15Five vs Rippling Payroll
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.
Rippling Payroll
Rippling Payroll is the payroll module within the Rippling platform, which combines HR, IT, and finance management in one system. It offers global payroll capabilities, automatic tax filing, and deep integrations with the rest of the Rippling suite. Rippling Payroll is ideal for companies that want payroll tightly connected to their broader HR and IT operations.
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
- ✓Deeply integrated with HR, IT, and finance in one platform
- ✓Global payroll available in 50+ countries
- ✓Automatic compliance updates for changing tax laws
- ✓Extremely powerful automation capabilities across all modules
Cons
- ✗Pricing requires a custom quote and can be expensive for small teams
- ✗Requires buying into the full Rippling platform for best value
- ✗Can be complex to set up without dedicated HR resources
15Five vs Rippling Payroll: Side by Side
| Factor | 15Five | Rippling Payroll |
|---|---|---|
| User Rating | N/A | N/A |
| Category | HR Software | Payroll Software |
| Pricing Model | Paid | Paid |
| Starting Price | $4/user/mo | Custom pricing |
| Best For | Companies focused on employee engagement and performance | Mid-size companies needing payroll tightly integrated with HR and IT management |
| Our Pick | — | — |
15Five Features
- ✓Weekly check-ins
- ✓OKRs
- ✓performance reviews
- ✓engagement surveys
- ✓manager training
Rippling Payroll Features
- ✓Global payroll
- ✓automatic tax filing
- ✓direct deposit
- ✓contractor payments
- ✓PEO services
- ✓benefits administration
- ✓time tracking
- ✓expense management
Pricing Comparison
Our Take
Choose 15Five if companies focused on employee engagement and performance. Choose Rippling Payroll if mid-size companies needing payroll tightly integrated with hr and it management.
Best For
Companies focused on employee engagement and performance
Best For
Mid-size companies needing payroll tightly integrated with HR and IT management
Also Consider
If neither 15Five nor Rippling Payroll 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 Rippling Payroll?
15Five is best for companies focused on employee engagement and performance. Rippling Payroll is best for mid-size companies needing payroll tightly integrated with hr and it management.
Which is better, 15Five or Rippling Payroll?
Choose 15Five if companies focused on employee engagement and performance. Choose Rippling Payroll if mid-size companies needing payroll tightly integrated with hr and it management.
How much does 15Five cost?
15Five starts at $4/user/mo. Pricing model: Paid.
How much does Rippling Payroll cost?
Rippling Payroll starts at Custom pricing. Pricing model: Paid.
Who should use 15Five?
Companies focused on employee engagement and performance
Who should use Rippling Payroll?
Mid-size companies needing payroll tightly integrated with HR and IT management