Free Alternatives to Maze card sorting tools for 2024
Although the Maze platform offers comprehensive solutions to optimize UX, it is not perfect and is missing some advanced features for deeper analysis. In this article, we’ll present you the list of Maze card sorting alternatives but also describe their features and how they differ from Maze.
When selecting a card sorting software, there’s a lot to consider: the ease of sharing your study with respondents, the types of card sorts available within the tool, the quality of their analytics etc.. Moreover, not all these tools provide a FREE version, which is perfect for diving into a basic card sorting exercise without spending extra money.
Below are some of my top picks for great Maze card sorting alternatives. I hope it’s useful to you in selecting the right tool for your situation.
Best Alternatives to Maze online card sorting tools & software for 2024:
1. UXtweak
I have to say, this tool is one of my favorites! It’s super easy to use for creating and managing your card sorting exercises online. You can share your exercise with respondents using a link or their website widget, and you even have the option to reward them.
They offer all types of card sorting, open, hybrid and closed, and you can even do card sorting with images. You can also customize in-study questionnaires to gather additional insights. This ensures that only participants who match your target audience criteria can proceed with your UX research.
Wrap up:
Card Sorting types: Open, Closed, Hybrid, Image
- You can run both moderated and unmoderated card sorting studies
- They offer help with recruiting, but you can also invite your own participants for free
- Advanced analytics: Standardization grid, results matrix and popular placements matrix
Pricing
- Starter Plan – free plan
- Paid plans – starting at $59/month
Overall rating 
*rating retrieved from capterra software rating website
Five quantitative and qualitative tools are included in the Optimal Workshop package to support your user research. Among these, OptimalSort stands out as a specialized program designed specifically for card sorting tasks.
Optimal Workshop offers a great card sorting tool for all needs, supporting all the card sorting types, except the image one.
Card Sorting types: Open, Closed, Hybrid
- Easy to set-up a study
- Multiple recruiting options
- Real-time results and analytics
Pricing
- Starter Plan – limited testing options
- Paid plans – starting at $191/month
Overall rating
*rating retrieved from capterra software rating website
This tool is also quite a good alternative to the Maze platform. However, the pricing is a bit higher than your average card sorting tool , so it might be wise to explore some more budget-friendly alternatives. They offer support for both closed and open card sorting, which is great.
Additionally, they can tailor the pricing based on your specific needs. Nonetheless, it could be a good fit for your company or project. That said, I do wish there was clearer guidance on how to effectively set up card sorting exercises using their product.
Card Sorting types: Open, Closed, Hybrid
- Full customization of card sorting studies
- Intuitive interface
- Great exporting options, customized reports
Pricing
- Starter Plan – 14-day trial version
- Paid plans – starting at $250/month
Overall rating
*rating retrieved from capterra software rating website
The tool appears quite outdated, with a UI that lacks intuitiveness. A new version is expected to be launched by the end of the year. One highlight is the availability of a functional demo, allowing you to test it out seamlessly without the need to register. It supports both open and closed card sorting, and even allows use of images within cards.
Card Sorting types: Open, Closed, Hybrid
- Features such as sub-groups, save & return and card duplication
Pricing
- Starter Plan – 10 responses per project
- Professional – $49,95/month
Overall rating
*rating retrieved from capterra software rating website
This free online card sorting tool does its job well. However, you may encounter restrictions when it comes to analyzing data or incorporating images into your cards. In general, if you’re on a tight budget and don’t need data output integration with other products or services, it might be a good option.
Card Sorting types: Open, Closed, Hybrid
- Responsive design
- Unlimited free usage
- Password security
Pricing
- Starter Plan – this tool is completely free
Overall rating
*rating retrieved from capterra software rating website
6. Miro
For conducting an online card sort without going over budget on expensive tools, this platform is a great choice. Although it doesn’t have a specific tool for sorting cards, Miro makes collaboration easy. All you have to do is ask your testers to come to your board and sort the cards. But be advised that you will need to conduct your own independent analysis of the data as the software does not produce analytics after sorting.
Card Sorting types: Open, Closed, Hybrid
- Mind mapping, brainstorms, and flow documentation for applications
- Workshop Collaboration
- Visual Project management
Pricing
- Starter Plan – always free
- Paid plans – starting at $8/month per member
Overall rating
*rating retrieved from capterra software rating website
Card sorting is still one of Useberry’s many capabilities, even if its primary focus is prototype analytics without coding. It may still be a good choice for you even though it only supports the two primary card sorting methods. Considering its pricing range, the application has a good interface and provides a limited free plan.
Card Sorting types: Open, Closed
- User-friendly interface
- Comprehensive reporting and analytics
Pricing
- Free Plan – at no cost
- Paid plans – starting at $67/month
Overall rating
*rating retrieved from capterra software rating website
This tool is free, which is wonderful news. Unfortunately, it isn’t an internet-based tool. If it suits your needs, it’s worth giving it a try. They offer semi-open, closed, and open assessments, along with the ability to utilize sub-groups and present statistical findings.
Card Sorting types: Open, Closed, Hybrid
- Statistical results (cluster tree, distance table, etc.)
- Fully integrated with Mac
Pricing
- Free Plan – only for Mac
Overall rating
*rating retrieved from capterra software rating website
That’s it!
While the Maze platform offers robust UX optimization solutions, exploring Maze card sorting alternatives can provide additional features tailored to specific needs. I hope this overview assists you in finding the perfect fit for your unique situation.
Want To Learn More About Card Sorting?
Check Out Our List Of Tips&Tricks To Help You Start