Microsoft Forms is a powerful tool that allows users to create surveys, quizzes, and polls with ease. It is a part of the Microsoft 365 suite, making it easily accessible for businesses and individuals alike. But the question remains, is Microsoft Forms free? In this article, we will explore the cost of Microsoft Forms and its various features.
What is Microsoft Forms?
Before we dive into the cost of Microsoft Forms, let’s first understand what it is and what it offers. Microsoft Forms is a web-based application that allows users to create surveys, quizzes, and polls. It is a part of the Microsoft 365 suite, which includes popular applications such as Word, Excel, and PowerPoint.
Microsoft Forms offers a user-friendly interface, making it easy for anyone to create and distribute surveys and quizzes. It also provides real-time responses and data analysis, making it a valuable tool for businesses and educators.
Is Microsoft Forms Free?
The short answer is yes, Microsoft Forms is free. However, there are some limitations to the free version. Let’s take a closer look at the different versions of Microsoft Forms and their costs.
Microsoft Forms Free vs. Microsoft Forms Pro
Microsoft Forms offers two versions: the free version and the Pro version. The free version is available to all Microsoft 365 users, while the Pro version requires a separate subscription.
Microsoft Forms Free
The free version of Microsoft Forms is available to all Microsoft 365 users. This includes users with a personal, business, or education account. With the free version, users can create and distribute surveys, quizzes, and polls with up to 200 responses per form.
The free version also offers basic features such as customizable themes, real-time responses, and data analysis. However, it does not include advanced features such as branching, collaboration, and advanced data analysis.
Microsoft Forms Pro
Microsoft Forms Pro is a paid version of Microsoft Forms that offers advanced features and capabilities. It is available as an add-on to Microsoft 365 subscriptions and requires a separate subscription.
With Microsoft Forms Pro, users can create and distribute surveys, quizzes, and polls with unlimited responses. It also offers advanced features such as branching, collaboration, and advanced data analysis.
How Much Does Microsoft Forms Pro Cost?
The cost of Microsoft Forms Pro varies depending on the subscription plan. There are three subscription plans available: Office 365 E1, Office 365 E3, and Office 365 E5.
The Office 365 E1 plan costs $8 per user per month and includes basic features such as email, calendar, and Microsoft Teams. The Office 365 E3 plan costs $20 per user per month and includes all the features of the E1 plan, plus advanced security and compliance features. The Office 365 E5 plan costs $35 per user per month and includes all the features of the E3 plan, plus advanced analytics and voice capabilities.
Microsoft Forms Pro is available as an add-on to these subscription plans for an additional $8 per user per month. This means that the total cost of Microsoft Forms Pro would be $16 per user per month for the E1 plan, $28 per user per month for the E3 plan, and $43 per user per month for the E5 plan.
Is Microsoft Forms Pro Worth the Cost?
The answer to this question depends on your needs and budget. If you are a small business or an individual looking to create simple surveys and quizzes, the free version of Microsoft Forms may be sufficient for your needs.
However, if you are a larger organization or an educator looking for advanced features and capabilities, Microsoft Forms Pro may be worth the cost. The advanced features such as branching, collaboration, and advanced data analysis can greatly enhance the effectiveness of your surveys and quizzes.
Other Costs to Consider
While the cost of Microsoft Forms Pro is clear, there are other costs to consider when using Microsoft Forms. These include the cost of Microsoft 365 subscriptions, as well as any additional add-ons or integrations.
Microsoft 365 Subscriptions
As mentioned earlier, Microsoft Forms is a part of the Microsoft 365 suite. This means that in order to use Microsoft Forms, you will need a Microsoft 365 subscription. The cost of these subscriptions varies depending on the plan and the number of users.
Add-ons and Integrations
Microsoft Forms offers various add-ons and integrations that can enhance its functionality. These include integrations with other Microsoft applications such as Excel and Power BI, as well as third-party integrations such as Zapier and SurveyMonkey.
While some of these add-ons and integrations may be free, others may require a separate subscription or one-time fee. It is important to consider these costs when using Microsoft Forms.
Alternatives to Microsoft Forms
While Microsoft Forms is a powerful tool, it may not be the best fit for everyone. Here are some alternatives to Microsoft Forms that you may want to consider.
Google Forms
Google Forms is a free tool that allows users to create surveys, quizzes, and polls. It offers similar features to Microsoft Forms, such as customizable themes, real-time responses, and data analysis. However, it does not offer advanced features such as branching and collaboration.
SurveyMonkey
SurveyMonkey is a popular survey tool that offers a free version as well as paid plans. The free version allows users to create surveys with up to 10 questions and 100 responses per survey. The paid plans offer advanced features such as branching, collaboration, and advanced data analysis.
Typeform
Typeform is a user-friendly survey tool that offers a free version as well as paid plans. The free version allows users to create surveys with up to 10 questions and 100 responses per survey. The paid plans offer advanced features such as branching, collaboration, and advanced data analysis.
Conclusion
In conclusion, Microsoft Forms is a powerful tool that offers a free version as well as a paid version with advanced features. The cost of Microsoft Forms Pro varies depending on the subscription plan, but it may be worth the cost for larger organizations and educators. However, there are other costs to consider when using Microsoft Forms, such as Microsoft 365 subscriptions and add-ons and integrations. It is important to weigh these costs and consider alternatives before deciding on the best survey tool for your needs.
