Jira vs 15Five
A head-to-head comparison to help you pick the right tool
Last updated: April 30, 2026
Jira
Jira is the leading project management tool for software development teams, built by Atlassian. It supports agile methodologies including Scrum and Kanban with powerful sprint planning, backlog management, and bug tracking. Jira is used by over 65,000 companies worldwide and is the de facto standard for software engineering project management.
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
- ✓Industry standard for software development teams
- ✓Extremely powerful and customizable for agile workflows
- ✓Deep integration with developer tools like GitHub, Bitbucket, and Confluence
- ✓Strong reporting on sprint velocity and team performance
Cons
- ✗Steep learning curve for non-technical teams
- ✗Can be complex to configure and administer
- ✗Interface feels cluttered compared to modern tools
- ✗Overkill for non-software project management needs
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
Jira vs 15Five: Side by Side
| Factor | Jira | 15Five |
|---|---|---|
| User Rating | N/A | N/A |
| Category | Project Management | HR Software |
| Pricing Model | Freemium | Paid |
| Starting Price | Free | $4/user/mo |
| Best For | Software development and engineering teams using agile methodologies | Companies focused on employee engagement and performance |
| Our Pick | — | — |
Jira Features
- ✓Agile boards
- ✓sprint planning
- ✓backlog management
- ✓bug and issue tracking
- ✓roadmaps
- ✓reporting
- ✓workflow automation
- ✓integrations
- ✓API access
15Five Features
- ✓Weekly check-ins
- ✓OKRs
- ✓performance reviews
- ✓engagement surveys
- ✓manager training
Pricing Comparison
Our Take
Choose Jira if software development and engineering teams using agile methodologies. Choose 15Five if companies focused on employee engagement and performance.
Best For
Software development and engineering teams using agile methodologies
Best For
Companies focused on employee engagement and performance
Also Consider
If neither Jira nor 15Five is the right fit, Wrike is worth evaluating.
Wrike
Marketing and creative teams needing enterprise project management with approvals and proofing
From Free
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the difference between Jira and 15Five?
Jira is best for software development and engineering teams using agile methodologies. 15Five is best for companies focused on employee engagement and performance.
Which is better, Jira or 15Five?
Choose Jira if software development and engineering teams using agile methodologies. Choose 15Five if companies focused on employee engagement and performance.
How much does Jira cost?
Jira starts at Free. Pricing model: Freemium.
How much does 15Five cost?
15Five starts at $4/user/mo. Pricing model: Paid.
Who should use Jira?
Software development and engineering teams using agile methodologies
Who should use 15Five?
Companies focused on employee engagement and performance