The top 10 OKR tools and how to choose the best one

If you’re thinking of adopting the OKR system, consider using OKR tools. A digital OKR tool can help you monitor objectives and key results, especially if you’re managing multiple teams. 

At its core, OKR tools help teams to set, track, communicate and evaluate their OKRs. Experienced teams use them as a central space to record goal progress and easily spot blockers. For newcomers, a tool will help you commit to the OKR process, build good habits, and cut down extraneous steps.

In this post, we break down the top 10 OKR tools and help you choose one that works for your team and budget.

What to Look Out For

A good OKR tool should be flexible, scalable, and user-friendly. It should enable you to track progress and convert that into actionable items. 

While searching for an OKR tool, here are some questions to keep in mind:

1. Audience – Who’s the tool for? Is it aimed more at small teams or large enterprises? Is it scalable?
2. Features – What is the tool designed for? Does it track my OKRs in the way I prefer?
3. Cost – Is it a considerable investment for newcomers? Do they offer a free trial?
4. Usability – Is the tool easy to use for everyday work? Is it easy to install and learn? Is there good customer support?
5. Compatibility – Does the tool integrate with other management tools or is it something extra to learn?

Types of OKR Tools

Spreadsheets and Templates

One of the most common entry OKR tools, spreadsheets and templates are a great choice for companies who are new to OKRs and don’t want to commit significant resources right from the start. They’re familiar, easy to learn and free to download. 

Templates are good for managing a small number of goals. As more teams adopt their own OKRs over a series of cycles, templates will not be enough to keep track of everything, so look elsewhere for a more robust tool.

Options to consider:

1. Great for OKR beginners: The OKR Template with Weekly Check-ins
   • Pros:
     • Everything’s set up, so all you need to do is input your OKRs and initiatives
     • Links initiatives to OKRs so you’ll know exactly how one contributes to the other
     • Links initiatives to OKRs so you’ll know exactly how one contributes to the other
   • Cons:
     • Shareable only if exported to Google Sheets
2. For multiple departments: Sheetgo
   • Pros:
     • Aimed at larger companies – each department has their own spreadsheet to update
     • Comes with six department sheets that can be set to automatically update the master sheet
     • Easily shareable – template is downloaded as a Google Drive folder
   • Cons:
     • Does not allow for initiatives or tasks to be linked to OKRs
     • No set update schedule – you will have to set one yourself separately to remind departments to update their OKR progress

Standalone Software

A second option is standalone software or programs designed to help companies track their OKRs using their own platforms. They come in a wide range of styles and features including productivity management and KPI tracking.

However, these tools can be a hefty investment for smaller teams and require learning a completely new platform. 

Options to consider:

1. For mid- to large-sized enterprises: Betterworks 
   • Pros:
     • Primarily a performance management and goal-setting software; OKRs are used to align goals across the company
     • Great for managers looking to support ongoing feedback, check-ins, and reviews with employees
   • Cons:
     • Expensive – from $8 a month per user
     • Complicated user interface, requires training to set up and use
     • Limited Jira integration, only available for the paid versions and managed by admins
2. Best for Microsoft Team users: Ally.io
   • Pros:
     • A strategic goal-planning and execution management software that allows for real-time feedback and comments on OKRs
     • Integrates with Microsoft Teams and Slack
     • Present business progress reports on OKRs using the same platform
   • Cons:
     • Expensive – from $7 a month per user (minimum 12 users)
     • Can be complicated for newcomers, requires some training to set-up and use
     • Requires a separate app for Jira
3. For smaller companies: Perdoo
   • Pros:
     • An OKR-focused platform with a simple and clean UI to help teams easily visualise the OKR hierarchy
     • Free version for up to 10 people
   • Cons:
     • Limited flexibility – cannot customize for different OKR set-ups and options
     • Limited integration with other platforms (only Slack and Microsoft Teams for the free version)
4. For start-ups: Weekdone
   • Pros:
     • An OKR tracking and reporting tool that breaks down tasks into weekly goals
     • Allows managers to set the value of individual key results to use absolutes rather than percentages
   • Cons:
     • Does not support more complicated teams and workflow systems
     • Free trial is limited to three users or 14 days

Jira Apps

If you are a Jira user, using an OKR app is the best tool for you. Unlike standalone software, Jira OKR apps enable you to easily manage your OKRs and keep on top of your assigned tasks – all on one platform. This is a great option for both OKR newcomers and experienced users. 

Most plugins offer the basics – a shared dashboard, automated progress tracking, etc. – with some offering a more robust selection of features.

Options to consider:

1. Best for agile teams: OKR for Jira
   • Pros:
     • An intuitive and easy-to-use app designed to help agile teams manage their OKRs without losing momentum
     • Supportive – has a responsive customer support team ready to help with any issues or customization requests
     • Scalable – good for small teams as well as larger enterprises
   • Cons:
     • Focus is on tracking OKR progress – other performance or goal-setting frameworks like KPIs are not included
2. For HR managers: UpRaise for Employee Success (with OKRs)
   • Pros:
     • Designed as a performance appraisal and talent management tool – OKRs used for goal-setting
     • Focus is on monitoring employee progress and self-appraisals via individual development plans and self-assessments
   • Cons:
     • Expensive – $10 a month for first 10 users
     • Links OKRs to employee compensation – OKRs are not recommended for grading employee performance as it encourages setting easily achievable objectives.
3. Best for enterprises: Jira Align
   • Pros:
     • Powerful tool with an extensive suite of features to connect top-level strategy to numerous teams in enterprises of unlimited size
     • Designed specifically for Jira and integrates with other Atlassian software
   • Cons:
     • Expensive for smaller companies – $75 a month per user
     • Requires training and effort to implement, especially for OKR newcomers
4. For teams who like things visually presented: Nara
   • Pros:
     • Visualize OKR trends and progress using different charts and graphs
     • Can be used for OKRs, KPIs and SLA reporting
   • Cons:
     • High learning curve – you will have to set up the charts yourself and learn to manipulate the different metrics and fields

Choose the Best Tool for You

Using an OKR tool – whether it’s a free template or an app that fits into your current management software – will help you get on top of your OKRs and get your team on their way to success. So, choose the right one that fits your workstyle.

Last updated: 2023-03-21

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