Good Alternatives
Free/Open Source
- Taguette - Simple, but pleasant web interface supporting just basic code-and-retrieve. Supports sensitive data with a local or server install, or use their free server.
- Qualcoder - Python-based with an installer for Windows only (must run from source on Mac). More full-featured than other free options, including colors, cases, and right click menus (see a video demonstration). Accepts Word documents, pdfs, images, and video, Takes a bit of work to get started, but easy to use once learned.
- TAMS Analyzer - (MAC only) A long-available option that was recently updated. It only accepts PDF, TXT, JPG, and RTF files (which Word can save as). It visibly tags text with the codes and allows for basic code and retrieve.
- QCoder - R package with some point-and-click options (must install R first). Best for those already using R for quantitative needs and desiring some mixed methods options.
Convenient
- Excel or Google Sheets or Calc - Any spreadsheet program can do basic code and retrieve using the filter and pivot table functions which all of them have. See this video on Qualitative Analysis Using Excel (TrixieMay Racer)
- Quirkos - with student licenses $21 for 3 months with cloud storage. Non-standard but colorful and simplistic interface. Best for shorter documents.
Online: These make it easier to collaborate with others and offer per-month pricing, (~$10-20/month), good for shorter projects
- Atlas.ti Cloud - Slick and colorful, but not full-featured, this is a great software for first-time users with uncomplicated needs.
- Dedoose - Designed for mixed methods projects with fewer but more complex codes (allows ratings), this full-featured online software is a solid choice in some circumstances, especially distributed groups with somewhat complex projects, or those that would benefit from monthly pricing.
- Delve - Designed for interview or focus group transcripts, it is slick and easy-to-use with some advanced features such as participant descriptors. See education pricing.
Windows-Only
- QDA Miner - An older interface and no Mac support hinder this otherwise-solid and full-featured software. A FREE lite-version for basic features and the suite of additional software may make it worth a look, though, if your computer is compatible.
Other Options
These do not seem to have any advantages over the above at this time, unless simplicity is the primary goal or a perpetual license (for $75-200) is desired.
- f4analyse - Evolved from transcription software. Available for Linux. Very simple coding and clean interface.
- HyperRESEARCH - Mac-like multi-window interface. Easy to code and does not require a powerful computer. Demo mode for small projects.
- transana - Evolved from transcription software. Particularly good for media files.
