Quora has been a reliable Q&A guide over the past decade, establishing a foothold at the top of popularity charts. But are there any other reputable options you can trust for free advice outside of Quora?
Community-based and survey-based platforms have been around since the dawn of the internet. Who hasn’t turned to review and answer websites to get responses to various questions, from “Is this employer any good?” to “Which Australian city is best for students?“
Here are five excellent platforms to prove free alternatives to the popular Quora still exist.
1. StackExchange
StackExchange is a network of Q&A communities covering a wide range of topics. Initially focused on computer programming, the platform expanded to include discussions on subjects like games, languages, science, and technology. Its rigorous credibility system ensures the most truthful and accurate answers are voted on by the target audience.
Users gain reputation points based on the quality of their contributions, creating a merit-based system that helps surface the best content. This system of ranking users by credibility offers a trustworthy way to get accurate answers, especially in technical fields where knowledge is specialised and verified.
2. Reddit
With the slogan “front page of the internet,” Reddit offers an extensive range of discussions through over 3 million active subreddits. Reddit’s diversity makes it a valuable Q&A resource for just about any topic. Whether you’re interested in tech, politics, health, or even niche hobbies, there’s a dedicated community for it.
Users can “upvote” or “downvote” posts and comments, helping popular and well-received answers rise to the top. While Reddit also has its share of entertainment content, such as viral memes and funny videos, the platform is a rich source of information when used properly. Its active communities ensure that responses are frequently updated and crowdsourced for accuracy.
3. Fluther
Fluther stands out for its commitment to quality moderation. The platform features two sections: “General” for fact-based questions and “Social” for open-ended discussions. This dual approach gives users the ability to seek both factual information and more casual community insights. Moderators scrutinise answers rigorously to maintain credibility, making it a reliable option for high-quality responses.
Compared to other platforms, Fluther’s strict moderation results in fewer, but more dependable answers. It provides a streamlined experience for users who are looking for thoughtful, well-researched responses rather than sheer quantity.
4. ASKfm
With over 215 million registered users, ASKfm remains one of the world’s most popular Q&A platforms, especially among younger audiences. It is particularly mobile-friendly, offering a cross-platform experience that’s available in 49 languages. Users can ask questions publicly or anonymously, making it ideal for sensitive or personal topics.
While ASKfm had faced criticism for its anonymity feature in the past, the platform has since introduced stricter policies to reduce misuse. This, combined with its broad user base, makes it a compelling alternative to Quora, especially for those seeking advice on lifestyle, relationships, or social matters.
5. Stack Overflow
A notable mention within the StackExchange network, Stack Overflow specifically targets programming and development professionals. It’s widely regarded as the go-to resource for coding and software-related queries. Users vote on answers, with the best responses rising to the top based on community feedback. The platform is heavily used by developers to solve coding problems and share expertise.5
Its focus on code and programming makes it unique from general Q&A platforms. It remains an invaluable resource for professionals and learners in the tech industry, offering comprehensive responses to complex coding issues.
Honourable Mentions
There are many more alternatives to Quora beyond these top five. Other great options include Blurtit, Answerbag, Ask Me Help Desk, and Experts Exchange. Each offers its own community dynamics and unique features, providing additional resources for those looking for specialised or diverse answers.
Whether you’re seeking professional advice, personal insights, or casual discussions, these alternative platforms are there to find the answers you need.