15Five may suit you better if
- You want built-in manager training content.
- You run calibrated performance reviews and 360° reviews.
Comparison
MeritForge vs 15Five
Both are built around weekly check-ins and 1:1s. 15Five adds manager training and AI-assisted reviews. MeritForge includes pulses in Growth and adds a full Recognition module with badges, titles and rewards.
Choose by what you need around the weekly rhythm: manager training and review workflows, or recognition and a growth record people own.
| Topic | 15Five | MeritForge |
|---|---|---|
| Pricing model | Plans by area (engagement, performance, or both), billed annually. | One price per seat for Growth, with pulses included, billed monthly or annually. See our pricing page. |
| Getting started | Paid plans; see its website for trials. | The first 10 seats are free in every package. |
| Check-ins and 1:1s | Weekly check-ins and 1:1s. | Check-ins where obstacles get answered, with reminders and escalation, and 1:1s with commitments that carry over. |
| Engagement surveys | Offered in its engagement plans. | Confidential pulses with actions and re-measurement, included in Growth. |
| Goals | OKRs and goals. | Objectives with key results, evidence and validation each Season. |
| Reviews | AI-assisted performance reviews, 360° reviews and calibrations. | Season self-assessments and readiness reviews with colleagues' input. No calibration. |
| Career development | Career paths and development plans. | Career paths with evidence-backed claims, insignia and readiness reviews. |
| Recognition | Quick peer praise (High Fives). | A full Recognition module: Sparks, forged badges, titles, the Great Hall and controlled real-world rewards. |
| Manager training | Built-in manager training content. | Not included. Managers get Your week and a brief with at most three interruptions a day. |
What we say about 15Five comes from its public website, checked in October 2026. Products change; for its current plans and prices, see 15Five's website.
MeritForge may suit you better if
- You want pulses included with check-ins, 1:1s and objectives.
- You want recognition with badges, titles and rewards, not just quick praise.
- You want promotions to rest on readiness reviews and a record people own.
- You want to start free and pay monthly.
Moving from 15Five
- Import your people, teams and managers from XLS or CSV.
- Set your check-in rhythm and start 1:1s with a shared agenda.
- Add this Season's objectives and send a first pulse from the library.
- Turn on Recognition when you want wins to become Sparks and badges.