Are your best employees waiting an entire year for feedback that should take five minutes? In high-growth companies, the reliance on outdated, annual review systems is a primary reason for missed potential. This delay stifles innovation and directly impacts motivation, especially when data shows that 80% of employees who receive meaningful feedback weekly are fully engaged, which is key to retaining top talent.
The frustration is clear: you know you need a modern system, but the market is flooded. How do you find the right Performance Management Software (PMS) for your company’s size, budget, and unique culture?
This blog provides a detailed performance management software comparison, covering the top platforms, core features, and their overall impact on Indian employers. We’ll give you a clear, actionable framework to select the precise PMS that will finally drive continuous, measurable performance in your business.
Top PMS in India include Craze, Keka, and Zoho, each specialising in different needs (startups, scaling, or ecosystem users).
Essential features are non-negotiable OKRs, 360-degree feedback, continuous check-ins, and deep payroll integration for Indian compliance.
PMS is critical for businesses to ensure better employee retention, stronger compliance, and informed, data-driven decisions on talent.
Choosing the right tool depends on organisational size, budget, required integration, and support for local compliance.
A modern PMS converts performance reviews from an annual chore into a continuous growth engine for the entire organisation.
Here’s a list of the top performance management tools in India, each offering unique features to track goals, provide continuous feedback, and support employee growth:
Craze PMS: Best for startups, mid-sized and fast-growing businesses needing simplified 360-degree reviews and OKR tracking.
Lattice: Best for high-growth companies prioritising continuous feedback and OKRs.
Zimyo PMS: Best for SMEs seeking an affordable HCM with integrated goal management.
SAP SuccessFactors: Best for large global enterprises requiring a robust HCM suite.
FactoHR: Best for mid-sized businesses requiring strong performance-linked payroll.
HROne: Best for SMEs that want performance management tightly integrated with HR and payroll systems.
Workday Performance: Best for global organisations focusing on unified talent data and modern UX.
PerformYard: Best for organisations needing highly customisable review cycles.
Leapsome: Best for fast-growing mid-markets combining performance, engagement, and learning.
Akrivia HCM: Best for large organisations seeking an AI-driven, end-to-end HCM solution.
Darwinbox: Best for large Asian enterprises prioritising a mobile-first employee experience.
15Five: Best for teams focused on weekly check-ins, coaching, and manager effectiveness.
Oracle HCM: Best for large enterprises needing a deep, scalable global solution.
Engagedly: Best for companies aiming to integrate performance, engagement, and gamification.
Effy AI: Best for SMEs seeking a budget-friendly solution with AI-assisted review tools.
The immediate uses are clear, but to select the right tool, you must know what lies beneath the surface. Let's look closely at the key features to look for in a performance management software.
Selecting the wrong Performance Management Software (PMS) is a costly mistake that hinders engagement instead of driving performance. Before comparing tools, you must first understand the essential functionalities that define an effective system for the Indian market:
Goal Alignment & OKRs: Enables managers to set SMART goals (Specific, Measurable, Achievable, Relevant, Time-bound) and ensure they are automatically cascaded and aligned with broader organisational OKRs.
Continuous Check-ins & Feedback: Allows for real-time, ongoing communication and structured one-on-one meeting templates to address challenges proactively and provide immediate support.
360-Degree Feedback: Facilitates collecting holistic input from multiple sources (peers, managers, direct reports) to reduce bias and provide a well-rounded view of an employee's impact.
Recognition and Rewards Integration: Links performance achievement (goal completion, high ratings) to instantaneous recognition and formal incentive or rewards disbursement directly within the platform.
Customisable Review Cycles: Offers the flexibility to run different appraisal cycles (quarterly, biannual, project-based) using custom templates tailored to specific departments or roles.
Analytics & Reporting: Provides visual dashboards and real-time data to help HR identify trends, pinpoint skill/performance gaps, and support data-driven decisions on promotions and training.
Employee Self-Service (ESS): Empowers employees to track their own progress, submit feedback requests, record achievements, and update goals directly, fostering a culture of ownership.
Integration with Core HRMS/Payroll: Critical for Indian compliance. Ensures performance metrics (ratings, completion) sync with payroll and attendance for accurate incentive disbursement and legal adherence.
Development & Succession Planning: Links performance data to personalised growth plans, suggesting relevant training or career paths, which is key for retaining high-potential talent.
With these essential features established as the benchmark, let's compare the top 3 performance management software platforms dominating the Indian market in 2026.
Also Read: Employee Database Management System for HR Leaders: What It Is, How It Helps, and How to Choose
Selecting the best PMS often comes down to budget, company size, and the need for HRMS integration. The following table compares the top three options for a rapid assessment of their core offerings.
Platform | Core Features | Pricing | Best For |
Craze | 360-Degree Reviews, Configurable Cycles, Goals & OKRs | Starts at ₹60/user/month | Startups, mid-sized and fast-growing businesses needing an all-in-one suite. |
Lattice | Customisable 360° reviews, Continuous feedback, AI-assisted writing | ~₹990($11) per user per month (annual billing) for the Performance & Goals bundle. Modular pricing. | Companies championing a culture of continuous feedback, coaching, and growth. |
Zimyo | Custom KRA/KPI reviews, 9-Box Matrix, Bell Curve normalisation | Starts at ₹160 per user per month (Enterprise Plan). | SMEs having a good budget looking to automate performance-linked compensation and succession planning with a built-in Payroll sync. |
Choosing the right performance management software can significantly enhance employee productivity and engagement. Here are the top tools that help businesses set and track goals, provide continuous feedback, conduct performance reviews, and support career development.
Craze
Craze is a comprehensive performance management system designed for startups, mid-sized and fast-growing businesses. It transforms chaotic annual reviews into structured, continuous cycles, providing the tools necessary for data-driven talent development and organisational growth within a unified platform.
Key PMS Features
Configurable review cycles (annual, quarterly, milestone-based)
360-degree performance reviews (self, peer, upward, and downward)
Setting and tracking of Goals & OKRs
Automated workflows and timely review completion reminders
Performance analytics and talent matrix visualisation
Pricing
Pricing starts at ₹60/month per person for the Core HR module, and the Performance module can be added on top. Importantly, there are no hidden fees for setup, implementation, or support, offering transparent and predictable costing for growing teams.
Lattice
Lattice is a renowned, cloud-based people management platform that champions a culture of continuous performance, feedback, and growth. It moves beyond traditional annual reviews to facilitate frequent, meaningful interactions, enabling managers to become effective coaches and employees to stay aligned with strategic goals.
Key PMS Features
Customisable performance reviews (360-degree, annual, quarterly, or project-based)
Setting, tracking, and alignment of Goals & OKRs
Continuous feedback and praise tools for real-time input
Structured 1:1 meeting tools with agendas and action tracking
AI-assisted writing for stronger, less biased review drafts
Pricing
Lattice uses a modular, per-user-per-month pricing model billed annually. The core Performance Management and Goals & OKRs bundle starts at approximately $11 per user per month, with add-ons like Engagement and Compensation priced separately.
Zimyo PMS
Zimyo PMS is a dynamic, cloud-based platform designed to transform traditional, time-bound appraisals into a structured, continuous feedback system. It provides managers and employees with the tools necessary for data-driven talent development, goal alignment, and unbiased evaluation, making it highly effective for SMEs.
Key PMS Features
Customisable KRA/KPI performance reviews
Comprehensive 360-degree performance appraisal
9-Box Matrix for succession planning
Bell Curve and normalisation ratings
Performance-linked compensation management
Pricing
Zimyo’s PMS is available in the Enterprise plan, which starts at ₹160 per user per month.
SAP SuccessFactors
SAP SuccessFactors offers a robust, cloud-based platform specialising in Sales Performance Management (SPM). It is specifically designed to maximise sales team effectiveness, drive revenue growth, and ensure alignment between individual seller behaviours and overall business strategy through intelligent, automated performance processes.
Key PMS Features
AI territory optimisation and balancing
Predictive quota planning and analysis
Comprehensive incentive compensation management
Real-time performance and payment insights
Pricing
The modular pricing starts with Core HR (Employee Central), often cited to begin around INR 1,597/user/month, with performance add-ons like "Pay for Performance" priced separately based on quotation.
FactoHR
FactoHR's Performance Management Software is designed to create a performance-led culture by aligning employee goals with the organisational vision. It offers flexibility for various appraisal methodologies, including traditional and OKR-based reviews. The system focuses on providing continuous feedback and accurate data for identifying and retaining top talent.
Key PMS Features
Goals Management (OKRs), allowing goal and sub-goal tracking
Flexible Review Cycles, supporting 360-degree and traditional reviews
Normalisation Curve, utilising the Bell Curve for fair rating standardisation
Perception Gap Analysis, comparing self-reviews versus manager reviews
Performance-Linked Payroll, configuring incentives and bonuses
Pricing
The Performance module is included in the Ultimate plan, which costs ₹6,999 per month (for up to 50 employees) with an additional cost of ₹119 per month for each extra employee.
HROne
HROne is an end-to-end HR platform with a performance management module built for Indian organisations. It supports goal tracking, structured review cycles, and continuous feedback, while also connecting performance data with HR operations such as attendance and payroll for a unified employee view.
Key PMS Features
Configurable performance review cycles with custom templates
Goal setting and OKR tracking with progress visibility
360-degree feedback from peers, managers, and stakeholders
9-box matrix to support talent mapping and succession planning
Automated notifications and reminders for review timelines
Integration with HR, attendance, and payroll modules
Pricing
Custom pricing based on organisation size and selected modules.
Workday Performance
Workday Performance Management is a unified component of the Workday HCM suite, focusing on driving continuous employee performance and development. The system is designed to provide real-time performance insights and enable forward-looking talent strategies.
Key PMS Features
Continuous feedback and check-ins to track progress
Configurable review templates for diverse performance cycles
Goal setting and alignment with organisational objectives
Talent calibration tools to ensure fairness and consistency
AI-driven recommendations for skills development and mobility
Pricing
Workday does not disclose public pricing. Costs are subscription-based and custom-quoted based on the number of users and specific modules required.
PerformYard
PerformYard is flexible, AI-enhanced performance management software designed to simplify employee reviews, goals, and feedback. It offers a complete toolkit to manage continuous performance, significantly reducing administrative time for HR. The platform is highly customisable to fit any organisation's unique review method and culture.
Key PMS Features
AI Review Assist and AI Review Summary
Flexible Reviews and Check-Ins (360-degree, quarterly, project-based)
Goal Management with collaborative and cascading goals
Structured 1:1 Meeting tools with collaborative agendas
Reporting and Analytics, including the 9-box grid
Pricing
The Performance Management (All Access) package starts at $5–10 per person/month, billed annually, with additional modules for Employee Engagement, Meetings, and Surveys available for a separate fee.
Leapsome
Leapsome is an AI-powered people platform that unifies performance reviews, goals, and feedback for high-performing teams. It automates administrative tasks and uses AI to generate valuable insights and coaching recommendations. The system ensures people feel engaged, valued, and ambitious by making development a central focus.
Key PMS Features
AI-powered insights and coaching recommendations
Performance reviews anchored to goal progression
Goals and OKR setting, tracking, and alignment
Structured 1:1s and team meetings with shared agendas
Instant feedback and public recognition tools
Pricing
Custom pricing based on organisational needs.
Akrivia HCM
Akrivia HCM is an AI-powered Global HR & Payroll Management Software that offers a complete hire-to-retire solution. Its Performance Management module, part of the Unified HRMS, is designed to streamline employee evaluations and drive a culture of continuous improvement using intelligent automation and data insights.
Key PMS Features
Performance Management, including goal and competency tracking
AI-Driven Insights and automation through Akrivia CoPilot and AI Agents
Rewards & Recognitions module for instant appreciation
People Analytics for optimising talent management and engagement
Surveys for collecting employee feedback and pulse checks
Pricing
Pricing information is not publicly disclosed. Customers are encouraged to request a demo to obtain a customised quote.
Darwinbox
Darwinbox is an AI-powered global HCM platform that provides a complete Performance Management module for large enterprises. Built with a mobile-first approach, it focuses on driving growth, streamlining complex HR operations, and utilising AI for deeper talent intelligence. The platform supports continuous feedback and formal appraisal cycles.
Key PMS Features
Performance Reviews, supporting 360º feedback and continuous check-ins
Goal Setting, including OKRs for organisational alignment
Custom Assessment Frameworks for tailored evaluations
Talent Optimisation, linking performance data to Compensation and Succession Planning
AI-powered tools, such as the HR Voicebot and Advanced Talent Analytics
Integration
The system is a Unified HRMS, natively integrating with all Darwinbox modules (Payroll, Recruitment, Learning). It also offers robust integration capabilities with other enterprise systems (HRIS, ERP, CRM) via API.
Pricing
Darwinbox employs a custom pricing model. Customers must request a demo for a personalised quote.
15five
15Five is an AI-powered continuous performance management platform built on positive psychology principles. It focuses on driving performance, engagement, and retention by empowering managers and facilitating ongoing conversations through structured check-ins and feedback.
Key PMS Features
Performance Reviews (Best-Self Review®, 360º feedback)
Calibrations and a visual Talent Matrix for effective talent decisions
OKRs & Goal Management, integrated with continuous performance tracking
Weekly Check-ins and structured 1-on-1 meeting agendas
15Five AI for review assistance, synthesised feedback, and manager coaching
Pricing
Pricing is tiered per user per month (billed annually).
Perform: $11
Total Platform: $16
Oracle HCM
Oracle HCM is a complete cloud solution that connects every human resource process across the enterprise. The Talent Management module includes Performance Management, which is designed to align talent strategy with business goals, improve employee experience, and use embedded AI to drive productivity and growth.
Key PMS Features
Performance Management, covering evaluations and continuous performance feedback
Goal Management, for setting and tracking business and individual objectives
Career Development and Succession Planning, integrated with performance data
Dynamic Skills management to track competencies
AI-embedded features and specialised AI agents for productivity and growth
Pricing
Oracle's pricing is subscription-based. The cost is customised based on the modules purchased, the number of employees, and the specific service agreements.
Engagedly
Engagedly is an AI Talent Management Software that offers an integrated platform to manage performance, engagement, and development. The platform is elevated with AI and Gamification to help organisations align goals, drive continuous feedback, and foster employee growth.
Key PMS Features
Customisable Performance Review cycles with smart workflows
OKRs & Goals management with AI-powered predictive insights
Real-time Feedback, integrated meetings, and check-ins
Performance Calibration using a 9-Box Matrix
Rewards & Gamification to boost motivation
Pricing
Pricing is tiered per user per month (billed annually), with a platform minimum of $7,500/year.
Core Performance Suite: $5–$8 per user/month.
Add-ons: Modules like Engagement Surveys and Rewards & Recognition are available for an additional fee.
Effy AI
Effy AI is an AI-first Performance Management Software designed for speed and simplicity, claiming to cut administrative review time by 70%. It helps organisations execute strategy, manage teams, and run simple, fast review cycles using GenAI.
Key PMS Features
Goals, OKRs, KPIs, role expectations, development, and career goals
Performance and talent reviews (annual and customised cycles)
360-degree feedback and continuous check-ins (coming soon)
AI-Assisted Reviews that cut down on administrative work
Notes feature for 1:1s, meeting notes, kudos, and instant feedback
Pricing
Pricing is per seat per month with no add-ons, and a 30-day refund policy on the first payment.
Free: $0 (Up to 5 members)
Monthly Subscription: $400 ($8 seat/month)
Annual Subscription: $3600 ($6 seat/month)
Now, let’s see how performance management software helps businesses track progress, evaluate employees, and align goals with organisational objectives.
Also Read: Performance Management System: Issues and Challenges and How to Solve Them
Investing in performance management software (PMS) goes beyond digitising reviews. It helps build a culture of continuous growth, accountability, and data-driven decision-making.
Here are the key benefits of using a PMS:
Improved Productivity: Clear goal-setting and real-time performance tracking help employees prioritise high-impact tasks, directly enhancing output and overall business performance.
Better Retention: Transparent evaluation frameworks and structured career paths foster employee engagement, which significantly reduces attrition and strengthens organisational knowledge retention.
Informed Decisions: Advanced analytics identify critical skill gaps, reveal performance trends, and pinpoint precise training needs, enabling data-driven talent development strategies.
Stronger Compliance: Detailed, auditable performance records ensure adherence to labour regulations and greatly simplify audits in highly regulated sectors like healthcare and manufacturing.
Reduced HR Overload: Automation of routine processes like appraisals, reminders, and reporting frees HR teams to focus on strategic initiatives and critical workforce planning.
But how do you choose the right tool for your organisation, especially when budgets and needs vary? The next section will help you evaluate and shortlist the most suitable PMS for your business.
Also Read: 7 Major Objectives of Performance Management System
Selecting the right performance management software is a critical investment that must meet your organisation’s strategic goals and operational realities. The right tool will drive real impact and productivity, while the wrong choice leads to poor adoption and wasted resources.
To make this complex evaluation simpler, consider these key strategic factors:
Organisational Size & Complexity: Large enterprises must prioritise solutions with advanced analytics, multi-level review workflows, and complex custom reporting. Conversely, SMEs should focus on cost-effective solutions with simple core performance features and rapid implementation.
Integration with Existing Systems: A non-negotiable factor. Ensure the platform offers robust compatibility with your current Payroll, Attendance, HRIS, or ERP systems (like Tally or SAP) to avoid manual data duplication and maintain operational consistency.
User Experience (UX) and Adoption: The software must have an intuitive, user-friendly interface on both desktop and mobile. Poor UX is the number one reason managers and employees fail to use a PMS consistently, defeating the purpose.
Scalability for Growth: Select a solution that can accommodate future organisational growth, evolving performance processes, and a rapid expansion in employee numbers without requiring disruptive system changes.
Local Compliance and Support: For Indian businesses, prioritise software that explicitly supports local statutory compliance requirements and offers responsive, regional customer support for smoother implementation and timely issue resolution.
Total Cost of Ownership (TCO): Look beyond the monthly subscription fee. TCO includes setup fees, implementation costs, annual support fees, and the cost of necessary training to ensure the platform delivers long-term value within budget.
By evaluating these strategic factors, your organisation can select a PMS that not only supports current processes but also boosts productivity and strengthens long-term talent management efforts.
Also Read: Designing a Quality Performance Management System: Steps and Tools
Choosing the right platform is the biggest hurdle. You're not just picking software; you're setting the foundation for how your entire team grows. Look for a system that makes feedback instant and goals crystal clear to keep your employees motivated and your business moving forward. A modern PMS turns performance reviews from a dreaded chore into a powerful growth engine.
If you’re tired of tools that over-promise and under-deliver, or ones that hide key features behind extra fees, it’s time for a change. Find a partner who genuinely understands the challenges of growing a business in the Indian market and is ready to simplify your talent process.
Sound like a fit? Book a demo with Craze today for a unified platform that tracks goals, simplifies 360-degree feedback, and fully integrates with your existing HR systems.
1.How does performance management software support remote teams?
PMS centralises goal tracking, continuous feedback, and check-ins, enabling managers to monitor employee output and milestone progress without needing physical oversight. This maintains alignment and accountability regardless of location.
Can small businesses benefit from PMS?
Absolutely. Small teams use PMS to standardise goal-setting, automate appraisal processes, and reduce reliance on manual spreadsheets. This helps small businesses scale performance management efficiently from the start.
How does PMS integrate with other HR tools?
PMS integrates with payroll, attendance, and HRIS/ERP systems to ensure data consistency, eliminate manual errors, and support performance-linked compensation without duplicating efforts.
Can PMS assist in succession planning?
Yes. PMS analyses historical performance data, competency levels, and skill profiles to identify high-potential employees and facilitate targeted developmental plans. This prepares future leaders and reduces talent risk.
Does PMS help improve employee engagement and motivation?
Yes. By providing continuous feedback, transparently recognising achievements, and clarifying pathways for career progression, PMS directly strengthens motivation and retention across the workforce.
Looking to optimise other aspects of your HR operations? Check out these top HRMS tools and software for your use case:
