In today’s fast-paced digital world, audience engagement has evolved beyond the traditional hand-raising Q&A sessions. Modern speakers, facilitators, and educators are adopting dynamic tools that enhance interactivity and turn passive listeners into active participants. Platforms like Mentimeter and Slido have paved the way, but a new wave of alternatives offers even more powerful features like live word clouds, ranking polls, and real-time feedback.
TL;DR
Traditional Q&A formats often fall flat in keeping audiences engaged. Fortunately, a growing number of interactive platforms offer smart alternatives featuring real-time polls, fun quizzes, word clouds, and ranking surveys. This article reviews the top 6 tools speakers are using today instead of Mentimeter or Slido to level up engagement. From enterprise-friendly options to free tools for educators, there’s a platform here for every use case.
1. AhaSlides
AhaSlides is an intuitive and visually pleasing platform that brings interactivity to live presentations with ease. It offers speakers a wide range of tools including quizzes, Q&A modules, live charts, and — importantly — live word clouds, which serve as a great conversation starter.
AhaSlides excels in customizing user experience through branding and provides more template variation than several competitors. Its drag-and-drop interface is ideal for users who don’t want to fiddle with complex designs or coding.
- Best for: Teachers, trainers, webinar hosts
- Standout Feature: Templates with word clouds, spinners, and real-time leaderboards
- Pricing: Free plan with generous features; paid plans for team use
2. Vevox
Vevox has grown in popularity among corporate professionals and educators. It boasts secure, enterprise-level audience polling, offering real-time quizzes, surveys, and word clouds. With PowerPoint integration, it allows presenters to collect answers without leaving their slide deck.
The platform emphasizes accessibility and inclusivity with readable fonts and mobile-friendly design. Vevox also supports anonymous input, encouraging more honest and open feedback from audiences.
- Best for: Corporate trainers, university lectures
- Standout Feature: Integration with Microsoft Teams and PowerPoint
- Pricing: Free plan available; premium tiers unlock analytics and integrations
3. Poll Everywhere
A veteran in the engagement platform space, Poll Everywhere continues to be a go-to for live interactions. It supports open-ended polls, clickable images, ranking surveys, and — of course — dynamic word clouds that update in real time as audience members respond.
While its interface leans more toward function than finesse, it provides deep customization and granular control that experienced users appreciate.
- Best for: Professionals who need flexibility and data export features
- Standout Feature: Response moderation and advanced survey logic
- Pricing: Free for small audiences; paid tiers unlock CSV export and branding features
4. Kahoot!
Kahoot! is a game-based learning platform that adds a gamified twist to live interactions. Originally designed with classrooms in mind, the app now serves companies and events too. Kahoot’s strength lies in competitive quizzes and real-time leaderboards, but it also includes polling and word cloud features.
While it’s perhaps the most fun tool on this list, it’s also slightly less flexible when it comes to nuanced interaction like complex surveys or detailed analytics.
- Best for: Classrooms, workshops, themed events
- Standout Feature: Live quiz battles with scoreboards
- Pricing: Free for personal use; affordable business and school plans
5. Sli.do (Now Integrated into Webex)
Even though this list is about Slido alternatives, it’s worth noting that Slido itself has recently made significant changes. Now fully integrated with Webex, it has pivoted more toward corporate users, with less emphasis on solo presenters or small teams.
Its features include ranking polls, Q&A sessions, and live analytics, which work best in formal or large-scale environments. Speakers looking for a lighter, more agile option may seek alternatives like those listed above.
- Best for: Webex users, corporate conferencing
- Standout Feature: Seamless integration with video conferencing tools
- Pricing: Business-oriented; pricing may vary by company license
6. Wooclap
Wooclap is a lesser-known gem for educators and health professionals. It’s designed to align with cognitive science, aiming to make learning “stick” through engagement. It has strong support for ranking exercises, image-based quizzes, and live brainstorming.
What sets Wooclap apart is its emphasis on pedagogical design, including options for asynchronous responses, which are perfect for hybrid or flipped classrooms.
- Best for: Higher education teachers, e-learning facilitators
- Standout Feature: Evidence-based interactive question types
- Pricing: Free for teachers; paid plans for institutions
Choosing the Right Tool
Each of these platforms offers something unique. For those who prioritize simplicity and beauty, AhaSlides might be the winner. If security and enterprise integration are key, Vevox takes the lead. Educators may prefer Wooclap or Kahoot!, while data lovers could lean toward Poll Everywhere.
One important tip: No matter the tool, engagement only works when the content behind it is meaningful. Use the technology to elevate — not distract from — your message.
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FAQs
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Q: Can I use these platforms with Zoom or Microsoft Teams?
A: Yes. Most tools like AhaSlides, Vevox, and Poll Everywhere integrate with or work alongside popular video conferencing platforms. -
Q: Are there free versions of these tools?
A: Absolutely. Tools like Kahoot!, AhaSlides, and Vevox offer robust free versions that are suitable for small events or classrooms. -
Q: Which tool is best for live word clouds?
A: AhaSlides and Poll Everywhere are excellent for word clouds that refresh in real time with audience input. -
Q: How can I increase participation during ranking polls?
A: Keep the questions simple, relevant, and humorous if appropriate. Also, offer immediate visual feedback so people feel their input matters. -
Q: Are these platforms GDPR compliant?
A: Most of the tools listed, especially Vevox and Wooclap, are GDPR compliant and offer secure data handling practices.