iClicker

iClicker is a student response system for classroom engagement, with tools for polling, quizzes, attendance, reactions and feedback. Instructors can ask multiple-choice, multiple-answer, short-answer, numeric, target, formula, symbol or anonymous questions. Its AI Question Creator can generate up to 50 questions using uploaded files as context. Students can respond through the mobile app, student web app or physical iClicker remotes. Attendance tools cover in-person and virtual classes; iClicker Pulse lists automatic session starts and late-arrival tracking. The instructor gradebook provides real-time reporting on student and class performance, attendance and participation. Integrations include Blackboard, Canvas, Brightspace by D2L and Moodle, as well as roster and grade synchronization, CSV integration and single sign-on. Students can use Apple and Android phones, while the instructor desktop software is available for Windows and Mac, with Windows 10 or newer and macOS 12 or newer listed as minimum requirements. Instructors have a free account. Student plans listed for U.S. customers start at $4.99/mo, and the enrolled course determines whether a subscription is needed. iClicker was founded in 1997 and is part of the Macmillan Learning family.

iClicker combines live classroom responses with attendance tracking and instructor reporting. Students should check which subscription their course requires; instructors have a free account.

iClicker suits instructors who want classroom polling, attendance and participation reporting, and students responding by app, web or remote. Institutions can consider its listed learning management system integrations and instructor support options.

iClicker is a classroom response system for instructors who want polling, quizzes, attendance, and participation reporting in one teaching workflow. Its range of response options is a clear strength, but students should confirm their course’s subscription requirements and costs before choosing it.

Overview

Instructors can use iClicker for live polls, quizzes, reactions, attendance, and feedback, then review student and class performance in a real-time gradebook. Students can participate through mobile apps, a web app, or physical remotes, so classroom response is not limited to students with a phone in hand. The course-based subscription requirement makes the student buying decision less predictable than a straightforward individual app purchase.

Founded in 1997, iClicker is part of the Macmillan Learning family. Its mix of classroom interactions and attendance records suits courses where instructors need both engagement and participation tracking.

Key features

Question types include multiple-choice, multiple-answer, short-answer, numeric, target, formula or symbol, and anonymous prompts. That breadth lets instructors collect more than quick right-or-wrong responses; anonymous questions can also invite candid feedback. Quiz mode and slide integrations fit those interactions into classroom instruction.

The AI Question Creator can generate up to 50 questions and use uploaded files as context, which may help instructors prepare question sets. Attendance covers in-person and virtual classes. Pulse adds auto-run sessions and late-arrival tracking, while the instructor gradebook reports on performance, attendance, and participation in real time.

Integrations include Blackboard, Canvas, Brightspace by D2L, and Moodle, along with roster and grade sync, CSV integration, and single sign-on. Those options can connect classroom activity with course administration, particularly for instructors already using a supported LMS.

Security features include AWS hosting, firewall protection, segregated Virtual Private Cloud architecture, and third-party penetration testing. iClicker states that it complies with FERPA and FIPPA and holds 1EdTech Data Privacy Certification. Its mobile and web platforms have been independently audited to meet WCAG 2.1 AA standards. Support includes articles, tutorials, customer support, training, and access to specialists.

Pricing

iClicker is freemium, but a student’s enrolled course determines whether a subscription is required. Listed prices apply to U.S. customers; international and partner pricing requires contacting iClicker.

Pulse is the narrower choice for students who need attendance features, while Pro adds polling, quizzes, sync, assignments, and study tools. The 12-month options are billed annually, and their listed monthly prices are higher than the corresponding 6-month options. Instructors can use a free account; students should verify which tier their course requires before paying.

Platforms

iClicker supports Android, iOS, macOS, web, and Windows. The student mobile app supports Apple and Android smartphones, and students can also use the web app or physical remotes. Instructor desktop software is available for Windows 10 or newer and macOS 12 or newer.

Who it's for

iClicker is a strong fit for instructors who want several question formats, attendance tracking, and gradebook reporting alongside LMS connections. It also accommodates students who prefer a web experience or a physical remote to a mobile app. It is less suitable for students choosing independently when their course requirements and subscription cost are not yet clear.

Pros and cons

• Pros: A wide range of question formats, including anonymous prompts, gives instructors more options than basic polls.
• Pros: Attendance tools cover in-person and virtual classes, with Pulse adding auto-run sessions and late-arrival tracking.
• Pros: Students can respond by app, web, or physical remote, and instructors can connect with several major LMS platforms.
• Cons: Student access and required subscription depend on the enrolled course, so costs are harder to judge in advance.
• Cons: Pro costs substantially more than Pulse, making its broader set of tools a better fit only when students need those features.

Alternatives

For a different free audience-response option with a stated audience cap, consider Poll Everywhere: its Intro plan is free for up to 40 audience members, or 700 for 30 days, and includes 10 AI prompts per month. Kahoot! is another free option, with up to 40 participants, a classic live experience, and quiz and true-or-false question types; its Kahoot!+ Bronze plan is $3.

Plickers offers a free plan with five questions per set and 63 students per class, while its Pro monthly plan costs $8.99 a month. Quick Key is worth considering for paper grading: its free teacher plan allows up to 100 quizzes per month and 200 students per teacher, with 30-question bubble sheets and iOS and Android grading.

Socrative has a free plan capped at five quizzes, one room, 50 students per activity, and 30-day report history. Wayground (formerly Quizizz) offers a free Starter plan with a 20-activity limit, up to 100 participants per session, and limited library access. For a free option with a stated room cap, Particify allows 200 participants per room, unlimited rooms and question series, and one room creator.

Top Hat is a paid alternative with term-based student access: its listed options include $35 a month for one four-month term and $58 a month for one year. Browse Student Response Systems or Audience Response Systems for more options.

Verdict

Choose iClicker if you teach a course that benefits from varied live responses, attendance tracking, LMS connections, and instructor reporting in one system. Its strongest reason to choose it is the combination of flexible participation methods and teaching records. Students should look elsewhere or delay buying if the course’s required tier and cost are unclear, or if they do not need Pro’s broader toolkit.