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Pricing for employee survey tools can be confusing. Complex pricing tiers, feature gating, and hidden fees make it tough to compare options. Plus, many vendors don’t even list prices online.

This guide’s for you if you’re a buyer, finance lead, or department head tasked with budgeting or procurement. You’ll get a clear picture of cost ranges, pricing models, and potential hidden fees.

I’ll also offer tips on evaluating ROI, so you can make a smart decision for your team. Let’s cut through the confusion and help you find the right tools without breaking the bank.

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Key Takeaways

Pricing varies based on features, usage, and service level; a basic plan might cover surveys, but advanced analytics or 24/7 support could cost extra

Upfront cost doesn’t reflect total cost; watch for add-ons like custom branding or integration fees that add up over time

Focus on ROI and scalability, not just sticker price; a slightly higher cost might save you money if it scales with your team’s growth

What Factors Influence Employee Survey Tools Pricing?

Selecting employee survey tools can be tricky because pricing varies based on features like advanced analytics, the number of users, and support levels. Here’s what you need to consider:

FactorHow It Affects Pricing
Number of EmployeesPricing often scales with the number of employees you’re surveying; expect costs to rise by about $1-5 per employee per month.
Contractor SupportIf you need to survey contractors as well, this may add a flat fee or a per-user charge, increasing your monthly bill by around $50-100.
Tax Filing FeesSome tools offer additional services like tax filing, which can add $100-500 annually.
Survey FrequencyMore frequent surveys can lead to higher costs, especially if you exceed a basic plan’s limits, adding about $50-200 per month.
Custom ReportingTailored reporting features can significantly affect pricing, with some services charging an additional $100-300 per month for advanced analytics or custom dashboards.

Employee Survey Tools Price Comparison

Understanding Pricing Models

When choosing employee survey tools, understanding pricing models is key to budgeting effectively. 

Pricing models, like per user or tiered subscriptions, dictate how you’ll pay, while costs may vary based on features and usage.

Here’s a breakdown of common pricing models to consider:

Pricing ModelHow It WorksWhat to Watch For
Per user or seatPay a set amount for each user accessing the toolCosts can add up quickly as your team grows
Per usageCharges based on how often or how much you use the toolSpikes in usage can lead to unexpected expenses
Tiered subscriptionDifferent levels of features and services at set price pointsMake sure the tier includes all needed features; moving up a tier can significantly increase cost
Custom quotePricing tailored to your specific needs and company sizeNegotiation may be needed, and costs may vary significantly based on customization
Pay-as-you-go or annualPay monthly or opt for an annual fee to save costsThe monthly option may be pricier overall compared to committing to an annual plan

Typical Pricing by Company Size

Pricing for employee survey tools often scales with company size, impacting your budget and feature access. Knowing what to expect helps you choose the right fit for your team:

Company SizeTypical Price RangeWhat’s Usually IncludedCommon Use Cases & Vendors
Small business$10–$50/monthBasic surveys, limited analytics; advanced features cost extraEmployee feedback, onboarding; SurveyMonkey, Typeform, Google Forms
Mid-size business$100–$500/monthAdvanced analytics, integrations; custom branding is extraPerformance reviews, engagement; Qualtrics, Culture Amp, TINYpulse
Large business$500–$1,500/monthComprehensive features, support; some custom reports add costOrganizational health, pulse surveys; Glint, Officevibe, Peakon
Enterprise$2,000+/monthFull suite, dedicated support; extensive customizationGlobal engagement, compliance; Medallia, Workday, SAP SuccessFactors

Additional & Hidden Costs to Watch For

When deciding on employee survey tools, it's crucial to consider hidden costs that can impact your budget. Onboarding fees and premium support are common surprises that inflate costs. Here’s what to look out for:

Cost TypeDescription
Onboarding/setup feesInitial setup can cost $500–$2,000; some vendors like Qualtrics charge for comprehensive implementation services.
Training or certificationsTraining for your team might not be included; fees can start at $100 per user. Vendors like Culture Amp offer paid certification programs.
Premium supportEnhanced support might be extra, costing $200–$500/month; Glint and others have tiered support options.
Integrations beyond standard setCustom integrations can add $500–$1,000; companies like TINYpulse often charge for API access beyond the standard offerings.
Usage overagesExceeding usage limits may incur charges; SurveyMonkey, for instance, charges for additional responses.
Contract minimumsMinimum contract terms can lock you in; some vendors like Medallia require annual commitments, limiting flexibility.
Compliance or legal updatesUpdates for compliance can cost extra; SAP SuccessFactors may charge for additional compliance modules, impacting your budget when regulations change.

Types of Employee Survey Tools Pricing: Subscription Plans & Upgrade Triggers

Employee survey tools often use subscription pricing with tiered plans designed to fit different needs and budgets:

  • Plan Tiers: Most vendors like SurveyMonkey and Typeform offer Starter, Pro, and Enterprise plans. Starter plans might include basic survey features, while Enterprise plans offer advanced analytics and integrations.
  • Upgrade Triggers: User limits and integration caps often trigger plan upgrades. For example, if your team exceeds 100 users or needs more than two integrations, you might need to move to a higher tier.
  • Annual vs. Monthly Discounts: Paying annually often provides a discount, typically around 10-20%. Vendors like Culture Amp and Qualtrics are transparent about these savings on their pricing pages.
  • Transparent Pricing: Some vendors clearly outline costs on their websites, while others like Glint may require contacting sales for detailed pricing, especially for enterprise features or custom requirements.

To avoid overspending, assess your current and future needs carefully and choose a plan that offers room for growth without unnecessary extras. Always clarify what's included to prevent unexpected charges.

Maximizing ROI from Your Employee Survey Tools Investment

Focusing on ROI can guide your buying decision and help you track the value of employee survey tools after implementation:

Time Saved

Automation and streamlined workflows in employee survey tools can significantly reduce manual effort, freeing up your team’s bandwidth. 

Consider what manual processes these tools will replace and how much time your team could get back. 

Ask vendors to demonstrate time-saving features in a typical use case to see potential benefits, and evaluate whether these tools can cut down on redundant tasks or simplify complex procedures—ultimately boosting productivity.

Error Reduction

Reducing errors is crucial for preventing costly mistakes. Employee survey tools can minimize manual handoffs or calculations that often lead to errors. Identify where errors happen now and how this system could reduce them.

Request vendors to show how data is validated or controlled across the platform to ensure accuracy. A reliable system can save money by preventing errors that require time and resources to fix.

Compliance Avoidance

Features that support legal, financial, or industry standards can help you avoid fines or audits. 

Determine what compliance features are built in and whether the platform supports relevant industry requirements. Ask for examples of how the tool has helped others avoid compliance gaps. 

Cross-Team Adoption or Consolidation

Replacing multiple tools with one or using a tool that multiple teams can easily adopt can reduce costs and improve alignment. Consider if this tool could replace several others and which teams would realistically use it. 

Ask vendors for rollout stories across functions to understand its potential for cross-team adoption. Consolidating tools can streamline operations and save on subscription fees, enhancing overall efficiency.

Questions to Ask Vendors During Pricing Demos

Demos are your team’s best chance to clarify pricing, dig into what’s included, and avoid surprises. Come prepared with questions to make the most of this opportunity. 

If you're considering writing an employee survey tools RFP, this is the time to ensure all your bases are covered:

  • How is your pricing structured across different plans?
  • What features are included in each tier, and what requires an upgrade?
  • Are there usage caps or overages we should be aware of?
  • What are the fees for support and onboarding, if any?
  • How does billing frequency work, and what are the renewal terms?
  • Do you charge extra for certain integrations, or are they included?
  • Are there discounts for annual payments versus monthly?
  • What happens if we need to scale up or down in the middle of a contract?

Tips for Negotiating Employee Survey Tools Pricing

Pricing is often flexible, and the more prepared you are, the better your outcome will be. Strong negotiation tactics can help your team secure better pricing and contract terms without sacrificing functionality. Consider these tips to improve your negotiation strategy:

  • Benchmark Competitors: Research what similar tools charge to use as leverage. If a competitor offers a lower price for similar features, mention it during negotiations.
  • Discount Opportunities: Ask about discounts for startups, nonprofits, or long-term commitments. Vendors often have special rates for these groups, so it’s worth inquiring.
  • Pilot Programs or Phased Rollout Pricing: Propose starting with a pilot program to test the tool. Vendors might offer lower rates for a phased rollout, giving you time to evaluate before committing fully.
  • Renewal and Lock-In Clauses: Negotiate flexible renewal terms and avoid long lock-in periods. This gives you the option to renegotiate or switch vendors if needs change.
  • Leveraging Group Buying or Procurement Support: If your company has a procurement team or is part of a buying group, use that to negotiate better rates. Vendors may offer discounts for bulk purchases or group deals.
Pro tip

Pro tip

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What’s Next:

If you're in the process of researching employee survey tools, connect with a SoftwareSelect advisor for free recommendations.

You fill out a form and have a quick chat where they get into the specifics of your needs. Then you'll get a shortlist of software to review. They'll even support you through the entire buying process, including price negotiations.

Finn Bartram

Finn is an editor at People Managing People. He's passionate about growing organizations where people are empowered to continuously improve and genuinely enjoy coming to work. If not at his desk, you can find him playing sports or enjoying the great outdoors.