15Five vs Pilot
A head-to-head comparison to help you pick the right tool
Last updated: April 30, 2026
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.
Pilot
Pilot is a managed accounting service that combines software with a dedicated team of bookkeepers to handle your books each month. Built for startups and small businesses that want accounting done for them.
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
Pros
- ✓Fully managed bookkeeping service
- ✓Dedicated finance experts included
- ✓Built specifically for startups
- ✓Integrates with common startup tools
- ✓Good for venture-backed companies
Cons
- ✗More expensive than DIY software
- ✗Less control over day-to-day bookkeeping
- ✗Not suited for businesses wanting to manage their own books
- ✗US-focused
15Five vs Pilot: Side by Side
| Factor | 15Five | Pilot |
|---|---|---|
| User Rating | N/A | N/A |
| Category | HR Software | Accounting Software |
| Pricing Model | Paid | Paid |
| Starting Price | $4/user/mo | Contact for pricing |
| Best For | Companies focused on employee engagement and performance | Startups and small businesses wanting fully managed bookkeeping with a dedicated team rather than DIY software |
| Our Pick | — | — |
15Five Features
- ✓Weekly check-ins
- ✓OKRs
- ✓performance reviews
- ✓engagement surveys
- ✓manager training
Pilot Features
- ✓Bookkeeping
- ✓tax preparation
- ✓financial reporting
- ✓dedicated bookkeeper
- ✓cash flow management
- ✓integrations
Pricing Comparison
Our Take
Choose 15Five if companies focused on employee engagement and performance. Choose Pilot if startups and small businesses wanting fully managed bookkeeping with a dedicated team rather than diy software.
Best For
Companies focused on employee engagement and performance
Best For
Startups and small businesses wanting fully managed bookkeeping with a dedicated team rather than DIY software
Also Consider
If neither 15Five nor Pilot is the right fit, Justworks is worth evaluating.
Justworks
Small businesses wanting Fortune 500 benefits
From $59/employee/mo
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the difference between 15Five and Pilot?
15Five is best for companies focused on employee engagement and performance. Pilot is best for startups and small businesses wanting fully managed bookkeeping with a dedicated team rather than diy software.
Which is better, 15Five or Pilot?
Choose 15Five if companies focused on employee engagement and performance. Choose Pilot if startups and small businesses wanting fully managed bookkeeping with a dedicated team rather than diy software.
How much does 15Five cost?
15Five starts at $4/user/mo. Pricing model: Paid.
How much does Pilot cost?
Visit Pilot website for current pricing.
Who should use 15Five?
Companies focused on employee engagement and performance
Who should use Pilot?
Startups and small businesses wanting fully managed bookkeeping with a dedicated team rather than DIY software