Which personality tests are worth your time?
And where to take them for free
Have you ever taken a personality test and thought, ‘That was fun… but was it legit?’ With so many quizzes out there—from the insightful to the just plain silly—it can be hard to tell which ones are actually grounded in psychology and worth your time. So I’ve collected the most well-respected personality tests used in research, education, and even corporate settings—and yes, you can take them for free (although some do require you to create an account).
If you’d like to see how my results shaped up, pop over to this post
Big Five Personality Traits (a.k.a. the Five-Factor Model)
Why it’s respected: This is the gold standard in psychology. It measures five broad dimensions of personality: Openness, Conscientiousness, Extraversion, Agreeableness, and Neuroticism (OCEAN). This test doesn’t really give you a lot to work with in terms of how to use this information in your life though.
Take it here: https://openpsychometrics.org/tests/IPIP-BFFM/
Note: comments on the page suggest this one may not work well on a mobile phone browser.
MBTI (Myers-Briggs Type Indicator)
Why it’s popular: While not always backed by hard science, it’s widely used in career and team-building settings. It categorizes people into 16 personality types based on preferences in four areas (e.g., Introvert vs. Extravert). Although you can pay to unlock extra info, there is a lot of helpful stuff included for free.
Take the test here: https://www.16personalities.com
Enneagram
Why it’s interesting: The Enneagram explores core motivations, fears, and desires across 9 interconnected personality types. While more spiritual than scientific, many people find it eye-opening for self-awareness and relationships.
Take it here: https://www.eclecticenergies.com/enneagram/test
DISC Personality Profile
This was the test that felt the most practical, designed not for introspection but for understanding how we work with others.
Why it’s used: Common in workplace and team development contexts, DISC identifies your dominant behavioral style (Dominance, Influence, Steadiness, Conscientiousness).
Take a free version here: https://www.123test.com/disc-personality-test/
Strengths Tests
Why it’s helpful: Instead of measuring personality in broad strokes, these tests identifies your top strengths—great for boosting confidence, team collaboration, and career direction.
This one is free but does require a registration.
Use personality tests as a mirror, not a box. They’re not destiny—they’re tools for reflection, insight, and growth. Take more than one and see how your results align or contrast. You might just learn something new about yourself.
Have a favorite test—or a wild result that surprised you? Leave a comment and let me know.