Side by side
Ombea vs Top Hat
Both stand on audience response systems. Which one you can start free with, which one lets you read the code, and what each costs once you pay.
Paid AndroidiPhoneMac+2
Ombea combines broad feedback collection with centralized analytics, AI prioritization, and frontline workflows. Its quote-based pricing and Office desktop requirement for PowerPoint users should be checked before adoption.
Visit Ombea Free trial AndroidiPhoneWeb
Top Hat combines classroom interaction, course materials, assessment tools, and student progress insights. Student access options cover different terms, while institutional plans require custom pricing.
Visit Top HatThe facts
| Ombea | Top Hat | |
|---|---|---|
| Free plan | Not published | Not published |
| Open source | Not published | Not published |
| Runs on | Android, iPhone, Mac, Web, Windows | Android, iPhone, Web |
| Lowest paid plan | ExpressPod small feedback terminal: $35 a month | See the plans |
| Plans published | 1 | 8 |
| Maker | Ombea | Top Hat |
| Website | ombea.com | tophat.com |
| On audience response systems | #101 of 118 | #97 of 118 |
Ombea: what it does well
- Collects feedback across many digital and physical channels
- Central analytics across outlets and feedback sources
- AI guidance turns feedback into priorities
- Supports live polls, quizzes, and anonymous responses
- Terminal models offer customizable mounting and designs
What to know first
- General pricing is available only on request
- PowerPoint response requires Microsoft Office desktop software
- Office 365 support excludes Store and browser versions
Top Hat: what it does well
- Live polls, quizzes, discussions, and feedback
- Supports interactive homework and digital textbooks
- AI tools generate questions from course content
- Integrates with five named learning-management systems
- Available on web, iOS, and Android
What to know first
- Department and institution pricing is custom
- Free trial applies to eligible paid courses
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