15Five vs SurePayroll
A head-to-head comparison to help you pick the right tool
Last updated: April 30, 2026
SurePayroll is our recommended pick for most teams — small businesses with under 100 employees looking for simple, affordable full-service payroll.
Try SurePayroll →Read our full SurePayroll review →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.
SurePayroll
SurePayroll is an online payroll service designed specifically for small businesses. It is owned by Paychex and offers full-service payroll processing, automatic tax filing, and employee self-service tools. SurePayroll is known for its simple setup and affordable pricing, making it a top choice for small business owners running payroll for the first time.
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
- ✓Very easy to set up and use — ideal for first-time payroll users
- ✓Automatic federal, state, and local tax filing included
- ✓Affordable flat-rate pricing for small teams
- ✓Strong mobile app for running payroll on the go
Cons
- ✗Limited features for larger or more complex businesses
- ✗Customer support can be slow during peak periods
- ✗Less customizable than enterprise payroll solutions
15Five vs SurePayroll: Side by Side
| Factor | 15Five | SurePayroll |
|---|---|---|
| User Rating | N/A | 4.4/5 ★ |
| 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 | Small businesses with under 100 employees looking for simple, affordable full-service payroll |
| Our Pick | — | 🏆 Recommended |
15Five Features
- ✓Weekly check-ins
- ✓OKRs
- ✓performance reviews
- ✓engagement surveys
- ✓manager training
SurePayroll Features
- ✓Full-service payroll processing
- ✓automatic tax filing
- ✓direct deposit
- ✓employee self-service portal
- ✓new hire reporting
- ✓workers compensation integration
- ✓mobile app
Pricing Comparison
Best Use Cases
SurePayroll
- →Small US businesses running payroll for a handful of employees
- →Self-employed individuals paying themselves and contractors
- →Companies wanting simple automated payroll at low cost
Who Should NOT Use These Tools
SurePayroll is NOT ideal for:
- ✗Companies with international employees
- ✗Businesses needing full HR management
- ✗Large companies with complex payroll requirements
Integrations
SurePayroll
QuickBooks, Xero, AccountEdge, Sage
Our Take
Choose 15Five if companies focused on employee engagement and performance. Choose SurePayroll if small businesses with under 100 employees looking for simple, affordable full-service payroll.
Best For
Companies focused on employee engagement and performance
Best For
Small businesses with under 100 employees looking for simple, affordable full-service payroll
Also Consider
If neither 15Five nor SurePayroll 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 SurePayroll?
15Five is best for companies focused on employee engagement and performance. SurePayroll is best for small businesses with under 100 employees looking for simple, affordable full-service payroll.
Which is better, 15Five or SurePayroll?
Choose 15Five if companies focused on employee engagement and performance. Choose SurePayroll if small businesses with under 100 employees looking for simple, affordable full-service payroll.
How much does 15Five cost?
15Five starts at $4/user/mo. Pricing model: Paid.
How much does SurePayroll cost?
SurePayroll starts at Custom pricing. Pricing model: Paid.
Who should use 15Five?
Companies focused on employee engagement and performance
Who should use SurePayroll?
Small businesses with under 100 employees looking for simple, affordable full-service payroll