Free vs. Paid OKR Tools: Which is Right for Your Business?

Integrate your CRM with other tools

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How to connect your integrations to your CRM platform?

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Techbit is the next-gen CRM platform designed for modern sales teams

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Why using the right CRM can make your team close more sales?

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What other features would you like to see in our product?

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You know the drill, you are a founder, product manager or team lead and want to use a tool for OKRs? Budget is tight, because you are a startup and you don’t want to be the one that spends it on novelty tools. Beware of those free trials as well, a free trial is nice, but if the paid plan starts at 15 euro/dollar per user per month… That's a lot of cash that could be spent elsewhere. As someone who's been in your shoes, I know firsthand how crucial it is to make the right choice when it comes to selecting cool tools with scarce resources. Let's dive into the world of OKR apps and figure out what's best for your budget.

The OKR App Dilemma: Free or Paid?

When I first started implementing OKRs in my startup, I faced the same question you're probably asking yourself right now: "Do I really need to shell out cash for a paid OKR app, or can I get by with a free one?" It's a valid concern, especially when you're watching every penny in your budget.

The Appeal of Free OKR Tools

Let's be real – free is always tempting. Here's why free OKR apps might seem like a good fit:

  • Cost-effective: Perfect for bootstrapped startups or those in early stages
  • Basic functionality: Often provide essential features to get you started
  • Low commitment: Easy to try out without financial risk

When Free OKR Apps Shine

Free OKR tools can be a great starting point if:

  • You're just dipping your toes into the OKR methodology
  • Your team is small (usually under 10 people)
  • You have simple, straightforward OKR needs and do not want to be overserved

The Tipping Point: When to Consider Paid OKR Apps

As your startup grows, you might start feeling the limitations of free OKR tools. Here are some signs it's time to consider upgrading:

  1. Team expansion: Your headcount is growing, and coordination is becoming challenging
  2. Company expansion: You tried it with your team and now every other team also wants it
  3. Integration needs: You want your OKR app to play nice with other tools you're using
  4. Progress tracking and more insights: You're craving deeper insights into your OKR performance
  5. Customization: You need to tailor the OKR process to your unique business needs

Take into mind that every tool vendor employs a different version of “free”. Some might offer a free trial, some offer reduced functionality and some offer reduced number of users on the free tier. Depending on which OKR app you are using, limitations might differ.

Benefits of Paid OKR Tools

Investing in a paid OKR app can be a game-changer for scaling businesses. Here's why:

  • More and robust features: Get access to advanced goal-setting, tracking, and reporting tools
  • Scalability: Easily accommodate your growing team and evolving org structure
  • Integration capabilities: Connect your OKR app with other essential tools or other sources for reporting like online analytics or you Business intelligence solution

Making the Decision: Free vs. Paid OKR App

Still on the fence? Here's a quick checklist to help you decide:

  • Are you still contemplating whether to use OKRs?
  • Do you have more than 20 employees?
  • Are you managing OKRs across multiple teams or departments?
  • Do you need detailed performance analytics and reports?
  • Is customization a priority for your OKR process?
  • Do you require integration with other business tools?

If you checked two or more boxes, it might be time to explore paid OKR app options.

FAQs

Q: How much do paid OKR apps typically cost? A: Prices vary widely, but expect to pay anywhere from €3 to €15 per user per month for most mid-range solutions. Check out SaaSHub for a complete overview of different OKR apps.

Q: Can I migrate my data from a free OKR app to a paid one? A: It's pretty rare. However, OKRs are often small and easy. Manually copy/pasting it to another tool should be the practical way to go.

Q: Are there any hybrid options between free and paid OKR apps? A: Yes, some OKR apps offer freemium models with basic free tiers and paid upgrades for additional features. Loach.app is one of them. You can start doing OKRs till your team is above 5 people. After that, since we focus on startups and scaleups, you get the full product from 3 euro per user per month, no strings attached.

Conclusion: Choosing the Right OKR App for Your Journey

Ultimately, the choice between a free or paid OKR app depends on your business's unique needs and growth stage. While free tools can be a great starting point, don't be afraid to invest in a paid OKR app when your startup's success demands it. 

Whether you stick with a free option or upgrade to a paid solution, the key is to choose an OKR app that aligns with your business goals and supports your team's productivity. Happy goal-setting!

Start making progress on your most important goals today.