Best Talent Management Software of 2025

Written by
Best Talent Management Software of 2025 Nick Perry
Updated

September 18, 2025

According to a Gartner study, 41% of HR leaders feel their workforce lacks the required skills and 50% believe their organization doesn’t effectively leverage skills. When an organization’s talent isn’t ready to meet the challenges of a changing business environment, employee performance drops off by 26%. Suffice to say, managing talent effectively is a strategic imperative, especially for small- to mid-sized businesses with thin margins.

Talent management software can be an invaluable tool to help attract, develop, engage, and retain top talent. These integrated suites can support everything from workforce planning and recruiting to performance appraisal, career development, and even compensation packages.

While some businesses may opt for individual HR software to handle specific tasks like payroll and benefits administration, a talent management suite is a more focused solution that aims at streamlining the employee lifecycle. If you want to invest in your talent and provide pathways to growth and development, a talent management software is key. We break down the best options on the market today.

Best for Small Business BambooHR

Cobanker review
4.5
CoBanker choice
Overview

BambooHR is an all-in-one HR platform designed specifically for small and growing businesses. It helps companies manage the entire employee lifecycle, from hiring and onboarding to performance and compensation, in a single, user-friendly system. It’s widely praised for its intuitive interface, which makes it easy for businesses to transition away from spreadsheets and manual processes, and puts a focus on centralizing employee data.

BambooHR’s strongest features are in hiring and onboarding, with a powerful applicant tracking system (ATS) and onboarding automations that take a lot of the manual work out of interviewing and bringing in new talent. Once in the company, the strong employee self-service modules make it easier for managers and employees alike to work towards career goals.

Best for Small Business
Price Low
Pros
The clean, simple, and modern design makes it easy for both HR administrators and employees to navigate the platform
he customer support team has a strong reputation for being responsive, knowledgeable, and helpful with implementation and using the product
Connects with a wide range of third-party applications, including payroll, benefits, and popular business tools
Cons
While comprehensive for an SMB, it may lack the deep, enterprise-level functionality for highly complex organizations
Payroll is not included in the base plans and must be purchased as an add-on service
BambooHR isn’t as configurable as some other talent management software and leans on more templatized modules
  • The applicant tracking system (ATS) streamlines the hiring process by allowing you to post jobs, track applicants, and collaborate with hiring teams.
  • Automated onboarding creates new hire paperwork and provides a seamless, digital experience for welcoming or transitioning employees.
  • Provides employees with a secure portal to update their personal information, view pay stubs, request time off, and manage their performance goals.

BambooHR offers companies with 25 employees or fewer a flat rate starting at $250/month. With more employees, you may explore the three core plans — Core, Elite, and Pro — which start at $10/employee/month, but require a custom quote that’s based on your company’s size and needs.

Best for Scalability Workday

Cobanker review
4.5
CoBanker choice
Overview

While Workday markets its “people-first” strategy, it’s the use of artificial intelligence that makes it so useful for small businesses. The platform is built on a single, interconnected foundation that seamlessly integrates recruiting, talent development, learning, and employee sentiment. Workday’s emphasis on a unified platform and innovative use of AI has solidified its position as a go-to solution for large enterprises seeking to optimize their talent strategy and create a modern, engaging employee experience.

The embedded system identifies, tracks, and nurtures employee skills throughout their entire career journey, helping you invest in your employees throughout their time at your company. Plus, it’s just a clean product that’s highly customizable to every organization’s needs and is easy to adopt within an organization.

Best for Scalability
Price High
Pros
The intuitive design and straightforward navigation make it easy for teams to manage HR tasks efficiently
The software is highly customizable, allowing organizations to tailor workflows and processes to their specific needs
Its cloud-native design and modern user experience reduce training requirements and improve adoption across mobile devices
Cons
Workday's premium pricing can be prohibitive for mid-market and smaller companies, with costs often scaling significantly with complexity
The setup process can be daunting and may require a significant investment in time and external consultants
  • AI-powered recruiting and talent mobilization that leverages a large dataset to support top-tier talent acquisition.
  • Dynamic skills foundation helps employees understand how they can improve their skills and gives them avenues to do so.
  • Unified platform integrates recruiting, performance management, learning, and employee experience into a single, cohesive system.

Workday uses an adaptive, quote-based pricing model that varies significantly based on user count, selected modules, and contract length. While not publicly available, costs can range from $100-$200+ per user per year, with annual organizational costs potentially reaching over $350,000. Implementation is a separate and often substantial expense.

Best for Performance Management Lattice

Cobanker review
4.3
CoBanker choice
Overview

Lattice is not only one of the most budget-friendly talent management platforms on the market, but it’s also truly outstanding in performance management and employee engagement. It provides a comprehensive suite for performance reviews, goal setting, and continuous feedback. With guided tools to set up objectives and key results (OKRs), key performance indicators (KPIs), and continuous feedback and 360-degree review cycles, it’s an excellent partner to help you get the most out of your talent and ensure they feel like they’re being invested in by the company.

Lattice is an ideal solution for companies that want to move beyond traditional annual reviews and foster a culture of ongoing communication and development.

Best for Performance Management
Price Low
Pros
The platform is exceptionally user-friendly, making it easy for managers and employees to adopt
At the base level, Lattice is very accessible as far as talent management software goes
Offers customizable templates and workflows, allowing it to be tailored to the unique needs of various teams and company sizes
Cons
It primarily focuses on performance and engagement and is not a full-featured HRIS, meaning it may not be a good fit for companies seeking an all-in-one solution
While the reporting and analytics are solid, the system can be rigid due to limited customization options
As a premium solution, its pricing can be a stretch for smaller companies with tight budgets, and a minimum annual agreement may apply
  • Continuous feedback & 360-degree review facilitate real-time feedback and provide a comprehensive view of employee performance from multiple sources.
  • OKRs and goal-setting allow teams to set and track OKRs and goals, aligning individual objectives with company-wide strategic initiatives.
  • Lattice University is loaded with courses, templates, and expert content to help teams develop professional development programs and improve skills.

Lattice uses a per-employee-per-month (PEPM) pricing model, with a minimum annual agreement of $4,000 in spend. The talent management product starts at $11/employee/month, and increases as you add individual modules such as “Engagement,” “Grow,” and “Compensation,” which can increase the price up to $25/employee/month.

Best for Collaboration Greenhouse

Cobanker review
4.2
CoBanker choice
Overview

Greenhouse is a top contender for organizations that prioritize a collaborative and structured hiring process. The platform is built around a unified talent acquisition suite that helps companies find top talent by streamlining the recruitment workflow with data-driven insights. It’s particularly well-regarded for its tools that foster team-based decision-making and reduce bias in the hiring process.

After hiring, the platform’s user-friendly design and massive array of integrations make it easier to set up learning pipelines and performance management tracks for employees. Greenhouse empowers HR leaders, managers, and employees alike to draw from a huge amount of data to create and track individual development plans, giving the entire organization a stronger approach to performance management and retention.

Best for Collaboration
Price Middle
Pros
The platform's clean, modern, and user-friendly design simplifies the hiring process
Adapts to organizational size and complexity without requiring major system changes, supporting long-term recruitment needs
Includes tools like anonymized resumes and diversity tracking to help organizations meet their D&I hiring goals
Cons
The pricing can be prohibitive for small businesses or startups with limited hiring needs and budgets
Some users have noted that the platform lacks certain automated processes, which can lead to increased manual work
The initial administrative setup and configuration can be challenging without proper training
  • Collaborative hiring tools for detailed note-taking, candidate scorecards, and a structured hiring process that involves all stakeholders.
  • Powerful analytics that deliver clear, actionable insights on key metrics like time-to-hire and candidate sources.
  • Integrates with over 500+ tools, including HRIS, job boards, and communication platforms like Slack.

Greenhouse does not offer public pricing and requires prospective clients to request a custom quote. It offers three plans (Essential, Advanced, and Expert). The cost may be prohibitive for some small businesses, but when you’re reaching a consistent hiring volume, it can be a valuable solution.

Best for Automation PerformYard

Cobanker review
4.1
CoBanker choice
Overview

Like the name suggests, PerformYard is all about performance management. This highly-rated platform is limited compared to some of the other entries on this list, and yet it’s also perhaps the most authentic entry. PerformYard tells you just what it’s going to do: Streamline and automate the performance management process. The core strength is centralizing and automating a company’s entire performance review process, from annual reviews to continuous feedback and goal tracking.

In North America, 93% of companies aim to drive performance, but just 44% say their performance management program is accomplishing that goal. PerformYard aims to use AI to remove some of the human error from the process and gather data to support comprehensive performance management programs.

Best for Automation
Price Low
Pros
Offers a straightforward, all-inclusive pricing model with no hidden fees for implementation or support
The intuitive interface makes it easy for both administrators and employees to navigate the system
The included dedicated customer success manager is a significant value-add that simplifies the onboarding and maintenance process
Cons
While it excels at performance management, it is not a full-service HRIS and lacks robust features for areas like recruiting or payroll
Some users have noted that the goal-setting function can be slightly tricky to use or may lack the full customization of a more complex system
May not be the best fit for companies whose needs are more focused on talent acquisition need is talent acquisition or benefits management
  • Automated performance reviews effortlessly send out reviews, track progress, and consolidate data, saving HR teams significant time.
    Allows for easy creation and tracking of employee goals, ensuring alignment with organizational objectives.
    Every customer receives a dedicated customer success manager for implementation, training, and ongoing support at no additional cost.

PerformYard offers simple, all-inclusive pricing based on a per-employee-per-month (PEPM) model, ranging from $5-$10 per month. The price may increase when you add certain modules, like Employee Engagement ($1-$3/employee/month), Meetings ($2-$4/employee/month), and Surveys ($2-$4/employee/month). A minimum annual contract may be required, ranging from $5,000 to $15,000.

Best for Convenience Paycor

Cobanker review
4.0
CoBanker choice
Overview

Paycor is another legacy brand that offers a comprehensive suite of talent management tools that are well-suited for small to mid-sized businesses. The platform provides an all-in-one solution for managing recruitment, learning, and compensation, allowing businesses to handle multiple HR functions from a single system. Its strength lies in its ability to streamline a wide range of HR tasks, from payroll and benefits to talent development.

Paycor offers a wide range of individual products, allowing businesses to customize their own solutions. However, that can also be a little overwhelming since, as you add products, it creates a more complex tech stack that will require shuffling through several different user experiences. Paycor allows you to do a lot with a single platform, but it may feel a bit excessive and/or expensive for companies that just need help with talent management.

Best for Convenience
Price Middle
Pros
Handles multiple HR functions in one platform, reducing the need for multiple vendors and integrations
Its straightforward design simplifies daily navigation for both HR teams and employees
Offers an outstanding learning and development module that helps talent learn the skills they need to excel in their current jobs or grow into new ones
Cons
The reporting and customization options are less flexible compared to more specialized platforms
Pricing is not transparent and requires contacting the company for a custom quote, which can be challenging for budget-conscious buyers
The lack of a free trial makes it difficult to test the software firsthand before making a commitment
  • Seamlessly combines payroll processing, tax management, and core HR functions into one product experience.
  • Provides a unified module for attracting, hiring, and onboarding new employees.
  • Offers a built-in learning management system to support employee growth and career management.

Paycor’s pricing is quote-based and varies depending on the number of employees and the specific features and modules chosen. Some internet chatter suggests pricing is around $19-$27/employee/month, but it’s unclear if that is for the core HR + Payroll product or the talent management product. In any case, expect the cost to increase for higher-tier plans with more advanced features.

Best for Analytics ClearCompany

Cobanker review
3.9
CoBanker choice
Overview

ClearCompany is a full-service talent management platform that stands out for its end-to-end capabilities and powerful analytics. The platform provides a complete suite of tools for talent acquisition, performance management, employee engagement, and offboarding. It uses a data-driven approach to support talent acquisition and employee engagement lifecycles, with specialized talent management modules for learning, performance, engagement, and compensation management.

ClearCompany’s strength lies in its ability to deliver a holistic view of the employee lifecycle, with powerful AI and analytics reporting that reduces the HR team’s manual work. Managers and employees alike can get better insight into their own performance and growth paths, too. That said, ClearCompany’s design is notably worse than competitors and can have a clunky user experience.

Best for Analytics
Price Middle
Pros
The platform’s analytics are a significant value-add, helping organizations make more informed decisions
The full suite of modules makes it a powerful option for businesses that want a single vendor for all their talent needs
ClearCompany isn’t exactly a low-cost option, but each tier offers a strong collection of tools for a single price, giving it a more bang-for-your-buck feel
Cons
The interface is notably outdated, which can make it harder to use and, frankly, feel a little less trustworthy, despite the impressive tech
Larger organizations with complex workflows may find that the platform does not offer the level of customization they require
The lack of a free trial makes it difficult to test the software before purchasing
  • Manages the full employee lifecycle, from pre-hire to post-hire, in a single platform.
  • Provides a comprehensive dashboard with deep insights into hiring metrics, performance, and retention.
  • Integrates talent acquisition, performance, and engagement data for a cohesive view of the workforce.

ClearCompany’s pricing is quote-based, with costs varying based on the number of employees and the modules selected. The three tiers are ClearRecruit, ClearTalent, and TotalTalent, each of which provides access to anywhere from six to 12 of ClearCompany’s modules. While not publicly available, some reports suggest a starting price of $60 per user per month. The final cost is tailored to specific business needs and requires a custom quote from their sales team.

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What Is Talent Management Software?

A talent management software is designed to handle the entire employee journey, from the moment they’re hired, through their ongoing development and retention. Many HR tools or Professional Employment Organizations (PEOs) may have a talent management component, but a talent management software specifically focuses on how you manage your organization’s talent.

Some of the key functions typically include:

  • Recruiting and onboarding: Managing the talent acquisition process, from sourcing and screening candidates to making collaborative hiring decisions and onboarding new employees seamlessly.
  • Performance management: Facilitating performance appraisals, setting and tracking goals (including SMART goals), and providing 360-degree feedback.
  • Learning and development: Supporting employee skill development, career pathing, and internal mobility through learning management systems.
  • Compensation and rewards: Managing compensation, rewards, and recognition programs to motivate and retain employees.
  • Workforce planning: Providing analytical and predictive insights to help inform strategic decision-making regarding talent.

Some platforms may excel in areas that others are lacking. The most robust talent management software will support HR teams and business leaders in attracting and retaining the best talent for their organizations.

How to Choose the Right Talent Management Software

Choosing the right talent management software is a major decision that will impact your entire organization. The right platform for one organization might not be right for yours. Here’s a step-by-step process to help you weigh your options:

  1. Assess your needs: First, determine what your company needs most. Are you focused on improving your recruiting process, enhancing employee development, or both? You might have a lot of boxes to check, or you may find you’re lacking in one specific area.
  2. Compare features: Look for systems that offer the specific functionalities you need, such as performance management, learning management, or compensation tools.
  3. Remember your budget: Most talent management software platforms offer a cost-effective first tier. But it might not include everything you need. As you shop, make sure you’re asking what’s included at each price point so you know exactly what you’re getting and what fits in your budget.
  4. Consider scalability: Choose a platform that can grow with your business. Going back to the drawing board after you outgrow a platform isn’t a good use of time. Many platforms are built to grow with you, just make sure they’re not going to price you out as your needs increase.
  5. Prioritize integrations: The system should seamlessly integrate with your existing HR and IT infrastructure to provide a unified user experience.
  6. Weigh usability: Learning a new platform often comes with growing pains. Some platforms have more growing pains than others. The one you choose should be intuitive and easy for both HR teams and employees to use.

With this process in mind, you can ensure you find a talent management software that supports both your HR leaders and the rank-and-file.

FAQs

Talent management software is a type of HR software that focuses specifically on the “talent” side of HR, which includes recruiting, performance management, and learning and development.

The cost of talent management software varies widely depending on the vendor, the size of your organization, and the specific modules you need. Some vendors offer transparent, per-employee pricing, while others require a custom quote. This guide aims to provide as much pricing information as possible short of a custom quote.

Yes, talent management software can significantly improve employee retention by helping you identify and develop high-potential employees, align employee performance with business goals, and provide clear career paths.