LimeSurvey alternative: the power you need, without a server or a long learning curve
LimeSurvey is open source, very flexible and widely used in universities and research. You can install it on your own server or pay for its cloud version. In exchange, the editor is more technical, installing and maintaining it takes know-how, and analysis usually ends up in SPSS, R or Excel. SurvIQ works in the browser from minute one and has analysis built in.
SurvIQ’s free plan today: 50 responses per month and up to 3 active surveys, with AI included.
Quick comparison
Price
SurvIQ: Free plan with no expiry and paid plans
LimeSurvey: Free if you host it; the cloud version has paid plans
Installation
SurvIQ: None, it runs in the browser
LimeSurvey: Your own server or their cloud version
Editor
SurvIQ: Visual and simple, with AI to create
LimeSurvey: Very configurable, more technical
Cross-tab filters and pivot tables
SurvIQ: Yes, inside results
LimeSurvey: Basic statistics; advanced work is exported
Export to SPSS and R
SurvIQ: Yes
LimeSurvey: Yes
Research tools (Cronbach, Aiken’s V, score ranges)
SurvIQ: Yes, Thesis Mode and free calculators
LimeSurvey: Not as a built-in feature
Full control of the server and code
SurvIQ: No
LimeSurvey: Yes, since it is open source
What we say about other tools is general and was reviewed in November 2026. Their plans change often: confirm the details on their site.
When LimeSurvey fits
- Your institution requires data to be hosted on its own servers.
- You have someone technical to install, update and maintain it.
- You need quotas, panels or very specific research settings.
When SurvIQ fits
- You want to start today, with no server or installation.
- You are working on a thesis and need Cronbach’s alpha, Aiken’s V, norms and APA tables in one place.
- You want cross-tabs and charts without exporting to another program.
How to switch in three steps
- 1Bring your questionnaireExport or copy your LimeSurvey survey into a Word, PDF or Excel file and upload it in "Create from a file". With "Import as is", SurvIQ builds the same questions without inventing anything.
- 2Review and publishAdjust question types, logic and design in the editor, then publish. Share by link, QR code, WhatsApp or email.
- 3Analyze in the same placeCross-tab filters, pivot tables, NPS and AI-grouped comments, without moving your data to another tool.
Frequently asked questions
- Is SurvIQ open source?
- The app is not, but the formulas behind its statistics calculators are published on GitHub.
- Can I move my LimeSurvey surveys?
- Yes. Print or export the questionnaire to PDF or Word and upload it in "Create from a file" with "Import as is".
- Can I export to SPSS or R?
- Yes. SurvIQ exports data ready for SPSS and R, as well as Excel and CSV.
- Does it work for a thesis?
- Yes. Thesis Mode guides you through expert judgment, the pilot test with Cronbach’s alpha, norms and APA tables.