iClicker vs StreamAlive

iClicker is a student response system for classroom polling, quizzes, attendance, reactions and feedback. Instructors can ask multiple-choice, multiple-answer, short-answer, numeric, target, formula or symbol questions, including anonymous questions. Its AI Question Creator can generate up to 50 questions and use uploaded files as context. Attendance tracking covers in-person and virtual classes; iClicker Pulse lists auto-run sessions and late-arrival tracking. An instructor gradebook provides real-time reporting on student and class performance, attendance and participation. Integrations include Blackboard, Canvas, Brightspace by D2L and Moodle, plus roster and grade sync, CSV integration and single sign-on. Students can respond through mobile or web apps or physical remotes. Instructor desktop software is available for Windows and Mac, with Windows 10 or newer and macOS 12 or newer listed as minimum requirements. The instructor account is free, while student subscription needs depend on the enrolled course. Listed U.S. student plans start at $4.99/mo; international and partner pricing requires contacting iClicker. The maker says it is part of the Macmillan Learning family and was founded in 1997.

StreamAlive turns audience chat into visual interactions during presentations, meetings and streams. Its formats include polls, word clouds, maps, tiles, spinner wheels, quizzes, Q&A and emoji interactions. On supported virtual platforms, participants respond through meeting or stream chat. Apps or add-ins are available for PowerPoint and Google Slides, with apps for Teams, Zoom, Miro and StreamDeck. Listed integrations include Microsoft Teams, Zoom, Google Meet, YouTube Live, Twitch, Kick, Restream, StreamYard, LinkedIn Live, Webex, Vimeo and Airmeet. Some integrations, including LinkedIn Live and Webex, use a free Chrome extension to read chat. AI features can create interactions, summarize responses and identify and categorize questions. Post-session analytics are included on the Free plan. The free option allows unlimited sessions for up to five participants per session. Starter costs $20 a month billed annually and allows ten sessions monthly; Pro costs $60 a month billed annually, and Scale costs $150 a month billed annually. The company says it encrypts data in transit and at rest and monitors systems around the clock.