ActiveCampaign vs 15Five
A head-to-head comparison to help you pick the right tool
Last updated: April 30, 2026
ActiveCampaign
ActiveCampaign is a customer experience automation platform that combines email marketing, marketing automation, and CRM in one powerful tool. It is known for having the most advanced email automation capabilities in its price range. ActiveCampaign is used by over 180,000 businesses that want to deliver personalized customer experiences at scale.
15Five
15Five is a continuous performance management platform focused on weekly check-ins, OKRs, and employee engagement. It helps managers stay connected with their teams through structured feedback and recognition tools. 15Five is popular with remote and distributed teams that need async communication tools.
Pros
- ✓Best-in-class email marketing automation at an affordable price
- ✓Powerful segmentation and personalization capabilities
- ✓Strong CRM features integrated with marketing tools
- ✓Excellent deliverability rates
Cons
- ✗Can be complex to set up advanced automations
- ✗CRM features are less robust than dedicated CRM tools
- ✗Interface has a learning curve for new users
Pros
- ✓Simple and intuitive weekly check-in format that drives adoption
- ✓Strong OKR and goal-setting tools
- ✓Excellent manager training and coaching resources
- ✓Good engagement survey tools with benchmarking
Cons
- ✗Limited HR functionality beyond performance and engagement
- ✗No payroll or benefits administration
- ✗Reporting could be more advanced for data-driven HR teams
ActiveCampaign vs 15Five: Side by Side
| Factor | ActiveCampaign | 15Five |
|---|---|---|
| User Rating | N/A | N/A |
| Category | CRM Software | HR Software |
| Pricing Model | Paid | Paid |
| Starting Price | $15/mo | $4/user/mo |
| Best For | SMBs wanting powerful email marketing automation combined with a CRM | Companies focused on employee engagement and performance |
| Our Pick | — | — |
ActiveCampaign Features
- ✓Email marketing
- ✓marketing automation
- ✓CRM
- ✓lead scoring
- ✓site tracking
- ✓SMS marketing
- ✓landing pages
- ✓reporting
15Five Features
- ✓Weekly check-ins
- ✓OKRs
- ✓performance reviews
- ✓engagement surveys
- ✓manager training
Pricing Comparison
Our Take
Choose ActiveCampaign if smbs wanting powerful email marketing automation combined with a crm. Choose 15Five if companies focused on employee engagement and performance.
Best For
SMBs wanting powerful email marketing automation combined with a CRM
Best For
Companies focused on employee engagement and performance
Also Consider
If neither ActiveCampaign nor 15Five is the right fit, Monday.com CRM is worth evaluating.
Monday.com CRM
Teams that want CRM and project management combined in one visual platform
From $12/user/mo
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the difference between ActiveCampaign and 15Five?
ActiveCampaign is best for smbs wanting powerful email marketing automation combined with a crm. 15Five is best for companies focused on employee engagement and performance.
Which is better, ActiveCampaign or 15Five?
Choose ActiveCampaign if smbs wanting powerful email marketing automation combined with a crm. Choose 15Five if companies focused on employee engagement and performance.
How much does ActiveCampaign cost?
ActiveCampaign starts at $15/mo. Pricing model: Paid.
How much does 15Five cost?
15Five starts at $4/user/mo. Pricing model: Paid.
Who should use ActiveCampaign?
SMBs wanting powerful email marketing automation combined with a CRM
Who should use 15Five?
Companies focused on employee engagement and performance