SurveyMonkey vs Culture Amp: Which Should You Choose in 2026?
Choosing between SurveyMonkey and Culture Amp 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:
SurveyMonkey
Online survey platform
Best for you if:
- • You want to try before committing
- • 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.
Culture Amp
Employee experience and engagement platform
Best for you if:
- • You need employee engagement features specifically
- • Culture Amp is an employee experience platform for engagement surveys and performance management
- • It provides research-backed surveys, analytics, and tools to build high-performing teams
| At a Glance |  Culture Amp | |
|---|---|---|
Price | Free + Paid | Paid |
Best For | Survey Tools | Employee Engagement |
Rating | 84/100 | 84/100 |
| Feature | SurveyMonkey | Culture Amp |
|---|---|---|
| Pricing Model | Freemium | Paid |
| Editorial Score | 84 | 84 |
| Community Rating | No ratings yet | No ratings yet |
| Total Reviews | 0 | 0 |
| Community Upvotes | 0 | 0 |
| Categories | Survey ToolsCustomer Feedback | Employee EngagementPerformance Management |
Understanding the Differences
Both SurveyMonkey and Culture Amp solve similar problems, but they approach them differently.SurveyMonkey positions itself as "online survey platform" while Culture Ampfocuses on "employee experience and engagement platform". These differences matter depending on what you're trying to accomplish.
When to Choose SurveyMonkey
SurveyMonkey makes sense if you're looking for a budget-friendly option with a free tier solution.
When to Choose Culture Amp
Culture Amp is worth considering if you need a professional-grade tool.
Who Should Use What?
Bootstrapped or small team?
When every dollar counts, SurveyMonkey lets you get started without pulling out your credit card.
We'd pick: SurveyMonkey
Growing fast?
Your team doubled last quarter and you need tools that won't break when you add 50 more people. Culture Amp is built for teams that are leveling up.
We'd pick: Culture Amp
Enterprise with complex needs?
You need SSO, compliance certifications, and a support team that picks up the phone. Culture Amp takes enterprise seriously.
We'd pick: Culture Amp
Still not sure? Answer these 3 questions
How much can you spend?
Tight budget? Start free with SurveyMonkey, 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 SurveyMonkey higher (84/100). But the community has upvoted Culture Amp more (0 votes). Pick your source of truth.
Key Takeaways
What SurveyMonkey Does Better
- Our recommendation for most use cases
Consider Culture Amp If
- 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 SurveyMonkey (84/100). But the honest answer is that "better" depends on your situation. SurveyMonkey scores higher in our analysis, but Culture Amp 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 SurveyMonkey or Culture Amp better?
Based on our analysis, SurveyMonkey scores higher with 84/100. SurveyMonkey isfreemium while Culture Amp is paid. The best choice depends on your specific needs and budget. We recommend testing both with free trials if available.
Can I switch from SurveyMonkey to Culture Amp 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 SurveyMonkey and Culture Amp offer free trials?
Most software in this category offers free trials or free tiers. SurveyMonkey is freemium with a free tier.Culture Amp is paid with potential trial. Visit their websites for current trial offers.