Small teams have different needs than enterprises when it comes to feedback tools. You do not need a platform with 200 features and a six-month implementation timeline. You need something your team will actually use, that takes minutes to set up, and that does not blow your budget with per-seat pricing.
Here is what to look for and how the top options compare.
What small teams actually need. First, simplicity. If the tool requires training sessions or a dedicated admin, it is too complex for a team of 15 or 50. Second, all-in-one functionality. Small teams cannot afford five different subscriptions for reviews, recognition, surveys, and goals. Third, affordable pricing. Per-seat pricing models penalize growing teams. Look for flat-rate or tiered pricing that gives you predictability.
Culture Wheel. Designed specifically for growing teams. Combines performance reviews, 360 reviews, peer recognition, eNPS surveys, and DISC profiles in one platform. Pricing starts at 49 dollars per month for up to 25 people with no per-seat fees. Setup takes under 15 minutes. The interface is clean and intuitive, which matters when you do not have an HR department to manage the tool.
Lattice. A well-known player in the performance management space. Offers reviews, goals, engagement surveys, and career development tools. The feature set is comprehensive but can be overwhelming for smaller teams. Pricing starts around 11 dollars per person per month, which adds up quickly as you grow.
15Five. Focuses on continuous performance management with weekly check-ins, OKRs, and engagement surveys. The check-in model works well for teams that want lightweight, ongoing feedback. Pricing starts at around 4 dollars per person per month for the basic tier, but key features like 360 reviews require higher plans.
Small Improvements. A solid mid-market option with reviews, 360s, goals, and praise features. The interface is straightforward and the feature set covers the basics well. Pricing is not publicly listed, which can make budgeting difficult for small teams.
Google Forms plus Slack. Some teams cobble together free tools to create a basic feedback system. This works in the very early stages but breaks down quickly. There is no reporting, no historical tracking, and the manual effort of running review cycles through spreadsheets grows unsustainable past about ten people.
The decision framework. If your primary need is continuous check-ins and you have budget per seat, 15Five is worth evaluating. If you want an enterprise-grade platform and have the budget and admin bandwidth to support it, Lattice is a strong choice. If you want a single tool that covers reviews, recognition, surveys, and assessments at a flat rate with minimal setup, Culture Wheel is built for exactly that use case.
Whatever you choose, the most important thing is to actually use it. The best feedback tool is the one your team adopts and sticks with. Start with the simplest option that meets your needs and expand from there.