Microsoft Forms vs SurveyMonkey: Which is Better in 2026?
Choosing between Microsoft Forms 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.
Bottom line: SurveyMonkey is our free Survey Tools pick. Zonka Feedback ranks #1 on our Survey Tools list. Pick Microsoft Forms if you need a free tier to start with.
Short on time? Here's the quick answer
Based on published vendor pricing and features and on public review data, here's who should pick what:
Microsoft Forms
Create surveys and quizzes with Microsoft 365
Best for you if:
- • You want included with Microsoft 365
SurveyMonkey
Gather feedback faster with pre-built templates and powerful analysis
Best for you if:
- • You want industry standard
| At a Glance | Microsoft Forms | SurveyMonkey |
|---|---|---|
Starts at | Free Free plan | Free Free plan |
Category | Survey Tools Productivity | Survey Tools Customer Feedback |
Rating | 4.5/5 G2 4.4 · Capterra 4.6 799 reviews | 4.5/5 G2 4.4 · Capterra 4.6 34,413 reviews |
Free plan | Yes | Yes |
Choose Microsoft Forms or SurveyMonkey?
Choose Microsoft Forms if
- You want included with Microsoft 365
- You want easy to use
Choose SurveyMonkey if
- You want industry standard
- You want analytics
In-Depth Analysis
Microsoft Forms
Create surveys and quizzes with Microsoft 365
Microsoft Forms offers an incredibly generous pricing model as it's primarily included with Microsoft 365 subscriptions, meaning no direct cost for most users.
Strengths
- Pro: Included with Microsoft 365
- Pro: Easy to use
- Pro: Good for quizzes
- Pro: Teams integration
Weaknesses
- Con: Limited customization
- Con: Basic design
- Con: Microsoft ecosystem required
Key features
SurveyMonkey
Gather feedback faster with pre-built templates and powerful analysis
SurveyMonkey's pricing is fair for individual users, with a generous free tier for basic needs.
Strengths
- Pro: Industry standard
- Pro: Analytics
- Pro: Integrations
Weaknesses
- Con: Limited free tier
- Con: Can get expensive
Key features
Pricing: Microsoft Forms vs SurveyMonkey
| Plan | Microsoft Forms | SurveyMonkey |
|---|---|---|
| Tier 1 | Free Free | Free Basic |
| Tier 2 | Included Microsoft 365 | $35 month Individual |
Pricing verified from each vendor's public pricing page. Compare in detail on Microsoft Forms pricing and SurveyMonkey pricing.
Key Takeaways
SurveyMonkey
- Larger review base (34,413 reviews)
- Free tier available
- Our pick for this comparison
Microsoft Forms
- Choose if you want create surveys and quizzes with Microsoft 365
The Bottom Line
SurveyMonkey is our free Survey Tools pick. Zonka Feedback ranks #1 on our Survey Tools list.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Microsoft Forms or SurveyMonkey better in 2026?
SurveyMonkey is our free Survey Tools pick. Zonka Feedback ranks #1 on our Survey Tools list. Pick Microsoft Forms for survey tools workflows (main strength: included with Microsoft 365). Pick SurveyMonkey for survey tools workflows (main strength: industry standard).
What are Microsoft Forms and SurveyMonkey used for?
Microsoft Forms: Create surveys and quizzes with Microsoft 365. SurveyMonkey: Gather feedback faster with pre-built templates and powerful analysis.
What does Microsoft Forms cost vs SurveyMonkey?
Microsoft Forms pricing is on their site. SurveyMonkey's paid plans start at Free (Individual).
What's the main difference between Microsoft Forms and SurveyMonkey?
Microsoft Forms's main strength: included with Microsoft 365. SurveyMonkey's main strength: industry standard.