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Head-to-head · Mobile Forms Automation Software

ODK vs SurveyCTO

  • Updated Oct 2026
  • Both researched from official sources
  • 2 checks side by side
Higher score ODK #2 in Mobile Forms Automation Software 8.8/10 Free plan Free plan✓ 0 of 4 features Visit ODK
SurveyCTO #4 in Mobile Forms Automation Software 8.6/10 Free plan · 15-day trial Free planFree trial✓ 0 of 4 features Visit SurveyCTO

ODK leads on 1 check, SurveyCTO on 0, and 1 is even. Who comes out ahead on the 2 yes/no, price and count checks where we have data for both products. The editor score weighs everything else too.

Our verdict

  • Highest scoreODK · 8.8/10
  • Lowest starting priceODK · $199/mo
  • Free planboth
  • Free trialonly SurveyCTO

ODK scores higher on our rubric for mobile forms automation software: 8.8 against 8.6 out of 10; our editors rank them #2 and #4.

ODK is cheaper to start at $199/user/mo against $225/user/mo.

ODK is the better fit for teams needing flexible open-source field data collection. SurveyCTO is the better fit for research teams with complex survey workflows.

  • ODK fits best

    Teams needing flexible open-source field data collection

  • SurveyCTO fits best

    Research teams with complex survey workflows

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 ODK 8.8/10 Visit ↗ SurveyCTO 8.6/10 Visit ↗
At a glance
Editor score 8.8 8.6
Ranking #2 in Mobile Forms Automation Software #4 in Mobile Forms Automation Software
Best for Teams needing flexible open-source field data collection Research teams with complex survey workflows
Pricing model Free plan + paid Free plan + paid
Starting price $199/mo (best) $225/mo
Free plan ✓ ✓
Free trial — 15 days
Deployment Cloud, Self-hosted, Mobile Cloud, Desktop, Mobile
Platforms Web, Android Web, iOS, Android
Support Email, Phone, Community, Docs Tickets, Community, Docs · 24/7
Compliance SOC 2, GDPR SOC 2, GDPR, HIPAA, SSO/SAML
Integrations 7 integrations 12 integrations
Built for Small business, Mid-market, Enterprise Small business, Mid-market, Enterprise
Features ODK 0/4 · SurveyCTO 0/4
Offline form access Not checked yet Not checked yet
Workflow automation Not checked yet Not checked yet
Signature capture Not checked yet Not checked yet
Photo capture Not checked yet Not checked yet
Specs
Mobile platforms Not checked yet Not checked yet
Submission limit Not checked yet Not checked yet
Our review
Pros
  • Collect offline and sync submissions when connected.
  • Capture GPS, images, audio, video, barcodes, and signatures.
  • Choose cloud or self-hosted deployment, with REST, OpenRosa, and OData APIs.
  • Collect data online or offline with mobile and web surveys.
  • Support complex branching and longitudinal case management.
  • Use automated quality checks, encryption, and research integrations.
Cons
  • Standard is limited to 1 active project.
  • Standard and Professional prices are listed with annual billing.
  • Enterprise pricing is not shown alongside its plan features.
  • Basic starts at $225 per month with annual billing.
  • The free community subscription is limited to 10 forms and 200 monthly submissions.
  • API access is limited on Pro; all APIs and plug-ins require Advanced.
Our verdict

ODK is an open-source data-collection suite for researchers, field teams, and organizations working in public health, development, crisis response, and environmental research. Forms can be completed offline in the Android app or on the…

Read the review →

SurveyCTO brings mobile and web survey collection, offline workflows, and data management into a platform aimed at researchers, survey firms, nonprofits, government agencies, and field teams. Its fit is clearest when surveys involve…

Read the review →
  1. ODKMobile Forms Automation Software 8.8Free plan
  2. SurveyCTOMobile Forms Automation Software 8.6Free plan · 15-day trial

Strengths and trade-offs

  • ODK — where it wins

    • Collect offline and sync submissions when connected.
    • Capture GPS, images, audio, video, barcodes, and signatures.
    • Choose cloud or self-hosted deployment, with REST, OpenRosa, and OData APIs.

    Where it doesn't

    • Standard is limited to 1 active project.
    • Standard and Professional prices are listed with annual billing.
    • Enterprise pricing is not shown alongside its plan features.

  • SurveyCTO — where it wins

    • Collect data online or offline with mobile and web surveys.
    • Support complex branching and longitudinal case management.
    • Use automated quality checks, encryption, and research integrations.

    Where it doesn't

    • Basic starts at $225 per month with annual billing.
    • The free community subscription is limited to 10 forms and 200 monthly submissions.
    • API access is limited on Pro; all APIs and plug-ins require Advanced.
  • ODK8.8/10 · Free plan

    Flexible field data collection with offline forms, review workflows, APIs, and self-hosting.

    Visit ODKFull verdict →
  • SurveyCTO8.6/10 · Free plan · 15-day trial

    A research-focused forms platform for offline collection and complex survey workflows.

    Visit SurveyCTOFull verdict →

More comparisons

All mobile forms automation software comparisons → · Full ranking →

Reviewed by iTechGuides Editors · Editorial team · Updated Oct 2026

Last updated · How we research and update