Qualtrics vs Microsoft Forms: Which is Better in 2026?
Choosing between Qualtrics and Microsoft Forms 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: Qualtrics wins this matchup. Our overall Survey Tools pick is Google Forms. Our free Survey Tools pick is Google Forms. Pick Microsoft Forms if you need survey tools.
Short on time? Here's the quick answer
We've tested both tools. Here's who should pick what:
Qualtrics
The leading Experience Management (XM) software, amplified with trusted AI to drive business growth.
Best for you if:
- • You want enterprise survey platform
- • You want experience management
Microsoft Forms
Create surveys and quizzes with Microsoft 365
Best for you if:
- • You want a free tier before you commit
- • You want included with Microsoft 365
- • You want easy to use
| At a Glance | Microsoft Forms | |
|---|---|---|
Starts at | $420/moResearch Core | FreeFree tier available |
Best For | Analytics | Survey Tools |
Rating | 4.4/5 | 4.5/5 |
Free plan | No | Yes |
Choose Qualtrics or Microsoft Forms?
Choose Qualtrics if
The leading Experience Management (XM) software, amplified with trusted AI to drive business growth.
- You want enterprise survey platform
- You want experience management
- Your work is analytics-shaped, not survey tools-shaped
Choose Microsoft Forms if
Create surveys and quizzes with Microsoft 365
- You want a free tier before you commit
- You want included with Microsoft 365
- You want easy to use
- Your work is survey tools-shaped, not analytics-shaped
| Feature | Qualtrics | Microsoft Forms |
|---|---|---|
| Pricing Model | Paid | Freemium |
| User Rating | ★4.4/5 16 reviews | ★4.5/5 799 reviews |
| Categories | AnalyticsSurvey Tools | Survey ToolsProductivity |
In-Depth Analysis
Qualtrics
The leading Experience Management (XM) software, amplified with trusted AI to drive business growth.
Qualtrics' pricing is expensive for what you get, especially the Research Core tier at $420/month for only 1,000 responses, which is steep compared to survey-focused alternatives.
Watch out
Overage fees for responses beyond tier limits
Strengths
- +Enterprise survey platform
- +Experience management
- +Good analytics
- +Research tools
- +Compliance
Weaknesses
- -Very expensive
- -Complex platform
- -Learning curve
- -Enterprise sales
- -Overkill for simple surveys
Key features
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
- +Included with Microsoft 365
- +Easy to use
- +Good for quizzes
- +Teams integration
Weaknesses
- -Limited customization
- -Basic design
- -Microsoft ecosystem required
Key features
Pricing: Qualtrics vs Microsoft Forms
| Plan | Qualtrics | Microsoft Forms |
|---|---|---|
| Tier 1 | Free Free | Free Free |
| Tier 2 | $420 Research Core | Included Microsoft 365 |
| Tier 3 | Custom Enterprise | N/A |
Pricing verified from each vendor's public pricing page. Compare in detail on Qualtrics pricing and Microsoft Forms pricing.
Who Should Use What?
On a budget?
Microsoft Forms has a free tier. Qualtrics is paid only.
Go with: Microsoft Forms
Want the highest-rated option?
Qualtrics: 4.4/5 (16 reviews). Microsoft Forms: 4.5/5 (799 reviews).
Go with: Microsoft Forms
Value user reviews?
Qualtrics: 16 reviews (4.4/5). Microsoft Forms: 799 reviews (4.5/5).
Go with: Microsoft Forms
3 Questions to Help You Decide
What's your budget?
Qualtrics is paid. Microsoft Forms is freemium. Microsoft Forms lets you start free.
What's your use case?
Qualtrics is a analytics tool. Microsoft Forms is in survey tools. Pick the category that matches your needs.
How important are ratings?
Microsoft Forms is rated higher: 4.5/5 vs 4.4/5.
Key Takeaways
Qualtrics
- Our pick for this comparison
Microsoft Forms
- Has a free tier
- Higher user rating: 4.5/5 vs 4.4/5
- Larger review base (799 reviews)
- Better fit for survey tools
The Bottom Line
Qualtrics wins this matchup. Our overall Survey Tools pick is Google Forms. Our free Survey Tools pick is Google Forms. Microsoft Forms has a free tier if you want to test without paying.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Qualtrics or Microsoft Forms better?
Qualtrics is rated in our evaluation. Qualtrics is paid and Microsoft Forms is freemium.
What are Qualtrics and Microsoft Forms used for?
Qualtrics: The leading Experience Management (XM) software, amplified with trusted AI to drive business growth.. Microsoft Forms: Create surveys and quizzes with Microsoft 365.
What does Qualtrics cost vs Microsoft Forms?
Qualtrics is a paid tool. Microsoft Forms is freemium (free tier + paid plans). Visit their websites for detailed pricing.