Which survey tool has the best free plan?

It depends on what you count. Tally markets unlimited forms and submissions on its free plan. Self-hosted LimeSurvey is free software without response limits, but you run it yourself. Other free tiers cap forms, questions or responses.

Which survey tools are GDPR-friendly?

Every tool can be used in line with the GDPR if the contract and settings are right. Providers based and hosting in the EU, such as LamaPoll or LimeSurvey's cloud, make this easier. Check the data processing agreement and the hosting location for any tool.

Can I use a survey tool for an election?

For opinion polls, yes. For secret, binding elections, survey tools usually cannot guarantee one vote per member and separation of identity and vote. Use dedicated online voting software instead.

Do I need conditional logic?

Only if different respondents should see different questions, for example members and non-members. Most tools offer basic logic for free; complex branching, calculations or quotas often require a paid plan.

Survey Tools Compared: Jotform, Typeform, Tally & More

The right survey tool depends on three questions: how much you can use for free, where your data is stored, and how much logic your questionnaire needs. Tally and LimeSurvey stand out for free use, LamaPoll and LimeSurvey for hosting and data protection in Germany, and Jotform, Typeform and SurveyMonkey for templates and integrations. This comparison is an editorial assessment based on provider documentation and price pages, status October 2026. Free tiers and prices change often, so check the current price page before you decide.

Comparison table

Tool	Free tier	Anonymity	Provider and hosting	Particular strength
Jotform	Yes, limited (5 forms, 100 submissions per month according to third-party sources)	Configurable, check settings	USA; EU data storage option according to provider	Huge template library, forms with payments and workflows
Typeform	Yes, very limited responses	Configurable	Spain	One-question-at-a-time design, high completion feel
SurveyMonkey	Yes, limited questions and responses	Anonymous response setting for collectors	USA	Mature analysis features, question bank
Tally	Yes, generous (unlimited forms and submissions, according to provider)	Configurable	Belgium	Fast, document-like editor, generous free plan
LamaPoll	Yes, small participant limit (50 according to third-party sources)	Focus on anonymous surveys	Germany, servers in Germany according to provider	GDPR focus, German interface
LimeSurvey	Cloud: small monthly response quota; self-hosted: free software	Anonymised responses, token-based access	Germany; open source, self-hosting possible	Complex logic, full data control

Jotform

Jotform is a form builder with a very large library of templates, from event registrations to feedback forms. Beyond surveys, it handles payments, approvals and PDF documents. The free tier is limited in the number of forms and monthly submissions. For organisations in the EU, Jotform offers an option to store data in the EU, according to its documentation. Typical fit: associations that need one tool for registrations, member applications and occasional surveys.

Typeform

Typeform presents one question at a time, which feels like a conversation and can make long questionnaires easier to complete. Logic jumps and design options are strong. The free tier is limited to a small number of responses per month, so it is mainly useful for testing. Typical fit: member surveys and feedback where presentation matters.

SurveyMonkey

SurveyMonkey is one of the longest-established survey platforms, with a question bank, analysis features and benchmark functions in paid plans. Collectors can be set to anonymous responses, which stops it from recording respondents’ details such as email and IP address. The free plan limits the number of questions and visible responses. Typical fit: organisations that need solid analysis and are willing to pay for it.

Tally

Tally is a form builder from Belgium that feels like writing a document. Its free plan is unusually generous, with unlimited forms and submissions according to the provider, while features such as custom domains or advanced branding are paid. Typical fit: small organisations, quick polls, nominations and feedback.

LamaPoll

LamaPoll is a German survey tool with a clear focus on data protection and anonymous surveys, and it states that its servers are located in Germany. The free plan is limited to a small number of participants. Typical fit: German-speaking associations, schools and companies that run employee or member surveys and want EU hosting without technical effort.

LimeSurvey

LimeSurvey is open-source survey software. You can install it on your own server without licence fees or use the provider’s cloud version, which includes a small free monthly response quota according to its help centre. LimeSurvey supports complex logic, quotas, many question types and token-based access with anonymised responses. The interface is less modern than the others. Typical fit: universities, research and organisations with technical support that want full control over their data.

What to check before choosing

Anonymity: Can you switch off the storage of email, IP address and login? Our guide to anonymous polls explains what matters.
Data protection: Hosting location, data processing agreement, sub-processors.
Logic: Do you need branching, calculations or quotas?
Response limits: How many responses do you expect, and what happens when the free limit is reached?
Export: CSV or Excel export for your own analysis, ideally on the free plan as well.
Accessibility and mobile display: Test on a phone before sending.

Good questions matter more than the tool. Our guide to writing clear ballot and poll questions helps you avoid leading or ambiguous wording.

Which tool suits whom?

Small club, no budget: Tally, or self-hosted LimeSurvey if someone can maintain it.
German-speaking organisation with a focus on data protection: LamaPoll or LimeSurvey cloud.
Forms, registrations and surveys in one tool: Jotform.
Design-focused member feedback: Typeform.
In-depth analysis with a budget: SurveyMonkey.
Quick votes during a meeting: a live polling tool instead of a survey.
Secret, binding elections: none of the above, see our overview of free voting tools and dedicated voting software.