Is CliftonStrengths free? The alternatives
Updated
No, CliftonStrengths is not free: Gallup lists CliftonStrengths Top 5 at $24.99 and CliftonStrengths 34 at $59.99 (read November 9, 2026). The main free alternatives are the VIA Survey, which ranks 24 character strengths, and the basic HIGH5 test, which gives your top five.
StrengthsFinder or CliftonStrengths?
Same assessment. Gallup's page on StrengthsFinder describes it as the assessment featured in the book StrengthsFinder 2.0; Gallup now sells it as CliftonStrengths. It measures 34 themes, takes about 30 minutes, and presents pairs of statements where you choose the one that describes you best.
The free alternatives
| Price | What you get | |
|---|---|---|
| CliftonStrengths Top 5 | $24.99 | Your top 5 of 34 talent themes |
| CliftonStrengths 34 | $59.99 ($49.99 to upgrade from Top 5) | All 34 themes ranked |
| VIA Survey | Free | 24 character strengths ranked, 96 questions |
| HIGH5 | Basic test free | Your top five strengths, 120 questions |
| Friendselfie (this site) | Free | The strengths your friends see, with their stories |
If a school or employer pays for CliftonStrengths, take it: Gallup offers educator rates and bulk pricing. Otherwise, start free.
What each one is good at
- CliftonStrengths: talent themes, grouped in four domains, with a strong focus on work and teams (CliftonStrengths vs VIA).
- VIA Survey: character strengths for your whole life, based on the classification of Peterson and Seligman (2004).
- HIGH5: your top five only.
- Your friends: the outside view, from people who know you.
Add a friend's first name and get a link to text them. Each friend shares a moment, no app or sign-up. You see the strengths that come back. Free.
Ask my friendsQuestions
Is CliftonStrengths free?
No. Gallup listed CliftonStrengths Top 5 at $24.99 and CliftonStrengths 34 at $59.99 on November 9, 2026.
Is StrengthsFinder the same as CliftonStrengths?
Yes. StrengthsFinder is the assessment from the book StrengthsFinder 2.0, which Gallup now sells as CliftonStrengths.
What is a free alternative to CliftonStrengths?
The VIA Survey (free, 96 questions, 24 character strengths) and the basic HIGH5 test (free, 120 questions, your top five). Asking friends for moments adds the outside view.
Sources
- Gallup, Compare CliftonStrengths Assessment Options (prices), read November 9, 2026
- Gallup, StrengthsFinder, read November 9, 2026
- Gallup, How CliftonStrengths Works, read November 9, 2026
- VIA Institute on Character, Frequently Asked Questions, read November 9, 2026
- HIGH5 strengths test, read November 9, 2026