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 wins this matchup. Google Forms is our overall Form Builders pick. Google Forms is our free Form Builders pick. Pick SurveyMonkey Apply if you need HR & recruiting.
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:
SurveyMonkey Apply
Streamline your application and grant management processes with a powerful, customizable platform.
Best for you if:
- • You want a free tier before you commit
Submittable
Run grant and CSR programs efficiently without compromising on people or processes.
Best for you if:
- • You want quick program launch, often within two weeks or less
| At a Glance | SurveyMonkey Apply | Submittable |
|---|---|---|
Starts at | Free Free plan | Custom |
Category | HR & Recruiting Productivity | Grants Management Nonprofit Tools |
Rating | 3.6/5 Trustpilot 3.2 · G2 4.4 1,074 reviews | 4.7/5 Capterra 4.8 · G2 4.5 566 reviews |
Free plan | Yes | No |
Watch out for | n/a | Potential user seat minimums |
Choose SurveyMonkey Apply or Submittable?
Choose SurveyMonkey Apply if
- You want a free tier before you commit
- You want streamlines complex application processes
- You want reduces manual administrative tasks
- You work in HR & recruiting, not grants management
Choose Submittable if
- You want quick program launch, often within two weeks or less
- You want no coding or technical background required for setup and management
- You work in grants management, not HR & recruiting
In-Depth Analysis
SurveyMonkey Apply
Streamline your application and grant management processes with a powerful, customizable platform.
Strengths
- Pro: Streamlines complex application processes
- Pro: Reduces manual administrative tasks
- Pro: Enhances fairness and transparency in selection
- Pro: Offers robust customization options for forms and workflows
- Pro: Provides tools for collaboration among reviewers
Weaknesses
- Con: Can be complex to set up initially for intricate workflows
- Con: Pricing may be a barrier for smaller organizations
- Con: Steep learning curve for some advanced features
Key features
Submittable
Run grant and CSR programs efficiently without compromising on people or processes.
This lack of transparency often indicates higher-end solutions tailored to specific enterprise needs rather than SMBs.
Watch out
Potential user seat minimums
Strengths
- Pro: Quick program launch, often within two weeks or less.
- Pro: No coding or technical background required for setup and management.
- Pro: Automations significantly reduce administrative busywork and human error.
- Pro: Provides crystal clear budget oversight with real-time tracking.
- Pro: Offers a great applicant experience with easy-to-navigate software and clear next steps.
Weaknesses
- Con: Pricing runs expensive for larger programs and growing teams, and reviewers report that capabilities pitched during sales calls turn out to require additional paid add-ons that are prohibitive for small organizations.
- Con: Reporting and analytics are limited, with users citing weak workflow automation and a hard cutoff that prevents pulling historical report data from before January 10, 2023, plus caps on how many times data can be exported per month on lower-tier plans.
- Con: The reviewer interface is widely described as overwhelming and hard to navigate once a submission is opened, forcing evaluators to scroll between the full application and scoring rather than viewing materials and scores side by side.
- Con: Customer support draws repeated complaints for slow or unhelpful responses, with response times worsening during high-volume application and judging windows when help is needed most.
Key features
Pricing: SurveyMonkey Apply vs Submittable
| Plan | SurveyMonkey Apply | Submittable |
|---|---|---|
| Tier 1 | N/A | Book a Meeting Corporate Social Responsibility Platform |
| Tier 2 | N/A | Book a Meeting Grant & Application Management Software |
| Tier 3 | N/A | Book a Meeting Enterprise |
Pricing verified from each vendor's public pricing page. Compare in detail on SurveyMonkey Apply pricing and Submittable pricing.
Key Takeaways
Submittable
- Higher user rating: 4.7/5 vs 3.6/5
- Our pick for this comparison
SurveyMonkey Apply
- Has a free tier
- Larger review base (1,074 reviews)
- Better fit for HR & recruiting
The Bottom Line
Submittable wins this matchup. Google Forms is our overall Form Builders pick. Google Forms is our free Form Builders pick. SurveyMonkey Apply has a free tier if you want to test without paying.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is SurveyMonkey Apply or Submittable better in 2026?
Submittable wins this matchup. Google Forms is our overall Form Builders pick. Google Forms is our free Form Builders pick. Pick SurveyMonkey Apply for HR & recruiting workflows (main strength: streamlines complex application processes). Pick Submittable for grants management workflows (main strength: quick program launch, often within two weeks or less).
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 pricing is on their site. Submittable pricing is on their site.
What's the main difference between SurveyMonkey Apply and Submittable?
SurveyMonkey Apply's main strength: streamlines complex application processes. Submittable's main strength: quick program launch, often within two weeks or less.