Guide · Students, professionals and parents comparing strengths tests
Apex Strengths vs Gallup CliftonStrengths
Both focus on strengths rather than weaknesses. Here is how they differ in what they measure, what the report covers, and price.
By the Apex Strengths Team · Updated 17 October 2026
Gallup's CliftonStrengths (formerly StrengthsFinder) is the best-known strengths assessment in the world and popularised the idea of building on strengths. Apex Strengths shares that belief and adds a focus on careers and on the factors beyond talent.
| CliftonStrengths | Apex Strengths | |
|---|---|---|
| Themes | 34 talent themes | 40 strength themes, plus a named core strength |
| Beyond talent | Talent only | Knowledge, Will, Arena, Talent and Skill (KWATS) |
| Careers | Not the main focus | Where you will thrive, fields where you could reach the top, people like you |
| Development plan | General advice per theme | Per role: knowledge, skills, books and courses |
| Free result | No | Yes: core strength and top 5 |
| Price | About US$25 (top 5) or US$60 (all 34) | US$19 + tax, or ₹699 incl. GST in India (launch prices) |
CliftonStrengths has decades of research and is widely used by companies for team development. Apex Strengths is newer and built for individuals and families deciding on careers and next steps.
Common questions
Is there a cheaper alternative to CliftonStrengths?
Apex Strengths gives a free core strength and top 5, and its full report costs US$19 plus tax (₹699 including GST in India) at launch prices, including career guidance and a development plan.
Find your apex
What are you built for?
About 20 minutes · free to take · US patent pending
Start the free test