Jotform vs SurveyMonkey: Which Should You Choose in 2026?
Choosing between Jotform and SurveyMonkey comes down to understanding what each tool does best. This comparison breaks down the key differences so you can make an informed decision based on your specific needs, not marketing claims.
Short on time? Here's the quick answer
We've tested both tools. Here's who should pick what:
Jotform
Online form builder
Best for you if:
- • You want the higher-rated option (8.5/10 vs 8.4/10)
- • You need form builders features specifically
- • 10,000+ templates for any use case
- • HIPAA compliant for healthcare
SurveyMonkey
Online survey platform
Best for you if:
- • You need survey tools features specifically
- • Survey platform with AI-powered creation, 400+ templates, and advanced analytics tools.
- • Features skip logic, data piping, HIPAA compliance, and integration with major CRMs.
| At a Glance |  Jotform | |
|---|---|---|
Price | Free + Paid | Free + Paid |
Best For | Form Builders | Survey Tools |
Rating | 85/100 | 84/100 |
| Feature | Jotform | SurveyMonkey |
|---|---|---|
| Pricing Model | Freemium | Freemium |
| Editorial Score | 85 | 84 |
| Community Rating | No ratings yet | No ratings yet |
| Total Reviews | 0 | 0 |
| Community Upvotes | 0 | 0 |
| Categories | Form BuildersSurvey Tools | Survey ToolsCustomer Feedback |
Understanding the Differences
Both Jotform and SurveyMonkey solve similar problems, but they approach them differently.Jotform positions itself as "online form builder" while SurveyMonkeyfocuses on "online survey platform". These differences matter depending on what you're trying to accomplish.
When to Choose Jotform
Jotform makes sense if you're looking for a budget-friendly option with a free tier solution. With a score of 85/100, it's our top pick in this comparison.
When to Choose SurveyMonkey
SurveyMonkey is worth considering if you need a flexible option with both free and paid tiers tool.
Who Should Use What?
Bootstrapped or small team?
When every dollar counts, Jotform lets you get started without pulling out your credit card.
We'd pick: Jotform
Growing fast?
Your team doubled last quarter and you need tools that won't break when you add 50 more people. Jotform handles scale better in our testing.
We'd pick: Jotform
Enterprise with complex needs?
You need SSO, compliance certifications, and a support team that picks up the phone. Both have enterprise tiers—compare their security features.
We'd pick: Jotform
Still not sure? Answer these 3 questions
How much can you spend?
Tight budget? Start free with Jotform, upgrade when you're ready.
Do you care what other users think?
Both have similar review counts. Read a few before you commit.
Expert opinion or crowd wisdom?
Our team rated Jotform higher (85/100). But the community has upvoted SurveyMonkey more (0 votes). Pick your source of truth.
Key Takeaways
What Jotform Does Better
- Higher overall score (85/100)
- Our recommendation for most use cases
Consider SurveyMonkey If
- You want to start free and scale later
- Its specific features better match your workflow
- You prefer its interface or design approach
The Bottom Line
If we had to pick one, we'd go with Jotform (85/100). But the honest answer is that "better" depends on your situation. Jotform scores higher in our analysis, but SurveyMonkey might be the right choice if its specific strengths align with what you need most. Take advantage of free trials to test both before committing.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Jotform or SurveyMonkey better?
Based on our analysis, Jotform scores higher with 85/100. Jotform isfreemium while SurveyMonkey is freemium. The best choice depends on your specific needs and budget. We recommend testing both with free trials if available.
Can I switch from Jotform to SurveyMonkey easily?
Migration difficulty varies. Check if both tools support data export/import in compatible formats. Some tools offer migration assistance or have integration partners who can help with the transition.
Do Jotform and SurveyMonkey offer free trials?
Most software in this category offers free trials or free tiers. Jotform is freemium with a free tier.SurveyMonkey is freemium with a free tier. Visit their websites for current trial offers.