ODK
Mobile forms automation software
Survey software
- Features
- Ease of use
- Ease of management
- Quality of support
- Affordability
- Market presence
Take the quiz to check if ODK and its alternatives fit your requirements.
$199 per month
Free Trial unavailable
Free version
Small
Medium
Large
- Public sector and nonprofit organizations
- Agriculture, fishing, and forestry
- Education and training
What is ODK
ODK (Open Data Kit) is an open-source suite for building and deploying mobile data-collection forms, commonly used for surveys and field data capture in low-connectivity environments. It supports offline-first Android data collection and server-based aggregation for teams running research, monitoring and evaluation, and operational field programs. ODK emphasizes standards-based form design (XForms) and extensibility through a modular toolset (e.g., Collect, Central). It is typically adopted by organizations that need configurable forms, device-based workflows, and self-hosting options.
Offline-first mobile data capture
ODK Collect is designed for fieldwork where connectivity is intermittent or unavailable, with data stored locally and submitted when a connection is available. It supports common field requirements such as required fields, constraints, and repeat groups to reduce incomplete submissions. This makes it suitable for enumerator-led surveys and operational inspections in remote settings. The Android app model also aligns with large-scale deployments using managed devices.
Open-source and self-hostable
ODK is open source, and ODK Central can be self-hosted, which can help organizations meet internal security, data residency, or procurement requirements. Teams can inspect code, control upgrade timing, and integrate with existing infrastructure. This can be a differentiator versus tools that are primarily SaaS-only. The open ecosystem also supports community-driven extensions and integrations.
Flexible form logic and standards
ODK forms are typically authored using XLSForm and compiled to XForms, enabling complex skip logic, calculations, and validation rules. It supports a range of question types and can capture structured data suitable for downstream analysis. The standards-based approach improves portability and reduces lock-in to a proprietary form definition. It also enables reuse of existing form assets across projects and teams.
Steeper setup and administration
Self-hosting ODK Central requires server administration skills (deployment, backups, updates, and monitoring). Even when using hosted options, configuring projects, roles, and device workflows can be more involved than lightweight form tools. Organizations without technical staff may need implementation support. This can lengthen time-to-value for smaller teams.
Limited native workflow automation
ODK focuses on data collection and submission rather than end-to-end business process automation. Advanced workflow steps (approvals, multi-stage routing, document generation, or complex task management) often require external systems or custom integration. Reporting and dashboards are typically handled via exports or BI tools rather than being fully native. Teams seeking a single platform for forms plus workflow may find gaps.
Primarily Android-centric collection
ODK Collect is an Android application, which can be a constraint for organizations standardized on iOS devices. Web-based data entry exists (e.g., Enketo integration in many ODK deployments), but the core mobile field experience is strongest on Android. Mixed-device fleets may require additional planning and support. This can affect BYOD programs and certain regulated device environments.
Plan & Pricing
| Plan | Price | Key features & notes |
|---|---|---|
| Standard | $199 per month (monthly billing) — save up to 20% when billed yearly | 1 active project; Unlimited forms; Unlimited users; 10,000 monthly submissions; Standard features (powerful forms, online & offline, real-time dashboards); Standard support: 3 business days via email. |
| Professional | $499 per month (monthly billing) — save up to 20% when billed yearly | 1 active project; Unlimited forms; Unlimited users; 25,000 monthly submissions; Professional features (Entities to flow data between forms, API access); Professional support: 1 business day via email. |
| Enterprise | Custom pricing | 10+ active projects; Unlimited forms; Unlimited users; 100,000+ monthly submissions; Enterprise features: single sign-on, custom domain, uptime SLA, success manager; Enterprise support: <24 hours via phone. Contact sales. |
Add-ons & notes:
- Basic add-on: $199/month if paid yearly, or $249/month if paid monthly. Includes 1 project + 10K monthly submissions.
- Refund: Full refund available within 14 days of payment (per official site).
- ODK is open-source and can be self-hosted for free (see docs.getodk.org).
Seller details
ODK (Open Data Kit) project
Open Source
https://getodk.org/
https://x.com/getodk
https://www.linkedin.com/company/open-data-kit/
