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Head-to-head · Innovation software

IdeaScale vs Sideways 6

  • Updated Oct 2026
  • Both researched from official sources
  • 1 check side by side
Higher score IdeaScale #2 in Innovation software 8.8/10 Pricing on request ✓ 0 of 4 features Visit IdeaScale
Sideways 6 #6 in Innovation software 8.4/10 Free plan · 14-day trial Free planFree trial✓ 0 of 4 features Visit Sideways 6

IdeaScale leads on 0 checks, Sideways 6 on 0, and 1 is even. Who comes out ahead on the 1 yes/no, price and count check where we have data for both products. The editor score weighs everything else too.

Our verdict

  • Highest scoreIdeaScale · 8.8/10
  • Free planonly Sideways 6
  • Free trialonly Sideways 6

IdeaScale scores higher on our rubric for innovation software: 8.8 against 8.4 out of 10; our editors rank them #2 and #6.

IdeaScale is the better fit for mid-market and enterprise idea-to-project programs. Sideways 6 is the better fit for teams using Microsoft collaboration tools.

  • IdeaScale fits best

    Mid-market and enterprise idea-to-project programs

  • Sideways 6 fits best

    Teams using Microsoft collaboration tools

Advertiser disclosure: iTechGuides is reader-supported. Vendors can pay for top positions in our rankings and for a place on other products' pages, and we may earn a commission when you click some links. Bought places stand at the number bought; this page and our disclosure say so. Paying vendors may get a fuller, more detailed review from our editors, and that review can change their score. How we rank.

Side by side

Feature IdeaScale 8.8/10 Visit ↗ Sideways 6 8.4/10 Visit ↗
At a glance
Editor score 8.8 8.4
Ranking #2 in Innovation software #6 in Innovation software
Best for Mid-market and enterprise idea-to-project programs Teams using Microsoft collaboration tools
Pricing model Paid Free plan + paid
Starting price Pricing on request $3/user/mo
Free plan Not checked yet ✓ (best)
Free trial — 14 days
Deployment Cloud Cloud, Browser extension
Platforms Web Web
Support Docs Email, Community
Compliance GDPR, SSO/SAML ISO 27001, SSO/SAML
Integrations 10 integrations 5 integrations
Built for Mid-market, Enterprise Small business, Mid-market, Enterprise
Features IdeaScale 0/4 · Sideways 6 0/4
Idea submission Not checked yet Not checked yet
Evaluation workflows Not checked yet Not checked yet
Innovation portfolio Not checked yet Not checked yet
Challenge management Not checked yet Not checked yet
Specs
Listed integrations Not checked yet Not checked yet
Deployment Not checked yet Not checked yet
Our review
Pros
  • Combines idea submission, community voting, and configurable routing.
  • Tracks portfolios and supports cost estimates, proposals, and project planning.
  • AI analysis and integrations support evaluation and downstream work.
  • Microsoft Teams, intranet, web-form, and selected social submissions
  • AI-assisted improvement and similar-idea detection support evaluation
  • Enterprise workflows, expert reviews, automation, and impact analytics
Cons
  • Customized, sales-led pricing makes costs harder to compare upfront.
  • Cloud deployment may not suit organizations requiring another deployment model.
  • Support channels listed are limited to documentation.
  • Listed integrations center on Microsoft and a small set of connected channels
  • Advanced analytics and business-impact tracking are Enterprise features
  • Support is provided through email and community channels
Our verdict

IdeaScale is a workforce innovation and idea management platform for mid-market and enterprise organizations, including enterprises, government agencies, and education organizations. It gives communities a place to submit and discuss…

Read the review →

Sideways 6 is an employee idea management platform for organizations that want to collect, evaluate, prioritize, and implement ideas. Teams can run campaigns with customizable questions, accept submissions through Microsoft Teams,…

Read the review →
  1. IdeaScaleInnovation software 8.8Pricing on request
  2. Sideways 6Innovation software 8.4Free plan · 14-day trial

Strengths and trade-offs

  • IdeaScale — where it wins

    • Combines idea submission, community voting, and configurable routing.
    • Tracks portfolios and supports cost estimates, proposals, and project planning.
    • AI analysis and integrations support evaluation and downstream work.

    Where it doesn't

    • Customized, sales-led pricing makes costs harder to compare upfront.
    • Cloud deployment may not suit organizations requiring another deployment model.
    • Support channels listed are limited to documentation.

  • Sideways 6 — where it wins

    • Microsoft Teams, intranet, web-form, and selected social submissions
    • AI-assisted improvement and similar-idea detection support evaluation
    • Enterprise workflows, expert reviews, automation, and impact analytics

    Where it doesn't

    • Listed integrations center on Microsoft and a small set of connected channels
    • Advanced analytics and business-impact tracking are Enterprise features
    • Support is provided through email and community channels
  • IdeaScale8.8/10 · Pricing on request

    Connect community ideas to evaluation, portfolio tracking, and project planning.

    Visit IdeaScaleFull verdict →
  • Sideways 68.4/10 · Free plan · 14-day trial

    A Microsoft-focused idea platform with campaigns, workflows, AI assistance, and impact tracking.

    Visit Sideways 6Full verdict →

More comparisons

All innovation software comparisons → · Full ranking →

Reviewed by iTechGuides Editors · Editorial team · Updated Oct 2026

Last updated · How we research and update