LimeSurvey vs SurveyMonkey
Is switching from SurveyMonkey to LimeSurveyworth it? Here's a detailed comparison of pricing, features, and ownership.
LimeSurvey and SurveyMonkey both serve surveys and market research, but they differ fundamentally in pricing and ownership. SurveyMonkey costs $25/month ($300/year), while LimeSurvey is completely free. As an open-source tool, LimeSurvey's code is publicly auditable and community-driven. This comparison breaks down exactly what you gain, what you lose, and whether switching makes sense for your workflow.
Quick Verdict
Switching to LimeSurvey saves you $300/year — $900 over 3 years
SurveyMonkey costs
$300/yr
3-year cost
$900
LimeSurvey costs
Free (self-hosted)
Best for
- +Researchers
- +Enterprise surveys
- +Users who need advanced features
Not ideal for
- −Users who want quick simple surveys
- −Non-technical users
Feature Comparison
| Feature | SurveyMonkeySubscription | LimeSurveyAlternative |
|---|---|---|
| Pricing | $25/mo $300/year | Free |
| Platforms | Web, Desktop (typical) | WebSelf-hosted |
| Offline Support | Limited (typical) | Requires internet |
| Open Source | No | ✓Open source |
| Ownership | Renting | Full ownership |
| Cloud Dependency | High (typical) | No cloud needed |
| Migration | — | Medium |
Pricing
SurveyMonkey
$25/mo
$300/year
LimeSurvey
FreePlatforms
SurveyMonkey
Web, Desktop (typical)LimeSurvey
Offline Support
SurveyMonkey
Limited (typical)LimeSurvey
Requires internetOpen Source
SurveyMonkey
NoLimeSurvey
✓Open sourceOwnership
SurveyMonkey
RentingLimeSurvey
Full ownershipCloud Dependency
SurveyMonkey
High (typical)LimeSurvey
No cloud neededMigration
SurveyMonkey
—LimeSurvey
MediumSwitching Analysis
+What you gain with LimeSurvey
- +25+ question types
- +Self-hostable
- +No response limits
- +Branching logic
−What you lose
- −Dated UI
- −Complex setup
- −Steeper learning curve
Who Should Switch?
✓Good candidates for LimeSurvey
- +Researchers
- +Enterprise surveys
- +Users who need advanced features
✗Should keep using SurveyMonkey
- −Users who want quick simple surveys
- −Non-technical users
Migration Guide
Switching from SurveyMonkey to LimeSurvey is rated as medium. Here's how to make the move:
Export your data
Go to SurveyMonkey's settings and export your data in CSV, PDF, or native format. Most tools support bulk export.
Install LimeSurvey
Download LimeSurvey from the official website. It's completely free to use.
Import and configure
Import your exported data into LimeSurvey. Set up your preferences, shortcuts, and workflows to match your existing setup.
Run in parallel
Use both tools side-by-side for a week or two. This lets you verify everything works before fully switching.
Cancel subscription
Once you're confident LimeSurvey meets your needs, cancel your SurveyMonkey subscription. You've escaped the subscription!
Frequently Asked Questions
Is LimeSurvey a good alternative to SurveyMonkey?
Yes, LimeSurvey is a solid alternative to SurveyMonkey. It offers free access with open source code, making it a great choice for users looking to escape subscriptions. LimeSurvey handles the core functionality that most SurveyMonkey users rely on daily.
How much can I save by switching from SurveyMonkey to LimeSurvey?
Switching from SurveyMonkey ($300/year) to LimeSurvey (Free (self-hosted)) can save you approximately $300 per year, or $900 over three years. The savings start immediately with zero upfront cost.
What do I lose by switching from SurveyMonkey to LimeSurvey?
The main trade-offs include: Dated UI, Complex setup, Steeper learning curve. However, LimeSurvey still covers the core functionality most users need. The gaps are typically in advanced features and ecosystem integrations, not daily-use capabilities.
Can I migrate my data from SurveyMonkey to LimeSurvey?
Yes. Most SurveyMonkey data can be exported in standard formats (CSV, PDF, or native format) and imported into LimeSurvey. The migration difficulty is rated as medium, so it may take some effort.
Is LimeSurvey really free?
Yes, LimeSurvey is completely free to use and open-source. There are no hidden costs, no premium tiers, and no feature restrictions for core functionality.
Does LimeSurvey work on the same platforms as SurveyMonkey?
LimeSurvey is available on web, self hosted. Check the official website for the most up-to-date platform support.
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Ready to stop renting SurveyMonkey?
LimeSurvey is a free alternative that lets you own your tools.