Akvo Flow
7.5#9 in mobile forms softwareFree planFree planAndroidWebAPISelf-hosted
Visit| Fact | Akvo Flow | Ona Data |
|---|---|---|
| Access controls | Flow provides roles and permissions for managing team members’ data access. | Users can control who shares project data and use filters to hide sensitive fields such as personal identifiers. |
| API | The documented REST API is read-only, accepts GET requests over HTTPS and returns collected Flow data for third-party applications. | Ona provides a REST-based API with no stated call limit, but reserves the right to temporarily rate limit unusually high usage. |
| Integrations | Akvo says its open source platform can connect with other tools and systems using its API. | Ona Apps support Google Sheets, RapidPro, TextIt, Tableau, and Tableau Hyper; Ona says they are included with select paid plans. |
| Offline collection | The Android app collects without network coverage and uploads automatically when connectivity returns or manually through USB. | Forms can be used on smartphones and desktops offline, and data uploads when a connection is detected or can be uploaded to a computer. |
| Security | Akvo says it uses SSL encryption for data transmission between system components. | Ona's security page says server-client connections use TLS/HTTPS and databases and backups are encrypted at rest using AES-256. |
Akvo Flow suits development organisations, including NGOs, governments, knowledge institutions, and private sector organisations, that need to collect field data. It can fit teams that need offline Android collection, survey assignments, or varied data types such as GPS, images, and test results.
Ona Data suits teams collecting field responses on Android devices or in web forms, including those who need offline collection, GPS or photo capture, or data review tools. It may also fit teams that need access controls or local hosting options for data requirements.