Guide · Comparison
Discord polls vs. Polls: which one do you need?
Since 2024, Discord has polls built in. They're great for quick questions. Here's where they stop, and when a poll bot is the better tool.
Side by side
| Discord polls | Polls | |
|---|---|---|
| Answers | Up to 10 | Up to 25 |
| Who can vote | Everyone who can see the channel | Requirements: roles, boosters, account age, time on the server, names, your API |
| Weighted votes | No | Role weights from 1 to 100 |
| Anonymous | No, voters are listed per answer | Optional: nobody can see who voted for what |
| Hide results until the end | No | Optional |
| Start later | No | Schedule up to 90 days ahead |
| End | Fixed durations | Any end time, after X voters, or when a choice reaches a target |
| Edit after posting | No | Text, choices, options and end time |
| Voting outside Discord | No | On polls.bot, with Discord login |
| Custom message | No | Liquid templates for header, choice lines and footer |
| Result post | Yes | Yes, with a customizable close notice and an optional thread |
When Discord's polls are enough
- A casual question in chat: "Which game tonight?"
- Everyone in the channel should be able to vote, and it's fine that votes are visible.
- Two to ten answers and one of Discord's preset durations.
When you need a poll bot
- Decisions with consequences: staff votes, rule changes, elections. Only the right members should vote. Requirements
- Some votes count more: the team, supporters or a council. Role weights
- Sensitive questions: members vote honestly when nobody can see their vote. Anonymous polls
- Planned votes: prepare it on Monday, it goes live on Friday at 18:00. Scheduled polls
- Fair counting: hide results until the end, close after 100 voters, keep alt accounts out.
Polls APP 7:44 PM
What do we do on Friday night?
Moderators count three times. Closes after 150 voters or on Friday.
🎮 Minecraft build battle
███████░░░░░░░ 49.5% · 48 votes🍿 Movie night
████░░░░░░░░░░ 32% · 31 votes🃏 Card games
███░░░░░░░░░░░ 18.6% · 18 votes⏳ Closes in 2 days
⏳ Closes after 150 voters
🔐 Member for 7+ days
⚖️ Has @Moderator ×3
81 voters · ⚖️ weighted · by Sean
Try it: vote, change your mind, check your vote.
You can use both. Discord's polls for quick chat questions, Polls for the votes that matter.
Questions & answers
Are Discord's built-in polls anonymous?
No. Everyone can see who voted for which answer. If you need anonymous voting, use a bot like Polls with the anonymous option.
Can I limit Discord's polls to one role?
Not directly: anyone who can see the channel and has permission to vote can vote. With Polls, add a Has role requirement.
Is Polls free?
Yes. Requirements, weights, schedules, anonymous voting and templates are free. Premium removes the limit of 5 running polls.
Try it in your server
Polls is free. Add it in one click and post your first poll in under a minute.