The 9 Best Enneagram Tests Online for Unlocking Self-Understanding:

The Enneagram, a powerful personality typing system, has gained immense popularity in recent years for its ability to delve deep into the complexities of human nature. It offers a unique lens through which individuals can gain insight into their core motivations, fears, and behaviors. While it's not without its criticisms, the Enneagram has proven to be a valuable tool for personal growth and self-awareness. 

In this blog post, we'll take a comprehensive look at 10 different online Enneagram tests and assessment tools, ranging from free options to paid services. Each of these tools offers its own approach to understanding your Enneagram type, providing users with valuable insights into their personalities.

How does the Enneagram work?

The Enneagram is a powerful personality typing system that helps individuals understand their core motivations, fears, and behaviors. It's based on the idea that there are nine distinct personality types, each with its own set of underlying motivations and patterns of thinking, feeling, and behaving.

At the core of the Enneagram are the nine personality types, often represented by numbers one through nine. Each type is characterized by a unique worldview, driving force, and defense mechanism that shapes how individuals interact with themselves and the world around them.

The Enneagram also recognizes that individuals of the same type can manifest their personality traits differently based on factors like upbringing, life experiences, and levels of psychological health. This variability within each type is captured through the concept of "wings" and "levels of development," which add nuance to the understanding of each personality type.

^{Photo by Brett Jordan on Unsplash}

One of the key aspects of the Enneagram is its focus on growth and self-awareness. By identifying their Enneagram type, individuals gain insight into their automatic patterns of thinking, feeling, and behaving, as well as the underlying motivations driving those patterns. This self-awareness lays the foundation for personal growth and transformation, as individuals can work to recognize and transcend their habitual patterns, leading to greater emotional health and fulfillment.

In addition to understanding oneself, the Enneagram also fosters empathy and understanding for others. By recognizing that each personality type has its own worldview and motivations, individuals can develop more compassion and appreciation for the diversity of human experience.

Overall, the Enneagram offers a holistic framework for understanding personality dynamics and supporting personal growth and development. Through self-awareness, empathy, and a commitment to growth, individuals can harness the power of the Enneagram to lead more fulfilling and authentic lives.

A short summary of each type can help you get a better feel for the system itself.

Type 1 - The Improver: 

Strives for integrity and improvement, often critical of themselves and others.

Type 2 - The Helper: 

Nurturing and altruistic, they seek to meet the needs of others to feel valued and loved.

Type 3 - The Performer: 

Ambitious and success-oriented, they focus on achieving goals and maintaining a positive image.

Type 4 - The Original: 

Deeply introspective and sensitive, they seek authenticity and depth in their experiences and relationships.

Type 5 - The Investigator: 

Analytical and intellectually curious, they pursue knowledge and understanding to navigate the world.

Type 6 - The Loyalist: 

Cautious and loyal, they seek security and support from trusted individuals and systems.

Type 7 - The Enthusiast: 

Spontaneous and adventurous, they pursue new experiences and avoid pain or discomfort.

Type 8 - The Challenger: 

Assertive and protective, they value strength and autonomy, often taking charge in situations.

Type 9 - The Peacemaker: Easygoing and harmonious, they prioritize peace and avoid conflict by maintaining inner and outer calmness.

What is the most accurate Enneagram test out there?

Determining the "most accurate" Enneagram test can be subjective and depends on various factors, including the individual's preferences, the depth of insight desired, and the test's methodology. However, some Enneagram tests are widely respected for their reliability and validity.

Tests provided by reputable sources, like the Enneagram Institute (founded by renowned Enneagram experts Don Richard Riso and Russ Hudson) or Personality Path (developed in association with the late Enneagram expert Andreas Ebert) are often considered highly accurate. They typically utilize a comprehensive approach to assess various aspects of personality and provide detailed descriptions of each Enneagram type.

Personality Path is another test that frequently receives praise for its accuracy and depth of analysis. It's a paid option that offers personalized insights tailored to the individual's responses, making it a popular choice for those seeking detailed Enneagram assessments.

Ultimately, the accuracy of an Enneagram test also depends on how well it aligns with your own self-awareness and understanding of your personality. Some individuals may resonate more with certain tests or interpretations of the Enneagram than others. Therefore, it's essential to explore multiple resources and approaches to gain a comprehensive understanding of your Enneagram type.

1. Personality Path (Free & Paid)

Personality Path takes the top spot in our list, offering a free Enneagram test that boasts accuracy and depth. Your test result is given to you after taking a 12-minute test, and you have access to free Enneagram resources on the website, describing each type, the system itself, and how to work with it.

Additionally, you have the option to invest in a personal growth journey by purchasing Personality Path’s full type-specific profile. While this in-depth working tool requires a monetary investment, many users praise its detailed analysis and personalized insights.

2. Crystal Knows (Free & Paid)

Crystal Knows offers a paid Enneagram test that integrates with its broader personality assessment platform. With its emphasis on workplace dynamics and communication styles, Crystal Knows provides valuable insights for professional development.

3. Truity (Free & Paid)

Truity provides both free and paid options for exploring your Enneagram type. Its comprehensive approach includes detailed descriptions and resources to help users understand their results.

4. Eclectic Energies (Free)

Eclectic Energies offers a free Enneagram test that provides a basic overview of your personality type. While it may lack some of the depth of paid options, it serves as a good starting point for those new to the Enneagram.

5. Enneagram Institute (Paid)

The Enneagram Institute, founded by renowned Enneagram experts, offers a paid assessment tool along with a wealth of resources for deeper exploration. While the price may deter some, the quality of insights gained is often worth the investment.

6. BPTs (Free & Paid)

BPTs provides a free Enneagram test that focuses on identifying core motivations and fears. While it lacks some of the frills of paid options, its simplicity makes it accessible to a wide range of users.

7. Your Enneagram Coach (Paid)

Your Enneagram Coach offers a paid Enneagram test along with personalized coaching services. While the test itself requires payment, many users find the additional support invaluable for their personal growth journey.

8. Enneagram Academy (Free & Paid)

Enneagram Academy provides both free and paid Enneagram tests, along with a variety of resources for further exploration. Its user-friendly interface makes it easy to navigate for those new to the Enneagram.

9. 9 Types (Free)

9 Types offers a free Enneagram test that focuses on uncovering your dominant personality type. While it may not provide as much depth as paid options, it serves as a useful starting point for self-discovery.

What are the best resources for the Enneagram?

There are numerous resources available for exploring the Enneagram and deepening your understanding of this powerful personality typing system. Here are some of the best resources:

Books: There are many excellent books on the Enneagram written by experts in the field. 

• "The Wisdom of the Enneagram" by Don Richard Riso and Russ Hudson 
• "The Road Back to You" by Ian Morgan Cron
• "The Complete Enneagram" by Beatrice Chestnut.

Online Courses and Workshops: Many websites offer online courses and workshops on the Enneagram, ranging from introductory overviews to in-depth explorations of each Enneagram type. Websites like Enneagram Institute, The Narrative Enneagram, and Enneagram Worldwide provide valuable resources for learning about the Enneagram online.

Enneagram Podcasts: Podcasts are a convenient way to learn about the Enneagram while on the go. Some popular Enneagram podcasts include 

• "Typology" with Ian Morgan Cron
• "The Enneagram Journey" with Suzanne Stabile
• "The Enneagram and Coffee Podcast" with Sarajane Case

Enneagram Tests: Taking an Enneagram assessment can provide valuable insights into your personality type. While no test is perfect, reputable assessments offered by organizations like the Enneagram Institute or Personality Path can offer valuable starting points for self-discovery.

Enneagram Teachers and Coaches: Working with a certified Enneagram teacher or coach can provide personalized guidance and support on your Enneagram journey. Whether through one-on-one sessions or group workshops, a skilled teacher can help you explore your Enneagram type and develop strategies for personal growth.

All of these resources may not be for everyone, but they can help you deepen your understanding of the Enneagram and unlock its transformative potential for personal growth and self-awareness.

Why should I take an Enneagram test?

The Enneagram offers a powerful framework for understanding ourselves and others on a deeper level. By exploring our Enneagram type, we gain insight into our core motivations, fears, and behaviors, empowering us to make positive changes in our lives. Whether you opt for a free or paid Enneagram test, the benefits of self-awareness and personal growth are undeniable. So, why not embark on your Enneagram journey today?

The Enneagram is not just a tool for understanding ourselves better; it's a pathway to growth, compassion, and personal transformation. So, whether you choose one of the options listed above or explore other avenues, take that step toward self-discovery. Your journey to self-awareness awaits!