

Best HR Software for Performance Management

Written by Steph Leung

Product & Operations Lead

Edited by Paddy Stobbs

Co-Founder & CEO

Updated onApr 14, 2025

Effective performance management is crucial for businesses to optimize employee productivity and achieve organizational goals.

HR software for performance management streamlines processes such as goal setting, regular feedback, performance evaluations, and employee development planning. By using these tools, companies can enhance transparency, foster a culture of continuous improvement, and make data-driven decisions. As independent experts, we will examine top HR software solutions that support these use cases.

Best HR Information systems for different use cases

For ease of use:

Humaans product logo

Humaans

Stackfix Rating:

8.1 / 10

For HR teams looking for a simple, intuitive performance management tool, Humaans is a strong choice. It scored 10/10 for ease of use in our testing. The interface is clean and modern, and most users can get comfortable within 30 minutes. Even more complex HR workflows feel straightforward, making it ideal for lean teams that don’t have time for heavy onboarding.

The Performance Management module, launched in January 2025, scored 7/10. It includes fully customizable 360-degree reviews, covering self, peer, and upward feedback. It handles the essentials well, and the experience feels consistent with the rest of the platform — light, fast, and easy to navigate.

That said, it does rely on third-party integrations for more advanced features like OKRs. If you’re looking for a complete performance management suite, that could be a limitation. But if your focus is on running clean, effective review cycles without extra complexity, Humaans delivers.

For teams that value ease of use and want to roll out performance reviews without a clunky setup, Humaans strikes a solid balance between simplicity and capability.

Jump to product

For targeted reviews:

Rippling HR Cloud product logo

Rippling HR Cloud

Stackfix Rating:

6.9 / 10

Rippling HR Cloud stands out for performance reviews that are both powerful and highly targeted. It scored a perfect 10/10 in our testing for customisability, letting HR teams build tailored review processes based on attributes like department, role, or location. This means every team can have a review process that actually reflects the work they do — not just a one-size-fits-all template.

What really sets Rippling apart is how it ties reviews to real outcomes. Its calibration tools help ensure ratings are consistent across managers and departments, and its automation engine (also rated 10/10) can trigger follow-up actions automatically. You can schedule coaching sessions for employees who need support or push compensation adjustments for top performers directly into payroll — no manual steps needed.

The trade-off is usability. Rippling scored 6/10 for ease of use, and there is a learning curve, especially if you’re new to its broader ecosystem. But if you’re looking for a performance management system that adapts to your org structure and drives real follow-through, Rippling delivers a smart, connected solution.

Jump to product

For powerful customisability :

HiBob product logo

HiBob

Stackfix Rating:

6.7 / 10

HiBob stands out for its flexibility in performance management, earning a 9/10 for customizability in our testing. For companies that need to tailor reviews around unique workflows or complex org structures, HiBob delivers far more than basic 360-degree functionality. You can build custom review types, apply conditional logic to questions, and calculate performance ratings based on selected scores — giving you full control over how feedback is collected and scored.

This level of flexibility extends across the platform. You can target specific groups with granular rules, design matrix-format questions, and define exactly how and when feedback is shared with employees. Engagement surveys are just as configurable, with display logic and audience segmentation based on any combination of employee attributes.

The trade-off is time. HiBob’s setup takes a bit more upfront effort, especially if you’re configuring multiple layers of logic. But once it’s live, it works the way your organization works — not the other way around.

If your team needs a performance management system that can flex to fit how you operate, rather than forcing you into a rigid template, HiBob is one of the best tools out there.

Jump to product

For lightweight reviews :

Zelt product logo

Zelt

Stackfix Rating:

7.3 / 10

For teams that want a straightforward, no-fuss approach to performance management, Zelt strikes a good balance between simplicity and functionality. In our testing, it scored 8/10 for ease of use, making it a solid choice for lightweight review cycles without the overhead of more complex systems.

Zelt lets managers run performance reviews and set OKRs or goals in the same system used for core HR tasks, which keeps everything in one place. The interface is clean and easy to navigate, helping teams focus on the conversation instead of fighting with the software.

The platform includes standard survey features like customizable questions and completion tracking. It doesn’t offer the depth of more advanced tools, and there’s no support for compensation reviews or complex workflow automation. But for teams that want to run simple, effective reviews with minimal setup, Zelt gets the job done.

If your priority is ease of use and keeping your performance process lean, Zelt is a smart choice that delivers what you need without adding extra complexity.

Jump to product

SL

Meet your expert: Steph Leung

Stackfix Product & Operations Lead

After building HR tech and spending countless hours on vendor selection in my previous roles, I discovered how painful it is to find the right business software. Now at Stackfix, I've dedicated over 800 hours to testing and reviewing software solutions so others don't have to go through the same struggle. I have a particular love for beautiful, opinionated products that do one thing exceptionally well and just work.

Humaans logo

Humaans

Rippling HR Cloud logo

Rippling HR Cloud

HiBob logo

HiBob

Zelt logo

Zelt

Our rating
Functionality
7

Functionality

7/10

<p>By design, Humaans focuses on offering high-quality, core HR functionality, including storing employee information, managing time-off, tracking hours worked and workflow automation. It has recently added performance management, but still lacks other functionality such as surveys, payroll and software &amp; device management.</p>
10

Functionality

10/10

<p>Rippling offers unmatched functionality compared to other HRIS platforms we tested. You can manage almost any employee-related tasks within one platform. Besides core HRIS features such as storing employee information, managing time off and employee engagement, Rippling also comes with a native recruiting module, payroll, app and device management, advanced automation and more.</p>
9

Functionality

9/10

<p>HiBob offers all the functionality most SMBs will need.</p><p>Besides core HR features like storing employee information and managing time off, HiBob also allows you to recruit applicants via a native ATS, run payroll for UK employees, set goals/ OKRs, run performance and compensation reviews and more.</p><p>The only functionality we find missing is the ability to manage employees' hardware and software access.</p>
8

Functionality

8/10

<p>Zelt offers most functionality that most SMBs will need. Besides core HR features (store employee info, manage timeoff), Zelt also allows you to run performance reviews, send surveys, run payroll, manage employees' software and hardware and more.</p><p>Only features missing are workflow automation (e.g. automate emails and calendar invites) and any recruiting/ applicant tracking functionality.</p>
Ease of Use
10

Ease of Use

10/10

<p>Humaans is highly intuitive and easy to use. Key workflows such as adding new hires, requesting time-off and automating workflows are very straightforward.</p><p>An average startup employee should require less than 30 minutes, independently, to use the product proficiently.</p>
6

Ease of Use

6/10

<p>With Rippling's rich functionality comes a complexity that requires time and effort to master.&nbsp;It will require a few days for an average SMB to master key modules of the product. Beyond the initial learning curve, key workflows on Rippling are generally quite intuitive.</p>
6

Ease of Use

6/10

<p>Due to HiBob's extensive customisability, it will take significant time for teams to set up the platform and up skill themselves. Besides that, HiBob is a straightforward platform that is generally easy to navigate and use.</p>
8

Ease of Use

8/10

<p>Despite its very rich functionality, Zelt remains easy to use. Key workflows such as adding new hires, requesting time-off all feel very intuitive. An average startup employee should require around 1-2 hours and minimal guidance to proficiently use all key functionalities of the product.&nbsp;</p>
Look and feel
10

Look and feel

10/10

<p>Humaans is one of the most visually stunning B2B platforms we've come across. Its uncluttered and modern user interface is a breath of fresh air. It also shines with blazingly fast page loads.</p>
6

Look and feel

6/10

<p>We find Rippling's interface sleek and modern, with fast page load times.</p>
6

Look and feel

6/10

<p>HiBob has a colourful, vibrant layout that is visually acceptable with fast page loading times.</p>
8

Look and feel

8/10

<p>Zelt has a clean, uncluttered UI, whose abundance of white space makes it visually appealing. It also has lightning fast page load times.</p>
Customisability
7

Customisability

7/10

<p>You can customise most things on Humaans, from data fields, reports, leave policies, workflow templates and more.</p><p>However, it still lacks the deeper customisability offered by more mature HRIS (e.g. Rippling, Deel), such as creating more complex approval chains and customising the layout of the platform.</p>
9

Customisability

9/10

<p>Rippling is one of the most customisable HRIS we have come across. You are able to customise data fields, employee groups, set up complex approval chains and even highly customised workflows based on things as granular as an employee's response to a survey question or days after onboarding.</p>
9

Customisability

9/10

<p>Many aspects of HiBob is highly customisable, which is helpful for larger teams with complex workflows/ structures.</p><p>You are able to customise data fields, employee groups, set up complex approval chains and even highly customised leave policies that allow you to adjust the decimal places an individual's time-off balance should be rounded off to.</p>
7

Customisability

7/10

<p>You can customise most things on Zelt, from data fields, reports, leave policies, workflow templates, the platform's layout and more.</p><p>However, it lacks the deeper customisability offered by more mature HRIS (e.g. Rippling, Deel), such as creating workflows with conditional logic, and setting survey questions as optional.</p>
Ease of Setup
6

Ease of Setup

6/10

<p>Humaans does not offer a free trial and purchasing requires talking to sales. It takes &lt;10mins to complete basic setup (entering company information and adding employees). Fully customizing and setting up the platform can be done within 1-2 business days. Customization and setup is simple enough to not require an expert and more complicated processes can be done with help from the help center.</p>
3

Ease of Setup

3/10

<p>Rippling does not offer a free trial and requires speaking to sales before making a purchase. Fully customizing and setting up the platform takes &gt;1week and will likely require assistance from an expert.</p>
3

Ease of Setup

3/10

<p>HiBob does not offer a free trial and requires speaking to sales before purchasing. Fully customizing and setting up the platform takes &gt;1week and will likely need assistance from an expert.</p>
7

Ease of Setup

7/10

<p>Zelt does not offer a free trial. Purchasing requires you to talk to sales. It takes &lt;10 minutes to compete basic setup (entering company information, adding employees). Fully customizing and setting up the platform takes 1-2 business days.</p>
Customer Support
9

Customer Support

9/10

<p><span style="color: rgb(9, 9, 11);">Humaans offers excellent in-app support and live chat with human agents. Our testers usually get a response within an hour, and have found the team to be friendly and open to feedback.</span></p>
4

Customer Support

4/10

<p>We've found Rippling’s customer support to be poor.</p><p>Navigating their AI chatbot just to reach a human agent is a frustrating experience. On top of that, their account managers often come across as overly sales-focused, making it feel like their main goal is to upsell rather than assist. This sentiment is echoed by many customers we’ve spoken to. Rippling doesn’t allow you to self-demo the product before committing to their minimum 1-year contract, which feels both overly aggressive and unhelpful.</p>
6

Customer Support

6/10

<p>HiBob allows you to contact support by creating a support ticket in-app. Users we've interview mention that support (in-app and via their customer success manager) is of decent quality.</p>
7

Customer Support

7/10

<p>Zelt offers support via email, with live chat available on the highest tier. When tested, Zelt's support team is quick to respond (&lt; 2 hours), friendly and helpful.</p>
Integratability
6

Integratability

6/10

<p>Humaans supports 40+ pre built integrations with most relevant 3rd party products in relevant categories, such as ATS, performance management, finance, benefits and more. It also has an API for custom integrations.</p>
10

Integratability

10/10

<p>Rippling offers one the richest integrations ecosystem out of all HRIS's with over 500 integrations with HR, finance and IT products. It also has an API for your custom integrations.</p>
8

Integratability

8/10

<p>HiBob has 110+ pre-built integrations with most relevant products across most categories, such as ATS, payroll and accounting. However, it is yet to add integrations with newer leading providers, such as Lattice for Performance Management, and Ben and Goody for Benefits management. It does offer an API for custom integrations.</p>
3

Integratability

3/10

<p>Zelt only supports a handful of integrations with the most relevant third-party software, such as Slack, Google Calendar, Xero for accounting, and Workable for ATS. It also lacks an API for custom integrations.</p>
Ease of Migration
8

Ease of Migration

8/10

<p><span style="color: rgb(9, 9, 11);">Exports of key data are available via self-serve, and most other data are available via self-serve or their API. </span></p>
8

Ease of Migration

8/10

<p>Rippling allows users to export key data data via self-serve. Export of most other data are also available via API or on request.</p>
8

Ease of Migration

8/10

<p><span style="color: rgb(9, 9, 11);">HiBob allows users to export key data data via self-serve. Export of most other data are also available via API or on request.</span></p>
7

Ease of Migration

7/10

<p>You can export key data via the web application, but Zelt currently lacks a customer-accessible API.</p>

Best for ease of use

Humaans product logo
Humaans

Stackfix Rating:

8.1 / 10

Visit website

Updated onApr 14, 2025

For HR teams looking for a simple, intuitive performance management tool, Humaans is a strong choice. It scored 10/10 for ease of use in our testing. The interface is clean and modern, and most users can get comfortable within 30 minutes. Even more complex HR workflows feel straightforward, making it ideal for lean teams that don’t have time for heavy onboarding.

The Performance Management module, launched in January 2025, scored 7/10. It includes fully customizable 360-degree reviews, covering self, peer, and upward feedback. It handles the essentials well, and the experience feels consistent with the rest of the platform — light, fast, and easy to navigate.

That said, it does rely on third-party integrations for more advanced features like OKRs. If you’re looking for a complete performance management suite, that could be a limitation. But if your focus is on running clean, effective review cycles without extra complexity, Humaans delivers.

For teams that value ease of use and want to roll out performance reviews without a clunky setup, Humaans strikes a solid balance between simplicity and capability.

Want to know more? Get a full breakdown of Humaans's features and pricing.

Pros

  • Excellent customer support

  • Excellent DE&I (diversity, equity and inclusion) reporting

  • Excellent data management functionality

  • Delightful User Experience

  • Robust Time Management Features

  • Effective Workflow Automation

Cons

  • Not as feature-rich as some all-in-one HR platforms

  • Gates key functionality behind more expensive tier

Best for targeted reviews

Rippling HR Cloud product logo
Rippling HR Cloud

Stackfix Rating:

6.9 / 10

Visit website

Starting at

$10

Calculate your price
Updated onApr 14, 2025

Rippling HR Cloud stands out for performance reviews that are both powerful and highly targeted. It scored a perfect 10/10 in our testing for customisability, letting HR teams build tailored review processes based on attributes like department, role, or location. This means every team can have a review process that actually reflects the work they do — not just a one-size-fits-all template.

What really sets Rippling apart is how it ties reviews to real outcomes. Its calibration tools help ensure ratings are consistent across managers and departments, and its automation engine (also rated 10/10) can trigger follow-up actions automatically. You can schedule coaching sessions for employees who need support or push compensation adjustments for top performers directly into payroll — no manual steps needed.

The trade-off is usability. Rippling scored 6/10 for ease of use, and there is a learning curve, especially if you’re new to its broader ecosystem. But if you’re looking for a performance management system that adapts to your org structure and drives real follow-through, Rippling delivers a smart, connected solution.

Want to know more? Get a full breakdown of Rippling HR Cloud's features and pricing.

Pros

  • Highly customisable

  • Best-in-class automation functionality

  • Fast pace of product iteration

  • Richest functionality out of all HRIS’s

  • Best-in-class reporting functionality

Cons

  • Lacks some advanced settings

  • Steep learning curve

  • Expensive, and forces an annual contract

  • Inconsistent customer support

Best for powerful customisability

HiBob product logo
HiBob

Stackfix Rating:

6.7 / 10

Visit website

Updated onApr 14, 2025

HiBob stands out for its flexibility in performance management, earning a 9/10 for customizability in our testing. For companies that need to tailor reviews around unique workflows or complex org structures, HiBob delivers far more than basic 360-degree functionality. You can build custom review types, apply conditional logic to questions, and calculate performance ratings based on selected scores — giving you full control over how feedback is collected and scored.

This level of flexibility extends across the platform. You can target specific groups with granular rules, design matrix-format questions, and define exactly how and when feedback is shared with employees. Engagement surveys are just as configurable, with display logic and audience segmentation based on any combination of employee attributes.

The trade-off is time. HiBob’s setup takes a bit more upfront effort, especially if you’re configuring multiple layers of logic. But once it’s live, it works the way your organization works — not the other way around.

If your team needs a performance management system that can flex to fit how you operate, rather than forcing you into a rigid template, HiBob is one of the best tools out there.

Want to know more? Get a full breakdown of HiBob's features and pricing.

Pros

  • Highly customisable

  • Powerful automation functionality

  • Rich engagement functionality

  • Comprehensive suite of HR features

Cons

  • Too customisable for smaller teams

  • User experience frustrations

  • Expensive, and forces an annual contract

Best for lightweight reviews

Zelt product logo
Zelt

Stackfix Rating:

7.3 / 10

Visit website

Updated onApr 14, 2025

For teams that want a straightforward, no-fuss approach to performance management, Zelt strikes a good balance between simplicity and functionality. In our testing, it scored 8/10 for ease of use, making it a solid choice for lightweight review cycles without the overhead of more complex systems.

Zelt lets managers run performance reviews and set OKRs or goals in the same system used for core HR tasks, which keeps everything in one place. The interface is clean and easy to navigate, helping teams focus on the conversation instead of fighting with the software.

The platform includes standard survey features like customizable questions and completion tracking. It doesn’t offer the depth of more advanced tools, and there’s no support for compensation reviews or complex workflow automation. But for teams that want to run simple, effective reviews with minimal setup, Zelt gets the job done.

If your priority is ease of use and keeping your performance process lean, Zelt is a smart choice that delivers what you need without adding extra complexity.

Want to know more? Get a full breakdown of Zelt's features and pricing.

Pros

  • Easy to use

  • Exceptional breadth of functionality

  • Attractive look & feel 

  • Excellent device management

Cons

  • Occasional glitches

  • UK-centric

  • Limited workflow automation

  • Integration gaps

How we test products

With Core HR software at the heart of people operations, we focus on identifying the best solutions for small and midsize businesses. Our evaluation process reflects real-world usage, prioritizing functionality, ease of use, and overall value. Here’s how we do it:

Functionality

Core HR software should simplify and centralize HR operations. We start by identifying key use cases—employee record management, payroll, benefits administration, compliance tracking, and reporting—then test how well each platform supports these needs. Tools that provide essential features without unnecessary complexity score highest.

User Experience & Onboarding

HR teams need software that is intuitive and easy to implement. We test each platform’s interface by navigating core features without prior training and track onboarding time—from account setup to adding the first employees. Platforms that require extensive setup or technical expertise lose points.

Compliance & Security

HR software must help businesses stay compliant with labor laws, tax regulations, and data protection standards. We assess built-in compliance tools, payroll tax support, and security measures such as encryption and role-based access control. Platforms with weak compliance support or limited security features score lower.

Integrations & Compatibility

Core HR software should integrate seamlessly with payroll systems, benefits providers, and workforce management tools. We test how well each product connects with essential HR systems and assess whether native integrations or third-party connectors are required.

Pricing & Value

We compare pricing across competitors, analyzing what each plan includes and whether critical features are locked behind paywalls. Hidden costs—such as per-employee fees, add-ons for compliance tools, or premium support charges—are factored into our assessment. Platforms that offer strong core functionality at a fair price score highest.

Stackfix’s Fit Score

All of these factors contribute to Stackfix’s Fit Score, a proprietary ranking system that measures how well each Core HR tool aligns with a buyer’s needs. It combines two key elements:

  • Requirements Met – How many buyer requirements the software fulfills
  • Stackfix Rating – Our expert assessment of the software’s overall quality, usability, and value

The result? A clear, data-driven recommendation that helps businesses choose the right Core HR software—without hours of trial and error.

FAQs

What is Core HR Software?

Put simply, Core HR Software (or HRIS - HR Information Software) is a platform that helps businesses manage, track, and streamline HR processes efficiently. It acts as a central hub where teams can handle employee records, payroll, benefits, and compliance—ensuring smooth operations and a great employee experience. The key features of HR information software usually include:

  • Employee Database & Records: A structured system to store and manage employee details, job histories, contracts, and compliance documents.
  • Payroll & Benefits Management: Tools to automate payroll processing, tax calculations, and benefits administration, reducing manual work and errors.
  • Time & Attendance Tracking: Features like clock-in/out systems, leave management, and scheduling to keep track of working hours and absences.
  • Onboarding & Performance Management: Automated workflows for new hire onboarding, performance reviews, goal tracking, and employee feedback.
  • Compliance & Reporting: Built-in compliance checks for labor laws, tax regulations, and GDPR, along with reporting tools for workforce insights.

What should I consider when buying Core HR software?

Choosing the right Core HR software can make or break your people operations—so it’s essential to find one that fits your company’s needs, integrates with your existing tools, and aligns with your budget. Here are the key factors to consider before making your decision.

  1. Your HR Needs. Start by assessing your current and future HR requirements. Do you need a simple employee database, or are you looking for a full-suite HR platform with payroll and benefits? Are you hiring rapidly and need strong recruiting features? Identifying your priorities will help you choose the right tool.
  2. Ease of Use. HR software should make HR processes smoother, not more complicated. Look for an intuitive interface that HR teams, managers, and employees can use without extensive training. Overly complex systems can lead to errors, inefficiencies, and frustrated employees. That’s why Stackfix rates every HR platform on ease of use—click into each product above to see how they compare.
  3. Integration with Your Tech Stack. Your HR platform needs to work seamlessly with your payroll provider, accounting software, and collaboration tools like Slack or Microsoft Teams. If you’re using an applicant tracking system (ATS) or performance management tools, check if the software offers native integrations or requires third-party connectors.
  4. Scalability & Flexibility. As your business grows, your HR needs will evolve. Ensure that the software can handle a growing workforce, new locations, and additional compliance requirements. Look for flexible configurations, such as custom approval workflows, multi-country payroll, and role-based access controls. Check the vendor’s product roadmap to see if they regularly release useful updates.
  5. Pricing & Hidden Costs. HR software pricing can vary widely, often based on per-employee fees, feature add-ons, or premium support. Check pricing tiers carefully—what seems affordable now may become expensive as you scale. Watch out for extra costs for payroll processing, integrations, or advanced analytics.
  6. Customer Support from the Vendor. HR software is critical for compliance and payroll, so reliable customer support is essential. If something breaks or you need help with setup, will the vendor be there? Look at response times, support availability (24/7 or business hours?), and self-serve resources like knowledge bases or community forums. Stackfix rates each platform on support quality—click into each product to see how they compare.


What are the common mistakes to avoid when buying Core HR software?

Avoiding common pitfalls when choosing Core HR software can save you time, compliance risks, and operational headaches. Here are some of the biggest mistakes startups make—and how to avoid them.

  1. Choosing based on features, not usability. Some platforms offer advanced features but have a steep learning curve. Make sure you’re picking a tool that fits your team’s workflow, not just one with a long feature list.
  2. Ignoring automation. Many startups still manage HR tasks manually when automation could significantly reduce workload. Look for tools that automate payroll, benefits enrollment, onboarding, and compliance tracking.
  3. Overlooking self-service options. Employees should be able to access payslips, request leave, and update their details without needing HR intervention. A lack of self-service features can increase administrative overhead.
  4. Not planning for scaling. Startups often choose software based on current needs, without considering future growth. Will the platform support more employees, new offices, or evolving compliance requirements?
  5. Underestimating integration depth. A platform might claim to integrate with your payroll provider, but does it sync real-time data properly? Always test integrations before committing to a tool.


How much does Core HR Software typically cost?

A few providers offer limited functionality at the lower end of the pricing spectrum, though these typically restrict advanced features like performance management and engagement surveys.

For enterprise plans and above, you can expect to speak to sales for a bespoke price. These custom quotes typically factor in integration needs, compliance requirements, and advanced analytics capabilities. To skip the demo calls, be sure to check out our pricing calculator.

Compare other Human Resource Information Systems

View our comparisons of other HRIS