When evaluating online form builders for online stores, it's essential to consider tools that offer robust features, seamless integrations, and user-friendly interfaces. Cognito Forms and Tally are two such platforms that cater to these needs.
Cognito Forms
Cognito Forms is an online form builder designed to facilitate data collection, workflow automation, and secure online payments.
Features
- Data Collection: Supports various field types for gathering and validating data.
- Workflow Automation: Enables the creation of efficient workflows to engage the right people at the right time.
- Data Management: Offers tools to organize, configure, and transfer data, along with creating reports and documents.
- Security & Compliance: Ensures compliance with HIPAA, GDPR, CCPA, and other privacy regulations.
- Online Payment: Allows secure online transactions through integrations with payment partners.
Pricing Model
Cognito Forms offers several pricing tiers:
- Individual: Free for 1 user, includes unlimited forms, 100 entries per month, and 100 MB of storage.
- Pro: $19/month for 2 users, includes unlimited forms, 2,000 entries per month, and 1 GB of storage.
- Team: $39/month for 5 users, includes unlimited forms, 10,000 entries per month, and 10 GB of storage.
- Enterprise: $129/month for 20 users, includes unlimited forms, unlimited entries, and 100 GB of storage.
Note that users on the Individual and Pro plans can process payments through Stripe for an additional charge: 2% for Individual and 1% for Pro, on top of Stripe's standard fees. (cognitoforms.com)
Pros and Cons
Pros:
- Comprehensive feature set suitable for complex forms and workflows.
- Strong security and compliance measures.
- Flexible pricing with a free tier for basic use.
Cons:
- Additional fees for payment processing on lower-tier plans.
- User interface may have a steeper learning curve for beginners.
Best-Fit Customer Profile
Ideal for businesses requiring advanced form functionalities, secure payment processing, and compliance with various regulations.
Tally
Tally is a minimalist form builder that emphasizes simplicity and ease of use, offering a Notion-like editing experience.
Features
- Unlimited Forms and Responses: Create and manage an unlimited number of forms and responses.
- Customizable Templates: Utilize a variety of templates for different use cases.
- Collaboration Tools: Collaborate with team members in real-time.
- Embeddable Forms: Easily embed forms into websites or share via direct links.
Pricing Model
Tally offers a free plan with 99% of features available. For advanced features, Tally Pro is available at $29/month, and Tally Business at $89/month. (tally.so)
Pros and Cons
Pros:
- Free plan includes most features without limits.
- Intuitive, Notion-like interface.
- Affordable paid plans for additional features.
Cons:
- Limited advanced features compared to competitors.
- May lack some integrations required for complex workflows.
Best-Fit Customer Profile
Suitable for individuals or small teams seeking a straightforward form builder without the need for advanced functionalities.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Feature | Cognito Forms | Tally |
|---|---|---|
| Data Collection | Various field types for data validation and collection. (cognitoforms.com) | Unlimited forms and responses with customizable templates. (tally.so) |
| Workflow Automation | Build flexible, efficient workflows. (cognitoforms.com) | Real-time collaboration with team members. (tally.so) |
| Data Management | Organize, configure, and transfer data; create reports and documents. (cognitoforms.com) | Embeddable forms for easy sharing. (tally.so) |
| Security & Compliance | Compliant with HIPAA, GDPR, CCPA, and other regulations. (cognitoforms.com) | Not specified. (tally.so) |
| Online Payment | Process payments through Stripe, PayPal, or Square; additional fees on lower-tier plans. (cognitoforms.com) | Not specified. (tally.so) |
| Pricing | Free plan; Pro at $19/month; Team at $39/month; Enterprise at $129/month. (cognitoforms.com) | Free plan; Pro at $29/month; Business at $89/month. (tally.so) |
| Ease of Use | User interface may have a steeper learning curve. (cognitoforms.com) | Intuitive, Notion-like interface. (tally.so) |
| Integrations | Integrates with Stripe, PayPal, and Square. (cognitoforms.com) | Not specified. (tally.so) |
| Customer Support | Offers support and documentation. (cognitoforms.com) | Offers support and documentation. |
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.
