NCSS vs Pearson Live Response
NCSS
ncss.comPearson Live Response
pearson.comSide by side
| Figure | NCSS | Pearson Live Response |
|---|---|---|
| Price from | $29.08/mo | Free |
| Free plan | — | Yes |
| Free trial | Yes | — |
| Open source | — | — |
| Web | — | Yes |
| Windows | Yes | — |
| Plans published | 8 | 2 |
| Spec score · Statistics Learning Software | 8.4 (#4) | 7.8 (#6) |
| Founded | 1981 | 1844 |
| Headquarters | Kaysville, Utah, USA | London, United Kingdom |
| Purpose | NCSS provides statistical and graphics tools to analyze and visualize data. | Live Response is a classroom engagement tool that gives instructors real-time insight into student understanding and participation. |
| Support | NCSS offers technical support from PhD statisticians by phone and email; its support page lists regular business hours as 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Mountain Time, Monday through Friday. | Pearson offers educator support and invites instructors to contact an expert about Live Response. |
Plans
NCSS
- 1-Year Single-User NCSS Subscription License$349 a year
- 2-Year Single-User NCSS Subscription License$649 a year
- 3-Year Single-User NCSS Subscription License$949 a year
- Single-User Non-Expiring NCSS 2026 License$1,195 a month
- NCSS 1-Year Single-User Subscription License$349 a year
- NCSS 2-Year Single-User Subscription License$649 a year
- NCSS 3-Year Single-User Subscription License$949 a year
- NCSS 2026 Single-User Non-Expiring License$1,195, paid once
Pearson Live Response
- MyLab & Mastering included accessFree
- StandalonePriced on request
In their own words
Pearson Live Response
Pearson Live Response is a web-based classroom engagement tool that shows instructors student understanding and participation in real time. Instructors can create, reuse, or adapt sessions, use Pearson content, or build questions with a drag-and-drop planner. Supported formats include multiple choice, written, matching, hotspot, and composite sketch questions. Live charts, word clouds, and visual overlays display responses as they arrive. During a lesson, instructors can pause, discuss, and resend questions, while a scoring slider balances participation and correctness. Geofencing and unique session codes connect participation to the physical classroom. End-of-session reports show class trends, individual responses, and participation levels. Live Response is built into Pearson MyLab and Mastering, and students can join from any device without downloading an app or completing extra setup. Student access through those products costs nothing, with no additional charge. A standalone version is available through Pearson with pricing on request. Current Learning Catalytics users can continue running sessions, and Pearson offers transition-planning help.