Lyssna vs Lookback
Compare Lyssna vs Lookback features, research methods, and support. Find the best user research platform with diverse methods and instant self-service access.
What users rate Lyssna vs Lookback
Here’s how customers review Lyssna and Optimal Workshop on G2.com.
Rating | Lyssna | Lookback |
Overall rating | 4.5/5 🏅 | 4.3/5 |
Meets requirements | 8.5/10 | 8.7/10 |
Ease of use | 9.2/10 🏅 | 9.0/10 |
Ease of setup | 9.3/10 | 10/10 |
Ease of admin | 9.0/10 | 10/10 |
Quality of support | 9.2/10 🏅 | 8.2/10 |
Partner in doing business | 9.1/10 🏅 | 9.0/10 |
Product direction | 9.3/10 | 10/10 |
Why companies choose Lyssna over Lookback
Teams evaluating user research platforms consistently cite three key factors that lead them to choose Lyssna over Lookback:
Broader range of research methods. Lyssna offers comprehensive unmoderated research methods including usability testing, card sorting, tree testing, five second testing, prototype testing, and user interviews. Lookback focuses primarily on moderated and unmoderated video sessions. For teams needing diverse research methods beyond video-based testing, Lyssna provides a complete research toolkit in one platform.
Self-service accessibility. Lyssna’s self-service model lets teams sign up and start researching immediately, with pricing starting at $82/month and a free plan available. Lookback requires booking a demo and sales process before access, with pricing starting at $1,782/year for teams. For those needing to get started quickly, Lyssna removes the barrier of sales conversations.
Integrated panel access and flexible pricing. Lyssna provides instant access to 690,000+ participants with 395+ targeting options at $1 per panel credit (1 credit per minute of test length, per participant). Lookback charges $49 per participant for as-you-go panel recruitment or requires upfront purchases with plans. For teams running frequent studies or needing cost-effective participant recruitment, Lyssna’s pricing model and research panel enables more sustainable research practices.
What really sets Lyssna apart is the combination of methodological breadth, self-service accessibility, and cost-effective panel recruitment. While Lookback specializes in video-based user testing with moderated and unmoderated sessions, Lyssna provides a comprehensive research platform with diverse methods, instant access, and flexible pricing – making professional user research feasible for teams of all sizes and maturity levels.
Lyssna vs Lookback: Key differences
Pricing transparency and accessibility
Lyssna provides transparent pricing with Starter (starting at $82/month), Growth (starting at $165/month), and Enterprise options that offer clear scaling paths. Lookback requires booking a demo, with pricing starting at $299/year (Freelance) and scaling up to $4,122/year (Insights Hub). Additionally, Lyssna has straightforward $1 per panel credit pricing, while Lookback charges per participant ($49 pay-as-you-go for their panel).
Research methodology breadth
Lyssna provides unmoderated and moderated research methods including usability testing, card sorting, tree testing, five second testing, prototype testing, and user interviews, in addition to recordings – ideal for evaluating designs and validating decisions throughout development. Lookback focuses on video-based user testing through moderated and unmoderated sessions, with a strong emphasis on live observation and video feedback. For teams needing diverse research methods beyond video sessions, Lyssna offers greater flexibility.
Speed to insights
With Lyssna’s self-service model and instant panel access, teams can launch studies and receive results within hours. Studies can be created and launched immediately without sales conversations. Lookback requires a demo booking and sales process to access the platform, adding time before research can begin. For teams needing rapid validation at key decision points, Lyssna's immediate access enables faster research cycles.
Panel access and pricing
Lyssna owns and operates its research panel of 690,000+ participants with instant self-service access, 395+ demographic targeting options, and $1 per credit pricing. Lookback offers panel access with pricing at $49 per participant pay-as-you-go (Freelance plan) or discounted rates with plan purchases. While both platforms provide participant recruitment, Lyssna’s panel size and pay-per-use model offers more flexibility for varied research needs.
Lyssna vs Lookback: Feature comparison
Feature | Lyssna | Lookback |
|---|---|---|
Free plan features | ||
Seats included |  | (60-day free trial) |
Pay-per-use panel credits | | Recruit feature available on the free trial upon request |
Research | ||
Card sorting | |  |
Conditional logic | | |
First click testing | | |
Five second testing | | |
Live website testing | | |
Prototype testing with Figma | | |
Surveys | | |
Tree testing | | |
User interviews | | |
Participant recruitment | ||
Research panel access | | |
Advanced panel targeting criteria | | |
Panel credits | Pay-per-use | Pay-as-you-go |
Panel credit cost | US$1 per credit | Pricing varies depending your plan (e.g. additional participant recruitment is $31/each on the Insights Hub plan) |
Custom screening | | |
Self recruitment | |
|
AI-powered features | ||
AI generated summaries | | |
AI follow-up questions | | |
Analysis and reporting | ||
Heatmaps | | |
Video recordings | | |
CSV exports | | |
Interviews | ||
Microsoft integration | | Built-in video conferencing |
Google Calendar integration | | |
Zoom integration | | |
Video transcription | | |
Support | ||
Email support | | |
Live chat | | |
Help center | | |
Pricing flexibility | ||
Free plan | | 60-day free trial |
Entry-level plan | | |
Mid-level plan | | |
Enterprise plan | | |
Security | ||
SOC 2 compliant | | |
GDPR compliant | | |
SSO | | |
FAQs about Lyssna vs Lookback
