SurveyMonkey vs Microsoft Forms: Which is Better in 2026?
Choosing between SurveyMonkey 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: 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:
SurveyMonkey
Gather feedback faster with pre-built templates and powerful analysis
Best for you if:
- • You want industry standard
Microsoft Forms
Create surveys and quizzes with Microsoft 365
Best for you if:
- • You want included with Microsoft 365
| At a Glance | SurveyMonkey | Microsoft Forms |
|---|---|---|
Starts at | Free Free plan | Free Free plan |
Category | Survey Tools Customer Feedback | Survey Tools Productivity |
Rating | 4.5/5 G2 4.4 · Capterra 4.6 34,413 reviews | 4.5/5 G2 4.4 · Capterra 4.6 799 reviews |
Free plan | Yes | Yes |
Choose SurveyMonkey or Microsoft Forms?
Choose SurveyMonkey if
- You want industry standard
- You want analytics
Choose Microsoft Forms if
- You want included with Microsoft 365
- You want easy to use
In-Depth Analysis
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
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
Pricing: SurveyMonkey vs Microsoft Forms
| Plan | SurveyMonkey | Microsoft Forms |
|---|---|---|
| Tier 1 | Free Basic | Free Free |
| Tier 2 | $35 month Individual | Included Microsoft 365 |
Pricing verified from each vendor's public pricing page. Compare in detail on SurveyMonkey pricing and Microsoft Forms 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 SurveyMonkey or Microsoft Forms better in 2026?
SurveyMonkey is our free Survey Tools pick. Zonka Feedback ranks #1 on our Survey Tools list. Pick SurveyMonkey for survey tools workflows (main strength: industry standard). Pick Microsoft Forms for survey tools workflows (main strength: included with Microsoft 365).
What are SurveyMonkey and Microsoft Forms used for?
SurveyMonkey: Gather feedback faster with pre-built templates and powerful analysis. Microsoft Forms: Create surveys and quizzes with Microsoft 365.
What does SurveyMonkey cost vs Microsoft Forms?
SurveyMonkey's paid plans start at Free (Individual). Microsoft Forms pricing is on their site.
What's the main difference between SurveyMonkey and Microsoft Forms?
SurveyMonkey's main strength: industry standard. Microsoft Forms's main strength: included with Microsoft 365.