compare hero image

CaptivateIQ vs Performio: 
Which commissions platform helps you stay in control?

When incentive compensation moves from spreadsheets to software, the platform you choose will determine how easily your team can adapt, scale, and maintain trust in every payout.

CaptivateIQ and Performio both promise flexibility, but only one gives you full control without the technical barriers, coding requirements, or rigid templates that slow teams down.

Leader winter 2025
wave leader 2025
TrustRadius Top rated 2024
Trusted by more than 800 companies worldwide
1Password
affirm
Figma
Gong
Raymond James
wayfair

The short answer

Performio was built with a technical admin in mind and requires SQL, Python, and complex data preparation to manage even simple plans. CaptivateIQ is the modern, no-code alternative that gives finance and revenue teams direct control through a familiar, spreadsheet-like interface.

Companies choose CaptivateIQ when they want flexibility to scale, faster plan changes, and transparent ownership without the burden of technical maintenance or long service contracts

Quick comparison:
CaptivateIQ vs Performio

Performio
Customer focus
Growth-stage to enterprise (50–10,000+ payees)
close icon
Mid-market to enterprise (strong Australia/APAC base)
Implementation
Delivered by CaptivateIQ experts and trusted partners with direct oversight
close icon
Technical setup requiring coding and CSV configuration
Complex plan support
No-code, modeling-based engine for any plan type
close icon
SQL- and Python-driven setup requiring technical admins
Ease of use
Spreadsheet-like interface built for business users
close icon
Outdated admin UI with steep learning curve
Data management
Ingest, clean, and transform data directly in-platform
close icon
Rigid CSV templates; high risk of upload errors
Support Model
Dedicated, in-time-zone incentive specialists
close icon
CSM-led support required for basic plan updates
Platform design
Unified, modern architecture with continuous innovation
close icon
Legacy system with slow product development
Pricing transparency
Unified, modern architecture with continuous innovation
close icon
License plus required service packages for maintenance

Where CaptivateIQ stands apart

Intuitive experience that puts you in control

CaptivateIQ empowers admins to build and adjust plans quickly through a familiar, no-code interface. Users can easily model, calculate, and test plans without relying on IT or outside consultants.

Performio’s Python-based backend and outdated admin UI make even small plan updates cumbersome. Many admins rely on customer success managers to perform changes that should be self-service.

Ask before you buy: How many people will you need to manage plan updates, and what technical skills will they need?
Flexible data management

CaptivateIQ lets you connect, clean, and transform your data directly in the platform without  rigid templates. Uploads are fast, validation is automated, and teams can move from setup to payout in hours, not days.

Performio requires extensive data preparation before upload. Each dataset must conform to a strict CSV format with exact field names, IDs, and job titles, leaving no room for minor mismatches or human error.

Ask before you buy: How much manual data prep does your platform require before processing commissions?
Built for any plan at any scale

CaptivateIQ’s architecture supports over 7,000 unique plan configurations, making it one of the most flexible platforms for complex organizations. Plans can be customized, cloned, and adjusted in minutes as roles evolve or headcount grows.

Performio’s calculation engine has been described by users as a “black box.” It often requires custom SQL to manage formulas, making changes slow and dependent on technical resources.

Ask before you buy: Can you build and update complex plans without custom code or support tickets?
Continuous innovation

CaptivateIQ ships new features year-round, delivering 80+ product improvements in the past year, including Assist AI, Custom Workflow Builder, and Quick Reporting. It’s the only ICM platform recognized by Forrester for perfect scores in Innovation, Roadmap, and AI capabilities.

Performio’s development pace has slowed significantly, and customers often cite the lack of new functionality as a key reason for switching. The platform’s reliance on legacy infrastructure has made upgrades infrequent and incremental.

Ask before you buy: How often does your platform release new functionality designed specifically for incentive management?
Transparency and visibility for modern sales teams

CaptivateIQ provides reps with real-time visibility into their earnings, performance, and goals through customizable dashboards and interactive reports. This transparency builds trust and reduces commission disputes.

Performio’s rep-facing experience was designed over a decade ago and has not evolved to meet modern usability standards. Adoption rates are often low due to complex navigation and static reporting.

Ask before you buy: How easy is it for reps to view their earnings and progress in your system?

See CaptivateIQ in Action

Get a quick walkthrough tailored to your plan complexity.

Book a demo
action image

What customers say about CaptivateIQ

“I used to work in Performio, and even small changes required SQL. With CaptivateIQ, I can update plans myself and roll them out in minutes.”
— Director of Finance, SaaS Company
“We moved from Performio to CaptivateIQ after constant upload issues and slow plan changes. Now our team owns the process without external help.”
— VP of Revenue Operations, Global Software Company

Common pitfalls with Performio

  • Requires Python or SQL for complex plan logic
  • Rigid CSV templates and data-prep requirements
  • Outdated user interface and steep learning curve
  • Dependence on CSMs or support for plan updates
  • Slow product development and minimal innovation
  • Hidden service costs for maintenance and configuration

CaptivateIQ is built for flexibility

Companies outgrow technical platforms when they need more agility and less complexity

Book a demo
Feature
Why it matters
CaptivateIQ advantage
No-code interface
Simplifies plan management
Admins make updates instantly
Direct data integration
Eliminates manual CSV prep
Ingest and clean data in-platform
Transparent dashboards
Builds trust and visibility
Reps see live performance data
Scalable architecture
Handles growth and complexity
7,000+ plan types supported
Fast innovation
Keeps customers ahead
80+ new features shipped last year

Why scaling teams switch from Performio to CaptivateIQ

Wanted flexibility without coding or consultants
Needed faster data processing and plan changes
Outgrew Performio’s rigid CSV and Python backend
Preferred intuitive, no-code workflows
Chose a platform that evolves with their business

See CaptivateIQ
in action

If you’re evaluating Performio, see how CaptivateIQ delivers the same enterprise-grade accuracy—with modern flexibility and transparency built in.

Schedule a walkthrough to see how leading companies automate commissions, adapt faster, and eliminate manual complexity with CaptivateIQ.

Book your personalized demo