Is there free performance management software for small teams?

Two platforms on this list have a genuine free tier: Effy AI is free for up to 5 users with no credit card, and Zoho People is free for up to 5 users as well. BambooHR, Small Improvements, PerformYard and 15Five offer trials rather than free plans, and Lattice, Leapsome, Trakstar and Workleap offer neither. Below 5 people a free plan is usually enough to run a full cycle; above that, the thing to check is whether the paid tier carries a seat minimum you cannot clear.