# Torch vs Risely: which do AI models recommend for coaching platforms, September 2026

HR AI Recommendation Index, September 2026 Edition, Coaching platforms. One of twelve models named Torch first on the direct prompt; zero named Risely. Page: https://hr-ai-index.com/learning/coaching-platforms/torch-vs-risely/

| | First-choice share | Rank | Negative rate | Labels | Models naming it |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Torch | 7% | #4 of 10 | 0% | 29 | 12 of 12 |
| Risely | 4% | #6 of 10 | 11% | 18 | 9 of 12 |

## The direct prompt, model by model

- Claude Haiku 4.5: torch first (first choices: Torch) (alternatives: Avoma)
- GPT-5.4 mini: neither first, one named (first choices: Lattice) (alternatives: BetterUp, CoachHub, Growthspace, Torch)
- Gemini 3.5 Flash: neither first, one named (first choices: Exec, Growthspace) (alternatives: Boon Health, Torch)
- Perplexity Sonar: neither first, one named (first choices: Boon Health) (alternatives: BetterUp, CoachHub, Exec, Growthspace, Torch)
- Grok 4.1 Fast: neither first, one named (first choices: Exec) (alternatives: Boon Health, Growthspace, Torch)
- Mistral Small: neither first, one named (first choices: Exec, Growthspace) (alternatives: Boon Health, Torch)
- DeepSeek V4 Flash: neither first, one named (first choices: Boon Health, Growthspace) (alternatives: CoachHub, Torch)
- Llama 4 Maverick: neither first, one named (first choices: Boon Health) (alternatives: Exec, Growthspace, Torch)
- Qwen 3.7 Flash: neither first, one named (first choices: Boon Health) (alternatives: Exec, Growthspace, Hone, Torch)
- Kimi K2: neither first, one named (first choices: Boon Health, Growthspace) (alternatives: CoachHub, Exec, Torch)
- GLM 4.7 FlashX: neither first, one named (first choices: Boon Health) (alternatives: CoachHub, Exec, Growthspace, Risely, Torch)
- MiniMax M2.5: neither first, one named (first choices: Boon Health, Growthspace) (alternatives: Exec, Lattice, Torch)

## What the models said about Torch

- "I'd generally recommend Torch if your priority is a true coaching marketplace plus enterprise-ready rollout" (GPT-5.4 mini, paraphrase prompt, first choice)
- "Torch is a leadership coaching and alignment platform built for mid-market and enterprise talent teams" (Claude Haiku 4.5, direct prompt, first choice)
- "Given you're at 500 people, I'd prioritize Growthspace, Exec.com, Torch, or CoachHub" (DeepSeek V4 Flash, scale prompt, first choice)

## What the models said about Risely

- "Under ~50 employees: Boon, Risely (lightweight, AI)... one built for startups may not scale to your needs." (DeepSeek V4 Flash, scale prompt, soft negative)
- "Valence/Risely are AI-only, which may be limiting" (DeepSeek V4 Flash, paraphrase prompt, soft negative)
- "Choose Rocky.ai or Risely if you want to provide on-demand, automated individual coaching to employees at the lowest possible monthly rate." (Gemini 3.5 Flash, budget prompt, first choice)
- "For the tightest budgets: Start with Risely's free trial or Boon's usage-based model" (Kimi K2, budget prompt, first choice)
- "Offers public, tiered pricing ($59/user/month for individual...) It provides AI-augmented coaching at an accessible price point" (DeepSeek V4 Flash, budget prompt, alternative)

Share is the count of first choices across the direct, paraphrase, budget and scale prompts over all twelve models, for a mid-market B2B company; rank is within the category. Comparisons are drawn for the top eight products in each category. Published under CC BY 4.0; the output is the models' output, and nothing here is a recommendation by the index.