The 6 Best Data Collection Apps [2023]

Snigdha
By Snigdha | Last Updated on April 11th, 2024 10:11 am

Data is gold. Cliché? Yes, but true too! Data collection has become an integral part of various fields, from research and inspections to surveys and compliance reports. Traditional methods are often insufficient, prompting the need for advanced data collection tools that offer more than just Excel spreadsheets or basic survey apps. To ensure effective data collection, these tools must provide features like geolocation services, offline capabilities, and seamless app integration. Here, we will explore the five best data collection apps and tools in 2023, enabling you to maximize productivity, reduce errors, and accelerate your data collection process.

What Makes the Best Data Collection Tools?

Before diving into the top data collection tools, it's essential to understand the key criteria that differentiate great apps from the rest. Here are the factors we considered during our evaluation:

  1. Unique Features: Each app should offer a standout feature that sets it apart from competitors, whether it's superior location data handling or an intuitive form builder.
  2. Affordability: We favored apps with transparent and affordable pricing, especially for larger teams. However, we also considered the quality of support available for pricier enterprise-focused options.
  3. Integration Capabilities: Effective data collection isn't just about gathering data; it's also about using it. Apps that seamlessly integrate with third-party software, APIs, and external tools make it easier to leverage collected data.
  4. User-Friendliness: An intuitive and well-designed user interface is crucial for a pleasant user experience. All the tools listed here not only provide easy data collection but also allow you to create user-friendly data collection forms.

Best Data Collection Tools

We have discussed the importance of data collection and what goes into making the best data collection apps. Now, let's take a look at the best data collection apps and tools for 2023.

  1. Fulcrum - Best for Geolocation and Custom Maps
    2. Top Features:
    • Geolocation Integration: Fulcrum offers advanced geolocation features, allowing users to work with street, satellite, and terrain basemaps.
    • Custom Map Layers: It supports custom map layers from various sources like Mapbox, U.S. Census Bureau, or USGS.
    • Automatic Geotagging: The app automatically geotags photos, videos, and audio, even in offline mode.
    • Intuitive Form Builder: Fulcrum provides an intuitive drag-and-drop form builder for creating data collection forms.
    • Data Export: Users can export collected data in multiple formats, including Excel, CSV, and Shapefile.
    • PDF Reports: It allows for the creation of PDF reports from mobile devices and easy sharing via various channels.
    Pros:
    • Excellent integration with mapping and location services.
    • Affordable starter plan.
    Cons:
    • The web app for adding data isn't as user-friendly.

    The platform features a drag-and-drop editor or templates. It supports various data types, including audio, video, signatures, and barcodes. Export data in multiple formats (Excel, CSV, Shapefile) or create PDF reports and share them. You can also explore app integrations with Fulcrum to leverage its overall potential.

    Pricing: Starts at $15/month for the Starter plan (10 GB storage).
  2. FastField - Best for Overall Ease of Use
    3. Top Features:
    • User-Friendly Interface: FastField offers an easy-to-use interface with extensive help and guidance, making it suitable for users of all levels.
    • Simplified Pricing: The pricing model is straightforward, at $20/user/month, with no tiered plans or complex features.
    • Integration Options: Users can integrate FastField with other apps through its provided API key.
    Pros:
    • User-friendly with extensive help and guidance.
    • Simple pricing model.
    Cons:
    • Costs can accumulate for larger teams without advanced features.

    The platform is ideal for those seeking an intuitive solution with straightforward pricing, making it an excellent choice for many data collection needs.

    Pricing: Free 14-day trial; $25/user/month for unlimited forms.
  3. Jotform - Best for Form-Building Options
    4. Top Features:
    • Best-in-Class Form Builder: Jotform is known for its versatile form-building capabilities, with over 10,000 templates and 100+ widgets.
    • Wide Integration Choices: Jotform integrations with numerous third-party services, expanding its functionality.
    • Offline Data Collection: Forms can be administered through web browsers or mobile apps, including offline use.
    • Flexibility: Jotform allows for various data collection types, including surveys, order forms, and more.
    Pros:
    • Best-in-class form builder.
    • Extensive integration options.
    Cons:
    • Limited automatic data collection features.

    Jotform is suitable for creating and administering forms via web browsers or mobile apps, even offline. It integrates with numerous services and allows data automation through Appy Pie Connect.

    Pricing: Free (limited); $39/month for the Bronze plan (25 forms, 1,000 monthly submissions, 1 GB storage).
  4. KoboToolbox - Best Free Data Collection App
    5. Top Features:
    • Free and Open Source: KoboToolbox is open source and offers powerful data collection features without licensing costs.
    • Data Collection Versatility: It supports various data types and works offline through an Android app or web browser.
    • API for Integration: Users can integrate KoboToolbox with other services using its API.
    Pros:
    • Free and open source.
    • Offers powerful data collection features.
    Cons:
    • Integrations may require coding knowledge.
    • Limited support on the free plan.

    KoboToolbox supports various data types and works offline through an Android app or web browser. While it lacks dedicated iOS support and polished features, it's a robust choice for budget-conscious users or those with technical skills.

    Pricing: Free for up to 10,000 submissions and 5 GB storage per month.
  5. Zonka Feedback- Best for Survey Data Collection
    6. Top Features:
    • Data Collection: Zonka Feedback offers advanced data collection software, allowing users to collect feedback with custom forms on Android Tablets, iPads, Smartphones, and more.
    • Intuitive Form & Survey Builder: Zonka Feedback provides an intuitive drag-and-drop form and survey builder for creating data collection forms and surveys.
    • White-labeled Forms & Surveys: Users can create fully customized white-labeled forms within minutes as the platform makes it absolutely effortless to take feedback on the go, even in remote locations.
    • Deploy Data: Deploy data collection forms across various channels like email, SMS, website, in-app, kiosk, and more.
    • Compare Responses:Take customer feedback from multiple locations, and compare their responses without any hassle.
    Pros:
    • Robust integration including popular CRM systems like Salesforce, HubSpot, Zendesk, Freshdesk, and more.
    • Provides a multifaceted survey platform suitable for various industries.
    Cons:
    • Zonka Feedback can work on providing other CX metrics apart from NPS, CES, and CSAT.

    Zonka Feedback is the best data collection tool that enables businesses to capture feedback anywhere with its beautiful online and offline surveys. The best part about the survey software is that it offers custom forms on any device on the go and at any remote location.

    Pricing: Offline surveys platform starts from $15/month, CX platform starts at $49/ month. You can also try Zonka Feedback for a 7-day free trial.
  6. Fluix - Best for Complex Workflows
    7. Top Features:
    • Drag-and-Drop Form Builder: Fluix features an easy-to-use form builder with drag-and-drop functionality.
    • Complex Workflow Automation: It excels in automating complex data collection tasks, including approval workflows and taskstreams.
    • Integration Options: Fluix integrates seamlessly with apps like Salesforce, Asana, and Slack, offering automation through webhooks and platforms like Appy Pie Connect.
    • Customization: Users can customize workflows and forms to fit their specific needs.
    Pros:
    • Features a user-friendly form and workflow builder.
    • Strong automation and integration options.
    Cons:
    • Overkill for simple data collection.
    • Complex pricing.

    The pricing starts at $30/user/month with a minimum of 10 users, making it costlier than some alternatives. However, it offers advanced features like conditional logic and form pre-filling.

    Pricing: From $30/user/month with a minimum of 10 users.

Conclusion

Effective data collection is essential across various industries, and these top data collection apps and tools for 2023 offer unique features to meet your specific needs. Whether you prioritize geolocation, user-friendliness, form-building flexibility, budget-friendliness, or complex workflows, there's a tool on this list to suit your requirements. Enhance your data collection processes and unlock valuable insights with these powerful data collection solutions.

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Snigdha

Content Head at Appy Pie

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