If your journey as an executive was a professional tennis career, then 1 on 1 appointments are the weekly matches that decide whether you win or lose. I'll give you one tip: don't forget to get the Nimbus 2000 tennis racket... which brings us to the topic: The best free digital employee appraisal or one-to-one meeting software apps.
Here we compare 3 alternatives:
- Echometer
- Leapsome
- Lattice
1-on-1 Meeting App in Comparison: Echometer
1-on-1 Software App: Echometer
Customer Testimonials & Review Echometer
Quick intro on Echometer's website
"The fastest way for busy team leads to improve the delivery of their team: Combine 1:1 meetings with agile retrospectives"
Echometer Website: https://echometerapp.com/
Screenshots of the Echometer software
What does the template library in Echometer look like? How are tasks organized and how is the survey function integrated into the digital appraisal interview?
Below you will find screenshots that will literally give you a better picture.
In the 1-1 meeting
Make notes and a template example
Another template example (for coaching)
Answer the survey at (or before) the 1-1 meeting
Making development trends visible
A library of conversation starters
The overview page for all 1-1 calls
Putting memories before the one-to-one conversation
Pros & cons: Echometer tool for one-on-one meetings
 Pro |  Con's |
|---|---|
 Intuitive & time-saving design |  Especially for remote IT teams |
| Psychologically sound templates & detailed analysis options for data-driven work | 👎 Only includes 1:1 tool and retro tool: Not a holistic HR solution |
| Integrated team retrospective tool | |
| For more than 5 team members: lowest price |
Echometer Pricing, Free Trial & Access
- Free version: Yes (up to two 1:1 series)
- Base price: From €29 per manager per month, i.e. €29 for a manager with a 10-person team
To summarize, Echometer is a very good, perhaps the best one-on-one meeting software app, especially for IT executives. You can easily get your own impression by playing around in the one-on-one meeting template below.
We have made the access possible without a login so that users can get a feel for the functions of our app without much effort. In addition, some of our software can also be used permanently free of charge. You can find out more on our pricing model page.
The following template is another example that you can explore. You can of course customize it and build your own templates in our software.
No small talk, no awkward pauses. 🥱 This 1:1 template simply always works.
- What achievement are you proud of that I may not have noticed?
- What small change would immediately improve your work?
- What would you like to take more time for at work?
...
Why a 1-to-1 software app is worthwhile
Is it even worth introducing an online software app for 1-on-1 or staff meetings with direct reports? Of course: 1-to-1 meeting check-ins are your most important staff conversations as a manager. Did you even realize that?
Where else can you make better adjustments in your team's engine room than in face-to-face meetings? 🤔 That's why it's worth using a software app (ideally free of charge and without a login) that saves you time with digital preparation and follow-up, suggests good questions and draws your attention to trends during appraisal interviews.
A bold thesis: With outstandingly good employee or one-to-one staff conversations, you can best achieve all your professional challenges and goals – maybe even move up to a higher tennis league 😉
Of course, the interaction between employees in a team or group system is just as important. That's why team Retrospective-workshops are another key tool in any management toolbox. Nevertheless, this group system is inevitably "co-managed" by every team member. In this respect, you should view each individual team member as a domino that can trigger positive team changes like an avalanche. Then the burden of leadership no longer lies solely on you as a manager.
The diagram explains well where intelligent holistic team leadership takes place in practice: In 1-1 meetings and in team retrospective workshops (whether virtual, remote or in the office).
Whether senior or junior, every team member must contribute positively to the team workflow and "lead" in some way. The attitude that "everyone in the team has a leadership role and must set a good example" is something you can convey and train particularly well in digitally supported appraisal interviews or 1-on-1 meeting check-ins with your staff. In other words, they are your most important employee satisfaction tool.
So do you treat 1-on-1 staff conversations as your most important meeting (whether virtual or in the office)? Or do you focus your time more on making a good impression on your boss in order to advance your career?
By the way, in the following video I have tried to explain my four favorite features of Echometer in a short and crisp way. You can also hear a testimonial from a Echometer customer who is extremely satisfied with Echometer. Take a look:
Best free 1-on-1 meeting software app without login
A comparison: employee appraisal and one-to-one meeting software apps
Let's assume we agree: you see regular employee or 1-to-1 meetings with the importance they deserve. Then you'll agree that a one-to-one meeting software app is worthwhile (especially if it's free and you can try it out without logging in). In the following, I would like to discuss what makes good one-on-one meeting apps, which free software apps are currently available on the market and how the various best apps compare. At the top, you can test one of the apps without logging in.
Let's start with an exciting overview of digital employee appraisals and one-to-one meeting apps in a table (some of which can be tested free of charge). The information is taken from publicly available company data.
 Echometer | 🆚 Leapsome | 🆚 Lattice | |
|---|---|---|---|
Shared notes | ✅ Yes | ✅ Yes | ✅ Yes |
Private notes | ✅ Yes | ✅ Yes | ✅ Yes |
Task management | ✅ Yes | ✅ Yes | ✅ Yes |
Task overview | ✅ Yes | ✅ Yes | ⚠️ Partially |
Core product of the company | ✅ Yes | ❌ No | ❌ No |
Target group | IT industry | All industries | All industries |
Echometer 1-1 Smartness | 🆚 Leapsome Smartness | 🆚 Lattice Smartness | |
(Visual) question suggestions | ✅ Yes | ❌ No | ❌ No |
Integrated Health Check survey | ✅ Yes | ❌ No | ⚠️ Partially |
Explicitly psychological foundation | ✅ Yes | ❌ No | ❌ No |
Definable templates | ✅ Yes | ❌ No | ✅ Yes |
Automated appointment reminder | ✅ Yes | ⚠️ Partially | ✅ Yes |
Integrated Numerical Trends | ✅ Yes | ❌ No | ❌ No |
Pattern recognition & filters: Tags | ✅ Yes | ❌ No | ❌ No |
1-1 Proposed measures | ✅ Yes | ❌ No | ❌ No |
Integrated Agiles Retrospective Tool | ✅ Yes | ❌ No | ❌ No |
Test possible without login | ✅ Yes | ❌ No | ❌ No |
Echometer Prices | 🆚 Leapsome prices | 🆚 Lattice prices | |
Price model (monthly) | Partly free of charge (more on this below) | From 8$/team member | From 11$/team member |
Echometer compared with other 1:1 software apps
Above you have now been given a rough overview of the biggest (and perhaps best) providers of employee appraisal and 1-to-1 meeting software apps. In the following, I would like to go into more detail about the other tools besides Echometer: Leapsome and Lattice. You will see a short description, reviews and screenshots of each.
Alternative free 1-to-1 meeting software app
1-to-1 meeting app in comparison: Leapsome
Customer Testimonials & Review Leapsome
Brief introduction on Leapsome's website
"The AI-powered HR platform for HR excellence and high-performing teams. Automate, connect and simplify all HR processes – from onboarding and performance management to employee retention and development."
Leapsome website: https://www.leapsome.com/
Screenshots from the Leapsome software
How are tasks organized in Leapsome? Take a look at two more screenshots of the tool below to get a better feel for it.
In the virtual 1-1 meeting
One on One templates can be organized here
One on one tasks or action items are organized here
Pros & cons: Leapsome tool for One-on-one meetings
| Pro |
Con's |
|---|---|
| Easy to understand |
One of many features of the Leapsome HR suite, therefore partly loveless |
| Templates can be created |
Few special features as a 1-1 tool, primarily note function |
Leapsome pricing model, free trial & access
- Free trial: Yes (duration not transparent)
- Free version (after the free trial): Yes
- Base price (after the free trial): From 8$ per team member per month, e.g. 80$ per month for 10 team members
To summarize, Leapsome offers a somewhat simpler but functional 1-on-1 software app that is not geared towards specific industries (such as the IT industry).
Best free 1-to-1 meeting software app
1-to-1 meeting app in comparison: Lattice
Customer Testimonials & Review Lattice
Brief introduction on Lattice's website
"The HR platform that people love. With HRIS, Lattice enables more than 5,000 strategic HR teams to manage employee information, drive performance, capture team sentiment and gain key insights – all in one place."
Lattice website: https://lattice.com/
Screenshots from the Lattice software
Unfortunately, you can't simply access the entire Lattice 1-to-1 software app for free. Apparently, booking a demo appointment is mandatory. However, there are several other ways to get a feel for the software app on the website. We have visualized the core of the One-on-One feature in the Lattice App Suite as a screenshot below.
In the virtual 1-1 meeting
Overview of task management, templates and the notes function
Pros & cons: Lattice tool for one-on-one meetings
| Pro | Con's |
|---|---|
| Easy to understand | One of many features of the Lattice HR platform, therefore partly loveless |
| Templates can be created | Unfortunately, there is no direct access to the software app. You have to book a demo appointment for this. |
Lattice pricing model, free trial & access
- Free trial: Yes (duration not transparent)
- Free version (after the free trial): No
- Base price (after the free trial): From 11$ per team member per month, e.g. 111$ per month for 10 team members
To summarize, Lattice offers a helpful staff appraisal software app that really comes into its own when you use other functionalities from the HR platform.
You now have a good feeling for the various digital or virtual employee appraisal or 1-to-1 meeting software (unfortunately only some of them are free and do not require a login), all of which can serve as good employee satisfaction tools. But how can you make a good decision? I would like to help you with this by giving you five criteria for what makes good digital employee appraisal or one-to-one software (apart from the price and login options).
Best free 1-on-1 meeting software app without login
What makes the best 1-on-1 software apps?
First of all, there is probably no such thing as the "best" appraisal or 1-on-1 meeting software app. If at all, there is "your" best one-to-one meeting software app. Why is that? Quite simply because the requirements for a good software app are determined by you. But if you're unsure about what you need, the following five points will help you.
Before we go deeper: when it comes to the best software app, it's all about quality. In this respect, it should not be assumed that you can get it for free – but, as with the Echometer software, you may be able to get a feel for it without logging in.
1. Strengthens the relationship between manager and employee
The best possible software app creates a trusting and sustainable relationship between managers and their staff. Through targeted question templates that help to get to know each other and build trust, the online tool can promote a more personal discussion climate and make a lasting contribution to employee satisfaction.
For example, these can be simple question templates such as "What have you particularly enjoyed recently?" or "Is there anything you would like to develop further in your role?" (Read more: 129 ingenious one-to-one meeting questions from a psychologist). Such questions encourage self-reflection and provide managers with insights that are often lost in day-to-day business.
The notes function should be largely transparent so that agreed goals and important points of discussion remain accessible to both parties at all times and openness also contributes to mutual trust, satisfaction and commitment.
2. Saves time
Saving time is a key factor for managers and their staff or direct reports. The best performance review or 1-to-1 jour fixe meeting app therefore not only offers suggestions for questions and an intuitive system in which content is stored in a central location – instead of scattered notes on different platforms such as Apple Notes, Google Docs or Miro.
It should also be possible to access all topics, notes and tasks in one place and use automated reminders to ensure that no agreements or follow-up tasks are forgotten.
The 1-1 online meeting tool should also offer the option of creating your own templates for different scenarios so that managers can customize their meetings and make them more efficient.
These can be templates for one-to-one onboarding appointments for new employees, templates with icebreaker questions to get to know each other, but also Health Check questions that help to get a feel for the direct reports commitment, satisfaction and loyalty to the company. The partly free digital employee appraisal software app Echometer offers ready-made 1-on-1 workshops for all these use cases.
"I like this employee, but he's underperforming. How can I address this in 1:1s?"
"I often don't know whether I was too hard – or too soft – in my 1:1s to make a positive impact."
"I can’t identify patterns or trends across my 1:1s. Everything feels isolated."
3. Is motivating
Motivation comes from success and the recognition of progress. The best appraisal interviews or 1-on-1 meeting software apps highlight trends and patterns from the conversations that are valuable for both sides.
For example, it could regularly show an overview of successfully completed tasks or the progress made towards the most recently defined goals. This strengthens the motivation to continue working on improvements.
In addition, the user interface should be appealing and clearly laid out so that it is enjoyable to use and increases (or at least does not inhibit) motivation to actively participate in the employee appraisal or 1-on-1 meeting. Only when this criterion is met will employee satisfaction tools be fun for both sides.
4. Easy entry
An easy start is essential in order to react positively to new online tools in everyday working life. Many professionals have an aversion to new software apps.
As mentioned above, a simple design helps here. But a free version, such as the software Echometer (can be tested below without logging in) can facilitate a non-binding introduction and give users the opportunity to familiarize themselves with the functions without any obligations.
User guidance should be so intuitive that the desired results can be achieved without much training. This low-threshold approach is particularly helpful when introducing new software apps in larger teams and companies, where sometimes horrendous bureaucratic processes within the organization stand in the way.
5. Creates progress and promotes further development
Perhaps the most important thing about the best digital appraisal or 1-to-1 Jour Fixe meeting tools is that they enable the coachee to develop positively. The (possibly free) software tool should at best support – with psychologically sound – questions that specifically address the respective context and the specific needs of the direct reports.
For example, questions on personal development could be adapted to the industry context, as is the case with Echometer for the IT industry: If the software app already knows that software developers often lack soft skills, that they do not empathize with their end customers often enough or that they do not sufficiently reflect on their own delivery feedback loops, it can offer very targeted question templates for corresponding challenges.
Irrespective of this, the (possibly free) online software tool should offer the option of recording tasks, sending automatic reminders and providing a complete overview of open and completed tasks. This strengthens the commitment of your staff.
Best free 1-to-1 meeting software app
Conclusion - Free employee appraisal software app
Overall, a good performance review or 1-to-1 meeting tool makes it easier for managers to have structured and productive conversations that focus on relationship building and progress. With a good software app, one-to-one meetings can become the key people management tool they should be.
The text should have given you a good overview of the most popular (perhaps also the best) employee appraisal and one-to-one meeting tools and hopefully made it easier for you to decide which software or online app you would like to try out.
I wish you a good game of tennis 😉
By the way, you can easily try out the Echometer 1-to-1 software for free, for example by playing around in the One-on-One Meeting Template below. Don't worry, you will of course also find many more question suggestions in the tool:
No small talk, no awkward pauses. 🥱 This 1:1 template simply always works.
- What achievement are you proud of that I may not have noticed?
- What small change would immediately improve your work?
- What would you like to take more time for at work?
...
"I like this employee, but he's underperforming. How can I address this in 1:1s?"
"I often don't know whether I was too hard – or too soft – in my 1:1s to make a positive impact."
"I can’t identify patterns or trends across my 1:1s. Everything feels isolated."
