Have you heard about OKR software but are still not sure how it differs from other performance management tools?
The main difference is that OKR software offers a more structured way to manage business objectives and key results, a framework that's recognized by many performance experts.
In this article, we'll explain everything you need to know about OKR tools, their features, and how they can benefit businesses of all sizes, from startups and small businesses to large enterprises.
Keep reading to discover the best OKR software for you.
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What is OKR software?
OKR software is a tool designed to help you set and track your goals using the OKR methodology. OKR examples (Objectives and Key Results) is a goal-setting framework that allows you to set objectives and measure progress by tracking key results.
OKR tools can be used for both individual and team goals. They can help you align personal goals with broader company priorities, ensuring accountability and transparency.
They can come as separate tools, but they can also be part of broader performance management software.
💡 Before we dive deeper, click here to learn how to conduct a performance review.
Key features of OKR software
The features you need may vary based on the size of your company and the complexity of your procedures.
If you're a startup, you should prioritize agility and simplicity while making sure that the tool you choose is cost-effective. Here are some of the things to look for:
- User-friendly interface and easy setup
- Flexible OKR frameworks
- Employee check in questions
- Simple reporting and analytics
- Integrations with tools like Slack, Trello, and Notion
- Affordable plans
If you work in a large company or an enterprise, you need a scalable solution with more advanced features. Here are the things to look for:
- Cascading OKRs across teams and departments
- Role-based access and permissions
- Automated progress tracking
- Performance management features
- Employee engagement features
- Advanced reporting and analytics
- Enterprise-level compliance and security
- Integrations with various business tools (HRIS, CRM, project management tools, etc)
💡 To learn about other tools you can use to improve employee performance and satisfaction, check out these digital employee experience software.
Benefits of using OKR software
Here are some benefits you can expect when you start using OKR software:
- Those tools help you align individual and team objectives so that everyone is working towards the same vision. This not only leads to increased productivity but also to better team alignment.
- They improve accountability and transparency by helping you track your team's progress in a measurable way.
- OKR software provides you with data-driven insights that will help you make better decisions and adjust your strategic objectives.
- Regular check-ins keep team members motivated and focused and lead to improved employee engagement.
- Using a structured OKR management process can help you grow and scale your business.
How we evaluated and compared the OKR tools
To help you find the best OKR tool, we examined user reviews from platforms like G2, Capterra, and Trustpilot, focusing on the following criteria:
- Features: We've chosen software with advanced OKR features, but we've also included some performance management tools with broader features like strategic planning, task management, and performance reviews.
- Ease of use: We looked for OKR tools with a user-friendly interface that are easy to set up and use. We included simple tools for small teams but also those with more elaborate OKR frameworks for those with complex needs.
- Customization: We tried to find flexible OKR management tools that allow you to customize the workflows and templates based on your needs.
- Integrations: OKR tools should integrate with various software for HR, performance management, collaboration, and communication.
Top 7 OKR platforms based on reviews
Here are the best OKR management tools we've selected for you.
Effy AI
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Effy AI is a modern OKR and performance management platform that helps teams align goals, streamline reviews, and track progress with AI-generated insights. It’s built for companies that want simplicity, clarity, and fast reporting without heavy enterprise complexity.
Best features:
- AI-assisted OKR creation and progress summaries
- Clear visual dashboards for real-time goal tracking
- Cascading goals across teams and departments
- Integrated 360° feedback and performance reviews
- Simple onboarding and intuitive interface
Reviews:
Effy AI scores 4.9 on G2 and 4.8 on Capterra, with users praising its clean UI, powerful AI summaries, and the way it reduces admin time for goal tracking and reviews.
Lattice
Lattice is a people management software that can be used for OKRs, goal setting, and performance management, alongside various HR operations. Plus, it can also be used for employee skills assessment.
What we like:
- Combines OKR tracking with performance management and offers detailed performance reviews.
- Its feedback and engagement features help you build a culture of continuous feedback.
- It's easy to navigate and has an intuitive design.
What we don't like:
- Some users mentioned they'd like to see more advanced reporting features.
- Although it has some integrations, there could be more integrations with other tools.
Quantive Results
Quantive Results started as an OKR software, but it has evolved into a complex strategy execution platform that can be used for strategic planning and collaboration. It's mostly used by large companies.
What we like:
- It provides you with insights that support data-driven decision-making.
- It has over 170 integrations, including Jira, Asana, Okta, and Zoho.
- It's scalable and suitable for organizations of various sizes, including enterprises.
What we don't like:
- The learning curve can be steep for new users.
- Some users find the interface too complex due to a lot of advanced features.
15Five
15Five is a performance review software popular for its quick reviews and check-ins. It can also be used for managing company OKRs and setting goals for development and improvement.
What we like:
- It can also be used as employee development software because it promotes continuous improvement and development alongside OKR tracking.
- It comes with features like weekly check-ins and peer recognition.
- It's a user-friendly tool focused on building a positive workplace culture.
What we don't like:
- OKR templates could be more flexible and customizable.
- Some users find the goal-setting features less robust compared to some other OKR tools.
ClickUp
ClickUp is a productivity and project management system with many features for goal-tracking, including the OKR framework templates.
What we like:
- It integrates OKR tracking with detailed project management features like task management and time tracking.
- The tool is highly customizable to fit the needs of various teams in different industries.
- It's very user-friendly and easy to learn, even if you've never used OKR software before.
What we don't like:
- Some users reported occasional performance lags when managing large projects.
- There are many features and capabilities, which can be overwhelming in the beginning.
Asana
Asana is a project management platform with strong collaboration tools, suitable for managing team goals and OKRs.
What we like:
- It's a versatile project management tool with OKR functionalities.
- It's very flexible and offers a variety of views (list, board, timeline) for task management.
- It has a lot of integrations, including Slack, Microsoft Teams, Zoho, and Power BI.
What we don't like:
- OKR features are not as advanced as in dedicated OKR tools because its main focus is project management.
- It can become pricey as team size increases.
Top 3 OKR software for startups
If you're a startup founder, there's no need to pay for a complex tool with enterprise-grade features that you probably don't need. Here are the best OKR software and talent management tools for startups and small businesses:
Tability
Tability is a simple OKR tool that uses AI to help you set goals and create plans and strategies. Remote teams in the IT industry use it to replace daily standup meetings and stay updated through real-time progress tracking.
What we like:
- The tool is designed specifically for startups and small teams, having their needs in mind.
- It's very simple and user-friendly, even if you haven't used OKR software before.
- The pricing is affordable, and it includes all the basic features you need.
What we don't like:
- It may lack advanced features for larger organizations with more complex procedures.
- It has fewer integrations compared to some other OKR management tools.
SugarOKR
SugarOKR is a user-friendly and customizable tool, primarily made for startups.
What we like:
- All of its key features are completely free, including OKR tracking, performance dashboard, reports, and email reminders.
- Its interface is simple, intuitive, and visually appealing.
- It focuses on essential OKR functionalities without unnecessary complexity.
What we don't like:
- It may not be the right OKR tool for larger organizations with complex needs.
- It doesn't have advanced features and integrations that paid OKR tracking tools have.
- Being a free platform, its customer support is very limited. Also, it lacks the OKR coaching resources and materials.
Cascade App
Cascade App is an OKR software tool that focuses on strategic alignment and uses AI to provide you with in-depth insights. However, its free version doesn't include all those advanced features.
What we like:
- It offers a solid free version with basic OKR functionalities.
- It also provides tools for strategic planning with the help of AI.
- The interface is intuitive as everything is based on the drag-and-drop principle.
What we don't like:
- The free version is limited in terms of features and the number of users (maximum two users).
- Advanced analytics and integrations are not available in the free plan.
- Some users said that it has a steep learning curve.
Teamflect
Teamflect is a performance management software for Microsoft Teams and Outlook. It can be used for OKR tracking and performance reviews, and it also provides you with meeting agenda templates.
What we like:
- It's completely free for up to 10 users, with all features included.
- It has seamless integration with Microsoft Teams.
- It supports both OKR and SMART goal-setting frameworks.
What we don't like:
- It's not a standalone OKR software, and it's available only to Microsoft Teams users.
- It doesn't have the advanced OKR features necessary for larger organizations.
- Users said it could be more customizable and flexible.
💡 Bonus: If you're looking for a free performance management system for small businesses, check out Effy AI.
How to choose the best OKR software
Still trying to pick the right OKR software? Here are a few things to keep in mind:
- Is it easy to use? You don’t want software that feels like a maze. A clean, intuitive interface makes a huge difference in how quickly you and your team can get the hang of it.
- Does it play nice with your other tools? If the software doesn’t integrate with what you’re already using, it’ll only make your job harder.
- Can you customize it? Every team has different goals, so having the option to adjust things to fit your needs is a big plus.
- Does it help you track progress? Look for features like collaboration tools, progress tracking, and analytics. With these, you will stay on top of your goals and make adjustments when needed.
- Will it grow with you? Make sure it’s adjustable and won’t break the bank as your team expands.
- Finding the right OKR software doesn’t have to be a headache—just focus on what will make your life easier and help you hit your goals.
Conclusion
Choosing the right OKR software comes down to more than features. You need to find a system your team will actually use. The best tools give you clarity, transparency, and structure without slowing teams down or adding unnecessary process.
As your organization grows, OKR software becomes the backbone of alignment and execution. Whether you need simple tracking or advanced strategy mapping, the goal is the same: keep teams focused, accountable, and moving in the same direction. Pick the tool that makes that easier, not harder.
