10 Best Polling Software Shortlist
Here's my pick of the 10 best software from the 20 tools reviewed.
With so many different polling software solutions available, figuring out which is right for your needs is tricky. You know you want a tool to help you gather opinions and preferences from your customers quickly so you can use it to make decisions, but you need to figure out which software is best. In this article, I'll help you make your choice easier by sharing my insights on the best polling software to collect feedback from your customers, based on my own experience doing exactly that.
What is Polling Software?
Polling software is a type of tool that helps collect feedback, opinions, or votes from a certain group of people. It simplifies the process by offering a centralized platform for creating, distributing, and analyzing your polls. Other key features include real-time response collection, anonymous responses, and data analysis tools.
Using polling software offers a fast and efficient way to gather customer data, engage with meeting participants, or understand group preferences. Whether you're looking to conduct market research, gauge customer satisfaction, or hold internal company votes, polling software can help.
Overviews of the 10 Best Polling Software
Below, you’ll find my in-depth reviews of the 10 best polling software tools available today. Each includes key features of the software, reasons for its inclusion, and screenshots to show the software in action. You will also find details on trial periods and pricing presented in a comparison chart. If you need even more options, check out the bonus recommendations at the end of the article.
Here’s my personal take on each of the best polling software solutions:
Jotform’s drag-and-drop editor makes it easy to create online polls on any topic, including surveys, Q&A forms, and quizzes. Responses are available from any smartphone, tablet, or desktop device.
Why I picked Jotform Enterprise: I shortlisted this tool because of its flexibility and scalability in form creation, making it perfect for larger organizations with complex data collection requirements. On this multi-user enterprise plan, you can collaborate to get the most value from data collected. The Jotform service runs on a server dedicated to your organization. You are also entitled to specialized engineering help and assistance with troubleshooting.
Jotform Enterprise Standout Features and Integrations:
Standout features include enterprise-grade user access controls, full HIPAA compliance for healthcare data, and a wealth of form templates. Jotform Enterprise also supports advanced logic and conditional fields, so you can build more complex and dynamic forms.
Integrations are available with many popular business tools, including Google Sheets for data storage, Salesforce for CRM, and Slack for team collaboration. The software also integrates with payment processors like Stripe and PayPal, and works with marketing automation tools like Mailchimp.
Pros and cons
Pros:
- Advanced access controls
- HIPAA compliance
- Scalable for enterprises
Cons:
- Complex setup for advanced features
- High pricing tiers
SurveyLegend is a digital platform designed for crafting interactive and visually appealing surveys, forms, and polls. It distinguishes itself as the best tool for engaging survey creation by offering a rich selection of customizable templates and media integration options that cater to various brands and industries.
Why I Picked SurveyLegend: I chose SurveyLegend for its distinctive focus on creating visually appealing, mobile-friendly surveys and polls. This unique blend of aesthetics and functionality makes it stand out from the other tools. For example, SurveyLegend's surveys are designed with a responsive layout, meaning they automatically adjust and adapt to different screen sizes and resolutions. This ensures that the survey is optimized for viewing and interaction on various mobile devices, including smartphones and tablets.
SurveyLegend Standout Features & Integrations:
Features include elegant pre-designed templates, language localization, offline survey collection, and extensive customization options, including custom branding and question formatting, conditional logic, and customizable buttons and icons.
Integrations include Google Drive, Dropbox, Mailchimp, and Salesforce, as well as social media platforms like Facebook and Twitter for survey sharing.
Pros and cons
Pros:
- Survey interface is designed to be touch-friendly
- Supports over 50 languages
- Quick and easy set up
Cons:
- Advanced features only available in paid plans
- No API for custom integrations
Survey Monkey is a popular tool that helps you create engaging polls, get instant results, and visualize data easily. Thanks to an easy-to-use interface, a built-in theme designer, and 25 question types, you can make any business poll fun and engaging.
Why I picked SurveyMonkey: This company is a pioneer in the world of online surveys, offering pre-built templates and extensive customization options. The SurveyMonkey platform offfers advanced analytics tools for drilling down into the data, understanding sentitment, and making better decisions.
A big plus for SurveyMonkey is its established reputation for reliability. The company provides 24/7 customer support and has dedicated consultants available to help with more complex needs. SurveyMonkey adheres to high-level security standards, including HIPAA, GDPR, and SOC2, so you can be sure your data is safe and secure.
SurveyMonkey Standout Features and Integrations:
Standout features that set SurveyMonkey apart from competitors are its advanced analytics capabilities, which include trend tracking, cross-tabulation, and sentiment analysis. The software also offers specialized solutions for customer experience, market research, and employee engagement surveys to meet different business needs.
Integrations are available with popular platforms such as Salesforce, HubSpot, and Slack. SurveyMonkey supports many data export options, including PDF, Excel, and SPSS, in order to facilitate better data analysis.
Pros and cons
Pros:
- Specialized solutions for specific markets
- Gamified surveys
- Dynamic question routing
Cons:
- Limited features on free plan
- No offline access
Qualaroo is an established customer experience management suite that helps you ask the right questions at the right time. You can capture customer sentiment in-context and conduct polls in-app, on mobile, or through your website.
Why I picked Qualaroo: This tool offers a distinctive approach to micro-surveys and user feedback, allowing you to gather insights at specific touch points along the customer journey. The ease of implementation and intelligent targeting make it effective for collecting feedback without disrupting the user experience.
Qualaroo Standout Features and Integrations:
Standout features center around the software’s sophisticated micro-surveys. Qualaroo allows for specific survey deployment based on various factors. These can include location, user behavior, or device type. The software also offers sentiment analysis tools, along with the ability to split test different survey versions, providing a deep understanding of feedback received.
Integrations include compatibility with analytics platforms such as Google Analytics, as well as CRM systems like Salesforce. Qualaroo supports integration with marketing automation tools like HubSpot, allowing data collection and analysis in the way that suits your business best.
Pros and cons
Pros:
- A/B testing
- Sentiment analysis
- Intelligent targeting
Cons:
- May require script installation
- No real-time analytics
Mentimeter is a powerful survey tool that allows you to create a wide variety of interactive live polls. These can be built quickly, with audience responses appearing in real-time as dynamic visualizations.
Why I picked Mentimeter: I opted for Mentimeter because of its focus on engaging any audience in real-time. The software is easy to use and offers a variety of elements, such as quizzes and polls. This makes it a go-to solution for presenters, educators, and team leaders looking to grow participation and collect instant feedback.
Mentimeter Standout Features and Integrations:
Standout features include '2x2 Grids' for prioritization exercises, advanced visualizations, and a profanity filter. The Quick Slides function allows you to spontaneously add slides and interactive elements during a presentation, creating a more flexible, dynamic experience.
Integration options include the Mentimeter PowerPoint plugin, which makes it easy to present survey data to any audience. Although this tool doesn't offer many third-party integrations, it can be connected to most other software using integration platforms such as Zapier or Make.
Pros and cons
Pros:
- Quick slides function
- Multi-session analytics
- Variety of interactive elements
Cons:
- Limited customization options
- Basic analytics
WooClap’s form builder gives you a simple way to assess your audience’s overall level of understanding, through the use of multiple choice questions (MCQs). Participants simply pick their answer from the options in the survey. Results are then displayed in histogram format.
Why I picked Wooclap: I selected Wooclap for its specialized focus on the multiple choice question format, making it a useful tool for gathering data that’s easy to understand. The platform excels in engaging respondents through real-time quizzes, polls, and Venn diagrams, enhancing both retention and engagement during sessions.
Wooclap Standout Features and Integrations:
Standout features include the option to create your Keynote, PowerPoint, or Google Slides. You can then insert personalized, interactive questions to engage your audience, keep them interested, and ensure active learning. In addition, the software offers special features such as 'Match' and 'Find on Image,' allowing for more interactive, visual learning.
Integrations are available with various Learning Management Systems (LMS) such as Canvas and Moodle. Using SSO, participants can connect through the credentials they have within your institution. You can also enhance remote presentations by combining Wooclap and Microsoft Teams' video conferencing.
Pros and cons
Pros:
- PowerPoint and Google Slides Plugins
- Real-time quizzes
- Education-centric features
Cons:
- Unsophisticated analytics
- Limited use cases for business
Vevox is an audience engagement and real-time polling platform designed to enhance interactivity in both in-person meetings and virtual events. Known for its ease-of-use and simplicity, Vevox enables presenters to collect instant feedback. This helps to foster a more collaborative and dynamic environment.
You can display results live within the system, through integrations or by using PowerPoint, making it easy to share helpful insights. You also show responses in visual formats such as word clouds to highlight important feedback.
Why I picked Vevox: I chose Vevox for its clear focus on real-time audience engagement, making it a recommended choice for interactive meetings and live events. The software stands out thanks to its user-friendly design. Both presenters and participants can navigate its features with ease, encouraging much more active participation.
Vevox Standout Features and Integrations:
Standout features for Vevox include several elements aimed at maximizing audience engagement. The software offers live Q&A sessions, real-time polling, and interactive quizzes. These can be accessed via any device. The platform supports anonymous participation, empowering attendees to speak freely and give honest feedback.
Integrations include syncs with PowerPoint, allowing presenters to embed live polls and Q&A directly into their slides. Other integrations encompass learning management systems (LMS) like Moodle and Blackboard.
Pros and cons
Pros:
- Supports anonymous participation
- Live Q&A sessions
- Real-time polling
Cons:
- No advanced analytics
- Limited customization
Typeform offers a popular online poll creator that empowers you to inform marketing strategy, get instant feedback, or predict voter behavior. The software is designed to create beautiful, intuitive forms quickly, and works on any device.
Why I picked Typeform: I selected Typeform for its innovative conversational approach to data collection and surveys, which enhances completion rates and user engagement. The software's appealing design and interactive elements (such as sliding scales and image choices), create a pleasant experience for all respondents.
Typeform Standout Features and Integrations:
Standout features include a range of question types, such as multiple-choice questions, open-ended questions, and even image choices. Typeform's logic jump is another handy feature, enabling personalized survey paths based on answers given. This allows for more dynamic, individual data collection.
Integrations are available with many popular platforms such as Google Sheets for real-time data export, Mailchimp for email marketing, and Slack for collaboration. Typeform also integrates with CRM systems like HubSpot and Salesforce, enabling streamlined customer management and data collection.
Pros and cons
Pros:
- Logic jump feature
- High user engagement
- Conversational form style
Cons:
- Slower load times
- No real-time analytics
Qualtrics XM provides a complete centralized feedback solution, allowing you to view data at scale and understand your results in context. The suite covers a wide range of polling and research functions, including NPS, event feedback, product satisfaction, brand awareness, and ad research.
Why I picked Qualtrics XM: Qualtrics XM offers proven enterprise-level capabilities in experience management, spanning product, customer, brand, and employee satisfaction. The software's robust analytics tools offer deep insights into even the most complex data sets, making it invaluable for feedback and research initiatives at scale.
Qualtrics XM Standout Features and Integrations:
Standout features include text analytics, conjoint analysis, and predictive intelligence. The platform also offers many survey types, from simple online forms to detailed market research studies. The unique XM Directory offers a centralized database for managing experience data across many touchpoints, giving a complete view of employee, customer, product, and brand experiences.
Integrations are available with popular CRM systems like Salesforce, as well as with data visualization platforms like Tableau. Qualtrics XM supports API integrations for customized data flow. It can also integrate with popular HR systems, broadening its utility across business functions.
Pros and cons
Pros:
- Customizable templates
- XM directory
- Wide survey range
Cons:
- Limited free version
- Complex interface
Slido is a popular live polling tool that makes meetings and presentations more engaging. Using the advanced online poll maker, you can create surveys quickly and get feedback fast.
Why I picked Slido: I selected Slido because of its versatility in enhancing audience engagement during webinars, live events, and team meetings. The platform offers a combination of Q&A sessions, live polling, QR codes, and interactive quizzes. These are presented through a sleek and intuitive interface.
Slido Standout Features and Integrations:
Standout features include the ability to run many types of real-time engagement activities. The software also offers analytics to help you measure the effectiveness of your events and meetings. Slido enables real-time visualization of audience responses, providing an engaging way to capture current sentiment on important topics.
Integrations include compatibility with Google Slides, PowerPoint, and Zoom, making Slido adaptable for conferencing and presentations. The software also integrates with business tools like Microsoft Teams and Slack, allowing for easy feedback collection and communication within the workplace.
Pros and cons
Pros:
- Multiple presentation integrations
- Engagement analytics
- Real-time engagement
Cons:
- Requires internet connection
- Additional cost for analytics
The Best Polling Software Summary
This comparison chart summarizes basic details about each of my top polling software selections. You can view pricing details and the availability of free trials or demos side-by-side to help you find the best software for your budget and business needs.
| Tools | Price | |
|---|---|---|
| Jotform | From $39/user/month | Website |
| SurveyLegend | From $19/month | Website |
| SurveyMonkey | From $25/user/month (billed annually) | Website |
| Qualaroo | From $99/month | Website |
| Mentimeter | From $17.99/user/month | Website |
| Wooclap | From $7.50/user/month (billed annually) | Website |
| Vevox | From $10.95/user/month (billed annually) | Website |
| Typeform | From $29/user/month | Website |
| Qualtrics XM | Pricing upon request | Website |
| Slido | From $12.50/user/month (billed annually) | Website |
Compare Software Specs Side by Side
Use our comparison chart to review and evaluate software specs side-by-side.
Compare SoftwareOther Options
Here are some other polling software options that didn’t make my shortlist but may be ideally suited to your specific business needs:
- Microsoft Forms
Best for polling software with built-in AI art
- Zoho Survey
Best for polling large populations
- SurveySparrow
Best for conducting polls in any language
- involve.me
Best no-code builder for interactive poll
- Nextiva
Best for highly-customizable surveys
- DirectPoll
Best for polling audiences during live presentations
- Startquestion
Best for exit pop surveys
- Trumpia
Best for polls with real-time results
- Poll Everywhere
Best for online polling for hybrid workspaces
- EasyPolls
Best for a quick & easy polling solution
Selection Criteria for Polling Software
You may be curious about how I shortlisted the best polling software options for this list. My selection was informed by detailed research and insights from professionals in employee engagement and customer experience. I considered factors like customization options, ease of use, and data analytics capabilities.
Here are some of the factors I considered during my research:
Core Functionalities
There are many elements polling software must provide in order to be considered among the best on the market. Based on my personal research and evaluation, here are the core functionalities that made the cut for inclusion:
- Ease of Poll Creation: The tool must offer a user-friendly interface for creating various types of polls, customer satisfaction surveys, and other feedback mechanisms.
- Distribution Channels: Any good survey tool should allow you to share your polls in various ways, including social media, email, and embedded website links.
- Data Analytics: The application must provide powerful tools for analyzing results, including flexible charts and real-time response tracking.
Key Features
To support these core functionalities, a polling software platform should deliver the following critical features:
- Question Types: Any software tool in this niche must offer a range of question formats, such as rating scales, multiple-choice, and open-text responses.
- Audience Segmentation: I expect to see the ability to target specific groups within an audience. This could range from particular customer segments to specific departments within an organization.
- Real-Time Reporting: Instant access to poll results is important for timely decision-making, so software should offer real-time analytics.
- Data Export: You must be able to download your data in a convenient format for further analysis or presentations. So the software needs to offer export options such as CSV, PDF, or integration with data visualization tools.
- Security: Privacy and data integrity are non-negotiable in this niche. All software should comply with CCPA, GDPR, or other relevant data-protection regulations.
- Custom Branding: The ability to tailor the look and feel of your polls enhances engagement and brand consistency. Look for options that allow you to add colors, logos, and fonts that align with your corporate brand.
Usability
When you’re selecting polling software, usability is always a top priority. A world-class user experience should be the norm, not the exception. While every platform has a learning curve, your team shouldn't spend too much time figuring out how to create a poll.
I've chosen solutions that boast simple, clean user interfaces that are intuitive and user-friendly. Features and other elements are neatly organized, so you can quickly navigate through the platform and execute tasks.
Mobile Accessibility
In today's world, mobile accessibility is a necessity. As I compiled my list, I prioritized platforms that excel in mobile responsiveness. Whether you're a busy professional on the go or need to reach an audience that primarily uses mobile phones, the software you choose must be up to the task.
I selected tools that offer robust mobile capabilities, either through mobile-friendly web interfaces or dedicated apps for iOS and Android mobile devices. This means you can create, distribute, and analyze polls easily, wherever you are. You'll have the freedom to manage your polls without being tied to a desktop environment.
Software Integrations
A key factor in my selection process was the ability to integrate readily with other business platforms. The ease with which your polling software can interconnect with other systems can have a big impact on your workflows.
I've highlighted key integrations for each software on our list. These range from email marketing platforms to CRM systems and data analytics tools. Such connections allow you to transfer data and insights between systems, making your polling efforts more effective.
Pricing
Many platforms in this sector operate on a subscription-based model involving a base monthly fee. There may also be further costs for premium features, or if you need to address a high number of respondents.
The basic monthly fees for most polling software solutions on the list typically fall under $100, with a median range between $20 to $80 per month. Some platforms also offer tiered pricing, often based on the number of poll questions or respondents. There may be additional costs ranging from $10 to $50 per month for higher tiers.
If you're looking to conduct basic polling activities for a small to medium-sized business, you can expect to spend around $200 to $300 per month. For more extensive needs (such as advanced analytics, multiple user access, and integrations), your monthly costs could go up to $500.
If you're working with a very tight budget, using a free poll maker may be a better fit for your needs.
People Also Ask
Are you still pondering how the right polling software can improve your data collection and analysis? Here are some answers to frequently asked questions to help clarify things:
What are some techniques for collecting customer feedback?
Collecting customer feedback is an important factor in enhancing the level of service your business offers. There are many effective techniques to achieve this. Online surveys, facilitated by polling software, are among the most common. They allow you to send targeted questions to customers through channels like email or website pop-ups.
Social media platforms can also serve as handy tools for running quick polls, as they are great for engaging your audience and getting quick feedback. Customer reviews on platforms like Google My Business or Trustpilot offer another way to gather opinions, while also building more social proof for your brand.
Another option is to use focus groups. These can provide an in-depth look at customer behavior, experiences, and perceptions. Many larger businesses use the Net Promoter Score (NPS), a single-question survey that measures customers’ likelihood of recommending your business
What questions should I include in my customer polls?
The questions you use in your customer polls must naturally align with your goals. Yet there are some broad questions that can be beneficial across various contexts. For example, questions such as “On a scale of 1-10, how satisfied are you with our product/service?” can provide a snapshot of general customer sentiment.
Queries about the most helpful features or desired improvements can give insights into product development priorities. You can ask questions like “How satisfied are you with our customer support?” or “How likely are you to recommend this product/service to a friend or colleague?” These can help assess the perception of your customer service and your overall brand reputation.
Other options include usability questions, such as “Was it easy to accomplish what you wanted to do today?” These can indicate how helpful your team is, while questions about challenges can spotlight areas where improvement is needed.
How can I use polling software to create a better customer experience?
Polling software can improve the customer experience in several ways. One obvious benefit is the ability to gather real-time feedback. Live polls during webinars or virtual events offer a quick way to gauge customer sentiment, so you can make on-the-spot adjustments. Most polling software comes with audience segmentation features, so you can target specific customer groups for more relevant insights.
Data gathered through polls can also be used to implement personalized marketing campaigns that align closely with individual customer needs. You can also add polling at various touch points throughout the customer journey, to identify where service excels and where it needs tweaking.
What’s the difference between polling software and survey software?
Both polling software and survey software collect data and insights from a target audience. However, they differ in their scope, complexity, and purpose. Polling software is designed for quick and straightforward data collection, so it’s commonly used to ask questions that require brief responses.
Polls are typically real-time, allowing for immediate feedback. They are often employed in settings like live events, webinars, or social media platforms. The focus is typically on gathering snapshot insights that can be acted on fast.
On the other hand, survey software is built for more comprehensive data collection. Surveys may include questions designed to explore a certain topic in depth. They may be long-form and can include a range of question types such as Likert scales, multiple-choice, and open-text responses.
Unlike polls, surveys are usually not conducted in real-time. Instead, they may be open for responses over a longer period of time. The collected data is often used for strategic analysis and long-term planning.
Are there different types of polling software?
Yes, there are many types of software designed to cater to different polling needs. One popular type is live polling software. This is often used during events, webinars, or meetings to capture real-time, attendee feedback. These are helpful for measuring audience engagement and making on-the-spot decisions.
Another type is similar to regular survey software but streamlined for fast, single-question or multi-question polls. These may be distributed using social media or email, allowing for a more extended response time.
Some polling software is specifically designed to be embedded into websites or mobile polling apps. Such embedded polls can be useful for collecting visitor feedback without requiring them to navigate away to a different page.
The polling software you choose will depend on your business needs—whether you’re looking for detailed customer feedback, real-time engagement, or seamless website integration.
More Survey Software Reviews
Here are some more articles reviewing related software you may find of interest:
- Best Online Survey Software
- Best Survey Maker Tools
- Best Survey Analysis Software
- Best Free Survey Tools
Understand Your Audience
The global polling software market is valued at USD 2463.35 million and growing fast, meaning organizations all over the world are leveraging this technology to stay one step ahead. So it’s important to take advantage of the competitive edge polling software offers.
To ensure that your business is ahead of the game, sign up for our newsletter to get the latest updates. Then pick your preferred polling software tool from my list, get a more nuanced understanding of your audience, and take your organization to the next level.