Akvo Flow vs GoCanvas
Akvo Flow
akvo.org
GoCanvas
gocanvas.comSide by side
| Figure | Akvo Flow | GoCanvas |
|---|---|---|
| Price from | Free | $2.42/mo |
| Free plan | Yes | — |
| Free trial | Yes | Yes |
| Open source | Yes | — |
| Web | Yes | Yes |
| Windows | — | Yes |
| iOS | — | Yes |
| Android | Yes | Yes |
| API | Yes | Yes |
| Self-hosted | Yes | — |
| Plans published | 3 | 3 |
| Spec score · Mobile Forms Automation Software | 9.0 (#1) | 8.3 (#6) |
| Spec score · Mobile Forms Software | 9.0 (#4) | 8.2 (#18) |
| API | The documented REST API is read-only, accepts GET requests over HTTPS and returns collected Flow data for third-party applications. | The GoCanvas API supports custom integrations, and the maker says it can be used to submit data, retrieve submissions, and manage users. |
| Founded | 2006 | 2008 |
| Headquarters | Amsterdam, Netherlands | Reston, Virginia, USA |
| Integrations | Akvo says its open source platform can connect with other tools and systems using its API. | GoCanvas says it connects with over 1,000 tools, including QuickBooks Online, NetSuite, Jira, Google Sheets, Dropbox, Google Drive, Salesforce, Autodesk, SharePoint, and SAP. |
| Purpose | Akvo Flow is presented as a data collection tool for organisations that use data to drive change. | GoCanvas is a field operations platform for capturing, structuring, and acting on field data. |
| Security | Akvo says it uses SSL encryption for data transmission between system components. | GoCanvas reports SOC 2 Type 2 compliance and says customer data is encrypted at rest and communications use TLS 1.2 or greater. |
| Support | Akvo says hosted platform customers receive a support team and access to tool documentation; the listed Pro plan includes a service package. | The Essentials tier lists email, chat, and phone support; Max adds dedicated support and training. |
Plans
In their own words
Akvo Flow
Akvo Flow is a data collection tool for organisations that use data to drive change. Its online workspace lets teams create, edit, copy and store surveys, then connect enumerators’ devices and assign survey groups for a set period. Forms can capture qualitative and quantitative responses, water test results, GPS data, images, geographical shapes, barcodes and QR codes. Monitoring forms track selected data points over time. The Android app collects information offline and can upload it automatically when coverage returns or manually by USB. Flow exports data and form codebooks, and its Comprehensive report presents basic statistics and charts. The open source platform connects with other tools through an API. Roles and permissions help control team access; Akvo says data transmission between system components uses SSL encryption and users choose what to keep private or share. Flow runs on Android, web, API and self-hosted platforms. Flow Basic is free for new clients, with a 300-submission limit, one export format and one user. Flow Pro + pricing is custom.
GoCanvas
GoCanvas is a field operations platform for capturing, structuring, and acting on information collected in the field. Its drag-and-drop form builder works with low-code and no-code workflow automation, role-based access controls, conditional logic, and approval workflows. Teams can collect field data on mobile devices online or offline, then generate PDF reports and submissions. Custom dashboards track measures such as crew productivity, job costing, and performance trends. GoCanvas says it connects with over 1,000 tools, including QuickBooks Online, NetSuite, Jira, Google Sheets, Dropbox, Salesforce, Autodesk, SharePoint, and SAP. Its API supports custom integrations, data submission and retrieval, and user management. It runs on Android, iOS, web, and Windows, and offers API access. GoCanvas reports SOC 2 Type 2 compliance, encryption at rest, and TLS 1.2 or greater for communications; customers can enable HIPAA controls, including idle timeouts and restrictions on saving passwords on devices. The Essentials, Pro, and Max plans each have a three-user minimum and annual billing. Prices are $29.00, $39.00, and $49 per user/month, respectively.