Best free online survey tools

Red question mark made out of the letters of question

Whether you're seeking customers' views on new products, comments on a new website design, or merely input from staff on venues for the company's Christmas party, online surveys can provide you with valuable, near-instant feedback.

There are several survey tools including a couple of those on test here that will charge your business hundreds of pounds per year, but what can you get for free? In this round-up, we've tested the free options from three of the leading online survey providers, to show you exactly what you can and can't do without signing up for a subscription. For many businesses, these free tools may provide all they need.

One word of warning: take great care if you're planning to collect customers' personal data with such online survey tools. Businesses have a legal responsibility to safeguard customers' data, and you will need to ensure that such tools comply with your data policy and are adequately secured (i.e. with strong passwords) before even attempting to collect data such as email addresses, telephone numbers etc.

Turn the page for our take on three of the services out there - Google Forms, KwikSurveys and SurveyMonkey

Barry Collins

Barry Collins is an experienced IT journalist who specialises in Windows, Mac, broadband and more. He's a former editor of PC Pro magazine, and has contributed to many national newspapers, magazines and websites in a career that has spanned over 20 years. You may have seen Barry as a tech pundit on television and radio, including BBC Newsnight, the Chris Evans Show and ITN News at Ten.