13 Best Free Survey Tools of 2024

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Designing a survey to gather feedback can feel overwhelming. Where do you start? What types of questions should you ask? How do you get people to respond? Fortunately, using a survey tool simplifies the process. The best free survey tools provide templates to help you get started, and they make it easy to create, distribute, and analyze surveys so you can get the information you need without the stress. This guide will introduce you to some of the best free survey tools in 2023.

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What Are Survey Tools, and Why Use Them?

Survey tools help you create and distribute surveys to collect information or feedback from a target audience. They typically come with pre-built survey templates, various question types (multiple choice, open-ended, rating scales, etc.), and robust analytics to help you make sense of the data. Survey tools are commonly used to gather customer feedback or employee insights, but many other applications range from academic research to event planning.

Why Use Free Survey Tools? The Benefits of Cost-Free Survey Software

Survey tools offer many benefits and are free, making them accessible to individuals and businesses of all sizes. Free survey tools have distinct advantages, especially when budget constraints are a factor. However, these tools aren’t just about saving money—they provide key functionalities that allow you to make better business decisions and understand your audience more effectively.

Cost-Effective Data Collection

Of course, the biggest draw for free survey tools is the cost savings. Instead of paying for expensive survey software or relying on manual methods, users can create surveys, distribute them, and collect responses without spending a dime. These tools usually offer a robust set of features, even in their free versions, which are more than sufficient for small—to medium-sized projects. For instance, tools like Google Forms and SurveyMonkey offer free versions that cover most basic survey needs.

Time-Efficient Processes

Free survey tools also help save time. Rather than building a survey from scratch, you can use pre-designed templates adaptable to your specific goals. Features like drag-and-drop editors, automatic data sorting, and real-time analytics reduce the time needed to design, distribute, and analyze a survey.

Broad Accessibility

Free tools often have widespread availability. Anyone with an internet connection can access them, whether creating a survey or responding to one. They work across multiple platforms—desktop, mobile, or tablet—ensuring that your survey reaches your audience wherever they are.

Data-Driven Decision-Making

One of the most significant advantages of free survey tools is their data-driven insights. Even the free versions of many platforms offer analytics, allowing you to dive deep into your collected responses. Features like report generation, graph creation, and real-time data visualization make it easy to understand critical trends, customer preferences, or areas that need improvement.

Use Case Versatility

Whether you are a student gathering data for a research paper, a small business seeking customer feedback, or a non-profit conducting community assessments, free survey tools are versatile enough to suit multiple purposes. Companies can leverage surveys for customer feedback, employee satisfaction, or product development, while individuals might use them for academic projects, event planning, or even personal feedback collection.

Scalability

Even though the tools are accessible, many platforms offer scalable features. If your needs grow, you can upgrade to a paid version with more advanced options like conditional logic, third-party integrations, or larger respondent capacities. This scalability makes it easy for startups and small businesses to start small and expand as their requirements evolve.

User-Friendly Interface

Free survey tools are usually designed with a user-friendly interface that makes them accessible even to people without technical expertise. The ease of use ensures that users can quickly create surveys and that respondents can effortlessly fill them out without steep learning curves.

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13 Best Free Survey Tools of 2024

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2. SurveyMonkey (Free Plan)

SurveyMonkey is one of the most well-known names in survey tools. Its free plan allows you to create surveys with up to 10 questions and gather 100 responses per survey. Although the free version is limited, the platform’s user-friendly interface and variety of templates make it a popular choice.

Why it’s great

Intuitive interface

Pre-made templates for different survey types

Primary data analysis tools included in the free plan

3. Typeform (Basic Plan)

Typeform stands out for its beautifully designed conversational surveys, encouraging higher completion rates. The free version allows 10 questions per survey and up to 10 responses per month, making it ideal for small-scale projects. Typeform’s interactive design focuses on user experience, turning surveys into engaging forms that feel like conversations.

Why it’s great

Visually appealing design

Mobile-friendly, conversational surveys

Integrates with many third-party tools

4. Jotform (Free Plan)

Jotform offers a feature-rich free plan that allows up to 5 forms with 100 monthly submissions. It provides more customization options than most free survey tools, with an extensive library of templates and form-building widgets. Jotform also integrates smoothly with payment gateways, making it an excellent choice for businesses collecting payments through their forms.

Why it’s great

Advanced customization options

Payment integrations

Hundreds of templates for quick form creation

5. Zoho Survey (Free Plan)

Zoho Survey offers a free version that lets you create surveys with up to 15 questions and collect 150 responses per survey. It integrates well with Zoho’s ecosystem of products, making it especially useful for businesses already using Zoho tools. The platform includes essential analytics features to help interpret survey results effectively.

Why it’s great

Smooth integration with Zoho products

Built-in analytics for better insights

Customizable themes

6. Microsoft Forms

Microsoft Forms is part of Microsoft 365 and offers a straightforward way to create surveys, quizzes, and polls. It’s an excellent option for users within the Microsoft ecosystem. The tool is easy to use, and data can be smoothly exported to Excel for further analysis.

Why it’s great

Integrated with Microsoft 365

Real-time collaboration

Data export to Excel for advanced analysis

7. Alchemer (Free Plan)

Formerly known as SurveyGizmo, Alchemer offers a free plan that provides unlimited surveys, 100 responses per survey, and basic reporting features. Alchemy stands out for its customization capabilities, even in the free version, allowing you to tweak surveys to meet your needs.

Why it’s great

Advanced customization features

Free unlimited surveys

Simple reporting tools

8. SoGoSurvey (Basic Plan)

SoGoSurvey offers a robust free plan with up to 15 questions per survey and 200 responses. Even in the free version, the platform includes advanced survey logic, such as branching and skip logic. It also provides real-time reporting and analytics to help you understand the collected data instantly.

Why it’s great

Advanced logic for free users

Real-time analytics

24/7 customer support, even on the free plan

9. Formstack (Free Trial)

Formstack is best known for its powerful form-building capabilities, and while it doesn’t offer a permanent free version, it does provide a free trial that gives you full access to its features. It’s ideal for users who want to test a tool before committing. With features like drag-and-drop form building and advanced analytics, Formstack is a strong contender.

Why it’s great

Excellent trial period for full feature access

Easy drag-and-drop form creation

Advanced conditional logic

10. KwikSurveys

KwikSurveys provides a user-friendly interface for creating surveys, polls, and quizzes. The free version allows unlimited surveys with up to 100 responses per month. KwikSurveys offers a range of customization options and templates to smooth the survey creation process.

Why it’s great

Unlimited surveys on the free plan

Simple, easy-to-navigate interface

Customizable templates and themes

11. SurveyPlanet (Free Plan)

SurveyPlanet’s free version allows for unlimited surveys and responses, with various question types to choose from. The platform includes pre-designed themes to make your surveys visually appealing, though more advanced design options are available in the paid plans.

Why it’s great

Unlimited surveys and responses

User-friendly interface

A large variety of question types

12. FreeOnlineSurveys

FreeOnlineSurveys offers a straightforward way to create surveys, with no cap on the number of surveys or questions you can ask. However, the free version does limit you to 100 responses per survey. It’s a solid choice for a simple, no-frills survey tool.

Why it’s great

Unlimited questions and surveys

Basic but effective interface

Simple data collection and export

13. Tally

Tally is an up-and-coming tool that offers unlimited forms, questions, and responses for free. The tool is designed to be extremely simple and intuitive, without sign-ups or accounts to create a form. Tally also integrates with popular apps like Zapier and Slack for extended functionality.

Why it’s great

No sign-up is required for form creation

Unlimited everything on the free plan

Integrates with third-party apps for automation

These survey tools provide various benefits depending on your needs, from essential data collection to more advanced features like customization, analytics, and integrations.

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How Survey Tools Work

Survey Creation: How to Build Surveys That Get Results

Building a survey with survey software is similar to creating a document in Microsoft Word or Google Docs. First, you name your survey. Then, you use the intuitive interface to add and edit questions. Most solutions offer a variety of question types, including:

Multiple-choice questions

Respondents select one or more options from a list.

Open-ended questions

Respondents provide free-text answers.

Rating scales

Respondents rate an item on a scale (e.g., 1-5).

Dropdowns

Respondents select an option from a dropdown menu.

Many tools also provide templates to help users get started quickly. These templates often include questions tailored to specific industries or objectives, smoothing the survey creation process.

Customization and Branding: Make Your Survey Your Own

No one wants to take a boring survey. Most survey tools offer features that help you customize the look and feel of your survey to ensure it aligns with your branding. This can include:

Adding logos

Choosing color schemes

Customizing the thank-you message at the end of the survey

Such features help make surveys more professional and can enhance respondent engagement.

Distribution: Get Your Survey Out There

Once the survey is created, users can distribute it through various channels, such as:

Email invitations

Sending direct links to targeted respondents.

I am sharing surveys on platforms like Facebook, Twitter, and LinkedIn.

Embedding

Placing the survey directly on websites or blogs.

QR codes

It generates QR codes that can be scanned by mobile devices to access the survey.

The ability to choose multiple distribution methods increases the chances of higher response rates.

Data Collection: Real-Time Data You Can Use

As respondents complete the survey, the tools collect data in real time. Most survey platforms automatically compile this data into user-friendly dashboards, providing visual representations such as graphs and charts. This feature allows users to monitor responses and identify trends as they come in.

Analysis and Reporting: Gain Insights Quickly

Survey tools have analytics features that help users interpret the collected data. Joint analysis features include:

Real-time analytics

Instant feedback on survey responses.

Filtering and segmentation

I am breaking down data by demographics, response patterns, or other variables.

Export options

Exporting data to formats like CSV or Excel for further analysis.

These features enable users to derive meaningful insights from their data quickly.

Integration with Other Tools: Streamline Your Workflow

Many survey tools offer integrations with third-party applications such as customer relationship management (CRM) systems, email marketing platforms, and data analytics software. This functionality allows users to:

Automate data transfers

Enhance data analysis capabilities

Streamline the overall workflow

Compliance and Security: Keep Your Data Safe

Given the importance of data privacy, many survey tools ensure compliance with regulations such as GDPR and HIPAA. They often implement security measures like data encryption and secure servers to protect respondent information.

The Importance of Survey Tools

Collecting Valuable Feedback: The Key to Improvement

Survey tools facilitate the collection of feedback from customers, employees, and other stakeholders. This feedback can be used to assess satisfaction levels, understand needs, and identify areas for improvement. For example, businesses can use surveys to gauge customer satisfaction after a purchase or service interaction, helping them enhance their offerings based on direct input.

Enhancing Decision-Making: Making Informed Choices

Data gathered through surveys provides insights that can inform strategic decisions. Organizations can analyze trends, preferences, and sentiments to guide marketing strategies, product development, and customer service improvements. Businesses can make more informed choices that align with their audience's expectations by leveraging survey data.

Streamlining Research Processes: Simplifying Data Collection

For researchers, survey tools simplify the data collection process. Whether conducting academic research, market analysis, or social studies, surveys systematically gather quantitative and qualitative data. Tools with advanced features, such as branching logic or customizable question types, enhance the depth and relevance of the data collected.

Increasing Engagement: Making Surveys Enjoyable

Well-designed surveys can increase participant engagement. Interactive features like visuals and personalized questions can make the survey-taking experience more enjoyable. This engagement is crucial for obtaining higher response rates and ensuring that the data collected is representative of the target audience.

Time and Cost Efficiency: Saving Money and Resources

Using online survey tools saves time and reduces costs associated with traditional data collection methods, such as paper surveys. Many survey platforms offer free versions, enabling users to access essential features without significant investment. Data collection and analysis automation further enhances efficiency, allowing users to focus on interpreting results rather than gathering data manually.

Analyzing Data with Ease: Understanding Responses

Most survey tools come equipped with built-in analytics and reporting features. Users can quickly analyze responses, generate charts and graphs, and export data for further examination. This capability allows users to visualize trends and draw conclusions quickly, making the data analysis process more straightforward and effective.

Fostering Continuous Improvement: Promoting Ongoing Growth

Surveys can be used continuously to monitor changes in customer sentiment, employee satisfaction, and other critical metrics over time. Regularly deploying surveys helps organizations stay attuned to evolving needs and preferences, fostering a culture of continuous improvement and responsiveness to stakeholder feedback.

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Best Practices for Creating Effective Surveys

Set Clear Goals to Hit Survey Success

Establishing clear goals before crafting your survey helps determine its design and the questions you’ll ask. What information do you want to gather? For example, are you assessing customer satisfaction, exploring market trends, or gathering employee feedback? Clearly defined goals allow you to focus on what matters most and ensure that every question contributes to your objectives.

Don’t Make Surveys Complicated

Simplicity is king in survey design. Respondents are far more likely to complete a survey if it is straightforward and concise. Avoid jargon and complex language. These can confuse participants and lead to inaccurate responses. Stick to essential questions that directly relate to your objectives. Aim for a length that can be completed in a reasonable timeframe, typically 5 to 10 minutes.

Mix Up Your Question Types

Incorporating various question types can enhance engagement and provide richer data. Use multiple-choice questions for quantitative insights and open-ended questions for qualitative feedback. Rating scales (like Likert scales) can help gauge levels of satisfaction or agreement, while demographic questions can provide context for the responses. This mix allows for comprehensive data collection that addresses different aspects of your research objectives.

Pilot Tests Are Your Friends

Before launching your survey, conduct a pilot test with a small, representative group of your target audience. This step helps identify any confusing questions, technical issues, or other problems that may arise. Gathering feedback from the pilot test can guide necessary adjustments, ensuring that the final survey is user-friendly and effective in achieving its objectives.

Be Open and Respectful

Being transparent about the survey's purpose and how data will be used can encourage participation. Assure respondents that their answers will remain confidential and explain the benefits of their participation. Respecting their time is crucial; consider offering incentives, such as discounts or entry into a prize draw, to encourage the involvement without compromising data integrity.

Analyze and Act on Results

Once the survey has been completed, the real work begins—analyzing the results. Use the analytics features of your chosen survey tool to interpret the data effectively. Look for trends, correlations, and patterns that align with your objectives. Importantly, act on the insights gained. Sharing the results with stakeholders and implementing changes based on feedback shows participants that their input is valued, encouraging future participation.

Follow Up With Participants

After completing the survey, consider following up with participants to thank them for their time and provide insights into how their feedback will influence your decisions. This gesture fosters goodwill and engagement and demonstrates that you value their opinions. It can also help build a positive relationship with your audience, making them more likely to participate in future surveys.