DirectPoll vs Open Response
DirectPoll
directpoll.comOpen Response
osu-mc.github.ioSide by side
| Figure | DirectPoll | Open Response |
|---|---|---|
| Price from | 1.67 CHF/mo | Free |
| Free plan | — | Yes |
| Free trial | — | — |
| Open source | — | — |
| Web | Yes | Yes |
| Windows | Yes | Yes |
| macOS | Yes | Yes |
| Linux | — | Yes |
| API | — | Yes |
| Self-hosted | — | Yes |
| Plans published | 1 | 1 |
| Spec score · Student Response Systems | 7.4 (#40) | 8.7 (#9) |
| Spec score · Audience Response Systems | 7.0 (#112) | 8.4 (#40) |
| Free plan | Yes | Yes |
| Live polling | Yes | Yes |
| Quiz mode | Yes | Yes |
Plans
In their own words
DirectPoll
DirectPoll has no write-up on Specifiction yet; its figures are above.
Open Response
Open Response is free, open-source polling software for real-time classroom engagement. Instructors can run polls with multiple-choice and multiple-answer questions, and participants receive live feedback through WebSockets. The project also lists quiz mode, grading, analytics, and role-based access for students, instructors, and administrators. It includes a RESTful API and a WebSocket server. Canvas compatibility comes through CSV export of participation and grades. Open Response is listed for web, Linux, macOS, and Windows, and institutions can self-host it on a server with Docker and Docker Compose. Its interface is described as responsive and mobile-ready. The project was founded in 2021 and is targeting small-scale beta testing in the 2026–2027 academic year. Several items remain incomplete or planned: open-ended, sketch, and location questions are unsupported; roster management and email notifications are in development; test coverage is incomplete; and WCAG 2.1 AA compliance and FERPA-related SSO work are pending.