Gimkit vs Open Response
Gimkit
gimkit.comOpen Response
osu-mc.github.ioSide by side
| Figure | Gimkit | Open Response |
|---|---|---|
| Price from | $4.99/mo | Free |
| Free plan | Yes | Yes |
| Free trial | Yes | — |
| Open source | — | — |
| Web | Yes | Yes |
| Windows | — | Yes |
| macOS | — | Yes |
| Linux | — | Yes |
| API | — | Yes |
| Self-hosted | — | Yes |
| Plans published | 6 | 1 |
| Spec score · Student Response Systems | 8.2 (#15) | 8.7 (#9) |
| Spec score · Audience Response Systems | 7.9 (#71) | 8.4 (#40) |
| Free plan | Yes | Yes |
| Live polling | Yes | Yes |
| Purpose | Gimkit is a live learning game in which educators use kits to host review games for students. | Open Response is a free, open-source web-based classroom polling system intended to support real-time classroom engagement. |
| Quiz mode | Yes | Yes |
| Security | Gimkit says it does not store personal information on its game servers and uses secure WebSockets for real-time game communication. | The project lists FERPA-compliant SSO integration as pending. |
| Support | Gimkit provides support by email, says it responds to support emails within two business days, and currently does not provide phone support. | The project directs users to its GitHub issues and discussions for questions and additional information. |
Plans
Gimkit
- Gimkit Pro$59.88 a year
- Department$650 a year
- School$1,000 a year
- Gimkit BasicFree
- Gimkit Pro monthly$14.99 a month
- Gimkit Pro annual$59.88 a year
In their own words
Gimkit
Gimkit is a web-based live learning game in which educators host review activities for students. Teachers create kits containing questions, answers, and media, then choose a language and subject. Hosts can configure goals, late joining, nickname generation, class connections, and options specific to each mode. The service includes quiz mode and live polling. Public kits can be shared by link and searched; anyone with the link can view their questions and answers, while private kits are excluded from the School Library. Gimkit Basic generally rotates three free game modes and includes classes and game reports. Pro provides all modes, assignments, image uploads, and audio questions. Assignments let students play independently and report results, but are limited to 2D modes without teams or groups. Live games allow up to 500 students, while 2D modes allow up to 60. Gimkit Creative is free, with map storage of three on Basic, 10 on Pro, and 25 on Season Ticket. Pro is listed at $59.88 a year or $14.99 a month.
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.