Software Alternatives, Accelerators & Startups

Google Forms VS Open Data Kit

Compare Google Forms VS Open Data Kit and see what are their differences

Google Forms logo Google Forms

Simple web forms from Google.

Open Data Kit logo Open Data Kit

The Open Data Kit community produces free and open-source software for collecting, managing, and using data in resource-constrained environments.
  • Google Forms Landing page
    Landing page //
    2022-01-31
  • Open Data Kit Landing page
    Landing page //
    2023-09-27

Google Forms features and specs

  • User-Friendly Interface
    Google Forms offers a simple and intuitive interface, making it easy for users of all skill levels to create forms quickly.
  • Integration with Google Sheets
    Responses collected through Google Forms can be automatically sent to Google Sheets, facilitating data analysis and record-keeping.
  • Templates
    Google Forms provides a variety of pre-built templates that can be used as a starting point, saving time on form creation.
  • Collaboration Features
    Multiple users can collaborate in real-time on the creation and editing of forms, enhancing teamwork and productivity.
  • Free to Use
    Google Forms is free to use, making it an accessible tool for individuals and organizations without budget constraints.
  • Conditional Logic
    Supports conditional logic (skipping logic), allowing the form to change based on user responses.
  • Customization Options
    Users can customize the appearance of forms with themes, colors, and images to match their brand or personal style.
  • Accessibility and Mobile-Friendly
    Forms are responsive and can be accessed on various devices, including smartphones and tablets.

Possible disadvantages of Google Forms

  • Limited Customization
    While Google Forms offers basic customization, there are limitations in comparison to paid survey tools that allow for more advanced design capabilities.
  • Functionality for Advanced Data Collection
    Google Forms may lack some advanced data collection features such as advanced branching logic and question piping that are available in premium survey tools.
  • Limited Response Types
    Although it supports a variety of question types, it may not cover all niche functionality needs, such as certain interactive question formats.
  • Privacy Concerns
    As with any Google product, there may be concerns regarding data privacy and security, especially for sensitive information.
  • No Offline Access
    Google Forms requires an internet connection to create and respond to forms, limiting its use in offline environments.
  • Email Login Required
    Respondents may need to sign in with a Google account to complete certain forms, which can be a barrier for some users.
  • Limited Reporting Tools
    The built-in reporting features are basic, and users may need to export data to other tools for more in-depth analysis.

Open Data Kit features and specs

  • Open Source
    Open Data Kit is an open-source platform, which means it is free to use and can be customized according to the specific needs of users. This flexibility allows organizations to tailor the software to suit their data collection requirements.
  • Offline Data Collection
    ODK allows data collection in offline environments, which is particularly beneficial for fieldwork in remote areas with limited or no internet connectivity. Data can be collected on mobile devices and later uploaded once connectivity is restored.
  • Ease of Use
    The user interface is intuitive and simple, making it easy for users without technical expertise to design surveys and collect data efficiently.
  • Wide Range of Question Types
    ODK supports a variety of question types including text, number, GPS coordinates, and multimedia such as images and audio recordings, enabling comprehensive data collection.
  • Community Support
    ODK has a strong community and support network, providing users with access to a wealth of resources, tutorials, and forums to assist with any issues they may encounter.

Possible disadvantages of Open Data Kit

  • Technical Complexity for Advanced Features
    While basic features are user-friendly, implementing advanced features may require technical expertise, which can be challenging for users without a background in programming.
  • Dependency on External Hosting
    Data collected through ODK must be hosted on external servers, which may incur additional costs and require technical knowledge to maintain.
  • Limited Data Analysis Tools
    ODK primarily focuses on data collection rather than data analysis, meaning users often need to export data to other software for comprehensive analysis.
  • Device Compatibility
    Compatibility issues may arise with certain mobile devices or operating systems, potentially limiting accessibility for users with specific hardware.
  • Learning Curve
    Though the platform is generally easy to use, new users may face a learning curve in fully understanding how to utilize all its features effectively.

Analysis of Google Forms

Overall verdict

  • Yes, Google Forms is generally considered good, especially for individuals or organizations looking for a straightforward and effective way to gather information and feedback. It is reliable, user-friendly, and offers sufficient features for most basic to intermediate needs.

Why this product is good

  • Google Forms is a popular tool due to its ease of use, intuitive interface, and seamless integration with other Google services. It allows users to quickly create surveys, quizzes, and forms without needing advanced technical skills. The tool is accessible from any device with internet access, making it convenient for users on the go. Furthermore, it offers a variety of question types, customizable templates, and real-time response collection and analysis, which enhances its functionality.

Recommended for

  • Educators for quizzes and surveys in classrooms
  • Businesses for gathering customer feedback
  • Event planners to collect RSVPs and preferences
  • Researchers conducting simple surveys
  • HR teams for internal feedback and employee satisfaction surveys

Google Forms videos

Review Google Forms responses

More videos:

  • Tutorial - Google Forms Full Tutorial From Start To Finish - How To Use Google Forms
  • Review - A tour of Google Forms

Open Data Kit videos

ODK (Open Data kit) tutorial

More videos:

  • Review - Open Data Kit-ODK
  • Review - eHealth SWG Workshop: Introduction to Open Data Kit (ODK) for Electronic Data Collection

Category Popularity

0-100% (relative to Google Forms and Open Data Kit)
Surveys
98 98%
2% 2
Form Builder
97 97%
3% 3
Forms And Surveys
98 98%
2% 2
User Feedback
100 100%
0% 0

User comments

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Reviews

These are some of the external sources and on-site user reviews we've used to compare Google Forms and Open Data Kit

Google Forms Reviews

  1. Ural_Taras
    Very convenient software!

    Helps my company solve many issues. We collect information from clients and employees. We conduct surveys and collect data. Very useful software. Helps form a common opinion, conduct analysis and analytics.

    🏁 Competitors: Survio
    👍 Pros:    Speed|Visual|Functionality
  2. ✓ Adrian | Mobile Forms - Digital Inspections - Enterprise Checklists - Data collection
    · Marketing at Mobile Forms ·
    A good beginners tool to start your digital transformation.

    One of our customers said: Our small mining operation needed to go from paper based process to digital forms. At first, Google forms allowed us to use this Web-based platform that lets individuals and businesses of all sizes build customizable forms to conduct surveys and generate real-time response charts.

    We saw that a small sample of our field workers quickly adopted the new way of working.

    Step 1: accomplished.

    Now unto step 2.

    How do we deploy this unto our whole team? We needed email notifications, offline response collection when without wifi on the field. Our CIO and his director of operations needed deep data and trends analysis as well. Our inspectors, when doing their audits, needed to capture approx. 25 high definition pictures, some audio notes and a video which wasn't really possible with google forms.

    So, we can 100% credit the use of google forms to our transition towards a paperless process, but as we navigated saashub.com a little more, we were able to discover a world of alternatives. We strongly suggest to start using google forms before undergoing a big implementation plan towards such enterprise level inspection tools like nspek or even cheaper solutions like prontoforms.

    I am not sure if we would start with google's solution first if we would to do this digital transformation all over, but it did allow us to discover it's limits pretty quickly.

    At some point, we needed custom fields and functions, and none of us was able to code, so the nSpek training that comes with the application definitely sets it's self apart, giving us full autonomy.

    🏁 Competitors: nSpek, ProntoForms
    👍 Pros:    No sign up cost
    👎 Cons:    Customization|Customer support|Data protection and security|No video|No pictures

10 SurveyMonkey Alternatives and Competitors in 2024
Google Forms is a user-friendly platform that allows you to create forms effortlessly. With its intuitive interface, you can select from various question types, customize the design, and add logic for a seamless customer experience throughout.
Source: clickup.com
9 Survey Monkey Alternatives for Your 2024 Market Research
Google Forms will be your choice if you’re looking for a straightforward tool to create surveys without all the fuss. It’s particularly good for anyone who needs to whip up quick polls or surveys with a clean, user-friendly interface.
12 Easy Test Maker Alternatives
Google Forms is a Google Suite tool that comes with Google Drive. Users may quickly develop quizzes and get the results instantly, thanks to its simple and easy design
Alternatives to Deferendum
SurveyMonkey and Google Forms: These survey tools are designed for collecting feedback and data, whereas Deferendum is focused on group decision-making. Deferendum allows members to not only voice their opinions but also participate in the decision-making process and vote on proposed solutions.
Source: deferendum.com
Typeform Alternatives: Tools for Surveys, Forms, and Quizzes
Overall, online reviews suggest Typeform is like a paid version of Google Forms that doesn’t provide any benefits over the free tool. Moreover, Google Forms does not have a response limit, while that is Typeforms most prominent criticism.
Source: survicate.com

Open Data Kit Reviews

We have no reviews of Open Data Kit yet.
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What are some alternatives?

When comparing Google Forms and Open Data Kit, you can also consider the following products

Survey Monkey - Create and publish online surveys in minutes, and view results graphically and in real time. SurveyMonkey provides free online questionnaire and survey software.

SurveyCTO - Collect data you can trust Offline or online, in the field, on the street, or in the lab.

Typeform - Create beautiful, next-generation online forms with Typeform, the form & survey builder that makes asking questions easy & human on any device. Try it FREE!

CommCare - The digital platform for impactful frontline work everywhere

Jotform - Free Online Form Builder & Form Creator

Teamscope App - Teamscope is a data collection app for field and clinical research. Create powerful mobile forms, capture data when offline and visualize it with a few clicks.