LimeSurvey PRO vs LimeSurvey CE

Introduction

Before starting the discussion about LimeSurvey PRO (LimeSurvey Professional) and LimeSurvey CE (LimeSurvey Community Edition), it is important to understand the difference between LimeSurvey and LimeSurvey GmbH. The first refers to the web server-based software that is distributed under the GNU General Public License v2 (GPL v2), while the latter refers to the company that was build around the LimeSurvey software in order to better cordinate the development of LimeSurvey and provide different LimeSurvey paid services (e.g. hosting, personalized templates, addons, technical support, and so on).

To read more about the license of LimeSurvey, access the following link: https://www.limesurvey.org/about-limesurvey/license.

Due to its license, LimeSurvey is an open-source software that can be used, modified, and distributed for commercial, private, and educational purposes by anyone. With the exception of the name and logo which are trademarked, the software can be used in any desired way. For example, there is no problem to use LimeSurvey in order to create and distribute questionnaires regarding the evaluation of a university class or professor or to install it on a personal server and conduct online or offline marketing research for the company you work for.

LimeSurvey is an open-source software. This means that its code is fully disclosed. To access it, check the following GitHub link: https://github.com/LimeSurvey/LimeSurvey

In order to install LimeSurvey on your personal computer (for development reasons) or on your server, a minimal set of requirements needs to be met in order to have LimeSurvey up and running. For an exhaustive step-by-step explanation on how to install LimeSurvey, read our installation guideline.

However, some of you might find consider that the installation process is a time-consuming task. Moreover, server administration knowledge might be required in order to avoid possible gridlocks. Hence, LimeSurvey GmbH offers different services built around the capabilities of the LimeSurvey software and the users' needs. For example, LimeSurvey GmbH offers PRO hosting services in order to help users provide direct access to an up-and-running LimeSurvey installation.

LimeSurvey PRO vs LimeSurvey CE

LimeSurvey PRO vs LimeSurvey CE - Summary

LimeSurvey PRO	LimeSurvey CE
The hosting is provided by LimeSurvey. The creation of an up-and-running installation should not take more than 5 minutes.	Made to be self-hosted.
Four available types of subscription: FREE, BASIC, EXPERT, and ENTERPRISE.	Freemium & Premium versions available.
It always uses the latest stable version of LimeSurvey	You get access not only to the latest releases but also to the older ones. It is your choice which one you wish to use.
Technical support included for the paid packages	Technical ComfortUpdate support included for the premium packages.
Contains all features that makes LimeSurvey great.	Contains all features that makes LimeSurvey great.
LimeSurvey PRO comes with response and storage usage buttons due to the limitations imposed by the subscription packages.	LimeSurvey CE doesn't contain such buttons, its limitation being represented by the amount of space allocated from the personal server to the LimeSurvey-related tasks.
No server access. This means that no third-party plugins/extensions can be added to your LimeSurvey installation.	If you own your server, you have full access to your LimeSurvey installation. You can start tweaking it and further enhance it by adding additional extensions/add-ons.
The ComfortUpdate tool is utilized to upgrade the LimeSurvey installation.	The ComfortUpdate tool is utilized to upgrade the LimeSurvey installation. The update can be done also manually.
Save precious time by using our available hosting and avoiding any effort with your own hardware.	Ideal for hands-on people with technical knowledge.
Reliable response inflow due to a self-renewing subscription system.	The only limitation is related to your server and its configuration.
Full flexibility due to a cancellation period of only 3 days until the date of renewal.	The software is hosted on your servers. There is no business contact between you and LimeSurvey GmbH.

To download the LimeSurvey software, access The Project menu from the LimeSurvey main toolbar and click on the Download option. The following page will load up:

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- LimeSurvey Pro (Professional) – If you click on the CREATE INSTALLATION BUTTON, you will be first asked to create a LimeSurvey.org account through which you can access your online LimeSurvey installation. If you wish to use our hosting services, continue reading the following wiki section: LINK - LimeSurvey CE (Community Edition): It allows you to download the LimeSurvey software, archived in a different formats and also in an executable file (usually is the latest link). Use it if you would like to install LimeSurvey on your own server or on your personal computer for personal testing. It is ideal for hands-on people with technical knowledge. You will see that the LimeSurvey CE is divided into stable releases and development releases. For a rock-solid software, go for stable release. However, if you would like to test the new features and you can easily solve potential bugs, go for the development release.

To get access to the last software developments, follow us on GitHub

- Templates: You may find here example surveys, label sets, and question templates in various languages. All the templates are community-made. You can also contribute by uploading your work and make it publicly available to the other users. - Extensions: LimeSurvey supports plugins and extensions. By clicking on the see extensions button, you get access to a directory that contains all the LimeSurvey third-party extensions (your own contribution can also be listed here)