Forms are an essential part of websites because they provide an easy way for visitors to communicate with the site owner or submit information. For example, if you visit a website to buy something, you might need to fill out a form with your name, address, and payment information to complete the purchase. Similarly, if you want to sign up for a newsletter or ask a question, you might use a form to submit your email address or your query. Essentially, forms create a bridge between the website and the user, allowing them to interact and share information.
Moreover, forms can be used for various purposes, such as collecting feedback, conducting surveys, or even allowing users to upload files. By using forms, website owners can gather valuable information about their users, which helps them improve their content, products, or services. In turn, this enhances the overall user experience, making it more likely that visitors will return to the site and engage with it further. In short, forms play a crucial role in website interaction by facilitating communication and information exchange between the site and its users.
| Plugin Name | Features | Pricing | Support | Downloads (as of May 2023) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Gravity Forms | Advanced fields, Conditional logic, etc. | Starts at $59/year | Documentation, Support Tickets | 3+ million |
| Contact Form 7 | Basic fields, Customizable templates | Free | Forum Support, Documentation | 5+ million |
| WPForms | Drag & drop builder, Templates, etc. | Starts at $39.50/year | Documentation, Email Support | 4+ million |
| Formidable Forms | Advanced calculations, Repeater fields | Starts at $49.50/year | Documentation, Email Support | 2+ million |
| Ninja Forms | Add-ons, Front-end submissions, etc. | Free (Premium Add-ons) | Documentation, Support Tickets | 1+ million |
| HappyForms | Real-time form builder, Live preview | Free (Pro version available) | Documentation, Support Tickets | 300,000+ |
| weForms | Pre-built templates, Time-based actions | Starts at $39/year | Documentation, Support Tickets | 200,000+ |
Note: Downloads numbers are approximate and may change over time. Pricing and support details may also change. Always refer to the official plugin websites for the most accurate information.
Gravity Forms
Features and Benefits of Gravity Forms:
- Drag-and-drop form builder: Gravity Forms offers an intuitive drag-and-drop interface that makes creating forms quick and easy, even for beginners.
- Advanced fields: Choose from a wide range of field types, including text, dropdown, checkboxes, radio buttons, date picker, and more.
- Conditional logic: Implement conditional logic to show or hide fields based on user input, ensuring users only see relevant fields.
- Multi-page forms: Break up long forms into multiple pages with progress indicators to enhance user experience and form completion rates.
- File uploads: Allow users to upload files, such as images or documents, directly through the form.
- Form templates: Save time with pre-built form templates for common use cases like contact forms, event registration, and surveys.
- Responsive design: Gravity Forms automatically adjusts to various screen sizes and devices, ensuring a smooth user experience.
- Third-party integrations: Easily connect Gravity Forms to popular services like MailChimp, PayPal, Stripe, and many others to streamline your workflow.
Pricing and Support:
Gravity Forms offers three pricing plans:
- Basic License: Starting at $59 per year, this plan supports one website and includes all basic features, standard support, and updates.
- Pro License: Starting at $159 per year, this plan supports up to three websites and includes all features from the Basic plan, as well as access to Pro add-ons, priority support, and updates.
- Elite License: Starting at $259 per year, this plan supports unlimited websites and includes all features from the Pro plan, as well as access to Elite add-ons, priority support, and updates.
Gravity Forms provides support in the form of documentation, tutorials, and a support ticket system for customers. The level of support you receive depends on the pricing plan you choose, with higher-tier plans receiving priority support.
Note: Pricing and support details may change over time. Always refer to the official Gravity Forms website for the most accurate information.
Contact Form 7
Features and Benefits of Contact Form 7:
- Simple interface: Contact Form 7 provides a straightforward interface for creating and managing forms, making it easy for users of all skill levels.
- Basic fields: The plugin supports various field types, including text, email, URL, textarea, radio buttons, checkboxes, and dropdown menus.
- Customizable templates: Customize the form layout and appearance using HTML, CSS, and JavaScript to match your website’s design.
- CAPTCHA support: Protect your forms from spam submissions by integrating CAPTCHA fields (such as Google reCAPTCHA) into your forms.
- File uploads: Allow users to upload files, such as images or documents, through the form.
- Shortcodes: Embed forms into your pages or posts easily using shortcodes.
- AJAX submissions: Forms can be submitted without requiring a page refresh, improving the user experience.
- Third-party extensions: Extend the functionality of Contact Form 7 with a variety of third-party add-ons.
Pricing and Support:
Contact Form 7 is a free plugin available for download from the WordPress Plugin Directory. While the core functionality of the plugin is available for free, there may be additional costs associated with third-party extensions or add-ons for extra features.
Support for Contact Form 7 is provided through the community-driven support forum on the WordPress.org website. Additionally, the plugin’s website offers extensive documentation and FAQs to help users troubleshoot issues and find answers to common questions.
Note: Pricing and support details may change over time. Always refer to the official Contact Form 7 website and the WordPress Plugin Directory for the most accurate information.
WPForms
Features and Benefits of WPForms:
- Drag-and-drop form builder: WPForms features an intuitive drag-and-drop interface that makes creating forms simple and quick, even for beginners.
- Pre-built form templates: Save time with ready-to-use templates for common form types, such as contact forms, registration forms, and payment forms.
- Responsive design: WPForms is mobile-friendly and adjusts automatically to various screen sizes and devices, ensuring a seamless user experience.
- Conditional logic: Display or hide form fields based on user input, ensuring that users only see relevant fields.
- Multi-page forms: Break lengthy forms into multiple pages with progress indicators to improve user experience and form completion rates.
- File uploads: Allow users to upload files, such as images or documents, directly through the form.
- Entry management: Manage all form submissions from a centralized dashboard, making it easy to review and export data.
- Integrations: Connect WPForms with popular services like MailChimp, AWeber, PayPal, and Stripe to streamline your workflow.
Pricing and Support:
WPForms offers four pricing plans:
- Basic: Starting at $39.50 per year, this plan supports one website and includes basic features, form templates, and updates.
- Plus: Starting at $99.50 per year, this plan supports three websites and includes all features from the Basic plan, as well as access to newsletter add-ons and updates.
- Pro: Starting at $199.50 per year, this plan supports 20 websites and includes all features from the Plus plan, as well as access to advanced features like payment integrations, priority support, and updates.
- Elite: Starting at $299.50 per year, this plan supports unlimited websites and includes all features from the Pro plan, as well as access to all future features and updates.
WPForms provides support through extensive documentation, tutorials, and a support ticket system for customers. The level of support you receive depends on the pricing plan you choose, with higher-tier plans receiving priority support.
Note: Pricing and support details may change over time. Always refer to the official WPForms website for the most accurate information.
Formidable Forms
Features and Benefits of Formidable Forms:
- Drag-and-drop form builder: Formidable Forms offers an easy-to-use drag-and-drop interface for creating and customizing forms to suit your needs.
- Advanced fields: Choose from a variety of field types, such as text, dropdown, radio buttons, checkboxes, date picker, and more.
- Conditional logic: Use conditional logic to show or hide form fields based on user input, ensuring a personalized and relevant experience for users.
- Repeater fields: Create dynamic forms with repeating sections, allowing users to add or remove fields as needed.
- Multi-page forms: Organize long forms into multiple pages with progress indicators for improved user experience and completion rates.
- Calculated fields: Perform advanced calculations within your forms, such as price estimates, product options, or quizzes.
- Form templates: Save time with pre-built form templates for various use cases, including contact forms, surveys, and job applications.
- Integrations: Connect Formidable Forms to popular services like MailChimp, PayPal, Stripe, and more to streamline your workflow.
Pricing and Support:
Formidable Forms offers four pricing plans:
- Basic: Starting at $49.50 per year, this plan supports one website and includes basic features, form templates, and standard support.
- Plus: Starting at $99.50 per year, this plan supports three websites and includes all features from the Basic plan, as well as additional integrations and priority support.
- Business: Starting at $199.50 per year, this plan supports up to 15 websites and includes all features from the Plus plan, as well as advanced features like user registration and WooCommerce integration.
- Elite: Starting at $299.50 per year, this plan supports unlimited websites and includes all features from the Business plan, as well as priority support and lifetime updates.
Formidable Forms provides support through documentation, tutorials, and a support ticket system for customers. The level of support you receive depends on the pricing plan you choose, with higher-tier plans receiving priority support.
Note: Pricing and support details may change over time. Always refer to the official Formidable Forms website for the most accurate information.
Ninja Forms
Features and Benefits of Ninja Forms:
- Drag-and-drop form builder: Ninja Forms provides a user-friendly drag-and-drop interface for creating and customizing forms without any coding knowledge.
- Basic and advanced fields: Choose from a wide range of field types, including text, email, number, date, checkboxes, and more.
- Conditional logic: Implement conditional logic to display or hide fields based on user input, ensuring a tailored and relevant form experience.
- Multi-step forms: Organize lengthy forms into multiple steps with progress indicators to enhance user experience and increase form completion rates.
- File uploads: Enable users to upload files, such as images or documents, directly through the form.
- Front-end submissions: Allow users to submit posts, pages, or custom post types directly from the front-end of your website.
- Export and import: Easily export and import forms and form data between different WordPress installations.
- Add-ons and integrations: Extend Ninja Forms’ functionality with various premium add-ons and integrations, including MailChimp, PayPal, Stripe, and more.
Pricing and Support:
Ninja Forms offers a free version with basic functionality, as well as premium add-ons for extending its features. The premium plans are as follows:
- Personal: Starting at $49.50 per year, this plan supports one website and includes access to 20+ add-ons, one year of updates, and priority support.
- Professional: Starting at $99.50 per year, this plan supports up to 20 websites and includes access to 40+ add-ons, one year of updates, and priority support.
- Agency: Starting at $249.50 per year, this plan supports unlimited websites and includes access to all add-ons, one year of updates, and priority support.
Ninja Forms provides support through documentation, video tutorials, and a support ticket system for customers. The level of support you receive depends on the pricing plan you choose, with higher-tier plans receiving priority support.
Note: Pricing and support details may change over time. Always refer to the official Ninja Forms website for the most accurate information.
HappyForms
Features and Benefits of HappyForms:
- Drag-and-drop form builder: HappyForms offers an intuitive drag-and-drop interface for creating and customizing forms without any coding knowledge.
- Responsive design: The plugin ensures that your forms look great and function smoothly on all devices with its mobile-friendly, responsive design.
- Live preview: Preview your form as you build it, allowing you to see how it will appear on your website in real-time.
- Variety of field types: Choose from multiple field types, including text, email, date, checkboxes, radio buttons, and dropdown menus.
- Conditional logic: Implement conditional logic to display or hide fields based on user input, providing a tailored form experience.
- Multi-page forms: Organize lengthy forms into multiple pages or steps to improve user experience and completion rates.
- Form analytics: Track form submissions, conversions, and other important metrics directly from the dashboard.
- Spam protection: Protect your forms from spam submissions with built-in honeypot and Google reCAPTCHA support.
Pricing and Support:
HappyForms offers a free version with basic functionality, as well as premium plans for additional features:
- Starter: Starting at $69 per year, this plan supports one site and includes all premium features, updates, and standard support.
- Business: Starting at $99 per year, this plan supports up to five sites and includes all features from the Starter plan, as well as priority support.
- Unlimited: Starting at $199 per year, this plan supports unlimited sites and includes all features from the Business plan, along with priority support.
Support for HappyForms is provided through extensive documentation, video tutorials, and a support ticket system for premium customers. The level of support you receive depends on the pricing plan you choose, with higher-tier plans receiving priority support.
Note: Pricing and support details may change over time. Always refer to the official HappyForms website for the most accurate information.
weForms
Features and Benefits of weForms:
- Drag-and-drop form builder: weForms provides an intuitive drag-and-drop interface, making it easy to create and customize forms without any coding knowledge.
- Pre-built form templates: Save time with ready-to-use templates for various form types, such as contact forms, registration forms, and feedback forms.
- Responsive design: The plugin ensures that your forms are mobile-friendly and adapt to various screen sizes and devices for a seamless user experience.
- Wide range of field types: Choose from multiple field types, including text, email, date, checkboxes, radio buttons, and dropdown menus.
- Conditional logic: Implement conditional logic to show or hide fields based on user input, creating a personalized and relevant form experience.
- AJAX submissions: Enable users to submit forms without a page refresh, improving user experience and reducing server load.
- Integrations: Connect weForms to popular services like MailChimp, AWeber, and Constant Contact to streamline your workflow.
- Spam protection: Protect your forms from spam submissions with built-in Google reCAPTCHA support.
Pricing and Support:
weForms offers a free version with basic functionality, as well as premium plans for additional features:
- Personal: Starting at $39 per year, this plan supports one site and includes all premium features, updates, and standard support.
- Professional: Starting at $79 per year, this plan supports up to five sites and includes all features from the Personal plan, as well as additional integrations and priority support.
- Business: Starting at $149 per year, this plan supports up to 20 sites and includes all features from the Professional plan, along with priority support.
- Developer: Starting at $299 per year, this plan supports unlimited sites and includes all features from the Business plan, along with priority support and lifetime updates.
Support for weForms is provided through documentation, video tutorials, and a support ticket system for premium customers. The level of support you receive depends on the pricing plan you choose, with higher-tier plans receiving priority support.
Note: Pricing and support details may change over time. Always refer to the official weForms website for the most accurate information.
How to choose the best form plugin for your needs
1. Evaluate Your Specific Requirements
Before choosing a form plugin, it’s crucial to assess your website’s specific needs. Consider the types of forms you want to create, such as contact forms, registration forms, or payment forms. Identify any unique features or integrations that you may need, like conditional logic, file uploads, or compatibility with specific email marketing platforms.
2. Compare Features and Functionality
Review the features and functionality of various form plugins to determine which one best aligns with your requirements. Look for a plugin that offers a user-friendly interface, responsive design, and a wide range of field types. Additionally, consider any advanced features or premium add-ons that might be necessary for your website.
3. Assess Pricing and Support Options
Compare the pricing and support options for each plugin, keeping in mind your budget and the level of support you may require. Some plugins offer free versions with basic functionality, while others provide premium plans with additional features and priority support. Choose a plugin that offers the right balance of cost and functionality for your needs.
4. Check Plugin Compatibility and Performance
Ensure that the form plugin you choose is compatible with your website’s theme and other plugins. Check for any known compatibility issues or conflicts that may arise. Additionally, consider the plugin’s impact on your website’s performance, as some plugins may slow down your site or cause other performance issues.
5. Read User Reviews and Testimonials
Take the time to read user reviews and testimonials to gain insight into the experiences of others who have used the plugin. Look for feedback regarding ease of use, feature set, reliability, and support responsiveness. This information can help you make a more informed decision when choosing a form plugin.
6. Test the Plugin Before Committing
Before fully committing to a form plugin, consider testing it out on a staging or development version of your website. This will allow you to evaluate the plugin’s functionality and ease of use without affecting your live site. If the plugin meets your needs and performs well, you can confidently implement it on your live website.
I would suggest WPForms for most people because it’s popular, flexible, and easy to use. It has a simple drag-and-drop tool to build forms, lots of cool templates, and many helpful features. Many people like it and say good things about it, which shows it’s a great choice. However, the best form-making tool for you will depend on what you need, how much money you want to spend, and how you want your forms to look. It’s also the plugin we use here at Affiliate Potential!