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SurveyMonkey Apply vs Submittable: Which is Better in 2026?

Choosing between SurveyMonkey Apply and Submittable 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: Submittable is our overall pick for grants management workflows. Pick SurveyMonkey Apply if you need HR & recruiting.

··Methodology
Editor reviewed0 verified reviews comparedPricing checked May 2026

Short on time? Here's the quick answer

We've tested both tools. Here's who should pick what:

SurveyMonkey Apply

Streamline your application and grant management processes with a powerful, customizable platform.

Best for you if:

  • • You want to try before committing
  • • You need HR & recruiting features specifically
  • Comprehensive application and grant management platform.
  • Automates application collection, review, and decision-making.

Submittable

Run grant and CSR programs efficiently without compromising on people or processes.

Best for you if:

  • • You need grants management features specifically
  • Manages the full lifecycle of grant and CSR programs.
  • Features drag-and-drop form builder, multi-stage review, and fraud prevention.
At a Glance
SurveyMonkey ApplySurveyMonkey Apply
SubmittableSubmittable
Starts at
Free tier + paid plansFree tier available
Book a Meeting/moCorporate Social Responsibility Platform
Best For
HR & RecruitingGrants Management
Rating
--

Choose SurveyMonkey Apply or Submittable?

SurveyMonkey Apply

Choose SurveyMonkey Apply if

Streamline your application and grant management processes with a powerful, customizable platform.

  • Streamlines complex application processes
  • Reduces manual administrative tasks
  • Enhances fairness and transparency in selection
  • You want a free tier before you commit
  • Your work is HR & recruiting-shaped, not grants management-shaped
Submittable

Choose Submittable if

Run grant and CSR programs efficiently without compromising on people or processes.

  • Quick program launch, often within two weeks or less.
  • No coding or technical background required for setup and management.
  • Automations significantly reduce administrative busywork and human error.
  • Your work is grants management-shaped, not HR & recruiting-shaped
FeatureSurveyMonkey ApplySubmittable
Pricing ModelFreemiumPaid
User Rating
3.2/5
1,031 reviews
4.5/5
333 reviews
Categories
HR & RecruitingProductivity
Grants ManagementNonprofit Tools

In-Depth Analysis

SurveyMonkey ApplySurveyMonkey Apply

Streamline your application and grant management processes with a powerful, customizable platform.

Strengths

  • +Streamlines complex application processes
  • +Reduces manual administrative tasks
  • +Enhances fairness and transparency in selection
  • +Offers robust customization options for forms and workflows
  • +Provides tools for collaboration among reviewers

Weaknesses

  • -Can be complex to set up initially for intricate workflows
  • -Pricing may be a barrier for smaller organizations
  • -Steep learning curve for some advanced features

Key features

Customizable application formsMulti-stage review workflowsApplicant portalReporting and analyticsCommunication toolsIntegration capabilities
Starts at Free tier + paid plans

SubmittableSubmittable

Run grant and CSR programs efficiently without compromising on people or processes.

Strengths

  • +Quick program launch, often within two weeks or less.
  • +No coding or technical background required for setup and management.
  • +Automations significantly reduce administrative busywork and human error.
  • +Provides crystal clear budget oversight with real-time tracking.
  • +Offers a great applicant experience with easy-to-navigate software and clear next steps.

Key features

Drag-and-drop form builder and application portalAutomated and multi-stage review toolsFinancial tracking and managementFraud prevention and securityDynamic reportingEligibility checks
Starts at Book a Meeting/mo

Pricing: SurveyMonkey Apply vs Submittable

PlanSurveyMonkey ApplySubmittable
Tier 1N/A
Book a Meeting
Corporate Social Responsibility Platform
Tier 2N/A
Book a Meeting
Grant & Application Management Software
Tier 3N/A
Book a Meeting
Enterprise

Pricing verified from each vendor's public pricing page. Compare in detail on SurveyMonkey Apply pricing and Submittable pricing.

Who Should Use What?

On a budget?

SurveyMonkey Apply has a free tier. Submittable is paid only.

Go with: SurveyMonkey Apply

Want the highest-rated option?

Neither has user reviews yet.

Go with: SurveyMonkey Apply

Value user reviews?

Neither has user reviews yet.

Go with: Submittable

3 Questions to Help You Decide

1

What's your budget?

SurveyMonkey Apply is freemium. Submittable is paid. SurveyMonkey Apply lets you start free.

2

What's your use case?

SurveyMonkey Apply is a HR & recruiting tool. Submittable is in grants management. Pick the category that matches your needs.

3

How important are ratings?

Neither has user reviews yet.

Key Takeaways

Submittable

  • Higher user rating: 4.5/5 vs 3.2/5
  • Our pick for this comparison

SurveyMonkey Apply

  • Has a free tier
  • Larger review base (1,031 reviews)
  • Better fit for HR & recruiting

The Bottom Line

Submittable is our pick. SurveyMonkey Apply has a free tier if you want to test without paying.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is SurveyMonkey Apply or Submittable better?

Submittable is rated in our evaluation. SurveyMonkey Apply is freemium and Submittable is paid.

What are SurveyMonkey Apply and Submittable used for?

SurveyMonkey Apply: Streamline your application and grant management processes with a powerful, customizable platform.. Submittable: Run grant and CSR programs efficiently without compromising on people or processes..

What does SurveyMonkey Apply cost vs Submittable?

SurveyMonkey Apply is freemium (free tier + paid plans). Submittable is a paid tool. Visit their websites for detailed pricing.

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