Best Survey Fieldwork Providers

Overview

Managed fieldwork providers become essential when your research requires complex survey programming, blended sample sources, multilingual translations, and rigorous quality assurance. The best partners offer transparency about their programming technology stack (Decipher/Forsta, Qualtrics, Sawtooth), comprehensive device testing protocols, logic validation procedures, and clear replacement policies for failed responses. They provide detailed data deliverables including crosstabs, SPSS syntax, and statistical weights with documented service level agreements.

Strong fieldwork partners also maintain robust security frameworks for handling personally identifiable information, implement sophisticated fraud detection systems, and provide real-time project dashboards for monitoring progress. While managed services cost more than DIY approaches, they significantly reduce post-field data cleaning and provide insurance against quality issues that can invalidate entire studies.

Category buckets

• Global full-service providers - End-to-end programming, sampling, and reporting with worldwide coverage
• Marketplace platforms with managed options - Programmatic access with professional service overlays
• Regional specialists - Deep expertise in APAC, EU, LatAm markets with local compliance knowledge
• DIY platforms with service add-ons - Self-service tools enhanced with professional support when needed

1. Dynata

Dynata operates the world's largest first-party panel with sophisticated machine learning quality controls that revolutionize fieldwork efficiency. Their QualityScore system analyzes 175+ behavioral and technical signals to identify and replace fraudulent responses in real-time during fielding, achieving a claimed 96% sample acceptance rate and 85% reduction in manual data checking time for clients.

• Best for: Global tracking studies and complex quota management requiring ML-driven quality assurance
• Capabilities: End-to-end sampling, survey scripting, and comprehensive reporting with brand tracking and visualization tools
• QA/IR: QualityScore machine learning with live replacement during fielding and published fraud prevention metrics
• Pricing: Enterprise model for managed services with flexible DIY options for simpler studies
• Application tip: Use automated quality assurance features to dramatically reduce manual review cycles on multi-wave tracking studies

2. Kantar Profiles (Qubed AI)

Kantar Profiles combines massive global reach (170+ million people across 100+ markets) with cutting-edge Qubed AI fraud prevention powered by five deep neural networks analyzing 300+ features per session. Their templated solutions enable rapid deployment for standard research designs while maintaining the flexibility for complex custom studies with connected data capabilities.

• Best for: Large multi-country studies requiring connected data options and advanced AI fraud prevention
• Capabilities: Premium panels with templated/assisted DIY workflows and comprehensive managed support services
• QA/IR: Qubed AI anti-fraud system with real-time detection and ISO/ICC compliance alignment
• Pricing: Enterprise positioning with templated solutions offering speed and cost efficiencies
• Application tip: Use templated brand and advertising study solutions for rapid deployment, then scale successful approaches to custom methodologies

3. Cint (Exchange/Trust Score)

Cint operates the world's largest programmatic research marketplace, connecting 800+ suppliers across 130+ countries through an always-on exchange platform. Their AI-powered Trust Score predicts and prevents fraud before it occurs, while server-to-server integrations eliminate ghost completions that plague traditional sampling approaches.

• Best for: Programmatic sampling at scale with server-to-server integrity and predictive fraud prevention
• Capabilities: Marketplace access across 800+ integrated suppliers with API/self-serve and managed service options
• QA/IR: AI Trust Score with S2S callbacks to eliminate ghost completes and ESOMAR transparency commitments
• Pricing: Variable marketplace pricing with cost efficiencies at higher volumes and managed service overlays
• Application tip: Combine marketplace efficiency with pre-survey vetting tools for low-incidence or niche audience targeting

4. Toluna (Toluna Start / QSphere)

Toluna maintains a 79+ million global panel community through their unified Start platform that seamlessly integrates quantitative and qualitative research capabilities. Their QSphere quality framework combines AI-powered analysis with human oversight and user experience optimization, all backed by ISO 20252 certification for research service quality.

• Best for: Integrated quantitative and qualitative research with ISO-anchored quality assurance and agile execution
• Capabilities: Global panel access with real-time insights platform supporting agile concept and advertising testing
• QA/IR: QSphere quality framework with ISO 20252 certification and AI-everywhere strategy implementation
• Pricing: Flexible platform-based and enterprise services pricing with rapid-turnaround efficiencies
• Application tip: Use Start platform for fast iteration cycles and seamless export to dashboard and visualization tools

5. Rakuten Insight

Rakuten Insight specializes in Asia-Pacific markets with proprietary, locally managed, double opt-in panels that understand cultural nuances and regulatory requirements across diverse Asian countries. Their comprehensive data collection services include programming, hosting, translation, and tabulation with over 100 targeting attributes for precise audience segmentation.

• Best for: APAC data collection requiring locally managed panels with cultural expertise and regulatory compliance
• Capabilities: Full programming, hosting, translation, and tabulation services with IHUT capabilities and 100+ targeting attributes
• QA/IR: Double opt-in panel management with ICC/ESOMAR Code alignment and local quality oversight
• Pricing: Cost-efficient structures optimized for Asian markets with project-based service pricing
• Application tip: Stage market rollouts by incidence rate priorities and use omnibus capabilities for rapid market pulse checks

6. Qualtrics Research Services

Qualtrics Research Services leverages partnerships with 30+ panel providers to access a 200+ million respondent pool while maintaining sampling consistency that's 47% more reliable than standard approaches. Their managed project management and dynamic dashboards provide real-time visibility into fieldwork progress and quality metrics.

• Best for: End-to-end research operations requiring sampling consistency for tracking studies and integrated dashboards
• Capabilities: Online sample management with dedicated project management and dynamic dashboard reporting
• QA/IR: Consistent sampling methodology optimized for tracking studies with documented improvement metrics
• Pricing: Enterprise services model with comprehensive project management and quality oversight
• Application tip: Use managed consistency protocols for long-running brand tracking studies requiring stable methodology across multiple geographic markets

7. Sago (Schlesinger)

Sago combines decades of traditional fieldwork expertise with modern online capabilities, offering specialized knowledge in healthcare, B2B, and consumer research. Their Methodify DIY platform provides flexibility for straightforward studies while their full-service capabilities handle complex programming including virtual shopping carts and multimedia interactions.

• Best for: Healthcare, B2B, and consumer research requiring platform flexibility and specialized industry expertise
• Capabilities: Programming/hosting with virtual shopping, multimedia surveys, and global facilities network for mixed-mode studies
• QA/IR: Anti-fraud guidance backed by established industry practices and comprehensive quality protocols
• Pricing: Services-based model with DIY options through Methodify platform for different complexity levels
• Application tip: Combine global facility access with online sampling for mixed-mode studies requiring in-person validation components

8. Prodege

Prodege operates the largest consumer panel in the US plus panels in 60+ countries, with integrated brand lift measurement and activation capabilities. Their proprietary panel approach ensures data quality while their platform combines research capabilities with specialized audience extensions like Upromise for retail targeting.

• Best for: US consumer research with integrated brand measurement and rapid programming support
• Capabilities: Proprietary panel management with brand lift measurement, activation tools, and retail audience extensions
• QA/IR: Comprehensive panel management with privacy programs and established quality control measures
• Pricing: Competitive platform and services pricing with both self-service and managed options
• Application tip: Use brand lift measurement workflows to validate advertising impact and attribution quickly across campaign cycles

9. InnovateMR

InnovateMR implements multi-layer fraud prevention including AI anomaly detection, Sentry red herrings, and comprehensive device fingerprinting. Their patent-pending Text Analyzer evaluates open-end responses in real-time during fielding, while access to the Ivy Exec expert network (2.5+ million professionals) supports qualitative research needs.

• Best for: Studies requiring deep fraud controls and expert B2B access with automated open-end analysis
• Capabilities: Global sampling and programming with Text Analyzer for open-ends and Ivy Exec expert network access
• QA/IR: Advanced AI anomaly detection with Sentry red herrings and comprehensive GEO/IP/device fingerprinting
• Pricing: Competitive sampling and services pricing based on project specifications
• Application tip: Use Sentry pre-survey gating to dramatically improve open-end response quality and reduce post-field cleaning

10. AYTM

AYTM provides access to 100+ million consumers through their proprietary PaidViewpoint panel, which remains exclusively available through their platform rather than participating in external marketplaces. Their Data Centrifuge automated quality process and advanced testing capabilities (MaxDiff, Conjoint) enable sophisticated analysis with minimal manual intervention.

• Best for: Fast DIY studies requiring proprietary panel access and advanced analytical testing capabilities
• Capabilities: Integrated sample engine with advanced testing methods, dashboard analytics, and visualization tools
• QA/IR: Data Centrifuge automated quality process with behavioral validation and 3,000+ profiling attributes
• Pricing: Transparent platform pricing with flexible services add-ons for enhanced support
• Application tip: Use proprietary panel for consistent tracking wave data while supplementing with external sources for specialized B2B requirements

11. Alchemer Panel Services

Alchemer Panel Services provides managed access to 100+ million respondents through carefully curated supplier relationships, emphasizing census balancing and data quality guarantees. Their Data Quarantine Tool identifies problematic responses while their replacement guarantee ensures usable data delivery regardless of initial quality issues.

• Best for: Managed access to diverse global audiences with census balancing and comprehensive quality guarantees
• Capabilities: Global respondent access via supplier network with census balancing and fulfillment management
• QA/IR: Data Quarantine Tool with replacement guarantee for unusable data and supplier quality oversight
• Pricing: Quote-based panel services with transparent quality and replacement policies
• Application tip: Request detailed quarantine and replacement statistics in final disposition reports to understand quality performance trends

12. Forsta (Decipher)

Forsta excels at complex survey programming through their enterprise-grade Decipher platform, supporting sophisticated question types, multimedia evaluation, and advanced statistical methods. Their sample marketplace provides flexible sourcing options while maintaining centralized hosting and analysis control for complex research designs.

• Best for: Complex survey programming and hosting with sample marketplace access for flexible sourcing strategies
• Capabilities: Advanced question types and survey programming with translation management, sampling integration, and marketplace flexibility
• QA/IR: Enterprise platform quality practices with marketplace supplier oversight and comprehensive reporting
• Pricing: Enterprise licensing and services model with marketplace sourcing options for cost optimization
• Application tip: Route niche quota requirements through marketplace suppliers while maintaining centralized hosting and analysis control for consistent methodology

13. SurveyMonkey Audience

SurveyMonkey Audience integrates 335+ million people across 130+ countries directly into the SurveyMonkey platform, enabling results delivery in as little as one hour. Their AI-powered bot and fraud detection, combined with transparent entry-level pricing starting at $1 per response, makes them ideal for rapid concept testing and market sizing studies.

• Best for: Rapid DIY research with transparent entry-level pricing and integrated quality assurance
• Capabilities: Integrated global panel with SPSS/Tableau/Power BI integrations and automated quality controls
• QA/IR: AI-powered bot and fraud detection with double opt-in requirements and panelist satisfaction monitoring
• Pricing: Transparent pricing starting at $1 per response, scaling with targeting complexity and incidence requirements
• Application tip: Keep survey length to 10-12 minutes maximum and design mobile-first to optimize completion quality and response rates

How Agent Interviews Helps

Agent Interviews streamlines managed fieldwork operations through integrated workflows that support quality scoring, deduplication, and server-to-server callbacks across multiple suppliers. Our platform handles translation management and provides seamless transcript exports in multiple formats (SPSS/TXT/SRT/JSON) to accelerate analysis workflows. Centralized field logging, quota dashboards, and comprehensive audit trails ensure governance requirements are met while providing complete project visibility and control.

Selection tips & next steps

Structure your RFP around critical fieldwork components: specify your preferred programming stack (Qualtrics, Decipher, Sawtooth), set clear incidence rate expectations with replacement policies, define translation and localization requirements, establish security posture requirements for PII handling, and document required service level agreements with deliverable format specifications. Include detailed quality assurance expectations and reporting standards to ensure alignment with your research standards.

Ready to explore more specialized options? Visit our Panels Providers hub for category-specific guidance, or check out our Survey Platforms guide for self-service alternatives when managed fieldwork isn't required.