What’s the best performance management software for small tech startups?

Hi all,

I’m trying to figure out the best performance management tools that work well for small tech startups. Ideally, it should support goal setting, performance reviews, and employee development, without being overly complex or expensive.

Here are a few platforms I’ve seen highly rated on G2’s performance management software category. I’d love to hear your thoughts or experiences with any of these:

• BambooHR: A go-to HR suite for small businesses, BambooHR includes a lightweight but effective performance management module. It supports structured reviews, goal tracking, and employee feedback—all in a clean, intuitive interface that’s great for lean teams.
• Rippling: Known for its flexibility and automation, Rippling offers performance management tools alongside its core HR, payroll, and IT functions. Startups can benefit from its modular design, enabling them to roll out performance features when they’re ready.
• PerformYard Performance Management: Designed specifically for performance reviews and feedback, PerformYard offers a high degree of customization in how teams run evaluations. It’s great for startups that want control over cadence and structure without the overhead of a full HR suite.
• Lattice: A favorite for fast-growing teams, Lattice combines OKRs, reviews, feedback, and engagement into a sleek, unified platform. It’s especially appealing to companies looking to build a performance culture early on.
• Leapsome: Focused on continuous development, Leapsome offers goal tracking, reviews, learning paths, and employee engagement tools. It’s ideal for startups prioritizing growth, transparency, and team alignment from the start.

If you’ve used any of these tools, what’s worked best for your team? Were there any unexpected challenges or standout features? Would love to hear about your experience, especially if you’re in the early stages of scaling your org.