Blog
ZIP Grade vs. EvalBee: Which Grading App Saves Teachers More Time?
If you’ve ever spent hours grading multiple-choice papers or wrestling with spreadsheets to track student performance, you’re not alone. Many teachers today are turning to digital tools to lighten the load—and two names keep popping up: ZIP Grade and EvalBee.
Both promise faster grading and better insights, but which one is right for your classroom? As a teacher who’s tested both, I’ll break down the pros and cons of each app in plain, practical terms—no tech jargon, just real classroom wisdom.
🟦 ZIP Grade: The Quick-Scan Champion
What it does:
ZIP Grade turns your smartphone into a portable grading machine. Print bubble sheets, hand them out, scan with your phone’s camera, and—voilà—grades are automatically recorded.
Pros: ✅ Super fast grading – Scan 100+ papers in minutes.
✅ Works offline – No Wi-Fi? No problem. Grade anywhere.
✅ Simple setup – Easy-to-use templates and instant PDF export.
✅ Affordable – One low annual fee with no per-test charges.
✅ Great for bubble sheets – Ideal for weekly quizzes, exit tickets, or standardized-style tests.
Cons: ❌ Limited question types – Best for multiple-choice and true/false. No support for short answer or essays.
❌ Manual input needed for non-scan items – If you include open-ended questions, you’ll have to enter those scores separately.
❌ Fewer analytics – Basic reports, but not deep insights into student trends.
Best for: Teachers who use a lot of objective assessments (like math quizzes or science tests) and want a fast, no-fuss way to grade and record scores.
🟨 EvalBee: The Insightful Grader
What it does:
EvalBee goes beyond scanning. It offers digital assessments, detailed analytics, and even supports mixed-format tests (multiple choice + short answer).
Pros: ✅ Rich data & insights – Track student progress over time with visual dashboards.
✅ Flexible question types – Mix multiple-choice, short answers, and even file uploads.
✅ Auto-grading + manual review – It grades MCQs automatically but lets you review and grade open-ended responses in the app.
✅ Cloud-based & collaborative – Share tests and data with other teachers or departments.
✅ Customizable rubrics – Great for project-based or holistic grading.
Cons: ❌ Requires internet – Most features need a stable connection.
❌ Steeper learning curve – Takes a little time to set up and get comfortable with.
❌ Pricing model – Free for basic use, but advanced features require a subscription (can add up for large schools).
Best for: Teachers who want deeper insights, use varied assessment types, or are part of a team sharing data and rubrics.
The Verdict: It’s a Win-Win!
So, which app should you choose?
👉 Choose ZIP Grade if you want speed, simplicity, and reliability for grading bubble sheets—especially if you’re scanning on the go or in low-tech environments.
👉 Choose EvalBee if you want richer data, more flexibility, and digital assessment tools that grow with your teaching style.
Here’s the good news: You don’t have to pick just one. Many teachers use ZIP Grade for quick weekly quizzes and turn to EvalBee for midterms, projects, or report card prep. Together, they cover all the bases—saving time and boosting insight.
In the end, both apps respect what matters most: your time, your students’ progress, and your peace of mind. Whether you start with one or try both, you’re already winning.
Happy grading
