Software · head to head
DataSF vs PublicInput
The short version
- Only DataSF has a free tier, so it costs nothing to try first.
- They diverge on capability: DataSF covers Open Datasets, PublicInput covers Virtual Public Meetings.
Where they differ
Only the attributes on which DataSF and PublicInput actually diverge.
| Attribute | DataSF | PublicInput |
|---|---|---|
| Starting price | Free | $400/month |
| Pricing model | free | subscription |
| Free tier | Yes | No |
| Platforms | Web | Web, Ios, Android |
| Founded | 2009 | 2014 |
Identical on both: user rating (Not yet rated), category (Unknown).
What each one covers
Drawn from each product's published feature list. An absence here means we hold no record of it - not that the product lacks it.
Only in DataSF
- Open Datasets
- Data API
- Visualizations
- Data Catalog
- Automated Updates
- Socrata
- ArcGIS
- Analysis Tools
Only in PublicInput
- Virtual Public Meetings
- Online Surveys
- Comment Management
- Multi-language Support
- Engagement Analytics
- Zoom
- Microsoft Teams
- GovDelivery
Both cover
- Web support
What people use each for
The jobs each tool is most often brought in to do.
DataSF
- Citizen Servicesnot PublicInput
- Records Managementnot PublicInput
- Public Safetynot PublicInput
- Civic Engagementnot PublicInput
PublicInput
- Running public comment and community engagement programmes for local governmentnot DataSF
- Collecting resident feedback across surveys, interactive maps and project websitesnot DataSF
- Compliant public meeting management for transit agencies, DOTs and MPOsnot DataSF
Where each one falls short
Documented limitations, not opinions. Every one is a constraint you would hit in normal use.
DataSF
Nothing recorded yet. See the DataSF review.
PublicInput
- All three plans, Listen, Engage and Engage Plus, are listed as Request Pricing with no published rate, minimum or cost driver
- HTML and CSS customization, custom workflows and approvals, and external system integration with Accela and ESRI are listed as Enterprise Capabilities rather than core platform features
- Public meetings functionality is sold under a separate Meetings plan rather than being included with the Engagement plans
- Getting a plan requires booking a consultation and a tailored demo rather than self serve signup
Pricing, plan by plan
DataSF
Free- Public AccessFree
- Dataset Access
- API Access
- Visualizations
PublicInput
$400/month- Enterprise$400/month
- Virtual Meetings
- Surveys
- Comment Management
Which should you pick?
Choose DataSF if
- You need open datasets.
- You want to start without paying.
- You also want data api.
Choose PublicInput if
- You need virtual public meetings.
- You work on Web, Ios, Android.
- You also want online surveys.
Questions people ask
- Is DataSF or PublicInput better?
- Neither clearly leads. DataSF starts at Free and PublicInput at $400/month, and user ratings are close enough to be indistinguishable. Choose on capability and platform support.
- Which is cheaper, DataSF or PublicInput?
- DataSF has a free tier; the other does not. Paid plans start at Free for DataSF and $400/month for PublicInput.
- Does DataSF or PublicInput run on more platforms?
- DataSF runs on Web. PublicInput runs on Web, Ios, Android.
- Can I use DataSF for free?
- Yes. DataSF has a free tier, so you can try it without paying. PublicInput starts at $400/month.
- What is DataSF best used for?
- DataSF is most often used for citizen services, records management, public safety, civic engagement. Of those, citizen services and records management are not what PublicInput is typically brought in for.
- What can DataSF do that PublicInput cannot?
- DataSF covers Open Datasets, Data API, Visualizations, Data Catalog. PublicInput covers Virtual Public Meetings, Online Surveys, Comment Management, Multi-language Support. Both handle Web support.
Related pages
More on PublicInput
Keep looking
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