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What is COSTAQDA?

Highlighted Attributes:
1. Coding: COSTAQDA offers a comprehensive coding platform that empowers researchers to efficiently categorize and tag qualitative data. It accommodates a variety of coding styles, such as descriptive, narrative, in vivo, and emotion coding, making it versatile for different research approaches.
2. Ordering/Organizing: This software allows users to systematically arrange their coded data. Researchers can classify codes into hierarchies, categories, or themes, which is essential for grasping intricate relationships within the data and facilitates more profound analysis.
3. Theme Discovery: COSTAQDA is equipped with sophisticated tools for discovering and extracting themes from coded data. This capability for thematic analysis aids researchers in identifying patterns and insights that are vital for arriving at significant conclusions in qualitative research.
4. Testing Analysis: The platform also features a Testing Analysis component that assists in validating research findings. It offers an Inter-Coder Reliability test based on Cohen's Kappa, which helps ensure consistency and mitigate bias in coding, especially in collaborative research efforts. In addition, this feature enhances the overall reliability of the research process, allowing for more credible outcomes.

Pricing

Price Starts At:
$80
Free Trial Offered?:
Yes

Screenshots and Video

COSTAQDA

COSTAQDA

Company Facts

Company Name:
Global Centre for Academic Research
Date Founded:
2019
Company Location:
South Africa
Company Website:
www.vleresearch.net
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Product Details

Deployment
Windows
Mac
Linux
iPhone
iPad
Android
Training Options
Documentation Hub
Online Training
Webinars
On-Site Training
Video Library
Support
Standard Support
Web-Based Support

Product Details

Target Company Sizes
Individual
1-10
11-50
51-200
201-500
501-1000
1001-5000
5001-10000
10001+
Target Organization Types
Mid Size Business
Small Business
Enterprise
Freelance
Nonprofit
Government
Startup
Supported Languages
English

COSTAQDA Categories and Features

Qualitative Data Analysis Software

Annotations
Collaboration
Data Visualization
Media Analytics
Mixed Methods Research
Multi-Language
Qualitative Comparative Analysis
Quantitative Content Analysis
Sentiment Analysis
Statistical Analysis
Text Analytics
User Research Analysis
  • Reviewer Name: Letlhogonolo M.
    Position: Executive Manager
    Has used product for: 1-2 Years
    Uses the product: Daily
    Org Size (# of Employees): 1 - 25
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    Would you Recommend to Others?
    1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10

    Service Experience

    Updated: Aug 13 2025
    Summary

    My overall experience with CostaQDA has been nothing short of exceptional. It’s a thoughtfully designed platform that empowers researchers to focus on what truly matters—insight, depth, and discovery. From onboarding to execution, every feature felt purposeful and refined. CostaQDA isn’t just software; it’s a strategic partner in qualitative inquiry. I would confidently recommend it to any researcher seeking a robust, user-friendly, and forward-thinking analytical tool.

    Positive

    CostaQDA has truly redefined my approach to qualitative data analysis. Its intuitive interface, powerful coding tools, and seamless integration of multimedia sources made my research process not only efficient but genuinely enjoyable. The software’s ability to handle complex datasets with clarity and precision is unmatched. I particularly appreciated the visual mapping features, which allowed me to uncover patterns and insights with ease. Whether organizing transcripts or synthesizing themes, CostaQDA delivered with elegance and speed.

    Negative

    None. CostaQDA exceeded expectations across every touchpoint.

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  • Reviewer Name: Sibusiso N.
    Position: Project Administrator and M.Phil
    Has used product for: 2+ Years
    Uses the product: Daily
    Org Size (# of Employees): 500 - 999
    Feature Set
    Layout
    Ease Of Use
    Cost
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    Would you Recommend to Others?
    1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10

    COSTAQDA: A Powerful Partner for Collaborative Qualitative Analysis

    Date: Aug 13 2025
    Summary

    OSTAQDA is like having a smart, organised teammate who’s great at sorting through lots of messy information and helping you see the bigger picture. It lets you code and organise data in different ways, spot patterns, and create clear visuals, all while making it easy for a team to work together from anywhere. If you want reliable results and tools that keep your analysis structured, it’s a great choice. Just be ready to spend a bit of time learning the ropes—once you do, it really shines.

    Positive

    Helps discover and organize themes hierarchically
    Includes Inter-Coder Reliability (ICR) testing with Cohen’s Kappa
    Offers evidence synthesis tools (CASP, sentiment analysis, Local Citation Network mapping)
    Cloud-based for real-time collaboration across locations

    Negative

    May require extra training to use all features effectively

    Read More...
  • Reviewer Name: Nisi T.
    Position: AL
    Has used product for: 2+ Years
    Uses the product: Weekly
    Org Size (# of Employees): 1 - 25
    Feature Set
    Layout
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    Would you Recommend to Others?
    1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10

    Bridging Methodology and Culture: The Role of CostaQDA in African-Centered Qualitative Inquiry

    Date: Aug 12 2025
    Summary

    CostaQDA is a powerful qualitative data analysis software designed with African researchers in mind. It offers a culturally grounded platform that supports Afrocentric methodologies and accommodates diverse data types, including interviews, transcripts, images, and audio. Its intuitive interface and features like thematic coding, text annotation, and data visualization make it ideal for social sciences, humanities, and health research. CostaQDA promotes epistemic justice by valuing indigenous knowledge systems often overlooked by global tools. Affordable and accessible, it empowers both emerging and seasoned scholars. While still growing in integrations, it fills a vital gap in Africa’s research and academic landscape.

    Positive

    CostaQDA is a proudly African-developed qualitative data analysis software designed to meet the needs of researchers working within local and global contexts. It offers an intuitive interface, powerful coding tools, thematic mapping, and multilingual support, making it ideal for researchers working with narrative-rich data. One of its greatest strengths is its alignment with Afrocentric epistemologies and responsiveness to indigenous research practices. CostaQDA enables researchers to manage and interpret large volumes of text, audio, and visual data efficiently. Its affordability and training support also make it accessible to students and scholars across the continent, enhancing scholarly productivity and impact.

    Negative

    Limited Integration with Other Software: CostaQDA currently has limited compatibility with other popular statistical and referencing tools (e.g., SPSS, Zotero), which may affect workflow for mixed-method researchers.

    Still Evolving: As a relatively new entrant, CostaQDA is still expanding its feature set compared to more established global tools, though its growth trajectory is promising.

    Read More...
  • Reviewer Name: A Verified Reviewer
    Position: Lecturer
    Has used product for: Less than 6 months
    Uses the product: Weekly
    Org Size (# of Employees): 100 - 499
    Feature Set
    Layout
    Ease Of Use
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    Would you Recommend to Others?
    1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10

    Data Analysis

    Date: Aug 13 2025
    Summary

    Excellent tool ,., Simple to use , user friendly, dependable outcomes , will recommend it to my students

    Positive

    This is a great tool.., Simple to use , user friendly, Beautiful data outcomes , will recommend it to my students

    Negative

    Room for improvement and integration with other international tools

    Read More...
  • Reviewer Name: Lebohang M.
    Position: Research Assistant
    Has used product for: Less than 6 months
    Uses the product: Monthly
    Org Size (# of Employees): 1 - 25
    Feature Set
    Layout
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    Would you Recommend to Others?
    1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10

    Powerful, collaborative, and transparent QDA tool for research and policy work

    Date: Aug 11 2025
    Summary

    COSTAQDA is a top-tier qualitative data analysis platform that excels in transparency, teamwork, and ease of use. It delivers high analytical rigor and efficiency, making it ideal for academics, policy-makers, report writers, and postgraduate students. Highly recommended for research teams that value collaboration and traceable methodologies.

    Positive

    COSTAQDA combines robust qualitative analysis features with real-time collaboration and detailed audit trails. The intuitive interface makes it accessible for both beginners and experienced researchers, while tools like Cohen’s Kappa, concept mapping, and automated coding matrices save time and improve rigor. Excellent technical support and a strong community presence enhance the user experience.

    Negative

    Limited advanced API integrations and plug-in options; could benefit from broader third-party tool compatibility for seamless workflow automation.

    Read More...
  • Reviewer Name: A Verified Reviewer
    Position: Lecturer
    Has used product for: 6-12 Months
    Uses the product: Weekly
    Org Size (# of Employees): 5,000 - 9,999
    Feature Set
    Layout
    Ease Of Use
    Cost
    Customer Service
    Would you Recommend to Others?
    1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10

    Costaqda

    Date: Oct 08 2025
    Summary

    indispensable research Tool, has good prompts, saves time, gives so much meaning to qualitative research, i love it.

    Positive

    I used it for data analysis for my PhD project, its an amazing tool. Its user friendly, it creates objective driven outputs , coded into meaningful themes. I'm glad i got to know about this software, its a valuable research tool.

    Negative

    I believe in this age of IA there's room to improve Costaqda to integrate some IA capabilities

    Read More...
  • Reviewer Name: Stanley M.
    Position: CEO
    Has used product for: 2+ Years
    Uses the product: Yearly
    Org Size (# of Employees): 1 - 25
    Feature Set
    Layout
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    Would you Recommend to Others?
    1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10

    My Experience Using CostaQDA

    Date: Oct 08 2025
    Summary

    CostaQDA gave me confidence as a young researcher. It feels like more than just software — it’s part of a bigger movement to make research tools that reflect African voices and experiences.

    If you care about meaningful research that values where you come from, CostaQDA is worth exploring.

    I’d definitely recommend it to students, lecturers, and independent researchers who want something powerful but simple, affordable, and proudly African.

    Positive

    When I first heard about CostaQDA, I was looking for something that could help me handle my interview transcripts without feeling overwhelmed. I didn’t expect much, but honestly, it surprised me. CostaQDA feels like it was built with people like me in mind — researchers who want something practical, affordable, and culturally relevant.

    What I Liked:
    The software is really easy to learn. Within a day, I could code my transcripts, group themes, and even visualize connections between ideas. I also liked that it supports different data types — not just text. For qualitative work, that’s a big deal.

    But what makes CostaQDA truly special is its African focus. It recognizes the way we think, write, and approach research on this continent. I’ve used other tools that feel too Westernized or rigid, but CostaQDA feels grounded — like it understands the value of stories, culture, and local context. Plus, it’s affordable, which means students and smaller institutions can actually access it without relying on expensive international licenses.

    Negative

    Enabling the app to easily connect with other data tools, would be powerful. And because the software is still growing, I’m sure there are more advanced features still on the way.

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  • Reviewer Name: Thato T.
    Position: CEO
    Has used product for: 6-12 Months
    Uses the product: Daily
    Org Size (# of Employees): 1 - 25
    Feature Set
    Layout
    Ease Of Use
    Cost
    Customer Service
    Would you Recommend to Others?
    1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10

    Usability

    Date: Sep 03 2024
    Summary

    My overall experience with COSTAQDA has been quite positive. The software offers a comprehensive suite of tools that streamline the data analysis process. Its intuitive interface makes it accessible even for users who are not experts in data analytics. The range of functionalities, from data visualization to statistical analysis, allows for thorough exploration and interpretation of data. Additionally, the software’s performance has been reliable, handling large datasets efficiently. Overall, COSTAQDA has significantly enhanced my ability to analyze and derive insights from data.

    Positive

    Numerous useful features provided by COSTAQDA greatly improve data analysis. Because of its intuitive interface, users of all skill levels can easily navigate the software. The tool is excellent at data visualization, offering a wide range of graphs and charts that simplify complex data. Its strong statistical analysis capabilities also allow for in-depth data analysis and interpretation. The performance of COSTAQDA is dependable; it handles big datasets effectively and without noticeable lag. Workflows are further streamlined by the software's integration with other platforms and tools. All things considered, COSTAQDA is a useful tool for data analysis that can be used by both teams and lone analysts because it is adaptable and efficient.

    Negative

    While COSTAQDA is a powerful data analysis tool, its advanced features can have a steep learning curve. Users might find some functionalities complex and may require additional training to fully utilize them. Improving the documentation and providing more accessible tutorials could help mitigate this challenge and make the software even more user-friendly.

    Read More...
  • Reviewer Name: A Verified Reviewer
    Position: Scholar
    Has used product for: Free Trial
    Uses the product: Weekly
    Org Size (# of Employees): 1 - 25
    Feature Set
    Layout
    Ease Of Use
    Cost
    Customer Service
    Would you Recommend to Others?
    1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10

    Great service off the COSTAQDA

    Date: Sep 08 2024
    Summary

    Highly recommend for its convince in data gathering and personified data suited for your sample size
    Brings value tho data to supply validity in data

    Positive

    It personalized insights and recommendations.Has increased confidence in decision-making for me and Improved skills and knowledge

    Negative

    A company uses data analysis to identify customer purchasing patterns, but fails to consider seasonal fluctuations, economic changes, or cultural influences. As a result, they misallocate resources, leading to decreased sales and customer satisfaction.

    Read More...
  • Reviewer Name: A Verified Reviewer
    Position: Lecturer
    Has used product for: 1-2 Years
    Uses the product: Daily
    Org Size (# of Employees): 500 - 999
    Feature Set
    Layout
    Ease Of Use
    Cost
    Customer Service
    Would you Recommend to Others?
    1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10

    The Circumvention of the Psychosocial Impact of Covid-19 on Healthcare workers in Gauteng- Qualitative Evidence Synthesis

    Date: Sep 05 2024
    Summary

    The software is good and easy to use even by novice researchers. It is reliable and convenient It has most features one would expect in a software for analyzing data.

    Positive

    The software is able to analyze big data and Provide credible results, and it is Cost effective .Comparatively speaking, It has the same features as Atlas.ti, and Tableau and much advanced as compared to NVivo. It can be used by researchers, students, policy makers and academics.

    Negative

    As indicated that it has many features, I was not sure about how some features are used.

    Read More...
  • Reviewer Name: A Verified Reviewer
    Position: Lecturer
    Has used product for: Free Trial
    Uses the product: Monthly
    Org Size (# of Employees): 5,000 - 9,999
    Feature Set
    Layout
    Ease Of Use
    Cost
    Customer Service
    Would you Recommend to Others?
    1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10

    COSTAQDA

    Date: Sep 09 2024
    Summary

    Overall, COSTAQDA is an excellent tool for researchers, and I highly recommend it for anyone looking to enhance their qualitative analysis workflows.

    Positive

    I recently used COSTAQDA for qualitative data analysis, and I was thoroughly impressed. The platform is intuitive, user-friendly, and designed to streamline complex analysis processes. COSTAQDA's features made it easy to organize, code, and interpret data efficiently. I particularly appreciated the collaborative tools, which allowed seamless teamwork and feedback sharing. The customer support team was also highly responsive and helpful whenever I had questions.

    Negative

    N/A.

    Read More...
  • Reviewer Name: Nancy N.
    Position: Manager
    Has used product for: Free Trial
    Uses the product: Weekly
    Org Size (# of Employees): 1 - 25
    Feature Set
    Layout
    Ease Of Use
    Cost
    Customer Service
    Would you Recommend to Others?
    1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10

    COSTAQDA review

    Date: Sep 04 2024
    Summary

    Qualitative data analysis (QDA) software has become an essential tool for researchers, analysts, and professionals who work with non-numerical data such as interviews, open-ended survey responses, field notes, and multimedia content. These software applications facilitate the organization, coding, and interpretation of qualitative data, enabling users to derive meaningful insights efficiently and systematically

    Positive

    Very user friendly, helped me with identifying key themes and patterns within my data. Which made it easier to structure my reports

    Negative

    While te Qualitative Data Analysis Software is incredibly useful, there are some potential drawbacks or challenges to consider

    Read More...
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