It's awesome you're looking for a free survey tool! There are some really great options out there, each with its own strengths. Here's a breakdown of some of the best, to help you choose:

Top contenders:

• Google Forms: This is a super popular choice, and for good reason! It's incredibly user-friendly, and you get unlimited surveys, questions, and responses, all for free. Plus, it integrates seamlessly with other Google services. If you need something quick and easy, Google Forms is a fantastic option.  
  
   

   

   
• SurveyMonkey: You've probably heard of this one! SurveyMonkey is known for its ease of use and has a wide range of features. While the free plan has some limitations (like the number of questions and responses), it's still a solid option for basic surveys.  
  
   
• Typeform: If you're looking for something with a bit more style, Typeform is a great choice. It focuses on creating visually appealing and engaging surveys. The free plan is more limited than Google Forms, but the design aspect might be worth it for you.  
  
   

Other strong options:

• Zoho Survey: This tool offers a good balance of features and a generous free plan. You can create unlimited surveys with up to 10 questions and 100 responses each.  
  
   
• Survey Planet: This is a straightforward and easy-to-use platform with no restrictions on surveys, questions, or responses. It's a solid choice for simple surveys.  
  
   
• Crowdsignal: If you're already using WordPress, Crowdsignal is a great option. It integrates seamlessly with WordPress sites and offers unlimited surveys and questions.  
  
   

Things to consider when choosing:

• Ease of use: How comfortable are you with online tools? Some platforms are more intuitive than others.
• Features: What kind of questions do you need to ask? Do you need advanced features like logic jumps or data analysis?
• Design: How important is the visual appeal of your survey?
• Limitations: Pay attention to any limitations on the free plan, such as the number of questions, responses, or surveys.

My recommendation:

For most people, Google Forms is the best free survey tool. It's easy to use, has no major limitations, and integrates well with other Google services. However, if design is a top priority for you, Typeform might be a better fit.

Ultimately, the best way to choose is to try out a few different platforms and see which one you like best. Most of them offer free plans, so you can experiment without spending any money.

Do you have any specific needs or preferences for your survey? That might help me narrow down the options even further!

There are several excellent survey tools designed specifically for offline data collection. Here are some of the top contenders, each with its own strengths:  

Top Choices:

• KoboCollect (KoboToolbox): This is a popular and powerful open-source tool, particularly favored by researchers and humanitarian organizations. It's completely free, highly customizable, and allows for complex survey logic and diverse data types (GPS coordinates, photos, etc.). If you need a robust and free solution, KoboCollect is a great choice.  
  
   

   
• SurveySparrow: This tool offers a user-friendly interface and focuses on creating engaging, conversational surveys. It has a dedicated offline mode with automatic data syncing when you're back online. SurveySparrow is a good option if you prioritize a smooth and visually appealing survey experience.  
  
   

   
• Jotform Mobile Forms: Jotform is known for its extensive form-building capabilities, and its mobile app allows for offline data collection. It offers a wide range of features, including conditional logic, integrations, and customizable designs. If you need a versatile tool with lots of features, Jotform is worth considering.  
  
   

   

Other Strong Options:

• QuickTapSurvey: This tool specializes in mobile surveys and offers a dedicated offline mode. It's particularly useful for lead capture, customer feedback, and in-person surveys.  
  
   
• Zoho Mobile Forms: Zoho offers a comprehensive suite of tools, and its mobile forms app includes offline functionality. It's a good option if you're already using other Zoho products.  
  
   
• QuestionPro Offline Surveys: QuestionPro is a well-established survey platform with an offline survey option. It's suitable for various survey types and offers advanced features for data analysis.

For academic research, you need a survey tool that's not only easy to use but also offers the depth and features required for rigorous data collection and analysis. Here are some of the top contenders:

Top Choices:

• Qualtrics: This is a powerhouse in the survey world, widely used in academia. Qualtrics offers advanced features like complex branching logic, diverse question types (including specialized ones for research), robust data analysis tools, and excellent data security. It's a paid tool, but many universities have institutional licenses, so check if you have access through your institution.  
  
   

   

   
• SurveyMonkey: While known for its general use, SurveyMonkey also offers features suitable for academic research. It has a user-friendly interface, a wide range of question types, and good data analysis capabilities. SurveyMonkey has a free plan with limitations, and paid plans offer more advanced features.  
  
   

   

   
• LimeSurvey: This is a free and open-source survey tool that's highly customizable. It allows you to create complex surveys with branching logic, different question types, and even custom designs. LimeSurvey might have a steeper learning curve than some other tools, but it offers great flexibility for researchers.  
  
   

   

Other Strong Options:

• KoboToolbox: Primarily known for offline data collection, KoboToolbox is also a solid choice for online academic surveys. It's free, open-source, and highly customizable, allowing for complex survey designs and diverse data types.  
  
   
• Alchemer (formerly SurveyGizmo): This tool offers a good balance of features and ease of use. It has a variety of question types, good reporting features, and allows for custom scripting. Alchemer has a free trial and paid plans for more advanced features.

Several factors should influence your decision:

• Survey Complexity: How complex are your questions and logic? Do you need branching, skip logic, or calculations?
• Target Audience: Who are you surveying? Some tools are better suited for specific demographics or audiences.
• Data Analysis Needs: What kind of analysis do you need to perform? Do you need basic reporting or advanced statistical tools?
• Budget: How much are you willing to spend? Prices range from free to thousands of dollars per year.
• Integrations: Do you need the survey tool to integrate with other platforms you use (e.g., CRM, marketing automation)?
• Ease of Use: How easy is it to design, distribute, and analyze surveys with the tool?
• Mobile Compatibility: Is the survey mobile-friendly and accessible on different devices?
• Data Security and Privacy: How secure is the data collected? Does the tool comply with relevant privacy regulations (e.g., GDPR)?
• Customer Support: What level of customer support is offered?
   

Essential features often include:

• Variety of Question Types: Multiple choice, open-ended, rating scales, ranking, etc.  
   
• Branching Logic/Skip Logic: Dynamically changing questions based on previous answers.  
   
• Customization: Branding, logo placement, and design options.  
   
• Data Validation: Preventing errors in responses.  
   
• Reporting and Analytics: Generating reports, visualizing data, and exporting data.  
   
• Data Security: Protecting respondent data.  
   
• Mobile Compatibility: Responsive design for different devices.  
   
• Survey Distribution Options: Email, social media, embedding, etc.
   

• Advantages: Cost-effective, easy to use for basic surveys.  
   
• Disadvantages: Limited features, branding restrictions, potential data limitations, less robust reporting, and sometimes privacy concerns.