Qualtrics vs SurveyMonkey: Which Survey Software Is Better in 2026?
Compare pricing, features, integrations, verified reviews, AI capabilities, security, and customer satisfaction — side by side, with no marketing spin.
The Short Answer
Qualtrics vs SurveyMonkey, in 15 seconds
Choose Qualtrics if…
- You want deeper AI and automation features
- You have strict security & compliance needs
Choose SurveyMonkey if…
- You want the lower entry price
- You need a genuinely free plan
Head-to-Head Scorecard
How Qualtrics and SurveyMonkey score
It's evenly matched — each leads on 2 of 9 measured dimensions.
- Even
Customer Rating
Average score from verified user reviews
QualtricsNo reviewsSurveyMonkeyNo reviews - Even
Review Volume
Number of verified reviews — a proxy for adoption
Qualtrics0SurveyMonkey0 - SurveyMonkey
Entry Pricing
Lowest published starting price (free plan = lowest)
QualtricsCustomSurveyMonkey$30/mo - SurveyMonkey
Free Access
Availability of a free plan and/or free trial
QualtricsFree trialSurveyMonkeyFree plan + trial - Even
Integrations
Number of listed third-party integrations
Qualtrics10SurveyMonkey10 - Even
Features
Number of listed product capabilities
Qualtrics12SurveyMonkey12 - Qualtrics
AI Features
Capabilities mentioning AI, automation or ML
Qualtrics3SurveyMonkey1 - Qualtrics
Security & Compliance
Number of listed compliance certifications
Qualtrics5SurveyMonkey4 - Even
Platforms & Deployment
Supported platforms and deployment options
Qualtrics5SurveyMonkey5
Feature Comparison
Qualtrics vs SurveyMonkey feature breakdown
Search or filter the full feature matrix — core features, AI, integrations, APIs, security and compliance.
Pricing Comparison
Qualtrics vs SurveyMonkey pricing
Entry pricing, plan tiers and the cost factors that shape total cost of ownership.
Qualtrics
Custom to start- Advanced surveys and logic
- Rigorous methodology
- Text iQ analytics
- Dashboards
- Journey feedback
- Closed-loop actions
- Role-based dashboards
- Ticketing/workflow
- Engagement surveys
- Lifecycle and 360
- Manager dashboards
- Action planning
- All XM suites
- SSO and governance
- Advanced security and FedRAMP
- Dedicated support
SurveyMonkey
$30/mo to start- Unlimited surveys
- 10 questions per survey
- 25 responses per survey (viewable)
- Templates
- Unlimited questions
- Skip logic
- Custom branding
- Team collaboration
- Everything in Advantage
- Advanced analysis and cross-tab
- Advanced logic and piping
- Multilingual surveys
- SSO and admin controls
- HIPAA compliance
- Advanced integrations
- Dedicated support
Total cost of ownership factors
Beyond list price, factor in implementation, training, add-ons and per-seat scaling when estimating total cost of ownership.
Pros & Cons
Qualtrics vs SurveyMonkey: strengths and trade-offs
Qualtrics
Pros
- Free trial offered
- Compliance: SOC 2, ISO 27001, GDPR
- Stronger AI / automation features
- Public API available
Cons
- No free plan
- Pricing is quote-based (less transparent)
SurveyMonkey
Pros
- Free plan available
- Free trial offered
- Compliance: SOC 2, ISO 27001, GDPR
- Public API available
Cons
Buyer Fit
Who should use Qualtrics vs SurveyMonkey?
Startups
SurveyMonkey
SurveyMonkey keeps early-stage costs lowest with its entry tier.
Small businesses
SurveyMonkey
SurveyMonkey offers the most accessible pricing for lean teams.
Agencies
Either
Either connects to more tools for multi-client workflows.
Enterprises
Qualtrics
Qualtrics leads on compliance and breadth for complex needs.
Ecommerce
Qualtrics
Qualtrics integrates with more of the commerce stack.
SaaS companies
Qualtrics
Qualtrics is the more developer- and automation-friendly choice.
Integration overlap
Shared integrations (7)
Only in Qualtrics (3)
Only in SurveyMonkey (3)
Keep Exploring
Other alternatives worth considering
Similar survey software products buyers compare alongside Qualtrics and SurveyMonkey.
Ask SIA which solution fits your business
SIA, Saaskart's AI buying assistant, weighs Qualtrics and SurveyMonkey against your team size, budget, integrations and compliance needs — then recommends the right fit and the questions to ask each vendor.
Get a personalised recommendationQualtrics vs SurveyMonkey — Frequently Asked Questions
What is the difference between Qualtrics and SurveyMonkey?
Qualtrics and SurveyMonkey are both Survey Software solutions. Qualtrics is rated 0.0/5 by 0 users, while SurveyMonkey is rated 0.0/5 by 0 users. The main differences lie in pricing, features, and target audience.
Which is better, Qualtrics or SurveyMonkey?
Based on user ratings, Qualtrics scores higher at 0.0/5. The best choice depends on your team size, budget, and specific requirements.
Which is cheaper, Qualtrics or SurveyMonkey?
SurveyMonkey is the more affordable option, starting at $30/month.
Does Qualtrics or SurveyMonkey have a free plan?
SurveyMonkey offers a free plan. Qualtrics does not have a free tier but does offer a free trial.
Can I switch from Qualtrics to SurveyMonkey?
Switching between Qualtrics and SurveyMonkey is possible. Both support data export. Check integration compatibility and plan for data migration to minimise disruption to your team.
Who should use Qualtrics vs SurveyMonkey?
Qualtrics is best suited for teams that prioritise enterprise features. SurveyMonkey works well for teams looking to start free and scale.
Our Verdict
The bottom line on Qualtrics vs SurveyMonkey
Best Overall
Either
It's a tie balances user satisfaction and proven adoption.
Best for Startups
SurveyMonkey
SurveyMonkey has the friendliest entry point for new teams.
Best for Enterprise
Qualtrics
Qualtrics leads on compliance and feature breadth.
Best Value
SurveyMonkey
SurveyMonkey delivers the lowest cost to get started.
Best AI Features
Qualtrics
Qualtrics ships more AI and automation.
Highest Rated
Either
Both earn equal user ratings.