Looking for a survey tool that won’t overcharge or disappear when you need support? You’re not alone.
Alchemer (formerly SurveyGizmo) used to be a go-to. But recent reviews paint a different picture.
If you’re building surveys to collect customer insights, you need a tool that works right out of the gate, and keeps working when the stakes get high.
We’ve pulled together three strong alternatives that keep things simple.
You’ll get full access to core features under flexible pricing, and enough power to run anything from a quick questionnaire to in-depth research.
Let’s take a look:
What’s wrong with Alchemer (formerly SurveyGizmo)
Alchemer promises unlimited surveys with endless responses and easy data collection. Sounds like a dream, until it isn’t.
We dug into real customer reviews on G2 and, well, let’s just say not everything adds up:
#1 The price hike that stung
You start small, scale slowly… and then your bill explodes.
Brandon N. shared how his team went from paying under $1,000 for 8 users to nearly $8,000. That’s not inflation, that’s whiplash. “10X price increase this year,” he wrote. You can guess how that conversation with finance went.
And he’s not alone. Bhavesh N. said Alchemer trapped him on a “legacy plan” with fewer features and no clear downgrade path. He eventually jumped ship.
Nobody wants to get played. And “unpredictable pricing” reads like a trap, not a trusted partner.
#2 When your dedicated account manager disappears
You get a dedicated account manager. Or at least, you’re told you do. But several users said support went MIA when it mattered most.
One mid-market user said, “Our rep ghosted us.” Nine months of technical issues. No fix. No follow-up. Just… silence.
Another? Left hanging for six months on a basic support ticket. “Mailbox full” was the best voicemail they got.
If you’re running surveys tied to live campaigns or sensitive customer feedback, waiting months for help just won’t cut it.
#3 Self-service? Only if you have hours to spare
“User-friendly” is Alchemer’s go-to promise, but many reviewers aren’t buying it.
One said it’s “not intuitive” and hard to build logic into surveys. Stephanie S. noted that “functions aren’t labeled clearly” and basic actions take too long to figure out.
Here’s the kicker: if your audience includes non-technical users, you don’t want them hunting through menus just to launch a questionnaire.
#4 Buggy, glitchy, unreliable
Offline mode? Practically useless, says Maximiliano A. “Weeks to solve a technical issue,” he added. Another reviewer called it “very buggy”, and they were on the enterprise plan.
If you’re collecting responses at events or retail locations, this isn’t just annoying, it’s a dealbreaker.
#5 Broken reports mean broken customer feedback loops
Some tools collect feedback. Others drop it.
One reviewer said Alchemer lost data and couldn’t explain why. Reporting also drew criticism. “Poor reporting” and “not consistent” came up across multiple reviews.
When data is the currency, you don’t want to wonder where it went or what it means.
#6 Locked features, limited access
Remember those “unlimited surveys”? Turns out, not everything is unlocked. Several users said they were forced into expensive plans just to keep using the same tools they started with.
From locked logic functions to limits on question types, many small-business owners said they were stuck unless they paid up.
#7 A platform that forgot its people
SurveyGizmo had loyal fans. Alchemer? Not so much. The rebrand came with a new pricing model and a shift in direction that left many users behind.
Bhavesh summed it up best: “Greedy, unconscionable, all for money.”
That’s not just a bad review. That’s a burned bridge.
The best alternatives to Alchemer (SurveyGizmo) in 2025
When you’re running surveys to collect real customer feedback, flaky tools don’t cut it.
These three platforms are the top picks for teams who’ve had enough of Alchemer’s surprises:
#1 SurveyLab
Founded in 2009, SurveyLab is the brainchild of researchers and software engineers who wanted a tool that worked as well in the field as it did behind a desk.
It’s especially strong on internationalization and enterprise readiness. Think multi-language support, smart integrations with CRMs like Salesforce, and real-time reporting that actually makes sense.
Used by over 85,000 customers, from public institutions to global brands.
Top features
- Multi-language questionnaires with automatic browser detection
- Seamless CRM and Helpdesk integrations (Salesforce, Intercom, Zendesk, and more)
- Mobile surveys with built-in device responsiveness
- Custom themes, professional templates, and real-time analysis
- Dedicated support, including SLA, onboarding help, and on-demand consulting
Why it’s better than Alchemer (SurveyGizmo)
SurveyLab gets the basics right, and then goes further. It’s truly self-service when you want it, with expert help when you don’t. You won’t chase a support agent through a maze of ticket replies. Real humans respond fast. You’ll also get peace of mind knowing your surveys look great on any screen and in any language, always with smart data routing that plays nicely with your CRM.
#2 Google Forms
Launched in 2008 as part of Google Docs, Google Forms wasn’t built to compete with survey giants, but it quietly became a favorite anyway.
Why? It’s dead simple, tightly integrated with Google Sheets, and 100% free for basic use.
For small teams and lean businesses, Forms is often the fastest way to collect clean data without paying a cent or hitting a feature wall.
Top features
- Clean, drag-and-drop builder for quick surveys and quizzes
- Real-time response charts and lightweight analysis tools
- Integrates naturally with Google Sheets for deeper insight
- Mobile-friendly and accessible by default
- Templates for everything from event signups to customer feedback
Why it’s better than Alchemer (SurveyGizmo)
Google Forms is easy. It just works. No steep learning curve, no clunky UI, and no bill shock. For teams who care more about collecting insights than customizing every pixel, this is a fast, stable option. Perfect for internal polls or quick questionnaires, especially if your team already runs on Google.
#3 SurveyMonkey
Founded in 1999 by Ryan Finley in Portland, Oregon, SurveyMonkey basically invented the online survey space.
Now part of Momentive, it’s grown into a powerhouse platform with AI tools, respondent panels, and enterprise-grade features.
It’s trusted by names like HP and Harvard, but still friendly enough for startups and solo users. Think of it as the most battle-tested player in the game with a few new tricks up its sleeve.
Top features
- Unlimited questions and survey logic, even on individual plans
- AI-assisted question generation and analysis
- Access to a global panel of 335M+ respondents
- Specialized tools for HR, marketing, CX, and product teams
- Bank-level security and compliance features
Why it’s better than Alchemer (SurveyGizmo)
SurveyMonkey gives you power to create surveys without the pain. Smart features help you build surveys faster and extract meaning from the mess. No more patching together broken reports. You also get access to advanced targeting if you want insights from a specific audience. If Alchemer made you question your data, SurveyMonkey helps you trust it again.
Over to you
Alchemer had a head start. But for many, it’s lost its edge.
If you’re serious about collecting feedback, it’s worth making a switch that won’t slow you down.
SurveyLab, Google Forms, and SurveyMonkey each bring something different to the table.
Now it’s your move. Pick a tool that works as hard as you do.
Not sure where to start? Check out SurveyLab and sign up for a free trial now.