Best Torch
alternatives.
For HR and People leaders comparing employee coaching providers on pricing, coach networks, mentoring, formats, and AI.
The main Torch alternatives for employee coaching are BetterUp, CoachHub, EZRA, Growthspace, Bravely, Exec.com, Coachello, and Boon. They differ from Torch, and from each other, on four points: how they price (per seat, per completed session, or by custom contract), how large a coach network they publish, whether they support mentoring and internal coaches alongside external coaching, and how much of the coaching AI delivers.
Boon runs five coaching programs: Scale (1:1 coaching), Grow (cohort-based manager development), Exec (executive coaching), Together (team workshops), and Adapt (AI change management), with 300+ ICF-accredited coaches and 110+ customers. Scale is billed per completed session with no per-seat fees, and Grow averages +23% competency growth across six-month Grow programs. Boon's Exec program is unrelated to Exec.com, a separate company reviewed below.
A disclosure: this page lives on Boon's website, and Boon is one of the providers compared, judged by the same criteria as everyone else. Weigh our view accordingly. Details for other providers come from public sources, including their own websites, G2, and Vendr buyer data, and where a provider does not publish something, we say so. If you find something inaccurate, let us know.
What are the best Torch alternatives?
The right alternative depends on what you want to change from Torch's model. Start with the situation closest to yours.
Best for a well-known enterprise brand with a wellbeing focus: BetterUp
The largest coach network (4,000+), FedRAMP certification, and BetterUp Grow AI coaching that escalates to a human coach.
Best for multinational coaching in many languages: CoachHub
3,500+ coaches across 90+ countries and 80+ languages, with ISO 27001, GDPR, and SOC 2 compliance coverage.
Best for unlimited 1:1 coaching sessions at large scale: EZRA
Unlimited sessions on EZRA Edge and EZRAx, backed by LHH and the Adecco Group, with 2,000+ ICF-credentialed coaches across 131 countries.
Best for short skill sprints tied to business KPIs: Growthspace
Domain experts in sprints of typically 5 sessions over 6 to 8 weeks, in 1:1, group, and workshop formats.
Best for on-demand coaching as an employee benefit: Bravely
On-demand 1:1 sessions available 24/7 across 68 countries and 33 languages, with group training and microlearning.
Best for human coaching with AI practice, paid per completed session: Exec.com
Credit-based pricing for completed sessions, AI voice roleplay, and under 2% of applicant coaches accepted.
Best for coaching inside Slack or Microsoft Teams: Coachello
ICF-credentialed coaches and AI practice delivered in Teams, Slack, and Web, with a modular license.
Best for leadership programs measured on your own competencies: Boon
Boon Grow measures competencies before and after on the customer’s own framework, and averages +23% competency growth across six-month Grow programs.
Comparing pricing models?
See how Boon prices each program, including Scale billed per completed session.
See PricingWhy teams look for a Torch alternative.
Torch and its alternatives publish different approaches on five points. These are the usual places a buyer's requirements and Torch's model can diverge.
Coach network size
Torch publishes limited information on the size of its coach network. Among the alternatives, BetterUp has 4,000+ coaches, CoachHub 3,500+, Growthspace 2,500+ domain experts, EZRA 2,000+ ICF-credentialed coaches, Exec.com 300+, and Boon 300+.
Coaching and mentoring
Torch combines coaching and mentoring on one platform and supports internal coach and mentor networks alongside external coaches. That breadth makes it less specialized than platforms focused only on coaching or only on mentoring. Growthspace lists internal mentoring among its programs, and Coachello offers internal coach enablement.
Pricing model
Torch uses custom pricing. BetterUp and CoachHub use per-seat licensing, Exec.com charges per completed session through credits, Boon bills Scale per completed session, EZRA sells unlimited sessions under custom enterprise contracts, Bravely sells an annual subscription, and Coachello sells modular licenses.
Formats beyond 1:1
Torch runs 1:1 coaching, mentoring, and group learning. Growthspace adds groups of 3 to 6 and workshops of up to 15, EZRA adds executive coaching through EZRAx, Bravely adds group training and microlearning, and Boon adds cohorts, executive coaching, and team workshops.
AI and human coaching
Torch’s published profile centers on coaching, mentoring, and group learning, with an analytics dashboard for HR teams. Among the alternatives, BetterUp pairs human coaches with BetterUp Grow, AI coaching that escalates to a human coach, CoachHub adds its AIMY assistant, EZRA sends AI nudges in Microsoft Teams, and Exec.com and Coachello pair human coaches with AI practice.
When Torch is the right choice.
Torch combines coaching and mentoring on one platform, which is rare in the category, and for some buyers its published strengths are exactly the requirements. It is likely the better fit when:
- You want coaching and mentoring on a single platform.
- You want to run internal coach and mentor networks alongside external professional coaches.
- You want group learning as well as 1:1 coaching.
- You want an analytics dashboard for HR teams.
- You value a research-backed approach, including partnerships such as the Stanford d.school.
What to compare across alternatives.
These six questions apply to every provider in this guide, Torch included.
Pricing model
Per-seat licensing charges for access whether or not it is used. Usage-based and credit-based pricing charge for sessions delivered. Unlimited-session contracts and annual subscriptions sit in between. If not every employee will use coaching, per-seat pricing means paying for unused seats. If everyone will use it, per-seat can be simpler to budget.
Coach model and matching
Some providers let employees browse and choose coaches from a marketplace. Others match each person to a coach by role, industry, goals, and context. Some use domain experts in place of certified coaches, and AI-only platforms use an AI coach. Ask how matching works and what happens when a match does not fit.
Program formats
Ask whether the provider runs only 1:1 coaching or also cohorts, group sessions, executive coaching, and team workshops. Each extra format a provider covers is one fewer contract for HR to manage.
Measurement
Session counts show usage. Look for growth on specific competencies, behavior change over time, and a way to connect results to retention and engagement data. Ask which framework the provider measures against and whether it can use your own competencies.
Language and country coverage
For a multinational rollout, check which languages and countries the coach network covers. A translated interface does not put a coach in front of someone in their own language.
Human, AI, or hybrid
Three models exist: human-only, AI-only, and hybrid. AI-only coaching scales at low cost but struggles with complex situations. Human coaching provides depth but costs more. Hybrid models pair human coaches with AI for practice, nudges, or support between sessions.
Torch and its alternatives compared.
"Custom" means the provider quotes prices and does not publish them. Torch is included as the reference point.
| Provider | Pricing model | Coach model | Network and languages | Formats |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Torch | Custom | External coaches plus internal coaches and mentors | Undisclosed | 1:1, mentoring, group learning |
| BetterUp | Per-seat licensing | Human coaches chosen from a marketplace, plus BetterUp Grow, AI coaching that escalates to a human coach | 4,000+ coaches, broad global coverage | 1:1, AI coaching, wellbeing programs |
| CoachHub | Per-seat licensing | Human coaches plus the AIMY AI assistant | 3,500+ coaches, 90+ countries, 80+ languages | 1:1, AI assistant, leadership programs |
| EZRA | Custom enterprise | ICF-credentialed coaches, AI nudges in Microsoft Teams | 2,000+ coaches, 131 countries | 1:1 (unlimited), executive, development sprints |
| Growthspace | Custom (annual contracts) | Domain experts, AI-powered matching | 2,500+ experts, 65+ countries | 1:1, groups of 3 to 6, workshops of up to 15 |
| Bravely | Annual subscription (about $43K average per Vendr) | Vetted professional coaches, on demand | 68 countries, 33 languages | On-demand 1:1, group training, microlearning |
| Exec.com | Credit-based (pay per completed session) | ICF-credentialed coaches plus AI voice roleplay | 300+ coaches (under 2% acceptance) | 1:1, AI roleplay, structured programs, group sessions |
| Coachello | Modular licenses (custom) | ICF-credentialed coaches plus AI, inside Slack and Teams | Top 7% acceptance, 30+ languages | 1:1 human coaching, AI coaching, Slack and Teams nudges |
| Boon | By program; Scale per completed session, no per-seat fees | ICF-accredited coaches matched by role, industry, and context, plus AI practice | 300+ coaches, primarily English | 1:1, cohort, executive, team, AI change management |
Details come from public sources and are not independently audited. Boon pricing is described on the pricing page.
Provider-by-provider breakdown.
BetterUp
BetterUp is the largest coaching platform, with 4,000+ coaches and broad global coverage. It offers 1:1 coaching, BetterUp Grow, AI coaching for the wider workforce that escalates to a human coach, and wellbeing programs. Its Whole Person Model spans 25 behavioral dimensions across professional and personal development, and it holds FedRAMP certification for government and regulated industries.
Strengths
- +The largest coach network (4,000+) with broad global coverage
- +FedRAMP certification for government and regulated industries
- +BetterUp Grow, AI coaching for the wider workforce that escalates to a human coach
- +A Whole Person Model with 25 behavioral dimensions, and a strong research arm
Limitations
- -Per-seat pricing, commonly $300 to $1,000+ per employee per year
- -Employees choose coaches from a marketplace
- -Primary focus on 1:1 coaching, with less depth in cohort, group, and team formats
Best for: Large enterprises that want a well-known brand with broad wellbeing and coaching capabilities
CoachHub
CoachHub is a European-founded digital coaching platform with 3,500+ coaches across 90+ countries and 80+ languages. It offers 1:1 coaching, leadership programs, and an AI coaching assistant called AIMY, positioned as a 24/7 AI coach available between human coaching sessions. Its compliance coverage includes ISO 27001, GDPR, and SOC 2, and its strongest presence is in EMEA markets.
Strengths
- +3,500+ coaches across 90+ countries and 80+ languages
- +Compliance coverage: ISO 27001, GDPR, and SOC 2
- +AIMY, a 24/7 AI assistant layered on top of human coaching sessions
- +A behavioral science-backed framework for measuring coaching impact
Limitations
- -Per-seat pricing model
- -Stronger brand presence in Europe than North America
- -Less depth in group coaching and team development formats
Best for: Multinational enterprises, especially those headquartered in EMEA, that need global language coverage and compliance certifications
EZRA
EZRA is a digital coaching platform backed by LHH and the Adecco Group, with 2,000+ ICF-credentialed coaches across 131 countries. Its product line includes EZRA Edge for broad workforce coaching, EZRAx for executive coaching, and Focus by EZRA for development sprints. Edge and EZRAx include unlimited coaching sessions. EZRA Measure, its own assessment, tracks behavioral outcomes, and a Microsoft Teams integration sends AI nudges between sessions. Enterprise clients include Microsoft, Nestle, and AstraZeneca.
Strengths
- +Unlimited coaching sessions on Edge and EZRAx
- +2,000+ ICF-credentialed coaches across 131 countries
- +EZRA Measure, its own assessment for tracking behavioral outcomes
- +Microsoft Teams integration with AI nudges between sessions
Limitations
- -Primarily 1:1 coaching, with less depth in group and team formats
- -Sessions must align with organizational objectives, which limits personal and career coaching
- -Custom enterprise pricing; prices are not published
Best for: Large enterprises (1,000+ employees) that want unlimited 1:1 coaching sessions at scale
Growthspace
Growthspace matches employees with domain experts for precision skill development. Programs run as short, focused sprints, typically 5 sessions over 6 to 8 weeks, tied to specific skill gaps. Formats include 1:1 programs, group sessions of 3 to 6 people, and workshops of up to 15. Its network covers 2,500+ domain experts across 65+ countries and 1,100+ skills, and clients include Siemens, PayPal, and Microsoft.
Strengths
- +AI-powered matching by industry, role, and skills
- +Formats from 1:1 to groups of 3 to 6 and workshops of up to 15
- +Measurement that ties development to business KPIs
- +High G2 review volume: 4.8/5 across 249 reviews
Limitations
- -Sessions are capped at 5 per sprint
- -Experts are domain practitioners and not necessarily ICF-credentialed coaches
- -The short sprint format may not suit companies that want ongoing coaching relationships
- -No public pricing; annual contracts are quoted
Best for: Mid-to-large enterprises focused on measurable skill development in short sprints tied to business KPIs
Bravely
Bravely combines on-demand 1:1 coaching, group training, and digital microlearning in one platform. It is positioned as coaching for every employee, with a strong wellbeing emphasis. Coaches are available 24/7 across 68 countries and 33 languages, and customers include Zillow, Pinterest, and Autodesk.
Strengths
- +On-demand sessions available 24/7
- +Coverage across 68 countries and 33 languages
- +Coaching, group training, and microlearning in one subscription
Limitations
- -Annual subscription averaging about $43K per deal, up to $89K, per Vendr buyer data
- -G2 reviewers describe its measurement as thinner than on platforms focused on competency tracking
- -The on-demand model can make deep, ongoing coaching relationships harder to build
- -Less depth in executive coaching or cohort-based manager programs
Best for: Companies that want on-demand coaching as a broad employee benefit with a wellbeing emphasis
Exec.com
Exec.com combines live 1:1 coaching with ICF-credentialed coaches, AI voice-based roleplay, and structured programs. It is rated #1 in G2’s Coaching Software category (4.9/5 across 40 reviews). Less than 2% of applicant coaches are accepted into its network of 300+ coaches. Pricing is credit-based, so companies pay only for completed sessions.
Strengths
- +Credit-based pricing: companies pay only for completed sessions
- +Coach vetting with under 2% acceptance; coaches bring coaching and operational experience
- +Live coaching, AI voice roleplay, and structured programs in one platform
Limitations
- -A coach network of 300+, smaller than BetterUp, CoachHub, or EZRA
- -A heavier emphasis on AI practice may not suit buyers who want only human coaching
- -Limited depth in team workshops or cohort-based manager development
Best for: Companies that want 1:1 human coaching blended with AI practice, with strict coach quality controls and session-based pricing
Coachello
Coachello is an AI and human hybrid coaching platform that runs inside Microsoft Teams, Slack, and Web. It combines ICF-credentialed coaches with AI practice for leadership conversations such as feedback, conflict, and performance reviews. Its modular license lets buyers start with one layer, AI or human, and add the other without a new contract. It has strong European roots and supports 30+ languages.
Strengths
- +Delivery inside Slack, Microsoft Teams, and Web, with no separate app to learn
- +Coach vetting with top 7% acceptance across a three-stage evaluation
- +Support for 30+ languages
- +Modular license: start with AI or human coaching and add layers without re-contracting
Limitations
- -Smaller G2 review base (32 reviews) than market leaders
- -Less North American presence than CoachHub or BetterUp
- -No public pricing
- -Shorter enterprise track record than legacy providers
Best for: Organizations that want coaching delivered inside Slack or Teams with flexible AI and human layers, especially in EMEA
Boon
Boon is a coaching platform with five programs: Scale (1:1 coaching), Grow (cohort-based manager development), Exec (executive coaching), Together (team workshops), and Adapt (AI change management). Together they cover every level of an organization, from individual contributor to C-suite. 300+ ICF-accredited coaches are matched to each person by role, industry, and context, and 110+ customers use Boon.
Strengths
- +Priced by program: Scale is billed per completed session with no per-seat fees, Grow is a flat fee per participant or per session set by contract, and Exec, Together, and Adapt are quoted per engagement
- ++23% average competency growth across six-month Grow programs, measured before and after on the customer’s own competency framework
- +89% session attendance and an NPS of +87
- +An AI practice space for scenario roleplay and conversation rehearsal between sessions, tied to coaching goals
- +Managers see team development themes, and session content stays confidential
- +Scale, Grow, Exec, Together, and Adapt launch within a week
Limitations
- -Smaller coach network (300+) than BetterUp or CoachHub
- -Less brand recognition than BetterUp in the Fortune 500 segment
- -Primarily English-language coaching; not as multilingual as CoachHub
Best for: Mid-market and enterprise companies that want coaching at every level, with measured competency outcomes and Scale billed per completed session
See Scale for 1:1 coaching billed per completed session, and Grow for cohort manager development measured on your own competencies.
Frequently asked questions
What are the best Torch alternatives?
The main Torch alternatives for employee coaching are BetterUp (the largest coach network, 4,000+ coaches), CoachHub (3,500+ coaches in 80+ languages), EZRA (unlimited 1:1 sessions, backed by LHH), Growthspace (short skill sprints with domain experts), Bravely (on-demand coaching as a benefit), Exec.com (human coaching plus AI practice, paid per completed session), Coachello (coaching inside Slack and Teams), and Boon (five programs from 1:1 to team coaching, with Scale billed per completed session). The right one depends on your pricing model, how large a coach network you need, and whether you want mentoring on the same platform.
Is Torch the same as Everwise?
Yes. Torch was formerly Everwise. It combines 1:1 coaching, mentoring, and group learning in one platform, and supports both external professional coaches and internal coach and mentor networks.
Which Torch alternatives support mentoring or internal coaches?
Growthspace lists internal mentoring among its programs, alongside 1:1 skill development, groups of 3 to 6, and workshops of up to 15. Coachello offers internal coach enablement alongside human and AI coaching. Torch is the provider in this guide that combines coaching and mentoring as its core model.
Which Torch alternatives have the largest coach networks?
BetterUp has the largest network in this guide, with 4,000+ coaches. CoachHub has 3,500+ coaches across 90+ countries, Growthspace has 2,500+ domain experts across 65+ countries, and EZRA has 2,000+ ICF-credentialed coaches across 131 countries. Torch publishes limited information on its network size.
Which Torch alternatives charge per session instead of per seat?
Exec.com uses credit-based pricing, so companies pay only for completed sessions. Boon bills Scale per completed session with no per-seat fees; Grow is a flat fee per participant or per session, and Exec, Together, and Adapt are quoted per engagement. EZRA sells unlimited sessions on Edge and EZRAx under custom enterprise contracts. BetterUp and CoachHub use per-seat licensing.
Which Torch alternatives include AI coaching?
BetterUp offers BetterUp Grow, AI coaching that escalates to a human coach. CoachHub layers AIMY, a 24/7 AI assistant, on top of human coaching. EZRA sends AI nudges between sessions through Microsoft Teams. Exec.com adds AI voice roleplay, and Coachello adds AI practice inside Slack and Teams. Boon offers an AI practice space for rehearsing conversations between sessions, tied to coaching goals.
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