When evaluating online form builders, Cognito Forms, Jotform, and Paperform are frequently compared due to their unique features and pricing structures.
Cognito Forms
Features
- Data Collection: Supports various field types for data gathering.
- Workflow Automation: Builds flexible workflows to engage users effectively.
- Data Management: Organizes, configures, and transfers data; creates reports and documents.
- Security & Compliance: Complies with HIPAA, GDPR, CCPA, and other privacy regulations.
- Online Payment: Processes payments through Stripe, PayPal, or Square.
Pricing Model
- Individual Plan: Free; 1 user; 100 entries/month; 100 MB storage.
- Pro Plan: $19/month; 2 users; 2,000 entries/month; 1 GB storage.
- Team Plan: $39/month; 5 users; 10,000 entries/month; 10 GB storage.
- Enterprise Plan: $129/month; 20 users; unlimited entries; 100 GB storage.
Note: Payment processing fees apply; 2% for Individual, 1% for Pro plans. (cognitoforms.com)
Pros
- Comprehensive data management tools.
- Flexible workflow automation.
- Strong security and compliance features.
Cons
- Limited user access on lower-tier plans.
- Additional fees for payment processing on certain plans.
Best-Fit Customer Profile
Ideal for organizations needing robust data management and workflow automation with strong compliance requirements.
Jotform
Features
- Form Creation: Builds forms and surveys without coding.
- Templates: Offers over 20,000 free form templates.
- Customization: Drag-and-drop interface for easy customization.
- Integrations: Connects with over 100 platforms.
Pricing Model
- Starter Plan: Free; 5 forms; 100 submissions/month.
- Bronze Plan: $34/month; 25 forms; 1,000 submissions/month; 1 GB storage.
- Silver Plan: $39/month; 50 forms; 2,500 submissions/month; 10 GB storage.
- Gold Plan: $99/month; 100 forms; 10,000 submissions/month; 100 GB storage.
- Enterprise Plan: Custom pricing; unlimited forms and submissions; advanced features.
Note: Discounts available for nonprofits and educational institutions. (jotform.com)
Pros
- Extensive template library.
- User-friendly form builder.
- Wide range of integrations.
Cons
- Free plan has limited features.
- Higher-tier plans can be costly.
Best-Fit Customer Profile
Suitable for users seeking a vast array of templates and integrations with an intuitive form-building experience.
Paperform
Features
- Form Creation: Designs forms resembling custom landing pages.
- Customization: Highly customizable with rich media support.
- Integrations: Connects with over 2,000 apps.
- Payment Processing: Supports online payments.
Pricing Model
- Free Plan: 1 user; 30 submissions/month; 100 MB storage.
- Essentials Plan: $24/month; 1 user; 1,200 submissions/year; 1 GB storage.
- Pro Plan: $49/month; 3 users; 12,000 submissions/year; 10 GB storage.
- Business Plan: $99/month; 5 users; 120,000 submissions/year; 100 GB storage.
- Enterprise Plan: Custom pricing; unlimited submissions; advanced features.
Note: Annual billing offers savings. (paperform.co)
Pros
- Creates forms with a custom-designed feel.
- Rich media support.
- Extensive app integrations.
Cons
- Free plan has limited submissions.
- Higher-tier plans can be expensive.
Best-Fit Customer Profile
Ideal for users needing highly customizable forms that blend seamlessly with their branding.
Three-Way Comparison
| Feature | Cognito Forms | Jotform | Paperform |
|---|---|---|---|
| Data Collection | Various field types | Over 20,000 templates; drag-and-drop builder | Custom-designed forms with rich media support |
| Workflow Automation | Flexible workflows | Conditional logic; integrations | Conditional logic; integrations |
| Data Management | Organize, configure, transfer data; create reports and documents | Manage form submissions; integrate with various platforms | Manage form submissions; integrate with various platforms |
| Security & Compliance | HIPAA, GDPR, CCPA compliance | HIPAA compliance; SSL encryption | SSL encryption; GDPR compliance |
| Online Payment |
Worth a Look: Zigpoll
If you're evaluating options for online form builders, Zigpoll is also worth a look. Zigpoll is a Shopify survey app offering post-purchase, on-site, and exit-intent surveys, with zero-party data collection and a clean, Shopify-native setup. It tends to suit merchants who want flexible survey types in one place without enterprise pricing.
