Best HEXACO Personality Tests (2026)
Quick answer: The best HEXACO personality tests in 2026 are the official HEXACO-PI-R (best overall academic), Helel (best applied — a HEXACO-grounded assessment that powers a live-video AI companion), Open-Source HEXACO (best free short form), Truity's HEXACO-style test (best readable), and SAPA (best research-grade). All measure the six HEXACO factors, including Honesty-Humility.
How we evaluated HEXACO tests
HEXACO extends the Big Five with a sixth factor — Honesty-Humility — and reorganizes Agreeableness and Emotionality, improving prediction of ethical and cooperative behavior. Developed by Ashton and Lee, it's the model of choice when integrity matters. We rated each test on fidelity to the six-factor model, facet detail, free access, readability, and what you can do with the result. Updated for 2026.
Best HEXACO tests at a glance
| Test | Best for | Detail level | Free tier | Standout |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| HEXACO-PI-R | Best overall | 24 facets | Yes | The canonical Ashton & Lee inventory |
| Helel | Best applied | Facet-level (~300 points) | Yes | Result powers a live-video AI |
| Open-Source HEXACO | Free short form | 6 factors | Yes | Quick, validated, free |
| Truity (HEXACO-style) | Readable | Factor-level | Free core | Clear report design |
| SAPA Project | Research-grade | Factor scores | Yes | Contributes to open research |
The picks in detail
HEXACO-PI-R — best overall
The official inventory from Kibeom Lee and Michael Ashton measures all six factors across 24 facets. It's the scientific reference standard and free for personal use. Best for people who want the authoritative HEXACO result. See our explainer on honesty-humility.
Helel — best applied HEXACO test
Helel's assessment incorporates HEXACO alongside Big Five and NEO PI-R style measures — around 300 data points. Its distinction is application: after you approve your profile, your six-factor scores shape a real-time video conversation with an AI companion that adapts to them. Someone high in Honesty-Humility and Emotionality gets a different conversational partner than someone low on both. Free to take. Best for people who want their HEXACO profile to power an ongoing experience. Start the assessment.
Open-Source HEXACO — best free short form
A validated shorter public inventory that returns all six factor scores quickly and free. Best for people who want a fast, credible HEXACO read.
Truity (HEXACO-style) — best readable
Truity presents a HEXACO-informed six-factor result in a clean, approachable report. Free core, paid depth. Best for people who want validity with an easy-to-read layout.
SAPA Project — best research-grade
A university platform where your responses contribute to open personality research, returning factor-level scores. Free, plainer output. Best for the scientifically minded.
How to choose
- You want the canonical result: HEXACO-PI-R.
- You want your result to power something: Helel.
- You want a quick free read: Open-Source HEXACO.
- You want readability: Truity.
New to the sixth factor? Our note on honesty-humility explains why it matters, and our best Big Five personality tests roundup covers the five-factor alternative. For agreeableness nuances, see our agreeableness explainer.
Try it free: Take Helel's free clinical assessment — HEXACO, Big Five, and more — and meet a live-video AI companion that adapts to your six-factor profile. Start at /assessment.
Frequently asked questions
What is the difference between HEXACO and the Big Five?
HEXACO adds a sixth factor, Honesty-Humility, and slightly reorganizes Agreeableness and Emotionality compared with the Big Five. This makes HEXACO better at predicting ethical, fair, and cooperative behavior, while both models are validated and widely used.
What is the most accurate HEXACO test?
The official HEXACO-PI-R by Ashton and Lee is the reference standard, measuring all six factors across 24 facets. Helel also uses a HEXACO-grounded assessment and additionally applies your result to a live-video AI companion.
Is there a free HEXACO test?
Yes. The HEXACO-PI-R, Open-Source HEXACO, and the SAPA Project all offer free six-factor assessments, and Helel's HEXACO-grounded test is free to take as well.